CONTEXT: Disturbed protein-carbohydrate interactions may underlie the molecular mechanism of some diseases of the male reproductive tract, including infertility and prostate diseases.
OBJECTIVE: To summarize the current knowledge on the glycosylation patterns of glycodelin-S, fibronectin, prostate-specific antigen, and α(1)-acid glycoprotein.
RESULTS: Some rare glycoepitopes have been found in seminal plasma glycoproteins: high-mannose and polylactosamine-type glycans, and N-glycans containing N-acetyl-galactosamine. The glycosylation profiles occur altered in pathological conditions.
CONCLUSION: Further detailed studies may lead up to indicate the biomarkers useful in the management of male reproductive tract disorders.
Written by:
Ferens-Sieczkowska M, Kowalska B, Kratz EM. Are you the author?
Wrocław Medical University, Department of Chemistry and Immunochemistry, Wrocław, Poland.
Reference: Biomarkers. 2013 Feb;18(1):10-22.
doi: 10.3109/1354750X.2012.719035
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 23061682
UroToday.com Investigative Urology Section