Intraindividual variability of homocysteine and related thiols concentrations in follicular fluid.

PURPOSE: To determine intraindividual variability in concentrations of homocysteine and related thiols in follicular fluids of particular follicles after ovarian stimulation and assess the differences between follicles with/or without oocytes. METHODS: HPLC-FD analysis of plasma and follicular fluid cysteine, homocysteine, cysteinylglycine and glutathione in women undergoing IVF. RESULTS: In blood plasma, the homocysteine, cysteine, and cysteinylglycine concentrations decreased significantly during stimulation with rec FSH (p<0.001). We found significant differences in concentrations of cysteine and glutathione between follicles with or without retrieved oocytes. High intraindividual variability in concentrations of thiols was determined. CONCLUSIONS: The concentration variability of thiols between single follicles is very high and we recommend mean at least from 3 follicles with/or without oocytes for characterization of each woman. It is the best to examine individual follicles for further research and analysis of fertility outcomes.

Seminal plasma homocysteine, folate and cobalamin in men with obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze homocysteine, folate and cobalamin in men with normozoospermia, obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia. METHODS: Analysis of plasma and seminal plasma homocysteine, folate and cobalamin in 72 azoospermic and 62 normozoospermic men. Evaluation of the azoospermic patient included testicular biopsy, endocrine, urological and ultrasound examination. RESULTS: Homocysteine (1.2 µmol/l) and cobalamin (322.05 pmol/l) concentrations (median values) in seminal plasma were significantly lower (p < 0.001) in men with azoospermia than in men with normozoospermia (2.5 µmol/l and 579.0 pmol/l). Folate and cobalamin concentrations were significantly higher in obstructive than in non-obstructive azoospermia. Significant correlations were determined between testis volume and seminal plasma homocysteine in azoospermic men. CONCLUSION: Lower concentrations of homocysteine and cobalamin (but not folate) were found in azoospermic seminal plasma than normozoospermic. Folate and cobalamin were higher in seminal plasma from obstructive azoospermia than in non-obstructive azoospermia patients.