Seminal plasma glycoproteins in male infertility and prostate diseases: is there a chance for glyco-biomarkers?
BACKGROUND
Disturbed protein-carbohydrate interactions may underlie the molecular mechanism of some diseases of the male reproductive tract, including infertility and prostate diseases.


OBJECTIVE
To summarize the current knowledge on the glycosylation patterns of glycodelin-S, fibronectin, prostate-specific antigen, and α(1)-acid glycoprotein.


RESULTS
Some rare glycoepitopes have been found in seminal plasma glycoproteins: high-mannose and polylactosamine-type glycans, and N-glycans containing N-acetyl-galactosamine. The glycosylation profiles occur altered in pathological conditions.


CONCLUSIONS
Further detailed studies may lead up to indicate the biomarkers useful in the management of male reproductive tract disorders.
Wrocław Medical University, Department of Chemistry and Immunochemistry, Wrocław, Poland. miroslawa.ferens-sieczkowska@am.wroc.pl
Mirosława
M
Ferens-Sieczkowska
Beata
B
Kowalska
Ewa Maria
EM
Kratz
D005353:Fibronectins / Q000378:metabolism; D000071816:Glycodelin; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006031:Glycosylation; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D009961:Orosomucoid / Q000378:metabolism; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000378:metabolism; D011257:Pregnancy Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen / Q000378:metabolism; D012661:Semen / Q000378:metabolism*
D005353:Fibronectins; D000071816:Glycodelin; D006023:Glycoproteins; D009961:Orosomucoid; C045246:PAEP protein, human; D011134:Polysaccharides; D011257:Pregnancy Proteins; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen