1 Department of Chemical Pathology, School of Medical Laboratory Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria.
2 Solina Centre for International Development and Research, Sokoto State, Nigeria
3 Department of Surgery, Tetfund Centre of Excellence in Urology and Nephrology, Institute of Urology and Nephrology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University and Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria.
4 Department of Research and Innovation, National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, Abuja, Nigeria.
5 Antimicrobial Research Unit, Pharmaceutical Science Department, Westville University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
* Corresponding Author
ORCID details
Saheed Ladipo Kakako: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9919-0718
Ibrahim Abdullah Musa: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-0722-5631
Abdullahi Abdulwahab-Ahmed: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4794-7248
Jafaru Muhammad Bunza: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3945-1346
Sarafadeen Adeniyi Arisegi: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1779-1194
Muhammed Lawal Jidda: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6113-071X
Kafilat Taiwo Salvador-Oke: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1049-596X
Idris Olawale Tajudeen: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-0553-0599
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2026, 32(01), 1667–1673
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjarr.2026.32.1.2674
Received on 11 September 2026; revised on 21 October 2026; accepted on 23 October 2026
Introduction: Infertility affects millions globally, with male factors contributing nearly 50% of cases. Oxidative stress from an imbalance between reactive oxygen species and non-enzymatic antioxidants is linked to impaired sperm quality, yet data on plasma and seminal zinc, copper, glutathione, and malondialdehyde in Nigerian men remain limited.
Objective: To compare seminal fluid parameters and plasma levels of selected non-enzymatic antioxidants (zinc, copper, reduced glutathione, malondialdehyde) between infertile and fertile men in Sokoto Metropolis.
Methodology: A case-control study of 24 infertile and 16 fertile men aged 30–55 years was conducted. Semen analysis followed WHO guidelines. Plasma and seminal glutathione, zinc, copper, and malondialdehyde were measured spectrophotometrically. Data was analysed by independent t-test (p < 0.05 was significant).
Results: Infertile men had significantly lower sperm concentration (12.30 ± 3.50 vs 33.25 ± 4.22 × 10⁶/ml) and morphology (4.92 ± 1.59 vs 9.81 ± 1.13%; p < 0.05) compared to fertile men. Plasma zinc and copper were lower, while seminal zinc was higher and seminal copper lower in the infertile group (p < 0.05). Glutathione and malondialdehyde showed no significant differences among the two-patient population.
Conclusion: Infertile men exhibited disrupted zinc and copper homeostasis with impaired sperm concentration and morphology. Zinc and copper may serve as useful adjunct markers of sperm quality in male infertility evaluation.
Male infertility, Oxidative stress, Zinc, Copper, Glutathione, Malondialdehyde
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Saheed Ladipo Kakako, Ibrahim Abdullah Musa, Abdullahi Abdulwahab-Ahmed, Jafaru Muhammad Bunza, Sarafadeen Adeniyi Arisegi, Muhammed Lawal Jidda, Kafilat Taiwo Salvador-Oke , Muhammad Kabiru Dallatu and Idris Olawale Tajudeen. PLASMA AND SEMINAL ANTIOXIDANT PROFILE IN INFERTILE MEN. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2026, 32(01), 1667–1673. Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2026.32.1.2674