PURPOSE: To evaluate the latent and active forms of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in human semen samples and to investigate their association with semen parameters. METHODS: Basic semen analysis was performed in 82 semen samples. Seminal plasma was analyzed with gelatin zymography. RESULTS: Both latent and active forms of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were detected in human seminal plasma. The latent forms were the predominant ones. MMP-2 and MMP-9, either in latent or active forms, were not correlated with semen parameters. ProMMP-9 levels were higher in semen samples with abnormally low concentration (< or = 19 x 10(6)/ml) compared with semen samples with concentration > or = 50 x 10(6)/ml. CONCLUSION: MMP-2 and MMP-9 are both present in human semen. The latent forms of both MMPs are the predominant ones. ProMMP-9 is elevated in samples of low sperm concentration.
PURPOSE: To evaluate the latent and active forms of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in human semen samples and to investigate their association with semen parameters. METHODS: Basic semen analysis was performed in 82 semen samples. Seminal plasma was analyzed with gelatin zymography. RESULTS: Both latent and active forms of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were detected in human seminal plasma. The latent forms were the predominant ones. MMP-2 and MMP-9, either in latent or active forms, were not correlated with semen parameters. ProMMP-9 levels were higher in semen samples with abnormally low concentration (< or = 19 x 10(6)/ml) compared with semen samples with concentration > or = 50 x 10(6)/ml. CONCLUSION:MMP-2 and MMP-9 are both present in human semen. The latent forms of both MMPs are the predominant ones. ProMMP-9 is elevated in samples of low sperm concentration.