Study on the relationship between the trace protein contents in semen plasma and male fertility

Objective: To explore the relationship between the trace protein contents in semen plasma and male fertility. Methods: The semen plasma concentrations of albumin (Alb), β2-microglobulin (β2-m), α2-microglobulin (α2-m), TH glycoprotein (THP), immunoglobulin G (IgG), secreting-type immunoglobulin A (SIgA), and ferritin (Fer) were determined with RIA in 22 fertile and 125 sterile males. Results: With the exception of ferritin, the semen plasma contents of all these trace proteins in the sterile individuals were lower than those in the fertile ones and there were significant differences (p<0.05 or p<0.01), except in the case of TMP. The ferritin contents in the sterile group were significantly higher than those in the fertile group (p<0.01) . Conclusion: The semen plasma contents of β2-m, Alb and Fer were positively correlated to the sperm counts. Contents of SIgA and IgG could reflect the local immune status of the genital tract. Determination of the contents of these trace proteins in semen plasma would be helpful in the evaluation and management of male infertility