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Amino sugar levels in normally coagulating and poorly coagulating human ejaculates
1Department of Biochemistry, Calcutta University College of Science, India.
International Journal of Fertility
|July 1, 1990
Summary
Human seminal plasma contains bound amino sugars, primarily from seminal vesicles and prostate. Lower amino sugar levels correlate with poor semen coagulation, impacting male fertility markers.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Biochemistry
- Urology
Background:
- Amino sugars are crucial components of glycoproteins and play roles in biological processes.
- Seminal plasma composition is vital for male reproductive function and fertility assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify free and total amino sugar levels in human seminal plasma.
- To identify the primary sources of seminal amino sugars.
- To investigate the relationship between amino sugar levels and semen coagulation in men.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of amino sugar concentrations in prostatic fluid, vasectomized semen, fertile semen, and ejaculates with varying coagulation.
- Determination of the proportion of bound versus free amino sugars.
- Statistical analysis to correlate amino sugar levels with semen coagulation.
Main Results:
- Approximately 87% of total amino sugar in seminal plasma exists in the bound form.
- Seminal vesicles and prostate are the main contributors of amino sugars; epididymes contribute minimally.
- Ejaculates with poor coagulation exhibited significantly lower total amino sugar levels compared to normally coagulating or vasectomized samples.
Conclusions:
- Amino sugar levels, particularly bound forms, are significant in seminal plasma and originate mainly from seminal vesicles and the prostate.
- A positive correlation exists between higher amino sugar levels and normal semen coagulation, suggesting a potential role in male fertility.