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Sodium and potassium in normal and pathological seminal plasma
P H Gusani1, K P Skandhan, C Valsa
1Department of Physiology, M.P. Shah Medical college, Jamnagar, India.
Acta Europaea Fertilitatis
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Seminal plasma sodium levels were lower in men with infertility. Sodium positively correlated with sperm motility in some groups, while potassium showed a negative correlation across most groups studied.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Clinical Chemistry
- Andrology
Background:
- Seminal plasma composition is crucial for sperm function and male fertility.
- Electrolytes like sodium and potassium play vital roles in physiological processes, including sperm motility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between seminal plasma sodium and potassium levels and sperm parameters in different male infertility groups.
- To determine the correlation of these electrolytes with sperm motility.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of seminal plasma samples from 273 men, categorized into normozoospermia, oligozoospermia, oligo-asthenozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, and azoospermia.
- Quantification of sodium and potassium concentrations in seminal plasma.
- Correlation analysis with sperm parameters, including motility.
Main Results:
- Decreased sodium levels were observed in pathological seminal plasma groups compared to normozoospermic individuals.
- A negative correlation between seminal sodium and potassium was found in most groups, except azoospermia.
- Seminal sodium positively correlated with sperm motility in normozoospermia and oligozoospermia, but negatively in oligo-asthenozoospermia.
- Potassium demonstrated a negative correlation with the percentage of motile spermatozoa across all studied groups.
Conclusions:
- Seminal plasma electrolyte balance, specifically sodium and potassium levels, is associated with male infertility and sperm quality.
- Alterations in sodium and potassium may serve as potential biomarkers for evaluating male reproductive health.