What is it about?

It has been shown that coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ(10)) supplementation in men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) results in improved semen parameters. In present study, we evaluated the effects of coenzyme CoQ(10) supplementation on semen parameters and pregnancy rates in infertile men with idiopathic OAT.

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Why is it important?

Infertility affects 10–15% of couples, nearly 80 million couples worldwide. Male factors contribute to approximately 50% of cases of infertility. Studies on the causative factors of male factor infertility demonstrate that at least 30% of the patients suffer from idiopathic (not diagnosed) infertility. Idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) remains an emotionally and financially distressing situation facing many couples looking for reproductive assistance. Infertility can cause significant tensions on interpersonal relationships and has been considered as the most stressful incident in the lives of infertile couples.

Perspectives

Even while using pregnancy as the ultimate of infertility treatment outcomes, it is mandatory to consider the spontaneous pregnancy rate in reputedly infertile couples on no therapy. Evers et al. studied treatment-independent pregnancy rate in patients with severe reproductive disorders. The crude 12-month cumulative spontaneous pregnancy rate on the waiting list for male subfertility patients was 6.4%. Our subjects had been undergone at least two previous failed infertility treatments. Therefore, 34.1% pregnancy rate in this study might not be occurred if these patients left untreated. Superoxide dismutase and catalase are important antioxidant enzymes that can scavenger excess free radicals such as superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide, respectively. Seminal plasma superoxide dismutase-like and catalase-like activity increased with the time of CoQ10 administration. Sustained improved semen parameters after CoQ10 withdrawal may be due to elevated seminal plasma antioxidant activity after it is withdrawn.

Dr Mohammad Reza Safarinejad
University of Medical Sceices

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This page is a summary of: The effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on partner pregnancy rate in infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia: an open-label prospective study, International Urology and Nephrology, November 2011, Springer Science + Business Media,
DOI: 10.1007/s11255-011-0081-0.
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