Creatine kinase level and lipid peroxidation rate in human spermatozoa from patients with cancer.

PURPOSE: The present study assessed whether the poor semen quality in patients with cancer results from the inhibition of sperm maturation as indicated by creatine kinase or from increased oxidative stress as assessed by lipid peroxidation of the sperm membrane. METHODS: Cryopreserved semen specimens from patients with testicular (n = 10) and nontesticular (n = 12) cancer and normal healthy donors (n = 14) were analyzed for lipid peroxidation and creatine kinase levels. RESULTS: The levels of creatine kinase and malonaldehyde did not differ among testicular or nontesticular patients with cancer or normal healthy donors. CONCLUSIONS: Poor semen quality in testicular and nontesticular patients with cancer is not related to creatine kinase or lipid peroxidation levels; it may be related to other factors.