Glutathione and glutathione S-transferases A1-1 and P1-1 in seminal plasma may play a role in protecting against oxidative damage to spermatozoa.
OBJECTIVE
To study the levels of glutathione, glutathione S-transferase A1-1, and glutathione S-transferase P1-1 in seminal fluid of fertile and subfertile men.


METHODS
Retrospective case-control study.


METHODS
Departments of gastroenterology, obstetrics and gynecology, and epidemiology and biostatistics in a university medical center.


METHODS
Twenty-five subfertile men visiting the fertility clinic and 25 fertile men from midwife practices were recruited.


METHODS
Collection of semen of subfertile and fertile men.


METHODS
Plasma levels of glutathione and glutathione S-transferases A1-1 and P1-1 in relation to seminal characteristics.


RESULTS
Glutathione, glutathione S-transferase A1-1, as well as glutathione S-transferase P1-1 were found in considerable amounts in seminal fluid of subfertile and fertile men. No differences between groups were found for glutathione S-transferases A1-1 and P1-1. Also, no associations with sperm count, motility, or morphology could be detected. Fertile men had significantly higher glutathione levels as compared with the case of subfertile men. Associations of glutathione with sperm motility quality (r(s) = 0.321) and abnormal sperm morphology (r(s) = -0.496) were found.


CONCLUSIONS
The presence of glutathione S-transferases A1-1 and P1-1 in seminal fluid suggests a role in the protection against (oxidative) damage of spermatozoa, whereas glutathione may play a role in male fertility.
Raijmakers
Maarten T M
MT
Department of Gastroenterology, University Medical Center Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Roelofs
Hennie M J
HM
Steegers
Eric A P
EA
Steegers-Theunissen R
R égine P M
Ré
Mulder
Theo P J
TP
Knapen
Maarten F C M
MF
Wong
Wai Yee
WY
Peters
Wilbert H M
WH
D005978:Glutathione / Q000032:analysis / Q000502:physiology*; D005982:Glutathione Transferase / Q000032:analysis / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D012661:Semen / Q000737:chemistry*; D013076:Sperm Count; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000502:physiology*
D005982:Glutathione Transferase; D005978:Glutathione