Evaluation of Inhibin-B Hormone Levels and Their Relationship with Interleukin-2 and Selected Antioxidant Enzymes in Infertile Males in Kirkuk, Iraq

Hadeel Salih Mahmoud Al-barzanji, Saria Naji Mohsen, Mahmoud Mohammed Mahmoud

Abstract


Background: Infertility affects approximately 15% to 20% of couples around the world, male infertility contributing to 20–50% of cases, and azoospermia, which affects 1% of men. Non-obstructive azoospermia and oligospermia are key causes of male infertility. This study evaluated serum Inhibin-B, IL-2, and antioxidant enzyme levels in these patients.

Methods: Serum levels of Inhibin-B, IL-2, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPX1) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and mean levels were compared between the non-obstructive azoospermic, oligospermic, and control groups.

Result: The findings indicated a notable reduction in Inhibin-B levels (p < 0.05). GPx1 and SOD levels also exhibited a significant decrease (p < 0.05). IL-2 levels were significantly elevated (p < 0.01) in non-obstructive azoospermic patients, whereas no significant difference in IL-2 was observed in oligospermic patients compared to controls.

Conclusion: The study highlights that azoospermic and oligospermic males exhibit reduced levels of Inhibin-B and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPX1), with IL-2 elevation restricted to azoospermic patients. These findings point to impaired spermatogenesis linked to Sertoli cell dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation, suggesting their potential as supportive biomarkers; however, their measurement alone is insufficient to accurately assess reproductive function, particularly concerning semen quality as a biomarker of male infertility.

Keywords: Kirkuk male infertility; Spermatogenesis; GPX1(Glutathione peroxidase); INHB (Inhibin B); Interlukine-2 (IL-2); SOD (Superoxide dismutase)


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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.62940/als.v12i4.2262

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