Association between seminal and serum iron parameters and male infertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Yannan Jiao, Yanlun Song, Jin Zhang et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the relationship between iron levels and male infertility, analyzing data from ten studies with 985 participants. The findings indicated that both seminal and serum iron concentrations were significantly higher in infertile men compared to fertile controls, with seminal iron levels showing a standardized mean difference (SMD) of 0.44 and serum iron levels an SMD of 3.77, both statistically significant.
Key findings
- Infertile men had higher seminal iron levels (SMD = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.12-0.76, P < 0.05).
- Serum iron levels were also elevated in infertile men (SMD = 3.77, 95% CI: 1.68-5.87, P < 0.05).
- The analysis included ten studies with a total of 985 participants.
Why it matters
Understanding the association between iron levels and male infertility can help clinicians identify potential risk factors in male patients. This knowledge may guide further investigations and management strategies in reproductive health.