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Seminal plasma lactoferrin concentrations in normal and abnormal semen samples
W M Buckett1, M J Luckas, M R Gazvani
1Reproductive Medicine Unit, Liverpool Women's Hospital, UK.
Journal of Andrology
|May 1, 1997
Summary
Seminal lactoferrin levels are higher in men with low sperm count (oligospermia) and low sperm count with poor motility (oligoasthenospermia). This finding may help understand male infertility factors.
Area of Science:
- Andrology
- Reproductive Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Lactoferrin, an iron-chelating protein, is produced by seminal vesicles.
- The specific function of lactoferrin in human semen remains largely undetermined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between seminal lactoferrin concentrations and various semen parameters.
- To assess associations with normal semen, abnormal semen, and the presence of white blood cells in semen (leukocytospermia).
Main Methods:
- Radial immunodiffusion was used to quantify lactoferrin levels in 368 semen samples.
- Standard semen analysis was performed, including assessment for leukocytospermia.
Main Results:
- Significantly elevated seminal lactoferrin was observed in oligospermia and oligoasthenospermia groups compared to normospermic samples.
- No significant differences in lactoferrin levels were found between normospermic and azoospermic samples, or asthenospermic samples with normal sperm density.
- A non-significant trend of increased lactoferrin was noted with leukocytospermia.
Conclusions:
- Seminal lactoferrin concentration appears to correlate with specific semen abnormalities, particularly reduced sperm count and motility.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the role of elevated seminal lactoferrin in the context of male infertility and oligospermia.