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Microelements in seminal plasma of infertile men infected with Ureaplasma urealyticum

Yong Wang1, Lina Kang, Yayi Hou

  • 1Reproduction and Immunology Laboratory, Medical School, School of Life Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, People's Republic of China.

Biological Trace Element Research
|July 22, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Ureaplasma urealyticum (Uu) infection in seminal fluid is linked to male infertility. High copper/zinc and cadmium/zinc ratios, plus elevated arsenic and magnesium, indicate Uu infection and reduced sperm quality.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Environmental toxicology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Male infertility is a significant health concern.
  • Ureaplasma urealyticum (Uu) is a bacterium implicated in reproductive issues.
  • Microelement imbalances in seminal fluid may affect sperm quality.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between Ureaplasma urealyticum (Uu) infection, seminal microelements, and male infertility.
  • To determine if specific microelement levels or ratios correlate with Uu infection and poor sperm quality.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 160 seminal fluid samples.
  • Semen analysis and Ureaplasma urealyticum (Uu) cultivation.
  • Quantification of microelements (As, Mo, Mg, Pb, Cu, Cd, Zn) using ICP.

Main Results:

  • Higher Cu/Zn and Cd/Zn ratios in poor sperm quality groups.
  • Elevated Cu/Zn, Cd/Zn, As, and Mg in Uu-infected seminal plasma.
  • Abnormal Cu/Zn, Cd/Zn ratios, and high As predispose to Uu infection.
  • Uu infection increases Cu/Zn, Cd/Zn, As, and Mg, leading to decreased sperm quality.

Conclusions:

  • Microelement dysregulation, particularly elevated Cu/Zn and Cd/Zn ratios and increased As, is associated with Ureaplasma urealyticum (Uu) infection.
  • Uu infection significantly alters seminal microelement profiles, contributing to male infertility.

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