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Updated: Jul 7, 2026
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Thrombus Profiling Assay: A Microfluidics-Based Platform for Comprehensively Characterizing Biomechanical Thrombogenesis
Published on: January 9, 2026
Detection and quantification of thrombomodulin in human semen
Bashir A Lwaleed1, Robert S Greenfield, Alan J Cooper
1Department of Urology, Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust, and University of Southampton, Southampton, UK. bashir@soton.ac.uk
Summary
This study confirms thrombomodulin presence in human semen, finding lower levels than in blood plasma. Levels varied slightly between fertile and infertile groups, with vasectomized individuals showing the lowest amounts.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Hematology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Seminal plasma contains various blood coagulation and fibrinolysis components.
- The presence and role of thrombomodulin in semen were previously uninvestigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and quantify thrombomodulin levels in human semen.
- To explore potential correlations between seminal thrombomodulin levels and fertility status.
Main Methods:
- Quantification of thrombomodulin in 47 human semen specimens using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
- Analysis included samples from subfertile, fertile, semen donor, and vasectomized individuals.
- Conventional semen parameters were assessed alongside thrombomodulin measurements.
Main Results:
- Thrombomodulin is quantifiable in human semen at concentrations lower than those in citrated blood plasma.
- Slightly higher seminal thrombomodulin levels were observed in fertile groups compared to infertile individuals, though not statistically significant.
- Vasectomized individuals exhibited the lowest seminal thrombomodulin concentrations.
Conclusions:
- This study establishes the presence of thrombomodulin in human semen.
- Findings suggest thrombomodulin may be produced both proximally and distally to a vasectomy site.
