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Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 1997; 105(3): 169-174
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1211747
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© J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Epididymal and sex accessory gland secretions in transfusion-dependent β-thalassemic patients: Evidence of an impaired prostatic function

A. Carpino, V. De Sanctis* , L. Siciliano, M. Maggiolini, A. Vivacqua, A. Pinamonti* , D. Sisci, S. Andó
  • Department of Cellular Biology, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
  • * Department of Pediatrics, Arcispedale S. Anna, Ferrara, Italy
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Publication History

Publication Date:
14 July 2009 (online)

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Summary

Neutral α-glucosidase levels as epididymal marker, fructose levels as vesicular marker, zinc, citric acid and prostate specific antigen levels as prostatic markers were measured in the seminal plasma of eight trans-fusion-dependent β-thalassemic patients in order to study epididymal and sex accessory gland secretions (eighteen subjects served as controls). FSH and LH as well as total and free testosterone were detected displaying unaltered serum values.

Ejaculate of patients showed normal sperm count and low sperm motility, in the meantime seminal plasma exhibited unaltered both neutral α-glucosidase and fructose values but low levels of zinc, citric acid and prostate specific antigen were noticed as well. These data suggest an impaired prostatic secretion in the thalassemic patients studied. A local iron toxicity on the prostatic tissue could be supported by the decrease of its specific markers observed only in the subgroup of patients with high ferritin serum levels.

Key words

Thalassemia major - neutral a-glucosidase - zinc - prostate specific antigen - fructose

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