Biochemical Analysis of Semen for Investigation of Infertility
0
Medically Reviewed
Pathology / Clinical Pathology

Biochemical Analysis of Semen for Investigation of Infertility

Explore biochemical analysis of semen for infertility. Importance of fructose, zinc, citric acid, acid phosphatase, α-glucosidase, and carnitine as biochemical markers.

By Dayyal Dg.
Published:
Print this Page Email this Article
BS
Login to get unlimited free access
Be the first to comment!
Free vector infertility diagnosis concept illustration.
Free vector infertility diagnosis concept illustration. Freepik / @storyset

Semen analysis involves the assessment of biochemical markers, as outlined in Table 1, to examine the secretions from various accessory structures. These markers encompass fructose, associated with seminal vesicles; zinc, citric acid, or acid phosphatase, linked to the prostate; and α-glucosidase or carnitine, indicative of epididymal contributions. This comprehensive approach allows for a nuanced evaluation of the diverse components contributing to semen composition, providing valuable insights into the functionality of the reproductive system.

Table 1: Biochemical variables of semen analysis (World Helath Organization, 1992).
Total fructose (seminal vesicle marker) ≥13 μmol/ejaculate
Total zinc (Prostate marker) ≥2.4 μmol/ejaculate
Total acid phosphatase (Prostate marker) ≥200U/ejaculate
Total citric acid (Prostate marker) ≥52 μmol/ejaculate
α-glucosidase (Epididymis marker) ≥20 mU/ejaculate
Carnitine (Epididymis marker) 0.8-2.9 μmol/ejaculate

Test for Fructose

The Resorcinol method serves as a means for detecting fructose within biological samples. In this analytical procedure, 5 ml of the resorcinol reagent is employed. This reagent is prepared by dissolving 50 mg of resorcinol in 33 ml of concentrated hydrochloric acid, followed by dilution up to 100 ml with distilled water. The resulting solution is then added to 0.5 ml of seminal fluid. Subsequently, the mixture is subjected to heat and brought to a boil. The emergence of a red-colored precipitate within a brief span of 30 seconds signifies the presence of fructose.

The absence of fructose in the test results points towards potential obstructions proximal to the seminal vesicles, which may manifest as either obstructed or absent vas deferens, or an absence of seminal vesicles altogether. In instances of azoospermia, the absence of fructose may be indicative of the obstruction of ejaculatory ducts or the absence of vas deferens. Conversely, the presence of fructose in cases of azoospermia suggests a failure of the testes to produce sperm. This nuanced interpretation allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the underlying factors contributing to the observed test results.

Last Updated:

Cite this page:

Dayyal Dg.. “Biochemical Analysis of Semen for Investigation of Infertility.” BioScience. BioScience ISSN 2521-5760, 14 August 2017. <https://www.bioscience.com.pk/en/topics/pathology/biochemical-analysis-of-semen-for-investigation-of-infertility>. Dayyal Dg.. (2017, August 14). “Biochemical Analysis of Semen for Investigation of Infertility.” BioScience. ISSN 2521-5760. Retrieved December 17, 2023 from https://www.bioscience.com.pk/en/topics/pathology/biochemical-analysis-of-semen-for-investigation-of-infertility Dayyal Dg.. “Biochemical Analysis of Semen for Investigation of Infertility.” BioScience. ISSN 2521-5760. https://www.bioscience.com.pk/en/topics/pathology/biochemical-analysis-of-semen-for-investigation-of-infertility (accessed December 17, 2023).
  • Comment
  • Posted by Dayyal Dg.
Start a Conversation
Add comment

Follow us on social media

From Around The Web

Recommended by BIOSCIENCE.
End of the article