thromboplastin and Infertility--Male

Studies of seminal tissue factor (TF) are few and mostly based on small numbers. Due to the reported lack of factor (F) X in semen, it has been suggested that TF may not have a role in seminal coagulum formation. However, recent identification of a number of haemostatic factors in semen justifies a re-evaluation of its occurrence. Semen specimens were collected from sub-fertile (n = 19), normally fertile (n = 33), semen donors (n = 30) and vasectomized subjects (n = 62), some fractionated into sperm, a prostasome-rich fraction and seminal plasma. Functional and antigenic TF levels were measured and related to conventional fertility parameters. Semen contains high concentration of functional and antigenic TF. Most TF was found in seminal plasma prepared by low-speed centrifugation. When further fractionated by ultracentrifugation much of this may reside in the pellet (prostasomal fraction). It was also detectable on sperm. TF antigen levels were higher in vasectomized subjects than sub-fertile, normally fertile, donor (p = 0.02) and a 'pooled normal semen parameters' (PNSP) stratification (derived from a combination of measurements) (p = 0.06). The sub-fertile group showed a wider variation than normal, donor or the PNSP subjects. Seminal TF antigen levels correlated significantly with sperm agglutination (p = 0.03) and abnormal sperm morphology (p = 0.04). Subjects with anti-sperm antibodies also showed high TF antigen levels. In conclusion, semen contains functional and antigenic TF at high concentrations. A full complement of clotting factors probably exists in semen, so some pro-coagulant role for TF should not be excluded. Decreased seminal TF levels appear to be associated with seminal parameters that are known to favour male fertility.

Topics: Adult; Agglutination; Case-Control Studies; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Middle Aged; Semen; Sperm Motility; Spermatozoa; Thromboplastin; Vasectomy

There is already evidence that a few components of the haemostatic system exist in semen. If these comprise a functional system, they may have a role in seminal clotting and liquefaction processes and ultimately may influence fertility. What might be expected in semen as collected from fertility clinics i.e., after having both coagulated and subsequently liquefied is uncertain. It does however still contain significant amounts of Tissue Factor (TF) although its effect on semen quality remains poorly understood. The present study analyses semen for Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor (TFPI). Measurements were made in seminal plasma, swim-up sperm and prostasomes and its relationship with conventional fertility parameters assessed. TFPI antigen levels in seminal plasma were measured in a total of 176 subjects using an Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). These include sub-fertile (n=37), normally fertile (n=40), fertile sperm donor (n=34), vasectomized subjects (n=65) and in a further group defined by normality in several parameters derived from the World Health Organization (WHO) fertility criteria and termed "pooled normal semen parameters" (PNSP). For characterization studies, both TFPI activity and antigen were measured on whole semen, swim-up sperm and prostasome-rich fraction (n=5). TFPI levels were significantly higher in normal men as compared to sub-fertile (P<0.01) or vasectomized subjects (P<0.001). TFPI levels were even higher in the donor quality semen and the PNSP group. TFPI levels also correlated with semen liquefaction time, normal semen viscosity, sperm progression, percentage of motile sperm and sperm counts (density). In conclusion, the present finding substantiates the concept of an active clotting system in human semen. TFPI could regulate the activity of abundant TF, as it does elsewhere. Given a functional set of coagulation factors in semen, the TF/TFPI balance might impinge on its liquefaction and hence on global fertility.

Topics: Adult; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Fertility; Hemostasis; Humans; Infertility, Male; Lipoproteins; Male; Middle Aged; Semen; Sperm Count; Sperm Motility; Spermatozoa; Thromboplastin; Time Factors; Vasectomy

We measured the seminal plasma levels of tissue factor (TF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in men and examined their relationship with sperm concentration and motility. The study comprised 71 patients in three groups: an infertile group with ( n=11) and without ( n=50) leukocytospermia and a fertile group ( n=10). The seminal plasma levels of TF were significantly higher in the infertile patients than in the fertile ones. The seminal plasma levels of both TF and IL-6 were significantly higher in the infertile patients with leukocytospermia than in those without leukocytospermia. In 54 nonazoopermic cases the seminal plasma levels of TF were significantly correlated with the sperm concentration and sperm motility. Further studies are necessary to clarify the role of TF in human fertilization.

Topics: Adult; Fertility; Humans; Infertility, Male; Interleukin-6; Leukocytosis; Male; Semen; Sperm Count; Sperm Motility; Thromboplastin