CA 125 in seminal plasma: correlation with semen parameters

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Biochemistry
• Onco-Biomarkers

Background:

• Cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) is a well-known ovarian cancer biomarker.
• Its presence and role in human seminal plasma are not well-established.
• Understanding seminal plasma composition is crucial for male reproductive health assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify CA 125 levels in human seminal plasma.
• To investigate the correlation of seminal plasma CA 125 with semen parameters and patient characteristics.
• To explore potential associations with reproductive outcomes and other seminal markers.

Main Methods:

• Measurement of CA 125 concentrations in human seminal plasma samples.
• Analysis of patient-to-patient and within-patient variability.
• Correlation analysis with sperm count, motility, morphology, ejaculate volume, patient age, and markers of prostatic, seminal vesicle, and epididymal function.

Main Results:

• Seminal plasma CA 125 concentrations exhibited high patient-to-patient variability (22–1149 U/ml).
• No significant differences were observed across normospermic, male factor, or vasectomized groups, nor in samples leading to pregnancy.
• CA 125 levels did not correlate with sperm parameters but were positively correlated with patient age and inversely with ejaculate volume.

Conclusions:

• Seminal plasma CA 125 levels are highly variable and not indicative of sperm quality or fertility status.
• Age and ejaculate volume are significant determinants of seminal plasma CA 125 concentration.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the biological significance of CA 125 in seminal plasma.