O-8: Study of Peroxynitrite Levels, Arginase Activity and NO Synthase Activity in Seminal Plasma of Iraqi Leukocytospermic Patients

Background Leukocytes linked directly and indirectly to reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. Although leukocytospermia is defined as the presence of ≥1×106 white blood cells/mL (WBC/mL) in a semen sample, the presence of less than 1×106 WBC/mL (low-level leukocytospermia) still can produce a detectable amount of ROS, impairing sperm function and lowering the chances of pregnancy. Low concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) are necessary for the biology and physiology of spermatozoa, but high levels of NO are toxic and have negative effects on sperm functions. Our objective was to assess the effect of leukocytospermia on semen quality, NO levels, NOS activity, and Arginase activity in infertile men. MaterialsAndMethods Semen samples were obtained from 150 patients and divided into 3 groups: no seminal leukocytes; group 2, men with low-level leukoctyospermia (0.1-1.0 ×106 WBC/mL); and group 3, frank leukocytospermia,(>1.0 ×106 WBC/mL). After liquefaction of the seminal fluid at room temperature, routine semen analyses were performed. The stable metabolites of NO (nitrite) in seminal plasma were measured by nitrophenol assay. Arginase activity and NO synthase activity were measured spectrophotometrically. Results Conservative semen parameters between the 3 groups were similar. Peroxynitrite levels, arginase activity, NO synthase activity and various sperm parameters were compared among leukocytospermic patients. Peroxynitrite levels and NO synthase activity were significantly elevated with increasing leukocytospermia. Conversely, arginase activity was significantly decreased in the leukocytospermic patients. Conclusion Patients presenting with leukocytospermia have elevated levels of NOS activity and peroxy nitrate levels.