Seminal Plasma Zinc Concentration Research Articles

Association of SNPs in zinc transporter genes on seminal plasma zinc levels in humans.

This study is to examine the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of SLC30A and SLC39A on seminal plasma zinc concentration. Blood and seminal plasma samples were collected from outpatients. SNPs of zinc transporters were analyzed by next Generation sequencing technology, and seminal plasma zinc concentration were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Our date showed nine SNPs (SLC30A8 rs2466295, rs2466294, SLC30A10 c.-160C>G, SLC39A8 rs9331, rs9705, rs151392, rs151393, SLC39A11 rs9912126, SLC39A14 rs1051708) were significantly associated with seminal plasma zinc concentration, and 14 SNPs (SLC30A8 rs2466295, rs2466294, SLC30A10 c.-160C>G, SLC39A6 rs148550301, SLC39A8 rs9331, rs9705, rs151392, rs151393, SLC39A11 rs9912126, rs61736066, rs36041371 and SLC39A14 rs1051708, rs76963096, rs17060854) were found to be significantly associated with total zinc per ejaculate. The seminal plasma zinc concentrations and total zinc per ejaculate were associated with the number of SNPs, and decreased significantly when five SNPs (SLC39A8 rs9331, rs9705, rs151392, rs151393 and SLC39A14 rs1051708) were a combination of homozygous genotype. Our findings suggest that different zinc transporter SNPs may significantly affect seminal plasma zinc levels.

Association of Zinc Concentration in Seminal Plasma and Blood with Several Parameters of Semen in Infertile Males

Objective: To evaluate the concentration of zinc inthe blood and seminal plasma with semen parameters between fertile and infertile males Methodology: This prospective study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, Hayatabad medical complex, Peshawar. Fifty (50)infertile males, not receiving any treatment and had regularintercourse for 1 yearaged 25-45 years were selected from HMC. They were divided into 35oligospermia and 15 azoospermic. 35 fertile males were nominatedamongthe overallresidents and were taken as the control group after their semen analysis was taken as normozoospermic. According to WHO criteria semen is analyzed. With the help of 5br Serum and seminal plasma zinc were estimated. Result: There was a significant difference found in serum and seminal levels of zinc in normozoospermic, oligospermia (p less than 0.05), and azoospermic (p-value less than 0.05) individuals. The correlation of seminal plasma zinc with sperm counts showed a positive association with the count of sperm and a negative association with motility of sperm in normozoospermic/oligospermia and a negative association of concentration with pH, and volume, WBC in all groups. No association was found with the morphology of sperm. Conclusion: It has been concluded that zinc interfered with fertility by having a considerable impact on many semen parameters. It suggests that measuring seminal plasma zinc could be useful for diagnosing and treating male infertility.

Environmental metal exposure, seminal plasma metabolome and semen quality: Evidence from Chinese reproductive-aged men

Environmental metal exposure has been associated with decreasing semen quality, but the effects of multiple metal exposure on seminal plasma metabolome remain obscure. In this study, semen and repeated urine samples from 551 volunteers were collected in Wuhan City. Heavy metals and trace elements were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer, and seminal plasma metabolomes were acquired using liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis showed more than half of the seminal plasma metals were associated with specific metabolite modules, whereas only a few urine metals presented weak associations, indicating that seminal plasma may be an ideal biological sample for male reproductive biomarker discovery and exposure risk assessment. Seminal plasma zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) concentrations were significantly associated with 22 metabolites (e.g., glycerophospholipids, acyl-carnitines and amino acid derivatives). Among these metabolites, acyl-carnitines were positively associated with semen quality and sperm concentration. Moreover, acyl-carnitines were associated with both Zn and Se exposure, indicating the potential role of carnitine pathway in their toxicity mechanism. Our findings suggest that seminal plasma metabolome connects Zn and Se exposure and sperm concentrations in Chinese men of reproductive age.

Влияние цинка на мужскую фертильность

Trace elements play an important role in human health. They are involved in growth, development, reproduction, and other physiological functions. Among them, special attention is paid to zinc, which is an essential trace element required for the normal functioning of many organ systems. Experimental data have been accumulated indicating a significant role of zinc in the functioning of the male reproductive system and the spermatogenesis. Zinc concentration in seminal plasma is considerably higher compared to those in other body fluids. In contrast to its serum concentration, seminal zinc level is associated with the sperm concentration, motility and morphology. Under dietary deficiency, Zinc supplementation can significantly increase the ejaculate volume, sperm motility and morphology and improves overall sperm quality in infertile patients. Zinc, being a structural element of a large number of different macromolecules and enzymes, shows antioxidant, antibacterial and antiapoptotic properties in the testes. It should be considered as one of the trace elements with great potential for the prevention and treatment of male infertility and subfertility. The aim of this review is to analyze current publications and summarize information about the effect of zinc on male fertility and its properties related to sperm quality and successful fertilization.

Semen Quality and Freezability Analyses in the Ejaculates of Two Poitou Donkeys in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Baudet du Poitou is a vanishing donkey breed recognized for engendering robust working mules. In Chile, only two pure breed Poitou males exist, which belong to the Chilean army and are used for mule production. We performed an extensive sperm and seminal analysis of these two jackasses aged 3 and 6 years and investigated the use of a simple hypometabolic extender for sperm cryopreservation. Computer-assisted sperm analysis showed high motility, velocity, and linearity in sperm movement. The seminal plasma analysis revealed that sodium and chloride were the main electrolytes, and globulins were the main metabolites. Active and variable enzymatic activity was observed. New information is reported about gamma-glutamyltransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, zinc, and magnesium concentrations in seminal plasma of Poitou donkeys. Ejaculates among jackasses showed some variability due to individual variability and different stages in sexual maturation according to age. The freezability index analysis based in viability, total motility and progressive motility with Botucrio extender (57.1 ± 11.0%; 56.6 ± 20.0%; and 22.6 ± 10.3%, respectively) were significantly higher (p < 0.05, p < 0.0001, and p < 0.0001, respectively) than with HM-0 extender (42,6 ± 11.4%; 14.9 ± 5.1%; and 1.0 ± 2.5%, respectively). We report new information on Poitou donkey semen and cryopreservation in the Southern Hemisphere that could be useful in donkey breeding and conservation programs to develop strategies that improve the effectiveness of population management of this breed.

Association of Copper-to Zinc Ratio with Sperm Concentration among Males Investigated for Infertility

Background: The importance of copper and zinc in the fertility potential of males are well understood. The close relationship and the antagonistic interactions between copper and zinc requires further investigation especially because of conflicting reports in literature on the association of the trace elements with sperm quantity and quality. This study evaluates seminal plasma copper and zinc concentrations, copper-to-zinc ratio and their associations with sperm concentration in infertile males. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 400 males investigated for infertility and 100 male control subjects. Seminal plasma copper and zinc were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry technique (Buck Scientific Model VGP-210, Germany). The subjects were grouped based on sperm count; normozoospermia(&gt;15 x 106cells/mL), oligozoospermia (&lt;15x106cells/mL) and azoospermia (no sperm cell). The levels of copper, zinc and Cu/Zn ratio were compared using unpaired Students-t-test and analysis of variance while Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation between measured variables and sperm count. Results: Seminal plasma zinc was significantly lower (p&lt;0.001) while copper and Cu/Zn ratio were significantly higher (p&lt;0.001) in infertile than fertile males. The Cu/Zn ratio was significantly higher (p&lt;0.001) among infertile males than controls. Seminal plasma levels of copper and Cu/Zn ratio increased with decreasing concentrations of sperm cells while zinc levels increase with increasing concentration of sperm cells.

A Comparative Study of Seminal Plasma and Blood Serum Macro and Trace Elements in the the Breeding (October) and the Non-Breeding (April) Seasons in Merino Ram

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the concentrations of macro and trace elements in seminal plasma and blood serum in the breeding (October) and the non-breeding (April) seasons in Merino Ram. Nineteen Merino Rams, aged 18-24 months, were involved in the study. Blood (once) and ejaculate samples (6 replicates) were taken in the breeding (October) and the non-breeding (April) seasons. Blood serum, seminal plasma and diet Calcium, Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Sulfur, Zinc, Selenium, Chrome, Manganese, Nickel, Molybdenum and Boron concentrations were determined by ICP-AES. In blood serum, Sodium and Selenium concentrations were higher (p&lt;0.05 and 0.001, respectively) in the the breeding season than in non-breeding season, whereas Potassium, Chromium and Boron concentrations were lower (p&lt;0.05, 0.001 and 0.001, respectively) in the breeding season than in the non-breeding season. In seminal plasma Calcium, Sodium, Zinc and Manganese concentrations were higher (p&lt;0.05, 0.001, 0.01 and 0.05, respectively) in the breeding season than in the non-breeding season, whereas Phosphorus, Chrome, Molybdenum and Boron concentrations were lower (p&lt;0.001, 0.001, 0.05 and 0.001, respectively) in the breeding season than in the non-breeding season. No difference was detected regarding the other elements. The higher levels of Cr and B in the non-breeding season compared to the breeding season both in serum and seminal plasma, regardless of diet intake, suggest that these elements may play a crutial role on male fertility in Merino Ram.

Assessment of the level of seminal zinc and fructose concentration in seminal plasma of Vietnamese infertile men

Assessment of the level of seminal zinc and fructose concentration in seminal plasma of Vietnamese infertile men

Protective effect of resveratrol on spermatozoa function in male infertility induced by excess weight and obesity.

Male infertility is a complex, multifactorial and polygenic disease that contributes to ~50% cases of infertility. Previous studies have demonstrated that excess weight and obesity factors serve an important role in the development of male infertility. An increasing number of studies have reported that resveratrol may regulate the response of cells to specific stimuli that induce cell injury, as well as decrease germ cell apoptosis in mice or rats. In the present study, the semen quality and serum sex hormone levels were evaluated in 324 men, which included 73 underweight, 82 normal weight, 95 overweight and 74 obese men. All patients were referred to The Reproductive Medicine Center of Shanxi Women and Infants Hospital (Taiyuan, China) between January 2013 and January 2015. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of resveratrol treatment on the motility, plasma zinc concentration and acrosin activity of sperm from obese males. The sperm concentration, normal sperm morphology, semen volumes, DNA fragmentation rates and testosterone levels in men from the overweight and obese groups were markedly decreased when compared with men in the normal weight group. In addition, the progressive motility, seminal plasma zinc concentration and spermatozoa acrosin activity were notably decreased in the obese group compared with the normal weight group. However, estradiol levels were significantly increased in the overweight, obese and underweight groups compared with the normal weight group. Notably, semen samples from obese males with astenospermia treated with 0–100 µmol/l resveratrol for 30 min demonstrated varying degrees of improvement in sperm motility. When these semen samples were treated with 30 µmol/l resveratrol, sperm motility improved when compared to other doses of resveratrol. Therefore, 30 µmol/l resveratrol was selected for further experiments. Upon treatment of semen samples with resveratrol (30 µmol/l) for 30 min, the seminal plasma zinc concentration and spermatozoa acrosin activity increased significantly in the experimental group compared with the control group. These data suggest that male obesity negatively impacts on male reproductive potential, not only through altering hormone levels, but also by directly altering sperm function. In addition, resveratrol may have a therapeutic and protective effect against obesity-induced abnormalities in semen.

Comparative blood and seminal plasma oxidant/antioxidant status of Arab stallions with different ages and their relation to semen quality

ObjectiveTo investigate the antioxidant/oxidant levels in blood serum and seminal plasma of Arab stallion with different ages and their relation to semen quality. MethodsHealthy Arabian stallions (n = 57), were divided into three groups. Young (5–10years), Moderate (11–16 years) and Old stallions (>16 years) were subjected to semen evaluation. Seminal plasma and blood samples were collected and stored at −20 °C for measuring glutathione reduced, nitric oxide, Malondialdehyde, ascorbic acid, copper and zinc. ResultsOld stallions had significantly greater (P < 0.05) ejaculate volume, % live sperm, and total sperm number compared to young and moderate aged groups. The moderate age horses had significantly the lowest (P < 0.05) sperm concentration. Compared to young horses, serum zinc concentrations of moderate and old horses were significantly high (P < 0.0 001), but NO concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) low. Seminal plasma zinc, ascorbic acid and nitric oxide concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05 and 0.01) high in young stallion group. No significant correlations were observed between seminal zinc, copper, MDA and semen variables. Meanwhile, significant negative correlations were observed between seminal plasma ascorbic acid concentration and all semen variables except total sperm number and sperm abnormities %. Significant correlations were observed between reduced glutathione and both of sperm motility and % of live sperm. Nitric oxide concentrations correlated directly with individual sperm motility but adversely with total sperm number. ConclusionStallion age has significant effect on some semen variables, antioxidant/oxidant status of either blood serum or seminal plasma.

Potential effect of smoking on semen quality through DNA damage and the downregulation of Chk1 in sperm.

Previous studies have found that smoking is associated with decreased male fertility via altering the quality of semen. However, the mechanism by which cigarette smoking affects semen quality remains to be fully elucidated. Heavy smoking-induced DNA damage has been reported to correlate with abnormal spermatozoa and male infertility. It has been reported that, in response to DNA damage, activation of the checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) facilitates S and G2 checkpoint arrest. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression levels of Chk1 in sperm cells of smoking and non-smoking men, and to further examine the correlation between DNA fragmentation rates and the expression levels of Chk1 with smoking. The present study was performed on a cohort of 841 smoking men and 287 non-smoking men. In the investigation, sperm concentration, motility, viability, seminal plasma zinc concentration, acrosin activity and sperm DNA fragmentation were examined. The gene and protein expression levels of Chk1 were detected using reverse transcription quantitative-polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses, respectively. It was observed that the progressive motility of the sperm was significantly decreased in the moderate and heavy smoking groups, whereas no significant changes were observed in the mild smoking group. The sperm in the medium-term smoking group had significantly decreased progressive motility, and the semen concentration, sperm count and progressive motility vitality were markedly decreased in the long-term smoking group. Compared with the non-smoking group, the abnormal head rates in the heavy smoking group and long-term smoking group were significantly increased. The sperm viability and seminal plasma zinc concentration were markedly increased in the smoking group. Increased DNA fragmentation rates were found in the smoking group. The expression of Chk1 was significantly decreased in the smoking group, compared with the non-smoking group. Progressive motility and sperm concentration showed a nonlinear association with the relative mRNA expression of Chk1. However, an inverse association was found between DNA fragmentation rates and the progressive motility and sperm concentration. These data suggested that the decrease of semen quality caused by cigarette smoking was not only correlated with sperm DNA fragmentation rates, but was also correlated with a decline in the expressive level of Chk1. The expression of Chk1 was associated with DNA damage and apoptosis, the reduction of which may lead to decreased sperm repair and increased sperm apoptosis, with a subsequent effect on semen quality.

Zinc levels in seminal plasma and their correlation with male infertility: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Zinc is an essential trace mineral for the normal functioning of the male reproductive system. Current studies have investigated the relationship between seminal plasma zinc and male infertility but have shown inconsistent results. Hence, we systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, Science Direct/Elsevier, CNKI and the Cochrane Library for studies that examined the relationship between seminal plasma zinc and male infertility, as well as the effects of zinc supplementation on sperm parameters. Twenty studies were identified, including 2,600 cases and 867 controls. Our meta-analysis results indicated that the seminal plasma zinc concentrations from infertile males were significantly lower than those from normal controls (SMD (standard mean differences) [95% CI] −0.64 [−1.01, −0.28]). Zinc supplementation was found to significantly increase the semen volume, sperm motility and the percentage of normal sperm morphology (SMD [95% CI]: −0.99 [−1.60, −0.38], −1.82 [−2.63, −1.01], and −0.75 [−1.37, −0.14], respectively). The present study showed that the zinc level in the seminal plasma of infertile males was significantly lower than that of normal males. Zinc supplementation could significantly increase the sperm quality of infertile males. However, further studies are needed to better elucidate the correlation between seminal plasma zinc and male infertility.

Association between seminal plasma zinc level and asthenozoospermia: a meta-analysis study.

Zinc is proposed to have an important role in the morphology, viability and motility of spermatozoa. There are inconsistent reports on the association between seminal plasma zinc concentration and male infertility. For this purpose, papers reporting the level of seminal zinc among asthenozoospermic groups were selected and used for further analysis. This meta-analysis of previous published studies was performed to obtain more precise information on the association between seminal plasma zinc and asthenozoospermia. Relevant studies for inclusion were identified after preliminary investigation of research papers published on electronic databases up to February 2015. Eight reports and 475 subjects were finally included in the meta-analysis. In the overall analysis, a statistically significant reduction in seminal plasma zinc concentrations was observed in asthenozoospermic infertile men. Random-effects method was used to evaluate the summary effect size due to the presence of significant heterogeneity. The effect of zinc on asthenozoospermia was significant (Hedge's G effect size=-0.506, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): -0.998 to -0.014, P=0.044). Taken together, despite of significant statistical heterogeneity between studies, our findings were indicative of significant association between zinc concentration and asthenozoospermia. In conclusion, the meta-analysis suggests that seminal plasma zinc concentration is negatively associated with male infertility.

Relationship of blood and seminal plasma ceruloplasmin, copper, iron and cadmium concentrations with sperm quality in Merino rams

The aim of the current study was to investigate the concentrations of ceruloplasmin, copper, iron, zinc and cadmium concentrations in blood serum and seminal plasma obtained from Merino rams. In addition, their relationship with sperm parameters, fertility rate and litter size were also studied. Blood and ejaculate samples (6 replicates) were taken in October from 19 Merino rams, aged between 18 and 24 months. Ceruloplasmin, copper, iron, zinc and cadmium in blood serum and seminal plasma were determined. Sperm parameters including volume, mass motility, motility, concentration, Hos-test, viability, abnormal sperm and acrosome abnormality in semen, fertility rate and litter size were also evaluated. Highly positive correlation was found between blood ceruloplasmin and blood copper concentrations (r=0.812, p<0.001), whereas negative correlation were determined between these parameters in seminal plasma (r=−0.195, p<0.05). Seminal plasma copper concentration was positively correlated with seminal plasma cadmium (r=0.206, p<0.05) and seminal plasma iron (r=0,305, p<0.01) concentrations. Negative correlation was determined between blood ceruloplasmin level and acrosomal defect (r=−0.443, p<0.05). Seminal plasma ceruloplasmin level was positively correlated with volume (r=0.255, p<0.01) and negatively correlated with abnormal sperm (r=−0.186, p=0.058) and acrosome abnormality (r=−0.213, p<0.05). Seminal plasma iron concentration was positively correlated with other abnormality (r=0.257, p<0.01). Seminal plasma cadmium concentration was positively correlated with sperm abnormality (r=0.207, p=0.052) and other abnormality (r=0.262, p<0.05) and negatively correlated with fertility rate (r=−0.449, p=0.054). Blood cadmium concentration was negatively correlated with litter size (r=−0.579, p<0.01). In conclusion, blood and seminal plasma ceruloplasmin may be suggested to have positive influence regardless of copper with its antioxidant property whereas iron and cadmium have negative influence on sperm parameters and fertility in Merino rams.

The effect of chronic prostatitis on zinc concentration of prostatic fluid and seminal plasma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:Prostatitis is a common disease in urology departments. Prostatic zinc accumulation is connected with the secretory function of the prostate, and zinc concentrations present in prostatic diseases differ greatly from the normal level. Studies have investigated the effect of chronic prostatitis on zinc concentration of prostatic fluid and seminal plasma, but have shown inconsistent results. Hence, we performed a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to assess the effect of chronic prostatitis on the zinc concentration of prostatic fluid and seminal plasma.Methods:Systematic literature searches were conducted with PubMed, Embase, Science Direct/Elsevier, CNKI and the Cochrane Library up to March 2015 for case–control studies that involved the relationship between chronic prostatitis and zinc concentration of prostatic fluid and seminal plasma. Meta-analysis was performed with Review Manager and Stata software. Standard mean differences (SMDs) of zinc concentration were identified with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) in a random- or fixed-effects model.Results:Our results illustrated that the zinc concentrations in prostatic fluid and seminal plasma from chronic prostatitis patients were significantly lower than normal controls (SMD [95% CI] −246.71 [−347.97, −145.44], −20.74 [−35.11, −6.37], respectively).Limitations:The sample size of each study was relatively small, and a total of 731 chronic prostatitis patients and 574 normal controls were investigated in all fourteen studies. Several studies related to the subject were excluded due to lack of control data or means and standard deviations.Conclusions:The present study illustrates that there was a significant negative effect of chronic prostatitis on zinc concentrations of prostatic fluid and seminal plasma. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to better illuminate the negative impact of chronic prostatitis on zinc concentrations.

EFFECT OF ANTHELMINTICS DRUGS ON BIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BULL FRIESIAN FROZEN SEMEN

Three different antihelmintic drugs were used in the present study (ivermectin, levamisole andalbendazole) on Friesian bulls .The animals were divided into four groups (control untreatedgroup, ivermectin, levamisole, and albendazole treated groups, respectively). The drugs used attwo doses with 8 weeks intervals between first and second one at 200μg/kg, 7.5mg/kg and10mg/kg, respectively. Semen samples were collected for 8th weeks after each dose.Biochemical semen characteristics were estimated. The bulls treated with ivermectin showedsignificant increase in semen- ejaculate volume, sperm- cells concentration (x109 / ml), totalsperm output ejaculate (x109 / ml), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and prostatic acid phosphatase(ACP) activities in seminal plasma, seminal plasma total proteins, globulin, urea and zincconcentration; while significantly decreased seminal plasma alanine-aminotransferase (ALT),aspartate-aminotranferase (AST), and sodium were reported. The bulls treated with levamisoleshowed significant increase in semen-ejaculate volume, total sperm output/ejaculate, ALP andprostatic ACP activities in seminal plasma, seminal plasma total proteins, globulin, urea andzinc concentrations; while significantly decreased seminal plasma ALT, AST, and sodium wererecorded. In contrary, the bulls treated with albendazole were significantly decreased semenejaculatevolume, sperm motility, seminal plasma total proteins, globulin, creatinine andcalcium. Also, it showed significant increase in seminal plasma enzymes activity (ALT, ASTand ALP) and zinc concentrations. It is interest to note that different anthelmintics treatmentused in this study didn’t affect significantly in seminal plasma albumin and total ACP activity.In conclusion: Ivermectin treatment improved semen qualities by increasing seminal volume andconcentration. Anthelmintics treatment with levamisole should be used carefully under controlduring breeding season. Albendazole treatment should be avoided because its harmful effect insemen by decreasing semen-ejaculate volume, sperm motility, seminal plasma total proteins,globulin and increasing seminal plasma aminotransferase enzymes activity.

Evaluation of testosterone hormone and zinc Levels among infertile males in Kirkuk province/ Iraq

Background and objectives: Male Infertility is often caused by problems with sperm production or motility. Zinc in human semen seems to play an important role in the physiology of spermatozoa .This study was designed to demonstrate the relationships between concentrations of zinc and testosterone in serum and seminal plasma and sperm quality among infertile men. Methods: One hundred four infertile males, aged (19-44) years, were selected from Infertile Clinic-Azadi Teaching Hospital- Kirkuk Province. Forty known fertile males were selected as normospermic control group. Semen samples were analyzed according to WHO criteria. Serum and seminal plasma zinc concentrations were estimated by atomic absorption technique. Serum testosterone was measured by MiniVIDAS apparatus. Results: The mean value of serum testosterone was significantly lower in infertile males (4.87±0.15 ng/ml) as compared to control group (6.41±0.16 ng/ml); (P&lt; 0.01), significant correlations were observed between serum testosterone with seminal plasma zinc level in oligospermic subjects (r=0.44) and with serum zinc level in azoospermic subjects (r=0.37), (P&lt; 0.01); (P&lt; 0.05) respectively. Serum and seminal plasma zinc levels were lower in infertile men (7.75±0.18 µmol/L); (0.83±0.02 mmol/L) when compared with normospermic control group (14.09±0.27 µmol/L); (1.41±0.01 mmol/L) respectively (p&lt;0.01), Conclusion: Zinc may contribute to fertility through its positive effect on spermatogenesis. Also there was significant decrease in serum and seminal plasma zinc levels in oligospermic and azoospermic infertile males with significantly low androgen. It indicates that the zinc may have a role for steroidogenesis.

The impact of blood and seminal plasma zinc and copper concentrations on spermogram and hormonal changes in infertile Nigerian men

Zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) concentrations in sera and seminal plasma of 60 infertile males (40 oligozoospermic and 20 azoospermic) and 40 males with evidence of fertility (normozoospermic; controls) were estimated using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results were correlated with the subject's spermogram and hormonal levels in order to determine their relationship and significance in male infertility. The mean serum concentration of zinc was significantly (p<0.01) higher in oligozoospermic males when compared to azoospermic subjects and controls. The ratios of serum Zn to seminal plasma Zn were 1:1, 1:3 or 1:4 in oligozoospermic, normozoospermic or azoospermic subjects, respectively. While the mean Cu concentration was significantly higher in serum than seminal plasma in all groups, the Zn concentration was significantly (p<0.05) higher in seminal plasma than serum. The Cu/Zn ratio in seminal plasma was significantly (p<0.01) higher in controls compared with other groups. A significant (p<0.01) inverse correlation was observed between serum Zn and sperm counts. Similarly, seminal plasma Zn negatively correlated with spermatozoa viability. In conclusion, the measurement of serum Zn level, apart from being a good index of the assessment of prostatic secretion and function, may be considered a useful tool in addition to other parameters in assessing male infertility. Also, a lower Cu/Zn ratio in seminal plasma may serve as a supportive tools in assessing male infertility.

Zinc and Iron Concentration and SOD Activity in Human Semen and Seminal Plasma

The aim of the present study was to measure zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) concentration in human semen and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in seminal plasma and correlate the results with sperm quality. Semen samples were obtained from men (N = 168) undergoing routine infertility evaluation. The study design included two groups based on the ejaculate parameters. Group I (n = 39) consisted of males with normal ejaculate (normozoospermia), and group II (n = 129) consisted of males with pathological spermiogram. Seminal Zn and Fe were measured in 162 samples (group I, n = 38; group II, n = 124) and SOD activity in 149 samples (group I, n = 37; group II, n = 112). Correlations were found between SOD activity and Fe and Zn concentration, and between Fe and Zn concentration. SOD activity was negatively associated with volume of semen and positively associated with rapid progressive motility, nonprogressive motility, and concentration. Negative correlation was stated between Fe concentration and normal morphology. Mean SOD activity in seminal plasma of semen from men of group I was higher than in seminal plasma of semen from men of group II. Fe concentration was higher in teratozoospermic males than in males with normal morphology of spermatozoa in group II. Our results suggest that Fe may influence spermatozoa morphology.

Sperm evaluation and biochemical characterization of cat seminal plasma collected by electroejaculation and urethral catheterization

This paper aimed to evaluate cat seminal plasma protein profile (with SDS-page) and determine differences in seminal plasma composition from ejaculates obtained using urethral catheterization after pharmacological induction (UrCaPI) and electroejaculation (EE). In addition, this study evaluates whether the recovery method affected seminal plasma protein and zinc concentrations. A single ejaculation was collected from 17 mixed-breed cats by EE (5/21) or UrCaPI (12/21), while 4/21 cats underwent four sperm collections once every four days using EE and UrCaPI techniques alternately. The semen parameters evaluated were: volume, percentage of motility and progressive motility, morphology, and sperm concentration. After centrifugation, the seminal plasma obtained was stored at −80 °C and later used to measure protein and zinc concentrations, and to determine protein profile by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). The results obtained indicate that cat seminal plasma protein profile is characterized by many protein bands (>30) with a molecular weight ranging from 3.5 to 200 kDa, and that the recovery method influences the seminal plasma protein profile: EE is related to the absence of two proteins (P55 and P14), and alters three protein bands (P200, P80, P28). The collection technique also affected zinc concentration (mg/dL) and protein concentration (g/dL) which were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in samples collected by UrCaPI; on the contrary the total Zn and protein amount/ejaculate were not significantly different in samples collected by both technique (P < 0.05).