Lead, magnesium, selenium and zinc in human seminal fluid: comparison with semen parameters and fertility

Abstract

The concentrations of lead, magnesium, selenium and zinc in seminal fluid from men with variable semen quality (sperm morphology, density and motility) and fertility were determined by atomic absorption spectrometer without or with Zeeman background correction. The mean (+/- SD) concentration of selenium in the samples (n = 142) was 28.8 +/- 9.5 micrograms/l, which was about a third of the corresponding serum value (77.8 +/- 13.3 micrograms/l, n = 140). The serum selenium level was significantly (P less than 0.001) higher in infertile than in fertile men, but the seminal fluid did not show such a difference. No correlation was obtained between selenium values in seminal plasma and sperm density or motility. The levels of lead in seminal fluid were very low with no correlation to the levels of magnesium, selenium and zinc or the semen qualities. The seminal fluid lead concentration was significantly (P less than 0.001) higher in infertile (3.6 +/- 3.2 micrograms/l, n = 79) than in fertile men (1.7 +/- 1.0 micrograms/l, n = 39). Magnesium (103.5 +/- 49.2 mg/l, n = 90) and zinc (141.1 +/- 71.7 mg/l, n = 157) concentrations in seminal fluid were comparable with previous reports. Both minerals showed a positive correlation to the seminal fluid selenium, while only zinc displayed a borderline correlation with sperm density. The present findings indicate that the determination of seminal fluid selenium may not offer any advantages over zinc and magnesium measurement in the fertility assessment and its role in human semen remains obscure. The low lead concentrations in the present material is a clear indication of low industrial exposure.

Relationship between seminal plasma zinc concentration and spermatozoa–zona pellucida binding and the ZP-induced acrosome reaction in subfertile men

“…Other semen analysis variables, such as motility, viability and morphology, were not significantly correlated with SP zinc concentration. The results were similar to most reports in the literature [9,10,[31][32][33]. However, some studies have shown that a higher level of SP zinc may be associated with asthenozoospermia.…”

“…2.9 ± 1.7 3.0 ± 1.5 Total seminal zinc (µmol per ejaculate) 9.6 ± 5.5 10.9 ± 6.1 Abstinence (days) 3.7 ± 1.8 3.7 ± 2.2 Semen volume (mL) 3.6 ± 1. npg which further supports the earlier reports [9][10][11][12][13]27]. Currently, the fact that SP zinc concentrations are consistently correlated with sperm counts is poorly understood.…”

“…Although it is known that SP zinc originates from the prostate, the physiological mechanism and implications for SP zinc in sperm function are not fully understood. Many studies have found that SP zinc concentration is positively correlated with sperm count [9][10][11][12][13]. Some have reported that a high SP zinc level has a negative effect on sperm motility [9][10][11][12].…”

“…Many studies have found that SP zinc concentration is positively correlated with sperm count [9][10][11][12][13]. Some have reported that a high SP zinc level has a negative effect on sperm motility [9][10][11][12]. After ejaculation, zinc in semen binds to the sperm plasma membrane, and uptake of zinc may further stabilize sperm nuclear chromatin DNA during sperm transportation in the female reproductive tract [14].…”

Lead and Cadmium assay in Serum and Semen of Infertile Men attending Andrology clinic in Assiut University Hospital (Rural versus Urban)

“…A positive relationship was demonstrated between low-dose environmental exposure to lead and unexplained poor sperm parameters and/or a decrease in male fertility (Saaranen et al, 1989 andLee et al 1992). Allowable safe concentrations of toxic pollutants are still a debatable issue in developing countries where there is wide variation in human susceptibility and tolerance, which depend on general human health and other environmental factors (WHO, 1977).…”