Comparative analysis of the parameters of LPO, antioxidant defense (AOD), and the thiol/disulfide system was performed in fertile and infertile males of reproductive age carrying different genotypes of the glutathione system genes. Blood plasma, blood hemolysate, and ejaculate served as specimens for biochemical studies. A decrease in glutathione S-transferase activity was found in blood and ejaculate specimens from fertile and infertile carriers of nonfunctional GSTT1(0/0)/GSTM1(0/0) genotypes. In infertile carriers of nonfunctional GSTT1(0/0)/GSTM1(0/0) genotypes determining reduced glutathione S-transferase activity, a decrease in the concentration of low-molecular-weight cell antioxidant (reduced glutathione) and an increase in the concentration of secondary LPO products (TBA-reactive substances) were revealed. Identification of carriers the polymorphic GSTT1 and GSTM1 variants and analysis of activity of the thiol/disulfide system enzymes can be recommended for additional evaluation of the risk for reproductive dysfunction in men.
Keywords: GSTM1; GSTT1; infertility; males; oxidative stress.