Explore chapters and articles related to this topic
Embryology, Anatomy, and Physiology of the Male Reproductive System
Published in Karl H. Pang, Nadir I. Osman, James W.F. Catto, Christopher R. Chapple, Basic Urological Sciences, 2021
Ejaculate − secretions from seminal vesicles and prostate.Seminal vesicles contribute to ~65−75% of the volume.Alkaline secretion − fructose (energy substrate for spermatozoa) and semenogelin (coagulates sperm).Prostate contributes to ~25−30% of the seminal fluid volume.Acidic – serine proteases (PSA) that liquefy the coagulated ejaculate.~5−10% are spermatozoa from the vas deferens.~1% are from bulbourethral glands (Cowper’s gland) secretions.
Seminal Plasma Hypersensitivity and Immediate Contact Skin Reactions to Bodily Fluids
Published in Ana M. Giménez-Arnau, Howard I. Maibach, Contact Urticaria Syndrome, 2014
The three major PSAs secreted by the prostate into seminal plasma include PSA (seminin or γ-seminoprotein), prostatic acid phosphatase, and prostate-specific protein (PSP-94, β-microseminoprotein, or β-inhibin).[5,7] PSA, a serine kallikrein protease with chymotrypsin- and trypsin-like activity, may be important in initial clotting and subsequent lysis of clotted ejaculates and is an important marker for monitoring prostate cancer.[9] It also activates peripheral blood mononuclear cells, resulting in secretion of interferon γ by natural killer cells. [5,7] Semenogelin, a seminal vesicle secretory protein, serves as a substrate for PSA. Although the mechanisms of semenogelin’s action and its targets are still unknown, its improper degradation decreases fertility by reducing sperm motility.[5,7] Experimental evidence indicates that PSA rapidly cleaves semenogelin, leading to semen liquefaction and initiation of sperm motility.[5,7]
Regulation of fertility and infertility in humans
Published in C. Yan Cheng, Spermatogenesis, 2018
Nahid Punjani, Ryan Flannigan, Peter N. Schlegel
Varicoceles are abnormally dilated internal spermatic veins in the scrotum. Clinically relevant varicoceles are those that can be palpated with Valsalva (grade 1), palpated without Valsalva (grade 2), or visualized through the scrotal wall at rest (grade 3). They occur in 15% of the general population and 35% of men presenting with infertility. They are also the most common cause of secondary infertility, accounting for 70%–80% of these men.168 Varicoceles may lead to increased sperm DNA fragmentation,169 decreased sperm concentration, motility, and abnormal morphology independently or altogether, which is termed oligoastheoteratozoospermia (OAT).170 Varicocele repairs have been associated with improved semen analysis parameters,171 DNA fragmentation,172 natural pregnancy rates, increased fertilization during IVF173 and intrauterine insemination (IUI),174 and decreased miscarriage rates.175 Several theories exist regarding the mechanism of varicoceles on male infertility; however, increased scrotal temperature and oxidative stress are thought to be central to the mechanisms. This may contribute to germ cell apoptosis, impaired Leydig cell function, and testosterone production,176,177 as well as damage to the BTB with associated autoimmunity and impaired cleavage of sperm cytoplasm.178–180 Seminal proteomes also differ in men with varicoceles; expression of semenogelins I and II are increased and are thought to inhibit sperm motility and prevent premature sperm hyperactivation and capacitation.181,182 As such, varicocele repair for palpable varicoceles may be of benefit to the infertile male. However, it is important to consider both male and female factors, such as age, when choosing the appropriate course of therapy since the effect of varicocele repair takes 3–6 months to see potential improvements.
Detection of semenogelin 1 amyloidosis through immunohistochemical staining with novel antiserum developed based on mass spectrometric peptide mapping analysis
Published in Amyloid, 2022
Masayoshi Tasaki, Yohei Misumi, Toshiya Nomura, Tomomi Kamba, Mitsuharu Ueda
Seminal tract amyloidosis, reportedly associated with intermittent hematospermia, was found in 21% of men over 75 years [3,4]. Linke et al. discovered that amyloid deposits in the seminal tract were derived from semenogelin 1, the major protein in the seminal fluid coagulum [5]. However, we still do not fully understand the detailed major semenogelin 1 (ASem1) amyloid component deposits, and we still do not have easy and reliable methods to confirm ASem1 amyloid deposits because of the lack of antibodies that detect ASem1 amyloid deposits in immunohistochemical staining. Therefore, clinical amyloid-typing, which is essential for the accurate diagnosis of amyloidosis to provide effective disease-modifying therapies for each type of amyloidosis, remains to be performed in most cases of seminal tract amyloidosis [4]. In this preliminary case series study, we discovered the detailed major ASem1 amyloid component deposits based on mass spectrometric peptide mapping and newly developed antiserum against the major ASem1 amyloid component for easy and reliable amyloid typing by conventional immunohistochemical staining.
Cigarette smoking and its toxicological overview on human male fertility—a prospective review
Published in Toxin Reviews, 2021
R. Parameswari, T. B. Sridharan
Semenogelin (Sg) is a group of seminal protein which includes Sg-I (52 kDa) and Sg-II (76 kDa), which is secreted from the seminal vesicle. Along with zinc ions from the prostate gland, Sg protein plays an important role in maintaining the structural integrity of sperms during semen ejaculation, this process called coagulum (De Lamirande 2007). This coagulum process is essential for trapping and immobilization (like rapid motility) of sperms. Sg degradation leads to the inhibition or slow progression of sperm motility. At the same time, even higher concentration (10 mg/mL) of Sg in semen fails to induce rapid progressive motility in the absence of zinc ions (Arver and Eliasson 1982, Lilja et al. 1989). Seminal proteins of 20–40% are made up of Sg (s) Type I and II proteins and function in sperm biology like Zn shuttling through maintaining sperm motility and its activation, hyaluronidase activation and antibacterial activity, and preventing premature capacitation of sperms (Bourgeon et al2004, Gupta et al. 2017). Meanwhile, the exact mechanism and targets of Sg’s are still unknown.
Update on the proteomics of male infertility: A systematic review
Published in Arab Journal of Urology, 2018
Manesh Kumar Panner Selvam, Ashok Agarwal
Seminal plasma is heterogeneous as it is composed of secretions from the testis and accessory glands (including the prostate, seminal vesicles, epididymis, and Cowper’s gland), which provide a favourable environment for the spermatozoa [24]. It has a rich protein concentration (35–55 g/L) and most seminal plasma proteins originate from accessory sex glands. Seminal plasma proteins are responsible for the coagulation–liquefaction process, making it complex for proteomic studies. Pilch and Mann [25] reported the expression of 923 proteins in the seminal plasma and 70% of these proteins were present in spermatozoa [23]. Jodar et al. [22] identified 284 proteins including: TGF β1 (TGFB1), TGF β3 (TGFB3), antimicrobial peptide 1 (AMP1), serpin family A member 7 (SERPINA7), low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), dystroglycan 1 (DAG1), disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain 10 (ADAM10), vitronectin (VTN), platelet-derived growth factor subunit A (PDGFA) and IGF-binding protein 2 (IGFBP2), which were specific only to seminal plasma. The same research group reviewed nine studies and reported 2064 proteins in the seminal plasma. Semenogelins (SEMG1 and SEMG2) were the two most abundant proteins (80%), whereas 10% of the proteins were from seminal extracellular vesicles, including epididymosomes and prostasomes [22].