Evaluation of Fructose, Zinc, Citric Acid, and Sperm Quality in Infertile Male Subjects Attending Fertility Clinic in Lagos Metropolis
Emmanuel Sunday Oni *
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun, Nigeria.
Favour Chukwuweike Ukandu
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun, Nigeria.
David Olufemi Adebo
Medical Diagnostic Department, Ekiti State State College of Technology, Ijero-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.
Wuraola Foluke Owolabi
Department of Nursing Science, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State, Nigeria.
Samuel Kehinde Wojuade
Abims Fertility and Andrology Clinics, 25 Olowu Street, Ikeja Lagos State, Nigeria.
Emmanuel Ayomide Oni
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Male infertility remains a significant reproductive health challenge. Seminal plasma biochemical markers, including fructose, zinc, and citric acid, play essential roles in sperm metabolism, motility, and overall reproductive function. Their evaluation alongside sperm quality parameters may provide valuable clinical insight into male infertility.
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate seminal fructose, zinc, and citric acid concentrations and their relationships with sperm quality parameters among infertile male subjects attending fertility clinics in Lagos Metropolis.
Methods: A total of 150 male volunteers aged 25–45 years, comprising 100 infertile men as test subjects and 50 fertile men as controls, provided consent to participate in the study. Semen samples were collected by masturbation into sterile plastic containers after a minimum of three days of sexual abstinence. All samples were analysed using a computer-assisted semen analyser (CASA). Seminal fructose was measured using the resorcinol method, zinc was quantified using a colourimetric method, and citric acid was assessed using an enzymatic titration method. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 26.0.
Results: Comparative analysis between infertile men and fertile controls revealed differences in seminal biochemical markers and sperm quality parameters. The mean seminal fructose concentration was lower in infertile men than in fertile controls (7.14 ± 3.46 vs 8.79 ± 0.48 µmol/mL). Similarly, the mean seminal zinc concentration was lower in infertile subjects (0.44 ± 0.13 vs 2.99 ± 0.46 µmol/mL), as was the mean citric acid concentration (12.71 ± 4.19 vs 58.26 ± 5.27 mmol/L). Infertile men also had lower sperm counts (64.84 ± 37.94 vs 101.80 ± 21.89 × 10⁶/mL) and reduced sperm motility (29.20 ± 13.76 vs 40.50 ± 3.23%) compared with fertile controls. The reductions in seminal fructose, zinc, and citric acid concentrations were statistically significant (P < .05). Correlation analysis showed weak positive correlations between seminal fructose and all measured sperm quality parameters. Seminal zinc showed weak negative correlations with sperm count and motility. Citric acid was positively correlated with zinc and weakly negatively correlated with sperm count and motility.
Conclusion: Seminal plasma fructose, zinc, and citric acid concentrations were significantly lower in infertile men than in fertile controls. The findings indicate the potential diagnostic relevance of these biochemical markers. Their assessment alongside conventional semen analysis may provide a more complete evaluation of male infertility.
Keywords: Male infertility, seminal plasma, fructose, zinc, citric acid, sperm count, sperm motility, biochemical markers, fertility evaluation