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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
08:48
Flow Cytometric Analysis of Biomarkers for Detecting Human Sperm Functional Defects
Published on: April 21, 2022
Human seminal plasma nitric oxide: correlation with sperm morphology and testosterone
Ivan Huang1, Jeff Jones, Omid Khorram
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA.
Summary
Low levels of seminal plasma nitric oxide (NO) and testosterone (T) are linked to poor sperm morphology in men. These compounds are detectable in semen and may play a role in sperm production.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Andrology
- Spermatogenesis Research
Background:
- Seminal plasma contains nitric oxide (NO) and testosterone (T).
- Understanding their role in male fertility is crucial.
- Abnormal semen analysis (SA) affects a significant portion of the male population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure seminal plasma NO and T levels in men with normal and abnormal SA.
- To investigate correlations between seminal NO, T, and sperm quality parameters.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of seminal plasma NO via chemiluminescence.
- Quantification of seminal plasma testosterone using immunoassay.
- Comparison between groups with normal (n=9) and abnormal (n=24) SA.
Main Results:
- Men with abnormal SA exhibited significantly lower mean seminal plasma T levels.
- A significant positive correlation was observed between seminal NO and sperm morphology in men with abnormal SA.
- A highly significant positive correlation was found between sperm morphology and seminal plasma T across all subjects.
Conclusions:
- Nitric oxide and testosterone are present in seminal plasma and potentially influence spermatogenesis.
- Reduced seminal plasma NO and T levels are associated with impaired sperm morphology.
- Seminal NO and T may serve as biomarkers for male reproductive health.
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