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Updated: Aug 27, 2025
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Flow Cytometric Analysis of Biomarkers for Detecting Human Sperm Functional Defects
Published on: April 21, 2022
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Seminal trace elements and their relationship with sperm parameters
Seda Karabulut1,2, Serol Korkmaz3, Ertuğrul Güneş3
1Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey.
Andrologia
|September 29, 2022
Summary
Environmental toxicants can impact male reproductive health. This study found increased selenium (Se) levels in seminal plasma correlate with normal semen parameters, suggesting a protective role.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Reproductive Biology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Male reproductive health is influenced by environmental toxicants from occupational exposure, nutrition, and air quality.
- Industrial development has increased exposure to these substances, raising concerns about their impact on sperm parameters.
- Previous studies reported conflicting results, with limited investigation into seminal plasma composition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between 23 metals and trace elements in human seminal plasma and semen parameters.
- To identify potential correlations between specific elements and semen quality.
- To explore previously uninvestigated elements and their effects on male fertility.
Main Methods:
- Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to quantify 23 metals and trace elements in human seminal plasma.
- Semen parameters were assessed according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria.
- Subjects were categorized into normal ejaculate (normozoospermia) and pathologic ejaculate groups.
Main Results:
- Selenium (Se) levels were significantly higher in the normozoospermia group compared to the pathologic ejaculate group.
- No statistically significant differences were found for the other 22 elements analyzed.
- The findings suggest a potential positive association between selenium and semen quality.
Conclusions:
- Selenium may play a beneficial role in maintaining normal semen parameters.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying selenium's effect on male reproductive health.
- Seminal plasma analysis is crucial for understanding the impact of environmental elements on fertility.
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