Measuring zinc in semen is used in the investigation of male infertility and prostate gland function.
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Poor semen quality can result from either the production of abnormal spermatozoa by the testes, damage to the spermatozoa during their journey from the testes to the epididymis, or abnormal secretions from the accessory glands of the genital tract. Secretions from the accessory glands can be measured to assess the function of the specific glands, e.g., citric acid, zinc, and acid phosphatase for the prostate, fructose, and prostaglandins for the seminal vesicles, L-carnitine, and neutral α-glucosidase for the epididymis.
Urogenital tract infections can sometimes decrease the secretion of these markers, but the overall measured value may remain within the normal range. An infection can also cause irreversible damage to the secretory epithelium, so the secretory capacity remains low even after treatment.
The secretory capacity of the prostate. The amount of zinc, citric acid, and acid phosphatase in the semen is a reliable measure of the secretory capacity of the prostate.
Semen Zinc
Trace elements play an essential role in male reproductive capacity due to their high activity at the molecular level, although they are present in the body in minimal quantities. Zinc (Zn) is the second most abundant micronutrient in human tissues after iron. Although zinc is found in most foods, such as red and white meat, fish, and milk, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one-third of the world's population is zinc deficient. The prostate excretes zinc and citric acid as a low molecular weight complex, and therefore, zinc levels in seminal plasma typically represent the prostatic secretory function. After ejaculation, half of this complex is redistributed and bound to medium and high molecular-weight compounds produced by the seminal vesicles.
The decrease in zinc concentration in semen may result from inadequate intake, reduced absorption, increased loss, or increased demand. The most common cause is insufficient intake due to a diet low in zinc or too rich in phytochemicals. In addition, increased zinc losses in the urine may occur under conditions of intense muscle catabolism, such as sepsis or iatrogeny, after prolonged use of certain drugs. The sharp decrease in zinc in prostatic fluid reduces its concentration in seminal plasma.
During reproduction, zinc has many vital functions and is essential for conception, implantation, and the expected outcome of pregnancy. Zinc is typically found in high concentrations in seminal fluid and has a multifaceted role in the functional properties of sperm:
- It affects the fluidity of lipids and, therefore, the stability of biological membranes
- It affects spermatozoa chromatin stability
- Participates in the formation of reactive oxygen species
- It plays a regulatory role in the acrosome reaction
- It seems to play a role in the ability of spermatozoa to penetrate the cervical mucus
- It appears to play a role in the key factors of semen quality (motility, concentration, morphology)
Many studies show that the level of zinc in the semen of infertile men is significantly lower than usual. Taking the right zinc supplements can substantially increase the semen quality of infertile men.
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most critical parameter for diagnosing and monitoring all pathological conditions. Between 70 to 80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. Correctly interpreting laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased."
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be analyzed based on each case and family history, clinical findings, and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon, we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and contact your doctor to ensure you receive the best possible medical care.
