Association of tobacco addiction, oxidative stress, and abnormal seminogram profile among middle-aged Indian males

Background The impact of tobacco addiction and oxidative stress on male fertility has been studied globally, but the findings are often controversial. Moreover, data pertaining to socioeconomic background of India are very limited in this regard. Objective In the present study, we attempted to explore the association of tobacco addiction, oxidative stress, and abnormality of seminogram parameters among middle-aged Indian males. Materials and Methods Male counterparts of 147 infertile couples were investigated and classified into addicted and nonaddicted groups on the basis of tobacco addiction history. Physical parameters, such as sperm count, motility, and morphology of sperm, were done in Sperm Quality Analyzer. Seminal malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured by thiobarbituric acid method. Association of tobacco addiction and seminogram profile was tested by Chi-square test. MDA levels were compared in groups by unpaired Student’s t-test. Correlation among the parameters was checked by the coefficient of correlation. Everywhere, P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Among 147 candidates, 87 were addicted and 60 were nonaddicted. On seminal analysis, 47 showed normal and 100 abnormal seminogram. The Chi-square test showed a significant association between tobacco addiction and abnormal seminogram (P < 0.05). The mean MDA level in nonaddicted group was 1.46 ± 0.56 nmol/ml, whereas in addicted group, it was 2.28 ± 0.71 (P < 0.05 in unpaired Student’s t-test). A significant negative correlation was found between MDA level and sperm count, motility, and morphology (P < 0.05 in each case). Conclusion The present study concludes that tobacco addiction may be associated with an abnormal seminogram profile and oxidative stress may be an underlying factor.