Seminal plasma fertility study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Markers of fertility in seminal plasma
IRAS ID
241647
Contact name
Nicolas M Orsi
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
It is recognised that sperm quality is a critical determinant in reproductive success, either through natural intercourse or assisted conception. Indeed, prior to and during fertility treatment, routine semen analysis considers the concentration and quality of sperm in semen samples. However, this analysis is superficial and only looks at the morphology (appearance) and motility (movement) of sperm, disregarding the potential impact of the fluid which carries them (so-called 'seminal plasma'). Although seminal plasma conveys sperm into the female reproductive tract, it has additional functions: it contains proteins (so-called 'cytokines') which play an essential role in preparing the woman’s uterus to become receptive by modulating local immune function. This reduces the risk of the mother's body rejecting the implanting embryo. However, little is known about the relationship between cytokines and sperm quality and other markers of fertility.
This study aims to profile cytokines levels in both seminal plasma and serum in men displaying a range of fertility and sperm characteristics in order to assess their impact on sperm function and reproductive success. Specimens will be collected from men attending Leeds Fertility (Seacroft Hospital) for assessment of fertility, the majority of whom will progress to fertility treatment or, from previously frozen samples due to be discarded. Data such as sperm characteristics will be collected from the participant’s clinical assessment, with laboratory analyses being conducted on blood and surplus seminal plasma. In addition, participants will complete a lifestyle questionnaire since occupation, hobbies and diet are known to influence sperm count and quality. Further seminal plasma samples to supplement this study may also in future be sought from other sources, such as sperm banks; these will be subject to an amendment to the current application should the need arise to collect these.
REC name
Wales REC 5
REC reference
19/WA/0334
Date of REC Opinion
17 Dec 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion