Platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase activity affects sperm motility and serves as a decapacitation factor.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the relationship between platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAFah) content in semen and sperm motility.


METHODS
The PAFah levels in semen were measured and correlated with sperm motility.


METHODS
Clinical laboratory in a private assistant reproductive technology clinic.


METHODS
Three hundred and twelve men seeking diagnosis and treatment of infertility.


METHODS
Semen samples were collected from 312 healthy mature men seeking infertility treatment. Sperm motility and PAFah activity were measured in seminal plasma. Data was analyzed by Student's t test and regression analysis.


METHODS
PAFah activity and sperm motility.


RESULTS
Seminal PAFah content ranged from a low of 179 IU/L to a high of 2,457 IU/L. The overall mean PAFah content in semen was 780.59 IU/L. Linear regression analysis revealed a significant (R2 = 0.655) and negative relationship between PAFah content in semen and sperm motility. Semen specimens with high percent motility (> or = 50%) had significantly lower PAFah concentrations (442.03 +/- 14.37 IU/L) than those with the lower percent sperm motility (< 50%) (882.16 +/- 18.45 IU/L).


CONCLUSIONS
The data confirm the presence of PAFah in human semen and that activity is significantly and negatively correlated with sperm motility. The PAFah is proven to be a candidate for sperm decapacitation factors, whereas PAF is qualified to be a candidate for sperm capacitation factors.
Zhu
Jiuming
J
Reproductive Biology Associates, Atlanta, Georgia 30342, USA. jiuming_zhu@yahoo.com
Massey
Joe B
JB
Mitchell-Leef
Dorothy
D
Elsner
Carlene W
CW
Kort
Hilton I
HI
Roudebush
William E
WE
D043203:1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000201:enzymology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D012372:ROC Curve; D013075:Sperm Capacitation; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000201:enzymology*
D043203:1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase