Action of physiologically active materials in human semen during aging

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Biochemistry
• Andrology

Background:

• Seminal plasma contains physiologically active substances crucial for reproductive function.
• Age-related changes in seminal plasma composition can impact male fertility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate age-dependent changes in the activity of specific enzymes in human seminal plasma.
• To correlate these changes with semen parameters like coagulation, liquefaction, sperm motility, and fertility.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of seminal plasma enzyme activities (tissue kallikrein, prostate specific antigen (PSA) basic arginine amidase, coagulation factor X (FXa), plasminogen) in men aged 20s, 30s, and 40s.
• Measurement of semen volume, coagulation time, and liquefaction time.
• Assessment of sperm motility and fertility indicators.

Main Results:

• Semen volume did not significantly differ with age.
• Two distinct patterns of age-dependent decrease in seminal substances were observed.
• Substances like tissue kallikrein and PSA decreased significantly in the 40s compared to the 30s.
• Levels of FXa and plasminogen decreased in the 30s.
• Coagulation and liquefaction times were prolonged in older subjects.
• These alterations correlated with age-dependent declines in sperm motility and fertility.

Conclusions:

• Enzyme activity in human seminal plasma exhibits age-dependent decline, affecting semen quality.
• Prostate gland secretions (e.g., kallikrein, PSA) show decreased activity with age.
• Altered semen parameters due to these changes contribute to reduced sperm motility and fertility in aging men.