Catalase enzyme and unexplained infertility

ABSTRACT

To assess the activity of catalase enzyme in erythrocytes as a predictor of oxidative stress in female with unexplained infertility. Maternity and Childhood Hospital in Ai-Najaf for the period between August 2004 to March 2005. Blood samples was taken from two groups, 30 cases selected to have unexplained infertility for about 2-10 years [test group], other samples was taken from 30 cases selected to have normal fertility. The age of the cases taken are between 20-40 years old. Venous blood was drawn into EDTA-treated tubes and packed red blood cells were prepared and washed with physiological serum 3 times to eliminate leukocytes and platelets. Hemolyzates were prepared. The activity of cataiase enzyme determined by the method of Aebi which measured by 2100 spectrophotometer at wave length 240 nm. This study found that cases with unexplained infertility have a significant decrement in cataiase enzyme activity which is equal to 23[77%], X"= 5.71, p <0.05. Also there was a significant correlation with the Hb concentrations of the body r-0.9526, penzyme activity. In addition it was found that cases with high parity nave higher enzyme activity r=0.9589. p<0.05. The maximum enzyme activity was found in the age group between 26-29 years old and the minimum level of activity is at age more than 36 years old. Maximum cataiase activity is found to occur in the first 15 seconds after liberation of the free radicals. There is a significant relationship between oxidative stress in form of decrease catalase enzyme activity and unexplained infertility