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Adnexal gland secretion markers in unexplained asthenozoospermia
1Department of Cellular Biology, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy.
Archives of Andrology
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Idiopathic asthenozoospermia is linked to impaired seminal vesicle and prostate function. Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) concentration, not total levels, correlates with sperm motility in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Andrology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Sperm motility is crucial for male fertility.
- Idiopathic asthenozoospermia affects sperm motility without a clear cause.
- Seminal plasma markers may offer insights into male reproductive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), zinc, and fructose in seminal plasma.
- To evaluate the relationship between these markers and sperm motility in idiopathic asthenozoospermia.
- To assess the function of prostate and seminal vesicles in relation to sperm quality.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of seminal plasma from 35 idiopathic asthenozoospermic patients and 20 normal subjects.
- Measurement of total and concentration levels of PAP, PSA, zinc, and fructose.
- Calculation of the PAP/Zn/Fr ratio (PAP concentration to free zinc available for uptake).
Main Results:
- Total PAP, PSA, zinc, and fructose levels were lower in asthenozoospermic patients.
- When expressed as concentrations, only PAP remained lower in asthenozoospermic patients.
- PAP concentration and the PAP/Zn/Fr ratio showed a direct correlation with sperm motility across all subjects.
Conclusions:
- Idiopathic asthenozoospermia may involve impaired function of sex accessory glands.
- Prostatic acid phosphatase concentration appears to be a key marker related to sperm motility.
- The PAP/Zn/Fr ratio may also serve as an indicator of sperm motility in relation to prostatic function.