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Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in human seminal plasma
1Department of Dermatology, University of Tuebingen, Germany.
Archives of Andrology
|July 17, 1999
Summary
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in seminal plasma and serum were measured in men with infertility. Neither seminal plasma nor serum PSA measurements provided significant new insights into male fertility status.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the prostate gland.
- PSA is commonly measured in serum for prostate cancer screening.
- Its role in male fertility assessment is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utility of seminal plasma and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) measurements in evaluating male infertility.
- To determine the relationship between PSA concentrations in seminal plasma and serum in men undergoing fertility investigations.
Main Methods:
- Quantification of PSA in both seminal plasma and serum samples.
- Analysis of data from 113 men investigated for involuntary barrenness.
- Statistical assessment of PSA concentrations and their correlation with fertility status.
Main Results:
- Mean seminal plasma PSA was 0.4 +/- 0.3 mg/mL (median 0.35 mg/mL).
- Mean serum PSA was 0.6 +/- 0.5 ng/mL (median 0.6 ng/mL).
- PSA concentrations in seminal plasma and serum were found to be independent of each other.
Conclusions:
- Seminal plasma and serum PSA levels in the studied cohort did not offer significant new information regarding male fertility.
- Further research may be needed to explore potential biomarkers for male infertility.