Unravelling deregulated metabolites in seminal plasma of infertile men: a systematic review and bioinformatic analysis.
J Mol Med (Berl)Sep 25, 2026 (epub)
Rafael Santos, Beatriz Marinheiro, Margarida Ramos et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review analyzed metabolomic studies comparing seminal plasma metabolites in healthy and infertile men. It included 20 studies and identified 284 metabolites, with specific alterations linked to asthenozoospermia, obesity, and overall male infertility. Notably, eleven metabolites were downregulated in asthenozoospermia, including L-tyrosine and D-fructose, while uridine was upregulated.
Key findings
- 284 metabolites were identified, with eleven altered in asthenozoospermia, including L-tyrosine and D-fructose.
- Six metabolites were downregulated in obesity, including D-fructose and glycine.
- Ten metabolites were altered in overall infertility, including L-carnitine and L-tyrosine.
- Metabolites were associated with key metabolic pathways affecting sperm motility and energy metabolism.
Why it matters
Understanding the metabolic alterations in seminal plasma can help identify potential biomarkers for male infertility, which may improve diagnostic accuracy and inform treatment strategies for affected individuals.