Prostasomes in human semen contain ADP and GDP

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Reproductive Biology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Prostasomes are vesicles secreted by the prostate gland, found in human semen.
• The biochemical composition of prostasomes, particularly their nucleotide content, is not fully elucidated.
• Understanding prostasome components may offer insights into male reproductive function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and guanosine diphosphate (GDP) levels in human semen prostasomes.
• To investigate the relationship between ADP and GDP concentrations within prostasomes.
• To explore correlations between prostasomal ADP and GDP levels and semen volume.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and purification of prostasomes from human semen.
• High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed for precise nucleotide quantification.
• Statistical analysis was used to determine relationships and correlations between measured variables.

Main Results:

• Prostasomes were found to contain significant amounts of ADP and GDP (mean values 81 ± 58 and 71 ± 46 nmol/g protein, respectively).
• Other nucleoside phosphates were not detected in the prostasomes.
• A strong positive linear relationship was observed between ADP and GDP levels (r = 0.80, p < 0.001).
• ADP levels showed an inverse correlation with semen volume (r = 0.54, p < 0.02), while GDP did not.

Conclusions:

• Human seminal prostasomes are a significant source of ADP and GDP.
• The findings suggest a potential co-encapsulation mechanism for ADP and GDP within prostasomes, possibly involving divalent cations.
• The inverse correlation between ADP and semen volume warrants further investigation into prostasomes' role in male reproductive physiology.