Reproductive hormones in seminal plasma; it's effect on semen quality

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of reproductive hormones in seminal plasma on the quality of the spermatozoa in men seeking infertility treatment. Of the 383 volunteers recruited, 123 had normal sperm parameters and 260 had either a single or a combination of sperm abnormalities as per WHO criteria. Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Prolactin (PRL), Testosterone (T) and Estradiol (E2) levels in serum and semen of these men were determined using an immunometric chemiluminisance assay. Of the serum hormones, FSH, LH were significantly higher (p<0.001 for both) and T levels were significantly lower (p< 0.01) in men with abnormal semen compared with the men with normal semen parameters. Serum PRL and E2 in both the groups did not show any significant difference. With regard to semen hormones FSH, LH and T levels in men with normal and abnormal semen did not show any significant difference. In contrast, men with abnormal semen had significantly higher levels of semen PRL (p<0.001) and E2 (p<0.01) compared with those in men with normal semen. Moreover, semen PRL showed a significant negative correlation with sperm motility (r = -0.398; p<0.001), morphology (r = -0.32; p<0.01) and viability (r = -0.328; p<0.01). Further, a positive correlation between PRL and semen volume was observed in both semen normal and abnormal groups (r = 0.21; p<0.05). Semen E2 in the abnormal group also showed a significant negative relationship with sperm motility (r = ^).305; p < 0.01). In conclusion, in men with abnormal semen parameters both PRL and E2 in seminal plasma have a negative impact on sperm motility. It was also evident that semen PRL has a negative impact on sperm morphology and viability.