Sperm Creatine Phosphokinase Activity as a Measure of Sperm Quality in Normospermic, Variablespermic, and Oligospermic Men1

Abstract

We have found a significant inverse correlation between sperm concentrations and sperm creatine N-phosphotransferase (CPK) activities in oligospermic and normospermic human specimens. In the present work, we carried out serial CPK determinations to assess whether there is a relationship between fluctuating sperm concentrations and sperm quality in consistently oligospermic and variablespermic (sperm concentrations are occasionally in the greater than 20 million/ml range) husbands of 65 couples (23 normospermic men/51 samples, 25 consistently oligospermic men/80 samples, and 17 variablespermic men/68 samples). The sperm CPK activities were significantly lower in the normospermic vs. the oligospermic or variablespermic groups (p less than 0.001), but there were no differences between the latter two (p greater than 0.25). The mean CPK values of migrated sperm fractions in both the oligospermic and variablespermic populations were improved (at least 20% decline in CPK values) compared to those of the initial specimens (1.27 +/- 0.38 vs. 0.68 +/- 0.37 and 0.77 +/- 0.32 vs. 0.46 +/- 0.24 SEM U/100 million sperm, respectively, p less than 0.001 in both pairs) and the incidence of the "failed-to-improve" samples was also similar in the two groups (44/36 vs. 45/23, p greater than 0.2). The lack of differences in the mean CPK activities, in the distribution of CPK values under and over 0.250 U/100 million sperm level, and in the ratio of migrated samples with improved or with failed-to-improve CPK activities suggests that sperm quality is not different between men who are consistently oligospermic and those who occasionally produce normospermic specimens.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Novel Insights into DNA Methylation Features in Spermatozoa: Stability and Peculiarities

“…These data indicate that in normozoospermic men, the global DNA methylation profile is not affected significantly by structural and functional differences between sperm subpopulations. The extensive conservation of the DNA methylation status is especially surprising if we consider that differences have been described also at the metabolic level of “poor” quality spermatozoa which could theoretically influence the DNA methylation process [7], [8].…”

“…The rationale behind selection is mainly related to a predicted higher functional competency and a higher genomic integrity of selected spermatozoa. Interestingly enough, despite the same testicular environment, biochemical markers [7], [8] as well as DNA integrity [9]–[12] show differences in distinct sperm fractions belonging to the same individual. It is still unknown whether these fractions also show differences in their methylation level.…”

Sperm Plasma Membrane Remodeling during Spermiogenetic Maturation in Men: Relationship among Plasma Membrane β 1,4-Galactosyltransferase, Cytoplasmic Creatine Phosphokinase, and Creatine Phosphokinase Isoform Ratios1

“…In oligospermic semen samples (sperm concentration < 20 x 106 sperm/ml, usually with a higher incidence of immature spermatozoa), the sperm CK activities are 10-to 20-fold higher than those in normospermic samples [17,18]. CK immunocytochemical studies of individual spermatozoa show that the increased CK concentrations reflect the residual cytoplasm in sperm that was not extruded during late spermiogenesis [19].…”

“…Recently, it has been established that the level of creatine phosphokinase (CK) in human sperm is an objective biochemical marker of sperm maturity and fertilizing potential [16][17][18][19]. In oligospermic semen samples (sperm concentration < 20 x 106 sperm/ml, usually with a higher incidence of immature spermatozoa), the sperm CK activities are 10-to 20-fold higher than those in normospermic samples [17,18].…”

La gouttelette cytoplasmique résiduelle du spermatozoïde

“…L'activit6 G6PDH, enzyme c16 de la voie des pentoses phosphates, g6n6re la NADPH. L'enzyme cytoplasmique cr6atine phosphokinase (CPK) a 6t6 utilis6e comme mesure de r6tention cytoplasmique dans le spermatozoide [16]. L'activit6 CPK est significativement plus 61ev6e dans les spermatozoides porteurs de goutte r6siduelle [1].…”