Association between Seminal Plasma Creatine Kinase Activity and Sperm Quality Indices among Men Investigated for Infertility in Benin City, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51152/jbarbiomed.v12i1.263Keywords:
Male, Nigeria, Semen, Creatine Kinase, InfertilityAbstract
Background: Numerous causes of male infertility have been well documented, but fewer studies have associated seminal plasma creatine kinase activity with abnormal sperm indices in men investigated for infertility.
Objective: To assess the association between seminal plasma creatine kinase activity and sperm quality indices among men investigated for infertility in Benin City, Nigeria, to elucidate its potential role as a biomarker of sperm function and male reproductive health.
Methods: Seminal fluid analysis was done according to the World Health Organization standard, while seminal plasma creatine kinase activity was assayed using a spectrophotometric technique on 75 infertile men (≥12 months failed conception) who served as study participants and 50 fertile men (recent natural live birth) who served as controls.
Results: The mean volume (mL), sperm count (×106/mL), total motility (%), progressive motility (%), and viability (%) of infertile males were significantly lower (P<0.05) when compared with the control group, while abnormal morphology (%) was significantly higher in the infertile group when compared with the control group. Mean seminal plasma creatine kinase activity (IU/L) was significantly higher (P=0.001) and inversely associated with sperm quality indices in infertile men than controls. The limitations of this study include a small sample size, its execution at a single center, and the lack of oxidative stress measurements.
Conclusion: The associations between seminal plasma Creatine Kinase activity and sperm quality indicators, apart from semen volume, suggest Creatine Kinase's potential as a biochemical marker for sperm dysfunction and male infertility.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Irabonosa Asiriuwa, Osaze Eweka Eweka, Loveth A Emokpae, Grace Eleojo Obasuyi, Nosakhare O. Enaruna, Mathias A Emokpae

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