Low-Level Human Epididymis Protein 4 in Seminal Plasma Is an Independent Risk Factor for Poor Semen Liquefaction: A...

Area of Science:

• Andrology
• Reproductive Medicine
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) is a protein found in seminal plasma.
• Semen liquefaction is a critical process for male fertility.
• The role of HE4 in semen liquefaction is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between seminal plasma HE4 levels and semen liquefaction time in healthy males.
• To determine if HE4 levels are associated with the risk of poor semen liquefaction.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of seminal plasma HE4 and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in 314 healthy men.
• Correlation analysis with conventional semen parameters, including liquefaction time.
• Logistic regression to assess the association between HE4 levels and poor semen liquefaction risk.

Main Results:

• HE4 levels showed a negative correlation with semen liquefaction time (r = -0.207, p < 0.001).
• HE4 levels were positively correlated with seminal plasma PSA levels (r = 0.280, p < 0.001).
• Lower quartiles of HE4 were significantly associated with an increased risk of poor semen liquefaction compared to the highest quartile, even after adjusting for confounding factors.

Conclusions:

• Low seminal plasma HE4 levels are an independent risk factor for poor semen liquefaction.
• HE4 may be a potential biomarker for assessing semen liquefaction quality.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms involved.