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Human Reproduction, Vol. 15, No. 7, 1525-1528, July 2000
© 2000 European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology

Hepatocyte growth factor in human semen and its association with semen parameters

Esko J. Wiltshire1, Sean P. Flaherty2 and Richard T.L. Couper1,3,4

1 Department of Paediatrics, The University of Adelaide, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, 2 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Adelaide, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville and 3 Department of Gastroenterology, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, South Australia 5006

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a structurally unique growth factor with potent motogenic (motility inducing) effects. Studies in the murine male genital tract have suggested important associations between HGF and the acquisition of sperm motility during epididymal maturation. The aim of this study was, therefore, to determine the concentration of HGF in human semen and assess its correlation, if any, with sperm motility and other semen parameters. Semen samples were collected by masturbation and analysed using standard procedures. HGF concentrations were measured in duplicate using an enzyme-linked immunoassay technique. Total protein estimations were also made in a subset of samples. The 95 subjects were divided into three groups for analysis: normozoospermic, subnormal semen and azoospermic. HGF was detected in all samples (median 0.456, 25th centile 0.388, 75th centile 0.556 ng/ml). No significant correlations were found between semen HGF concentrations and sperm concentration, motility, total sperm count or total motile count. There were no significant differences in mean HGF concentrations between the three subgroups. In conclusion HGF is present in human semen in significant quantities. The data do not suggest HGF concentrations are correlated with parameters of sperm motility.

Key words: hepatocyte growth factor/human/infertility/motility/spermatozoa

4 To whom correspondence should be addressed at: Department of Paediatrics, University of Adelaide, 72 King William Road, North Adelaide, 8A 5006, Australia E-mail: rcouper{at}medicine.adelaide.edu.au


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Functional Role of Hepatocyte Growth Factor Receptor During Sperm Maturation
J Androl, November 1, 2002; 23(6): 911 - 918.
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