Witziers, Sanne (2025) Exploring idiopathic male infertility: Relaxometry for the measurement of free radicals in human semen. Master's Research Project 2, Biomedical Sciences.
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Abstract
Oxidative stress (OS), caused by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defenses, may play a key role in male infertility. While physiological ROS levels are essential for sperm function, excessive ROS can damage sperm DNA and membranes, affecting motility and fertility. This study used T1 relaxometry to measure free radical production in individual sperm cells from patients at the UMCG’s Centre of Reproductive Medicine. It also examined whether semen quality, body mass index (BMI), and smoking status influence ROS levels. T1 relaxation times were measured in 4–8 sperm cells per participant (n = 46), both before and after applying an oxidative trigger. No significant differences in baseline T1 values or delta T1 (ΔT1) were found based on semen quality (normal vs. reduced), BMI (normal vs. overweight), or smoking status (non-smoker vs. smoker), either separately or in combination. Multiple linear regression confirmed the lack of association between these factors and ROS production. No correlations were found with age, sperm concentration, or motility. Despite limitations such as the small and heterogeneous sample and the low number of sperm measured per participant, this study provides valuable insights. It highlights the potential of single-cell relaxometry as a novel method to assess oxidative stress in human sperm, supporting future research into its role in male infertility.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master's Research Project 2) |
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| Supervisor name: | Schirhagl, R. and Smink, A.M. |
| Degree programme: | Biomedical Sciences |
| Thesis type: | Master's Research Project 2 |
| Language: | English |
| Date Deposited: | 02 Jun 2025 13:33 |
| Last Modified: | 02 Jun 2025 13:33 |
| URI: | https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/35247 |
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