Objectives: To evaluate the activity of an extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC SOD) and total antioxidant status in peritoneal fluid (PF) and plasma from women with unexplained infertility (UI).
Materials and methods: PF and plasma samples were collected from 10 women with UI and 10 patients with tubal infertility (reference group). TAS was measured using Randox diagnostic reagent system. The activity of EC SOD was estimated using Calbiochem assay kit.
Results: TAS was significantly lower in PF from women with UI. Plasma TAS did not differ significantly between the groups. Peritoneal TAS was significantly lower compared to plasma TAS and there was a positive correlation between PF and plasma total antioxidant status. Activity of EC SOD did not differ significantly between the groups in either PF and plasma samples.
Conclusions: These data demonstrate that low antioxidant status of PF but not that of blood may be responsible for idiopathic infertility. The activity of EC SOD doesn't appear to play a role in UI.