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Ejaculatory sequence in men with low sperm chromatin-zinc
L Björndahl1, S Kjellberg, U Kvist
1Department of Clinical Chemistry, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
International Journal of Andrology
|June 1, 1991
Summary
Men with low sperm chromatin zinc showed premature seminal vesicle fluid admixture during ejaculation. Seminal zinc:fructose ratio and high molecular weight-bound zinc (HMW-Zn) may indicate zinc availability.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Andrology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Zinc is crucial for sperm chromatin integrity.
- Low sperm chromatin zinc content is a concern in male fertility.
- Seminal plasma composition reflects reproductive function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess seminal plasma zinc availability in men with low sperm chromatin zinc.
- To investigate the relationship between seminal plasma composition and zinc distribution in sperm.
- To identify potential biomarkers for zinc availability at ejaculation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of seminal plasma from the sperm-rich fraction of split ejaculates.
- Measurement of zinc and fructose concentrations.
- Quantification of zinc bound to high molecular weight ligands (HMW-Zn).
Main Results:
- Men with low sperm chromatin zinc exhibited higher seminal vesicular fluid amounts.
- A low zinc:fructose molar ratio was observed in this group.
- Increased percentage of zinc bound to high molecular weight ligands (HMW-Zn) of seminal vesicular origin was found.
Conclusions:
- Premature admixture of seminal vesicular fluid occurs in men with low sperm chromatin zinc.
- The zinc:fructose molar ratio in the sperm-rich fraction can indicate zinc availability.
- HMW-Zn levels in seminal plasma may serve as a biomarker for zinc availability.