Biochemical exploration of azoospermia: interest of the seminal transferrin assay

Abstract Seminal transferrin is considered a good index of Sertoli cell function. In this study, including 19 control subjects, four vasectomized subjects and 65 non-vasectomized subjects with azoospermia, transferrin was measured concomitantly with other classical biochemical seminal markers such as L-carnitine, fructose and zinc. This parameter should provide additional information for differentiation between obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia. A threshold value of 85 micrograms/ejaculate for transferrin was defined in the control and the vasectomized groups. The 65 subjects with azoospermia were divided into five groups according to L-carnitine and transferrin threshold values; the nature of azoospermia (obstructive or non-obstructive) was considered in each group. In the biological investigation of sterility, the measurement of transferrin provided information as to the aetiology of azoospermia. However, the determination of L-carnitine and fructose remains important in the localization of any obstruction.