Biomaterial Database

Apparent effect of ascorbic acid medication on semen metal levels. 1979

W A Harris, and T E Harden, and E B Dawson

The apparent effect of ascorbic acid therapy for nonspecific spermagglutination on semen levels of ascorbic acid as well as macro- and micrometals was determined in 20 men (ages 25 to 38). Pretreatment diagnosis was based on infertility and relatively low ratings in sperm density, motility, motility index, and semen volume, and were associated with large numbers of abnormal sperm, sperm precursors, and leukocytes. The pretreatment levels of ascorbic acid, sodium, iron, potassium, zinc, manganese, lead, magnesium, and copper were measured in each patient's semen and compared with levels following 60 days of dietary vitamin C supplementation (1.0 gm/day). Analysis of the vitamin C preparation prescribed revealed that each subject was given an impure ascorbic acid medication to supplement a normal diet. Therefore, the significant increases in levels of ascorbic acid and metals in semen following therapy could not be attributed to ascorbic acid alone, nor, similarly, the improved physical parameters of each subject's semen following therapy; no apparent spermagglutination and restored fertility may be due to the interaction of ascorbic acid with cations found in semen.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007501	Iron	A metallic element with atomic symbol Fe, atomic number 26, and atomic weight 55.85. It is an essential constituent of HEMOGLOBINS; CYTOCHROMES; and IRON-BINDING PROTEINS. It plays a role in cellular redox reactions and in the transport of OXYGEN.	Iron-56,Iron 56
D007854	Lead	A soft, grayish metal with poisonous salts; atomic number 82, atomic weight 207.2, symbol Pb.
D008274	Magnesium	A metallic element that has the atomic symbol Mg, atomic number 12, and atomic weight 24.31. It is important for the activity of many enzymes, especially those involved in OXIDATIVE PHOSPHORYLATION.
D008297	Male		Males
D008345	Manganese	A trace element with atomic symbol Mn, atomic number 25, and atomic weight 54.94. It is concentrated in cell mitochondria, mostly in the pituitary gland, liver, pancreas, kidney, and bone, influences the synthesis of mucopolysaccharides, stimulates hepatic synthesis of cholesterol and fatty acids, and is a cofactor in many enzymes, including arginase and alkaline phosphatase in the liver. (From AMA Drug Evaluations Annual 1992, p2035)
D008670	Metals	Electropositive chemical elements characterized by ductility, malleability, luster, and conductance of heat and electricity. They can replace the hydrogen of an acid and form bases with hydroxyl radicals. (Grant & Hackh's Chemical Dictionary, 5th ed)	Metal
D011188	Potassium	An element in the alkali group of metals with an atomic symbol K, atomic number 19, and atomic weight 39.10. It is the chief cation in the intracellular fluid of muscle and other cells. Potassium ion is a strong electrolyte that plays a significant role in the regulation of fluid volume and maintenance of the WATER-ELECTROLYTE BALANCE.
D002118	Calcium	A basic element found in nearly all tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol Ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes.	Coagulation Factor IV,Factor IV,Blood Coagulation Factor IV,Calcium-40,Calcium 40,Factor IV, Coagulation
D003300	Copper	A heavy metal trace element with the atomic symbol Cu, atomic number 29, and atomic weight 63.55.	Copper-63,Copper 63
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man