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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
05:44
Medium-throughput Screening Assays for Assessment of Effects on Ca2+-Signaling and Acrosome Reaction in Human Sperm
Published on: March 1, 2019
Platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase activity affects sperm motility and serves as a decapacitation factor
Jiuming Zhu1, Joe B Massey, Dorothy Mitchell-Leef
1Reproductive Biology Associates, Atlanta, Georgia 30342, USA. jiuming_zhu@yahoo.com
Fertility and Sterility
|April 6, 2006
Summary
Higher levels of platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAFah) in semen are linked to reduced sperm motility. This suggests PAFah may play a role in sperm decapacitation, impacting male fertility.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAFah) is an enzyme found in various biological fluids.
- Sperm motility is a critical factor in male fertility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between seminal plasma PAFah levels and sperm motility in men undergoing infertility evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Semen samples from 312 infertile men were analyzed for PAFah activity and sperm motility.
- Statistical analyses included Student's t test and regression analysis.
Main Results:
- A significant negative correlation (R2 = 0.655) was observed between seminal PAFah content and sperm motility.
- Semen with high sperm motility (>50%) exhibited significantly lower PAFah concentrations compared to semen with low motility (<50%).
Conclusions:
- Seminal PAFah activity is significantly and negatively correlated with sperm motility.
- PAFah is a potential candidate for sperm decapacitation factors, while PAF may be involved in sperm capacitation.
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