[Proteolytic activity of human ejaculate]

Studies of the ejaculate proteolytic activity, viscosity, and protein concentration in patients with various spermatogenesis levels have revealed that viscosity and proteolysis directly depend on the count of spermatozoa in the ejaculate. Lower values were associated with azospermia. A clear-cut correlation was detected between these parameters and the inflammatory process in the prostate. Exacerbation of chronic prostatitis results in decrease of the ejaculate viscosity and activation of the proteolytic enzymes, this being confirmed by sperm protein electrophoresis, whereas the protein concentration is essentially reduced. These findings necessitate further investigations of the aforesaid parameters over the course of treatment for chronic prostatitis.