The Endogenous Effect of Serum and Seminal Omega-3 Fatty Acids on the Sperm Indices of Infertile Males

Infertility, defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy, affects 10-15% of couples worldwide and presents a significant health challenge. Essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), specifically omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are critical for cellular function, but their roles in male infertility are not well defined. This study investigated serum and seminal EPA and DHA levels and their association with sperm quality in infertile males. A total of 184 men (21–45 years) were recruited and categorized into fertile (n=61) and infertile (n=123) groups. Anthropometric and sexual history data were collected via questionnaires. After three days of sexual abstinence, 3 mL venous blood and semen samples were obtained. Semen analysis complied with WHO guidelines. Serum and seminal EPA and DHA concentrations were quantified using ELISA. Data analysis was performed in SPSS v22 with p < 0.05 as the significance threshold. Infertile men exhibited significantly lower serum EPA (142.33 ± 18.30 µg/mL) and DHA (10.74 ± 4.90 µg/mL) compared to fertile controls (EPA: 157.69 ± 35.17 µg/mL; DHA: 11.90 ± 3.24 µg/mL; p < 0.05). Seminal EPA and DHA were also reduced in infertile males (EPA: 142.18 ± 10.81 vs. 160.31 ± 26.78 µg/mL; DHA: 10.97 ± 1.15 vs. 13.13 ± 2.03 µg/mL; p < 0.05). Sperm immotility was elevated in infertile men (p < 0.01). Serum EPA strongly correlated with serum DHA (r = 0.871, p < 0.001) and inversely with sperm immotility (r = -0.309, p < 0.049). Seminal DHA correlated positively with seminal EPA (r = 0.374, p < 0.01) and inversely with systolic blood pressure (r = -0.458, p < 0.032). Blood pressure measures also associated inversely with sperm immotility. These findings suggest that reduced EPA and DHA levels may impair sperm function, contributing to male infertility. Routine assessment and supplementation of these fatty acids could enhance semen quality and reproductive outcomes.