Relationship Between Standard Semen Parameters, Calcium, Cholesterol Contents, and Mitochondrial Activity in Ejaculated Spermatozoa From Fertile and Infertile Males

Abstract

Purpose : To correlate levels of cholesterol (CH), calcium (Ca 2+ ), and mitochondrial activity (MA) with the standard semen parameters and to compare them between fertile and infertile men. Methods : We studied 151 semen samples from infertile (n = 60) or fertile (n = 91) males. Basic sperm parameters were analyzed. Ca 2+ and CH concentrations on seminal plasma were determined by enzymoimmunoanalysis. Intracellular Ca 2+ and CH concentrations in the sperm plasma membrane and mitochondrial activity by fluorometry. Results : There was a significant positive correlation between sperm membrane CH and sperm morphology. Intracellular Ca 2+ was lower in infertile patients compared to fertile. No differences were found regarding Ca 2+ and CH concentrations in seminal plasma. MA is directly and strongly related with sperm motility. Conclusions : Intracellular concentrations of Ca 2+ and the proportion of CH in the sperm membrane are two important markers of the sperm quality due to its direct relationship with sperm morphology and fertility potential.

Sterols in spermatogenesis and sperm maturation

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Effect of sperm glutathione peroxidases 1 and 4 on embryo asymmetry and blastocyst quality in oocyte donation cycles

“…However, normal sperm should be defined by other biochemical markers that we have logically omitted in this study (32,34).…”

Effects of the utilization of homeopathic elements in commercial diluent on swine sperm viability

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