Seminal plasma glycoproteins in male infertility and prostate diseases: is there a chance for glyco-biomarkers?

Abstract

Further detailed studies may lead up to indicate the biomarkers useful in the management of male reproductive tract disorders.

Could the glycosylation analysis of seminal plasma clusterin become a novel male infertility biomarker?

“…For example, fibronectin (FN), a cell adhesion molecule, which contains only about 5–9% of carbohydrates, is present in many human body fluids including semen. After ejaculation, FN dimers accompanied by semenogelin participate in the liquefaction process of the gel structure of semen (discussed in the study by Ferens‐Sieczkowska et al, 2013). Kątnik‐Prastowska et al (2006) documented that lower expression of the α‐2,3‐sialylated FN glycoforms and the appearance of the asialo‐FN glycoforms were associated with high concentrations of FN in human seminal plasma with abnormal semen parameters.…”

“…In all probability, the glycosylation pattern is altered in various pathological states. Thus, glycoproteomic research concerning glycosylation changes of important seminal plasma glycoprotein—CLU—seems to provide a great chance for discovering a new biomarker of male infertility (Ferens‐Sieczkowska et al, 2013); we hope that it will also be helpful in understanding the molecular mechanisms accompanying the fertilization process.…”

“…However, the standard ejaculate analysis often does not suffice to determine the actual cause of male infertility. Nearly, 15% of male infertility cases are regarded as idiopathic, and semen analysis conducted in these cases results in no pathological values (Ferens‐Sieczkowska, Kowalska, & Kratz, 2013). In this regard, there is still a need to find new biomarkers of male infertility.…”

Glycoprotein fucosylation is increased in seminal plasma of subfertile men

“…glycodelin, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), α 1 -acid glycoprotein (AGP) and fibronectin (Fn), as we have reviewed recently. 15 Some other glycoproteins, such as prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), chorionic gonadotropin (CG) and prolactin-inducible protein, are less investigated, although the role of glycan structures for their function has been postulated. 16 17 18 19 It seems possible that also other proteins present in seminal plasma are decorated with oligosaccharides able to mediate cell-cell or protein-protein interactions and contribute to this complex issue.…”

Perspectives in Glycomics and Lectin Engineering

“…"neutralisation" of various forms of viruses (17,18) or more efficient vaccines against various diseases (19,20). A changed glycosylation on a protein backbone can be effectively applied in early stage diagnostics of several diseases, including different forms of cancer with known glycan-based biomarkers (21)(22)(23). Moreover, many previously established and even commercially successful strategies used to treat diseases are currently being revisited in light of glycan recognition in order to lower side effects, enhance serum half-life or to decrease cellular toxicity (3,24,25).…”