Levels of Antioxidants and Body Mass Index in Infertile Female Subjects in Sokoto, Nigeria

Abstract

Infertility is a major reproductive health challenge worldwide and is associated with multiple physiological and biochemical abnormalities, including oxidative stress, nutritional deficiencies, and abnormal body mass index (BMI). Oxidative stress occurs when the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) exceeds the antioxidant defense capacity of the body, resulting in cellular and tissue damage. This study investigated the levels of antioxidant enzymes, antioxidant vitamins, and BMI in infertile female subjects attending the Obstetrics and Gynecology (O and G) clinic of Usmanu Danfodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto and compared them with fertile controls. Antioxidant enzymes assessed included glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT), while antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E were also measured. BMI was calculated using standard anthropometric methods. Results showed that GPx and CAT activities were significantly lower in infertile subjects compared with fertile controls (p < 0.05), while SOD showed no statistically significant difference. Antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E were significantly reduced in infertile subjects. In addition, BMI was significantly higher in infertile women compared to fertile controls. These findings suggest that oxidative stress, antioxidant depletion, and elevated BMI may contribute significantly to female infertility.