ANTIOXIDANT QUERCETIN LEVELS IN SUB-FERTILE MEN AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH OXIDATIVE STRESS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69656/pjp.v25i1.1753Keywords:
Antioxidant, Oxidative Stress, Quercetin, Subfertility, InfertilityAbstract
Background: Oxidative stress contributes significantly to male sub-fertility, underscoring the importance of antioxidants in improving semen quality. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate in vivo levels of antioxidant quercetin in sub-fertile men. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of 6 months at Imran Idrees Teaching Hospital Sialkot, Pakistan. The study population consisted of 44 males, divided into two groups: 11 healthy fertile controls and 33 sub-fertile men. The study group was further subdivided into those diagnosed with varicocele (n=11) and those without varicocele (n=22). Semen samples were collected following 3–4 days of abstinence in a sterile environment through masturbation. Semen analysis was performed according to WHO criteria, and sperm morphology was assessed using Kruger’s strict criteria. Quercetin levels in semen were measured using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS, with One-way ANOVA employed for variable comparisons and Scheffe’s test for correlation studies. Results: Healthy controls had higher sperm counts (80.09±5.40 million/mL) and motility (77.73±3.72%) than sub-fertile men with varicocele (14.00±4.02 million/mL, 30.18±7.13%) or without varicocele (23.55±3.17 million/mL, 34.77±6.51%) (p<0.001). Quercetin levels were significantly higher in controls (865.84±227 ?g/mL) compared to study group (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study confirms the presence of quercetin in semen and demonstrates its positive correlation with sperm parameters related to fertility. Diet rich in the antioxidant quercetin may enhance male fertility, particularly in men seeking treatment for sub-fertility.
Pak J Physiol 2025;21(1):3–6, DOI: https://doi.org/10.69656/pjp.v21i1.1753
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Copyright (c) 2025 Qurat-ul-Ain Fatima, Sadia Rehman, Faizania Shabbir, Tallat Naureen, Samreen Iqbal, Raheela Rafique

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