A study on the association between serum amyloid A and sperm concentration

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Immunology
• Clinical Chemistry

Background:

• Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an acute-phase protein with potential roles in inflammation and various physiological processes.
• The involvement of SAA in male reproductive health and its potential as a biomarker for infertility remain largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare peripheral blood and seminal fluid SAA protein levels in men with different sperm concentrations.
• To investigate the potential of SAA as a marker for male infertility.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 74 male partners of infertile couples undergoing first-attempt IVF.
• Participants were categorized into azoospermic (n=25), oligozoospermic (n=25), and normozoospermic (n=24) groups.
• Peripheral blood and seminal fluid SAA levels were measured and compared across groups.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were observed in blood SAA levels or hematologic parameters among the study groups.
• Seminal fluid SAA levels showed no significant variation across azoospermic, oligozoospermic, and normozoospermic groups.
• No correlation was found between seminal fluid SAA levels and blood SAA levels.

Conclusions:

• This study did not find evidence to support SAA protein as a significant marker for male infertility based on sperm concentration.
• Further research with larger cohorts is warranted to elucidate the precise role of SAA in spermatogenesis and male reproductive function.