The role of SRD5A2 enzyme levels and activity in infertile men in Tikrit, Iraq

Male infertility, impacting 40-50% of couples globally, encompasses various classifications such as azoospermia, oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, and azzospermia. The 5α-reductase Type 2 (SRD5A2) enzyme has been implicated in regulating spermatogenesis and androgen metabolism, but its role in male infertility remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the potential role of SRD5A2 as a biomarker for male infertility and to examine its correlation with other hormones in the seminal fluid of Iraqi men with various infertility conditions (asthenozoospermia, oligozoospermia, and azoospermia). A total of 90 male participants aged 20-40 were categorized into four groups: asthenozoospermia (24), oligozoospermia (24), azoospermia (18), and normozoospermia (24). Serum and seminal plasma samples were collected for evaluation of SRD5A2 activity, SRD5A2 levels and selected hormonal levels using ELISA. Significantly lower SRD5A2 activity and levels were observed in infertile groups compared to normozoospermic men. A significant negative correlation was observed between SRD5A2 activity and DHT in the asthenozoospermia and azoospermia groups. In the asthenozoospermia group, a significant positive correlation was observed between DHT and SRD5A2 levels. This study showed that changes in SRD5A2 activity and levels were associated with male infertility subtypes. The SRD5A2 enzyme plays a crucial role in spermatogenesis and in male infertility.