Enzyme activity of human ejaculates, relation with abnormal liquefaction.

Area of Science:

• Andrology
• Biochemistry
• Reproductive Medicine

Background:

• Semen analysis is crucial for evaluating male infertility.
• Enzyme activities in seminal fluid may provide insights into male reproductive health.
• The role of prostatic enzymes in semen liquefaction requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between various seminal enzyme activities and sperm parameters in infertile men.
• To determine if abnormal semen liquefaction is associated with specific enzyme deficiencies, particularly from prostatic origin.

Main Methods:

• Estimation of five enzyme activities (aspartate-aminotransferase (GOT), alanine-aminotransferase (GPT), acid phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP), and beta-glucuronidase) in ejaculates from 96 men.
• Correlation analysis between enzyme activities, sperm count, and semen parameters like viscosity and liquefaction.
• Comparison of enzyme activities in ejaculates with normal versus high viscosity.

Main Results:

• Sperm count positively correlated with aspartate-aminotransferase (GOT) and alanine-aminotransferase (GPT).
• Acid phosphatase showed positive correlation with gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP) and citrate, and negative correlation with fructose.
• No significant difference in enzyme activities was found between ejaculates with high viscosity and those with normal liquefaction.

Conclusions:

• Specific enzyme activities correlate with sperm count and seminal composition.
• Insufficient prostatic enzyme secretion is unlikely to be the cause of abnormal semen liquefaction in the studied infertile men.