Correlation analysis of seminal plasma free testosterone and L-carnitine with semen parameters / 第二军医大学学报

ABSTRACT

Objective: To analyze the correlation of seminal plasma free testosterone and free L-carnitine with semen density, vitality, and motility, so as to investigate their effects on male fertility and their roles in the examination and treatment of male infertility. Methods: Using chemiluminescence immunoassay method, LC-MS-MS and computer-assisted semen analysis system, we examined the seminal levels of free testosterone, free L-carnitine and sperm density, vitality, and motility in 192 infertile males (normozoospermia, n = 36; Oligozoospermie, n = 48; asthenozoospermia, n= 60; and oligoasthenozoospermia, n = 48). The difference of free testosterone and free L-carnitine levels between different groups was analyzed, and the correlation of their levels with semen density, vitality, and motility was also analyzed using the SPSS 13.0 statistical software. Results: The levels of free testosterone and free L-carnitine in the seminal plasma of the normozoospermia men were significantly higher than those of others (P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that there was positive correlation between seminal free testosterone with the sperm density (r=0. 427, P<0.05), seminal free L-carnitine with the sperm density (r=0.318, P<0.01), and seminal free L-carnitine with sperm vitality, motility (r=0.641, P<0.01; r=0.568, P<0.01). Conclusion: Seminal free testosterone level is correlated with the sperm density, and seminal free L-carnitine level is correlated with sperm density, motility and vitality; both levels can be taken as a biochemical index for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.