Seminal Plasma Transferrin Research Articles

Oxidative stress and DNA fragmentation in frozen/thawed common Carp Cyprinus carpio sperm with and without supplemental proteins

Using cryopreservation techniques can increase the effectiveness of reproducing cultured fish species by ensuring a dependable supply of sperm, although the quality of the sperm could be impacted by the procedures involved. The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of purified seminal plasma transferrin (Tf), bovine serum albumin (BSA), and antifreeze protein (AFP) types I and III at 1 µg mL−1 on relevant characteristics of cryopreserved sperm from common carp Cyprinus carpio. We compared oxidative stress indices, antioxidant activity, and DNA fragmentation of fresh sperm to that frozen with extender only or with Tf, BSA, or AFP types I and III. Fresh sperm had significantly lower levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) compared to samples that underwent cryopreservation without protein treatment, which resulted in 0.54 ± 0.06 nmol/108 cells of TBARS. Carbonyl derivatives of proteins (CP) decreased significantly (ANOVA; P > 0.05) in carp sperm with addition of Tf, AFPI, and AFPIII. Significant differences in superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were seen in sperm supplemented with Tf, BSA, AFPI, and AFPIII from those without. Significantly less DNA damage, expressed as percent tail DNA (11.56 ± 1.34) and olive tail moment (0.59 ± 0.13), was recorded in samples cryopreserved with Tf. The findings indicated that addition of Tf, BSA, AFPI, or AFPIII to cryopreservation medium is beneficial to sperm preservation. The mechanisms through which these proteins act positively on sperm need to be further investigated.

Transferrin Identification in Sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) Reproductive System.

Simple SummarySturgeon is an ancient and unique fish species. Most of sturgeon are listed as critically endangered species due to habitat alteration and overharvesting. Study of sturgeon reproductive system and sperm is important for aquaculture and conservation programs. Transferrin is recognized as a multiple task protein, positively correlated with spermatogenesis and sperm quality. Thus, we tried to detect transferrin in spermiating and out-of-spawning sterlet reproductive organs and sperm. Two transferrin genes, serotransferrin and melanotransferrin, have been identified in reproductive organs of sterlet males. The serotransferrin was expressed higher in reproductive organs of spermiating than out-of-spawning sterlet males. Furthermore, transferrin was detected in sterlet seminal plasma. This information contributes to the existing information on the variability of transferrin proteins and the potential role of transferrin in chondrostean fishes. Transferrins are a superfamily of iron-binding proteins and are recognized as multifunctional proteins. In the present study, transcriptomic and proteomic methods were used to identify transferrins in the reproductive organs and sperm of out-of-spawning and spermiating sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) males. The results showed that seven transferrin transcripts were identified in the transcriptome of sterlet, and these transcripts were qualified as two different transferrin genes, serotransferrin and melanotransferrin, with several isoforms present for serotransferrin. The relative abundance of serotransferrin isoforms was higher in the kidneys and Wolffian ducts in the spermiating males compared to out-of-spawning males. In addition, transferrin was immunodetected in sterlet seminal plasma, but not in sterlet spermatozoa extract. Mass spectrometry identification of transferrin in seminal plasma but not in spermatozoa corroborates immunodetection. The identification of transferrin in the reproductive organs and seminal plasma of sterlet in this study provides the potential function of transferrin during sturgeon male reproduction.

Seminal plasma transferrin effects on cryopreserved common carp Cyprinus carpio sperm and comparison with bovine serum albumin and antifreeze proteins

In the current study, there was evaluation of the cryopreservation effectiveness of common carp Cyprinus carpio sperm when cryopreservation medium was supplemented with proteins. Semen was diluted with Kurokura’s extender composing 180 mM NaCl, 2.68 mM KCl, 1.36 mM CaCl2, 2.38 mM NaHCO3, and 10% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). Cryopreservation medium was supplemented with purified seminal plasma transferrin (Tf), bovine serum albumin (BSA) or antifreeze protein (AFP) Types I and III. Concentration of proteins evaluated was 0.1 μg/ml, 1 μg/ml, and 10 μg/ml. Motility and curvilinear velocity of spermatozoa was evaluated by the Computer Assisted Semen Analyzer (CASA). The percent of motile cells and spermatozoa curvilinear velocity of frozen-thawed sperm with supplementation of Tf and AFP III at all concentrations were greater compared to samples with no added proteins. The protective effect of BSA and AFP I was less and dose-dependent. Thus, it is concluded that incorporation of Tf in the extender before freezing improves crypreservation of common carp spermatozoa whereas supplementation with AFP III in greater concentrations was more effective.

Identification of transferrin in rainbow trout seminal plasma

Identification of transferrin in rainbow trout seminal plasma

Transferrin in Seminal Plasma of Fertile and Infertile Men

The levels of transferrin in seminal plasma of a large sample of infertile men (n = 287) were measured by radioimmunoassay. A group of recently pregnancy-proven fertile men (n = 20) was used as control and a small group (n = 6) of vasectomized men was studied to determine the origin of seminal transferrin. Infertile men had lower transferrin values than fertile men, although the difference was not significant in the case of normozoospermic infertile men (0,05 less than p less than 0,1); in the case of oligozoospermic infertile men the difference was highly significant (p less than 0,001). The values of transferrin in severely oligozoospermic, azoospermic and vasectomized subjects suggested that 60% of seminal transferrin could be of testicular origin. In infertile patients transferrin fall along with sperm count; there is a strong correlation between transferrin and sperm density. FSH levels were measured in a group of severely oligozoospermic and azoospermic patients (n = 41); although the patients with elevated FSH had lower transferrin levels than the patients with FSH within the normal range, the difference was not significant. The results of this study show that transferrin could be a useful marker of seminiferous tubular function but more work is needed to assess its relevance for clinical practice.

Seminal plasma lactoferrin but not transferrin reflects gonadal function in dogs.

Lactoferrin purified from canine seminal plasma by a three-step chromatography procedure had a molecular mass of 75.2 kDa and cross-reacted with antiserum to equine seminal plasma lactoferrin. Seminal plasma lactoferrin concentrations were determined by a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) by using rabbit anti-equine lactoferrin antibody and alkaline phosphatase-labeled goat anti-rabbit IgG antibody in 14 normal dogs and found to range from 12 to 197 micro g/ml, with a mean value of 77 +/- 59 micro g/ml (the mean +/- SD). Seminal plasma transferrin concentrations were determined by a sandwich ELISA with goat antibody to canine serum transferrin and alkaline phosphatase-conjugated goat anti-canine transferrin antibody and found to range from 0.32 to 12.6 micro g/m l, with a mean value of 2.44 +/- 3.25 micro g/m l. The lactoferrin concentration significantly correlated with the sperm concentration (r=0.7025, P<0.01), but there was no significant correlation between the seminal plasma transferrin concentration and sperm density. These results indicate that seminal plasma lactoferrin, but not transferrin, reflects gonadal function.

Effect of varicocelectomy on seminal plasma transferrin values: a comparative clinical trial

Summary. The possible effects of varicocele and of the varicocelectomy procedure on Sertoli cell function were investigated. Transferrin concentrations in seminal plasma in men with varicocele before and 3 months after the operation were evaluated. Concentrations were measured in 10 normozoospermic fertile men as a control group and 32 oligozoospermic men with varicocele. Also, sperm analysis before and 3 months after the operation was performed. The mean transferrin level in seminal plasma was 108.4 ± 17.5 μg, ml−1 in normoozoospermic men and 58.1 ± 14.4 μg ml−1 in patients with varicocele before the operation (P < 0.0001). Mean sperm concentration, motility and normal morphology ratio showed significant improvement 3 months after the operation (P < 0.0001). Although the mean transferrin level increased slightly (to 60.8 ± 16.2 μ ml−1; P=0.2), there was a statistically significant correlation between the change in transferrin concentration and the change in sperm concentration after the operation (r=0.56, P=0.0008). These results showed that elevated transferrin secretion after the treatment seems to be associated with an increase in sperm concentration after varicocelectomy. The finding of improvements in seminal parameters after the operation but insignificant changes in seminal transferrin levels indicates that varicocelectomy results in a greater improvement in sperm quality than in Sertoli cell function.—

Effect of varicocelectomy on seminal plasma transferrin values: a comparative clinical trial

The possible effects of varicocele and of the varicocelectomy procedure on Sertoli cell function were investigated. Transferrin concentrations in seminal plasma in men with varicocele before and 3 months after the operation were evaluated. Concentrations were measured in 10 normozoospermic fertile men as a control group and 32 oligozoospermic men with varicocele. Also, sperm analysis before and 3 months after the operation was performed. The mean transferrin level in seminal plasma was 108.4 +/- 17.5 micrograms ml-1 in normoozoospermic men and 58.1 +/- 14.4 micrograms ml-1 in patients with varicocele before the operation (P < 0.0001). Mean sperm concentration, motility and normal morphology ratio showed significant improvement 3 months after the operation (P < 0.0001). Although the mean transferrin level increased slightly (to 60.8 +/- 16.2 micrograms ml-1; P = 0.2), there was a statistically significant correlation between the change in transferrin concentration and the change in sperm concentration after the operation (r = 0.56, P = 0.0008). These results showed that elevated transferrin secretion after the treatment seems to be associated with an increase in sperm concentration after varicocelectomy. The finding of improvements in seminal parameters after the operation but insignificant changes in seminal transferrin levels indicates that varicocelectomy results in a greater improvement in sperm quality than in Sertoli cell function.

Correlation of seminal plasma transferrin concentration and hypoosmotic swelling of the sperm.

To investigate whether there is a relationship between seminal plasma transferrin concentration and hypoosmotic swelling of the sperm, semen samples from 46 infertile patients were examined. Seminal plasma transferrin concentration in oligozoospermic subjects (sperm concentration < 20 x 10(6)/mL) was significantly lower than that in normozoospermic subjects (sperm concentration > or = 20 x 10(6)/mL) (p < .05). Patients with > or = 50% swollen sperm showed significantly higher transferrin concentration in seminal plasma than those with < 50% swollen sperm (p < .05), while in oligozoospermic patients no difference was observed between seminal plasma transferrin concentration and hypoosmotic swelling. No relationship between seminal plasma transferrin concentration and serum gonadotropin levels was demonstrated. The results indicate that transferrin synthesis is important to sperm membrane integrity and functional competence. However, subsequent fertility must be examined to determine whether seminal plasma transferrin levels are predictive of fertilizing capacity.

Transferrin concentration in seminal plasma with special reference to serum hormone levels in infertile men.

The concentration of transferrin in seminal plasma and serum levels of LH, FSH, testosterone, and prolactin were measured in 94 male patients attending our infertility clinic. The concentration of transferrin in patients with azoospermia was lowest among azoospermia, oligozoospermia, and normozoospermia groups. There was significant positive correlation between the concentration of transferrin in seminal plasma and sperm density. However, seminal plasma transferrin was inversely correlated with serum levels of LH, FSH, and prolactin, respectively. It is suggested that transferrin in seminal plasma contributes to the activation of seminiferous tubules and can be used as a reliable index of Sertoli cell function.

Changes in seminal plasma transferrin concentration following administration of clomiphene citrate.

This study was designed to investigate the functional changes in Sertoli cells following clomiphene citrate administration to patients with idiopathic infertility. The agent was administered to 44 oligozoospermic patients. Patients with improvement in sperm concentration after treatment (improvement group) showed significantly lower pretreatment follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in serum. Serum FSH and testosterone levels significantly increased in the improvement group after treatment (both p < 0.05). Seminal transferrin concentration significantly increased in the improvement group after treatment (p < 0.05), although there was no significant difference between pretreatment seminal transferrin concentration in the improvement group and that in patients with no improvement in sperm concentration. Seminal plasma transferrin concentration in patients in whom pretreatment luteinizing hormone level in serum was below 10 mIU/mL, and in those in whom the ratio of post- to pretreatment values was 1.5 or more, tended to increase after treatment. This group also contained a few more patients with improvement in sperm concentration than the other groups. The patients showing low pretreatment FSH levels and a high ratio of post- to pretreatment values demonstrated a significant increase in seminal plasma transferrin concentration after treatment (p < 0.01), and this group contained more patients with improvement than the other groups. It would appear that Sertoli cell stimulation may induce an increase in sperm concentration after clomiphene citrate administration, and the elevated transferrin secretion seems to be associated with the increase of serum FSH level after treatment.

Clinical and meiotic studies in an infertile man with Y; 13 translocation

Clinical and meiotic studies were done on an infertile man with a translocation between Yq and 13q, who was identified through the birth of his son with partial trisomy 13q. Seminal plasma transferrin showed preserved Sertoli cell function while lactate dehydrogenase C4 indicated hypospermatogenesis. A quadrivalent in diakinesis and spermatogenic arrest in the second meiotic division was detected.

Seminal plasma transferrin concentration: relationship with seminal parameters and plasma hormone levels.

Seminal plasma transferrin concentrations were determined in 155 infertile male patients and in 15 pregnancy-proven fertile males (control group); then the relationship between these concentrations and seminal parameters and plasma hormone levels was investigated. The concentrations of seminal plasma transferrin in patients with a sperm concentration below 20 x 10(6)/ml were significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in seminal plasma transferrin concentration between patients with a sperm concentration of 40 x 10(6)/ml or more and the control patients. A positive correlation was observed between sperm concentration and seminal transferrin content (r = 0.56; p < 0.05). However, correlations between seminal transferrin concentration and sperm motility and between seminal plasma transferrin content and sperm morphology did not show any significance, nor did the seminal transferrin content correlate with plasma LH, FSH, prolactin or testosterone levels. It, therefore, seems that while transferrin is indicative of certain physiopathological conditions in the germ cells, this protein is not a distinctive marker of the fertility potential of an individual.

Seminal plasma transferrin in infertile men.

Seminal plasma transferrin levels were estimated in 51 men with various infertility problems and in 15 fertile subjects. The estimation of transferrin was carried out by using the radial immunodiffusion technique on LC-partigen transferrin plates. The mean value of transferrin decreased (p less than .05) in cases of azoospermia (91 +/- 51 micrograms/ejaculate). No significant difference was found in other sperm quality disorders (asthenoteratospermia = 227 +/- 141, mild OTA = 186 +/- 96, severe OTA = 247 +/- 137 micrograms/ejaculate). The mean value of transferrin decreased (p less than .05) in obstructive azoospermia cases (73 +/- 70 micrograms/ejaculate), whereas in the other causes of infertility no statistical differences were found. Transferrin was correlated with sperm count, sperm volume, and serum LH.

Seminal Transferrin Levels in Seminal Plasma of Fertile and Infertile Men

Seminal plasma transferrin levels as well as serum FSH and LH levels were measured in fertile (normozoospermic) and infertile (oligozoospermic and azoospermic) men in an effort to find out whether transferrin levels correlated with sperm density and serum FSH and LH levels. Seminal plasma transferrin levels were found to be significantly lower (p < 0.0005) in the infertile group than the fertile group. Seminal plasma transferrin levels can be regarded as a functional parameter of Sertoli cell function in men.

Seminal plasma transferrin: Does it help in the diagnosis of infertility?

SummaryTransferrin levels were determined in the seminal plasma of 185 men classified according to diagnosis of infertility and also on the basis of normal or abnormal semen analysis. There was a wide overlap between concentrations of seminal plasma transferrin between normal controls and infertile patients in the various diagnostic groups. Mean seminal plasma transferrin levels in men with oligo-asthenozoospermia and azoospermia were lower than those in men with normal semen. There was a positive correlation between seminal plasma transferrin concentration and sperm density, and between seminal plasma transferrin level and sperm motility. A weak negative correlation was found between transferrin and fructose concentrations in the seminal plasma. Seminal plasma transferrin is not a useful marker for Sertoli cell or seminiferous tubular dysfunction. The estimation of this protein in the seminal plasma is not of diagnostic value in male infertility.

The concentrations of transferrin, β2-microglobulin, and albumin in seminal plasma in relation to sperm count

A number of studies have shown a relationship between transferrin levels in seminal plasma and sperm count. In the present study, the levels of transferrin, beta 2-microglobulin and albumin were measured in 171 samples of seminal plasma (50 subjects with normal sperm count; 32 with azoospermia; 49 with oligozoospermia; 10 with polyzoospermia; and 31 vasectomized). All three proteins were related to sperm count. It is concluded that there is a general relationship between seminal plasma proteins and sperm numbers and that some products of the sperm themselves must control the entry of plasma proteins into seminal plasma.

Transferrin in seminal plasma and in serum of men: its correlation with sperm quality and hormonal status

Transferrin concentrations in the seminal plasma and in serum were measured and correlated with sperm quality (concentration, motility and morphology) and hormonal status (FSH, LH and testosterone) of 75 men aged from 21 to 46 years. A significant positive correlation was found between the seminal plasma concentration of transferrin and the sperm concentration (r = 0.69, P less than 0.0001) and motility (r = 0.39, P less than 0.0001). No other correlations were found. These data confirm that seminal plasma levels of transferrin can be used as a reliable index of sperm quality, and possibly as a Sertoli cell marker.

Seminal plasma transferrin concentration in idiopathic oligozoospermia

To investigate whether or not transferrin production is decreased in the testis of idiopathic oligozoospermia, the seminal plasma transferrin concentration was measured and the values were compared in two groups (15 men of pregnancy-proved normozoospermia and 22 patients with idiopathic oligozoospermia). Seminal plasma transferrin concentration in the pregnancy-proved normozoospermic group was 78.5 ± 37.9 μg/mL, and the concentration in the patients with idiopathic oligozoospermia was 44.4 ± 37.6 μg/mL. There was a significant difference between them (P < 0.01). The patients with idiopathic oligozoospermia could be divided into two subgroups according to seminal plasma transferrin concentration and serum gonadotropin levels. One group had high transferrin levels with elevated serum gonadotropin levels. The results indicate that the determination of seminal plasma transferrin concentration is one of the useful parameters for evaluation of testicular function and also suggest that additional studies may allow for the subdivision of the patients with so-called idiopathic oligozoospermia.

ヒト精漿中の transferrin 濃度についての検討

Recently, the seminal plasma transferrin concentration has been reported to be a possible clinical marker of the Sertoli cell function. In the present study we measured the seminal plasma transferrin concentration in patients of male infertility by the method of radial immunodiffusion. The results obtained were as follows. 1. The seminal plasma transferrin concentration is significantly correlated to sperm density (p less than 0.001). However, no significant correlations were obtained to sperm motility, serum LH, FSH and testosterone levels. 2. The seminal plasma transferrin concentration in patients of ductal obstruction was 16.2 +/- 4.1 micrograms/ml, which was approximately 20% of pregnancy-proven men (77.5 +/- 49.0 micrograms/ml). This indicates that seminal plasma transferrin originates mainly from the testis. 3. The seminal plasma transferrin concentrations in oligozoospermic men associated with varicocele and in patients of spermatid arrest were low and their values were 22.1 +/- 7.5 micrograms/ml and 13.0 micrograms/ml, respectively. In these patients the involvement of Sertoli cell dysfunction was suggested. 4. Patients of idiopathic oligozoospermia were divided into two subgroups: patients with high seminal plasma transferrin concentrations (128.3 +/- 23.8 micrograms/ml) and those with low seminal plasma transferrin concentrations (29.8 +/- 0.9 micrograms/ml). The serum gonadotropins levels in the former group was at the same level as those of pregnancy-proven men and the levels of the latter group were significantly elevated. These observations suggest that the two groups thus divided belong to different categories of the disease.