Lower hCG Alpha Levels in Men with Abnormal Semen Analysis
Author Information
Author(s): Zenzmaier Christoph, Gerth Regine, Gruschwitz Matthias, Lindner Herbert, Plas Eugen, Berger Peter
Primary Institution: Institute for Biomedical Aging Research, Austrian Academy of Sciences
Hypothesis
This study aimed to elucidate changes in peptide hormone profiles in patients showing abnormal semen analyses and to determine the genuineness of the highly abundant hCG alpha.
Conclusion
The study found that hCG alpha levels were significantly lower in men with impaired semen quality, indicating its relevance in spermatogenesis.
Supporting Evidence
- hCG alpha levels were significantly lower in men with impaired semen quality (1346 +/- 191 vs. 2753 +/- 533 ng/ml, P = 0.022).
- Patients with reduced sperm count had reduced intact hCG levels compared with normozoospermic men (0.097 +/- 0.022 vs. 0.203 +/- 0.040 ng/ml, P = 0.028).
- The biochemical identity of hCG alpha purified from seminal plasma was verified using mass-spectrometry.
Takeaway
Men with fertility problems have lower levels of a hormone called hCG alpha in their semen, which might be important for making sperm.
Methodology
The study analyzed seminal plasma from 45 male patients undergoing semen analysis, comparing hormone profiles between those with abnormal and normal semen analyses.
Participant Demographics
45 male patients undergoing semen analysis, with 29 showing abnormal results and 16 being normozoospermic.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.022
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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