Glucose content as a parameter of semen quality

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Seminal plasma contains glucose, with varying amounts.
• Evidence suggests glucose originates from accessory sex glands.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role and utilization of glucose by spermatozoa.
• To determine if glucose measurement offers additional diagnostic value in semen analysis.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of glucose content in seminal plasma.
• Measurement of 14CO2 production from 14C-glucose by spermatozoa.
• Assessment of ATP content and sperm motility.

Main Results:

• Seminal glucose levels correlate negatively with sperm count and time post-ejaculation.
• Spermatozoa utilize glucose even when fructose is present at a 50-fold higher concentration.
• Interindividual variations in glucose utilization were observed.
• Both glucose and fructose equally support sperm ATP content and motility.

Conclusions:

• Fructose can supplement and substitute for glucose as an energy source for spermatozoa.
• Measuring seminal glucose content provides no additional advantage for semen analysis.