Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 in seminal plasma

Purpose To evaluate the latent and active forms of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in human semen samples and to investigate their association with semen parameters. Methods Basic semen analysis was performed in 82 semen samples. Seminal plasma was analyzed with gelatin zymography. Results Both latent and active forms of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were detected in human seminal plasma. The latent forms were the predominant ones. MMP-2 and MMP-9, either in latent or active forms, were not correlated with semen parameters. ProMMP-9 levels were higher in semen samples with abnormally low concentration (<= 19 X 10(6)/ml) compared with semen samples with concentration >= 50 X 10(6)/ml. Conclusion MMP-2 and MMP-9 are both present in human semen. The latent forms of both MMPs are the predominant ones. ProMMP-9 is elevated in samples of low sperm concentration.