Total VLC-PUFA percentage had a weak positive correlation with sperm
concentration (Spearman r=0.14), and total motile count (r=0.12)
confirming our finding in the prior studies, however the p-value did not
reach the level of statistical significance likely due to small
numbers. Hydroxylated VLC-PUFA percentage also showed a weak positive
correlation with sperm concentration (Spearman r=0.17), total motile
count (r=0.18), however. the p-value did not reach the level of
statistical significance. Fertilization rate in our study showed a
trend toward negative relationship to the levels of the total PUFAs [RR
0.78 (95% CI: 0.50, 1.23)] and hydroxylated VLC-PUFAs [RR 0.87 (95% CI:
0.61, 1.22)]. Blastulation rate as a marker of embryo development,
showed a trend toward positive correlation with total VLC-PUFA levels
[RR 1.16 (95% CI: 0.70, 1.93)], however the trend for association
between the of level of hydroxylated VLC-PUFAs and bastulation rate was
inverse [RR 0.66 (95% CI: 0.0.34, 1.27]. Good quality blastocyst
development rate as a marker for embryo quality showed a trend toward
positive association with total [RR 1.07 (95% CI: 0.51, 2.22)] and
hydroxylated VLC-PUFAs [RR 1.05 (95% CI: 0.0.56, 2.00]. Biochemical and
clinical pregnancy rates showed a trend toward positive association with
the level of total VLC-PUFAs, while an inverse trend with the level of
hydroxylated VLC-PUFAs were observed.