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Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 9-10/2010

01-09-2010 | Gonadal Physiology and Disease

Seminal plasma homocysteine, folate and cobalamin in men with obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia

Authors: Igor Crha, Michaela Kralikova, Jitka Melounova, Pavel Ventruba, Jana Zakova, Rastislav Beharka, Richard Husicka, Michal Pohanka, Martin Huser

Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics | Issue 9-10/2010

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to analyze homocysteine, folate and cobalamin in men with normozoospermia, obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia.

Methods

Analysis of plasma and seminal plasma homocysteine, folate and cobalamin in 72 azoospermic and 62 normozoospermic men. Evaluation of the azoospermic patient included testicular biopsy, endocrine, urological and ultrasound examination.

Results

Homocysteine (1.2 μmol/l) and cobalamin (322.05 pmol/l) concentrations (median values) in seminal plasma were significantly lower (p < 0.001) in men with azoospermia than in men with normozoospermia (2.5 μmol/l and 579.0 pmol/l). Folate and cobalamin concentrations were significantly higher in obstructive than in non-obstructive azoospermia. Significant correlations were determined between testis volume and seminal plasma homocysteine in azoospermic men.

Conclusion

Lower concentrations of homocysteine and cobalamin (but not folate) were found in azoospermic seminal plasma than normozoospermic. Folate and cobalamin were higher in seminal plasma from obstructive azoospermia than in non-obstructive azoospermia patients.
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Metadata
Title
Seminal plasma homocysteine, folate and cobalamin in men with obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia
Authors
Igor Crha
Michaela Kralikova
Jitka Melounova
Pavel Ventruba
Jana Zakova
Rastislav Beharka
Richard Husicka
Michal Pohanka
Martin Huser
Publication date
01-09-2010
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics / Issue 9-10/2010
Print ISSN: 1058-0468
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7330
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-010-9458-8

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