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The effect of kallikrein on human sperm membrane function
N Sofikitis1, I Miyagawa, T Toda
1Department of Urology, Tottori University School of Medicine, Yonago.
The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine
|May 1, 1991
Summary
Kallikrein significantly enhances sperm motility and function, improving outcomes in the hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST). This suggests kallikrein positively impacts sperm membrane properties for better reproductive potential.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Biochemistry
- Andrology
Background:
- Sperm quality is crucial for male fertility.
- The hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST) assesses sperm membrane integrity.
- Factors influencing sperm function require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of kallikrein on sperm motility and the hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST).
- To evaluate kallikrein's potential to improve sperm function in various semen quality groups.
Main Methods:
- 84 human semen samples were categorized into normospermia, oligospermia, asthenospermia, and oligoasthenospermia.
- Semen samples were incubated with or without kallikrein.
- Sperm motility (percentage and speed) and HOST were assessed quantitatively and qualitatively.
Main Results:
- Kallikrein treatment significantly increased the percentage of motile spermatozoa, speed of forward progression, and HOST outcome compared to controls across all groups.
- Kallikrein demonstrated effectiveness in improving sperm parameters in normospermic individuals.
- A direct positive effect of kallikrein on sperm membrane properties and function was observed.
Conclusions:
- Kallikrein positively influences sperm membrane integrity and function.
- Kallikrein enhances sperm motility and the results of the hypoosmotic swelling test.
- Kallikrein shows potential as a therapeutic agent to improve male fertility parameters.