Human chorionic gonadotropin free beta-subunit in the human seminal plasma: a new marker for spermatogenesis?
Abstract
UNLABELLED: In the past 20 years, several factors were detected in the human seminal plasma and proposed as markers for spermatogenesis. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and its beta-subunit were therefore investigated, and their seminal levels were found to be higher than those detected in the serum and to correlate with sperm parameters.
OBJECTIVE: We designed a retrospective study to determine the suitability of hCG free beta-subunit concentration in the seminal plasma of fertile and infertile male patients as marker of spermatogenesis.
STUDY DESIGN: A total of 79 infertile male patients were divided into four groups by their semen analysis results (group 1 [n=8]: azoospermia; group 2 [n=21]: severe oligozoospermia; group 3 [n=40]: oligoasthenospermia (OAS); group 4 [n=10]: asthenospermia) and 10 healthy volunteers of proven fertility were evaluated.
RESULTS: The hCG free beta-subunit levels in the seminal plasma were found to be significantly higher (P<0.0001) in the control group in respect to those assayed in the infertile patients and showed a correlation with sperm count (r=0.5) and total motile sperm density (r=0.5). Twenty-five patients were on treatment with oral Mesterolone (100mg daily) plus Tamoxifen (20mg daily) for 3-6 months. Apart from a significant improvement (P<0.05) in sperm morphology, no significant changes in sperm count and motility were observed after the treatment in all the patients. In the seminal plasma of 10 patients who showed a significant…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 79 participants or records.
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