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Semen is a complex body fluid containing an admixture of spermatozoa suspended in secretions from the testes and epididymis which are mixed at the time of ejaculation with secretions from other accessory sex glands such as the prostate and seminal vesicles. High-throughput technologies have revealed that, contrary to the idea that sperm cells are simply a silent delivery vehicle of the male genome to the oocyte, the sperm cells in fact provide both a specific epigenetically marked DNA together with a complex population of proteins and RNAs crucial for embryogenesis. Similarly, –omic technologies have also enlightened that seminal fluid seems to play a much greater role than simply being a medium to carry the spermatozoa through the female reproductive tract. In the present review, we briefly overview the sperm cell biology, consider the key issues in sperm and seminal fluid sample preparation for high-throughput proteomic studies, describe the current state of the sperm and seminal fluid proteomes generated by high-throughput proteomic technologies and provide new insights into the potential communication between sperm and seminal fluid. In addition, comparative proteomic studies open a window to explore the potential pathogenic mechanisms of infertility and the discovery of potential biomarkers with clinical significance. Significance The review updates the numerous proteomics studies performed on semen, including spermatozoa and seminal fluid. In addition, an integrative analysis of the testes, sperm and seminal fluid proteomes is also included providing insights into the molecular mechanisms that regulate the generation, maturation and transit of spermatozoa. Furthermore, the compilation of several differential proteomic studies focused on male infertility reveals potential pathways disturbed in specific subtypes of male infertility and points out towards future research directions in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Connection of a perpetrator to a sexual assault is best performed through the confirmed presence of semen, thereby proving sexual contact. Evidentiary items can include sanitary napkins or diapers containing superabsorbent polymers ( SAPs), complicating spermatozoa visualization and DNA analysis. In this report, we evaluated the impact of SAPS on the current forensic DNA workflow, developing an efficient centrifugal protocol for separating spermatozoa from SAP material. The optimized filtration method was compared to common practices of excising the top layer only, resulting in significantly higher sperm yields when a core sample of the substrate was taken. Direct isolation of the SAP-containing materials without filtering resulted in 20% sample failure; additionally, SAP material was observed in the final eluted DNA samples, causing physical interference. Thus, use of the described centrifugal-filtering method is a simple preliminary step that improves spermatozoa visualization and enables more consistent DNA yields, while also avoiding SAP interference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimizing cryopreservation protocols for nondomestic felids contributes to the successful development of assisted reproduction techniques and genetic resource banking. In this study, we describe a simple cryopreservation procedure for African lion ( Panthera leo ) ejaculates, which was tested with different packaging options and different sperm numbers per dose. By applying urethral catheterization and electroejaculation, 17 ejaculates with greater than 20% motile and greater than 5% progressively motile sperm were collected. A lyophilized extender (a modified egg yolk-Tes-Tris-fructose-glycerol medium) was rehydrated and added in one step at ambient temperature (∼25 °C) to semen, which was prediluted in cell culture medium M199. After slow cooling of insulated samples to 15 °C in a refrigerator (4 °C), the samples were fast frozen over the surface of liquid nitrogen or in a dry shipper. Aliquots of 300 μL containing 20 × 10 6 sperm were frozen in cryovials and in 0.5-mL straws. Differences were observed in the total motility after thawing between vial (31.5 ± 14.1%) and straw freezing (20.1 ± 8.6%). However, the subpopulations of vital (22.7 ± 7.8% for vial and 19.8 ± 8.5% for straw) and progressively motile (10.0 ± 7.9% for vial and 10.0 ± 6.4% for straw) sperm after washing and 1 hour incubation at 38 °C were of similar magnitude, velocity, and linearity for both packaging options. After freezing of five ejaculates with 20, 60, and 100 × 10 6 sperm per dose, best results were achieved at the lowest concentration. In general, post-thaw results were highly variable (2.2% and 56.5% total motility) and not correlated to motility or morphology of the fresh semen. To further characterize semen quality, we assessed the protective potential of seminal fluid against oxidative stress, which might be challenged on freeze thawing. The capacity of seminal fluid to reduce radicals was measured in 10 semen samples by electron spin resonance spectroscopy and a spin-labeled fatty acid as a radical probe. Moreover, we determined the lysophosphatidylcholines (LPC) as potential lipid oxidation products in the sperm and erythrocytes of the males. Individuals with a high radical reduction capacity in the seminal fluid and a low LPC content in their erythrocytes showed a better cryosurvival of sperm. This is a first indication that seminal fluid may affect the freezing potential of African lion ejaculates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seed beetle Callosobruchus maculatus is a significant agricultural pest and increasingly studied model of sexual conflict. Males possess genital spines that increase the transfer of seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) into the female body. As SFPs alter female behaviour and physiology, they are likely to modulate reproduction and sexual conflict in this species. Here, we identified SFPs using proteomics combined with a de novo transcriptome. A prior 2D-sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis identified male accessory gland protein spots that were probably transferred to the female at mating. Proteomic analysis of these spots identified 98 proteins, a majority of which were also present within ejaculates collected from females. Standard annotation workflows revealed common functional groups for SFPs, including proteases and metabolic proteins. Transcriptomic analysis found 84 transcripts differentially expressed between the sexes. Notably, genes encoding 15 proteins were highly expressed in male abdomens and only negligibly expressed within females. Most of these sequences corresponded to 'unknown' proteins (nine of 15) and may represent rapidly evolving SFPs novel to seed beetles. Our combined analyses highlight 44 proteins for which there is strong evidence that they are SFPs. These results can inform further investigation, to better understand the molecular mechanisms of sexual conflict in seed beetles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual assault samples are some of the most common samples encountered in forensic analysis. These samples can require a significant time investment due to differential extraction processes. We report on the first record of successful direct amplification of semen for STR analysis. Neat seminal fluid, dilutions ranging from 1:5 to 1:160 and GEDNAP samples were successfully amplified using a direct method. A mild differential isolation technique to enrich spermatozoa was developed and successfully implemented to separate and directly amplify a mixture of semen and female epithelial cells. Aliquots of samples subjected to the differential isolation protocol were stained with Haemotoxylin and Eosin for sperm scoring. Samples stained after PCR showed a complete lack of intact spermatozoa demonstrating that the cells are lysed during the PCR process. This paper demonstrates the potential to incorporate direct PCR in cases of sexual assault to more rapidly obtain results and achieve a higher sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNA (miRNA) are small non-coding RNA, approximately 22 nucleotides in length, that regulate gene expression through their ability to bind to mRNA. The role of miRNA in cellular and tissue development is well documented and their importance in male reproductive tissue development is actively being evaluated. They are present in spermatogonia, Sertoli and Leydig cells within the testis and are present in mature spermatozoa, indicating roles in normal testicular development, function and spermatogenesis. Their presence in spermatozoa has led to postulations about the roles of male miRNA during early embryonic development after fertilisation, including chromatin restructuring and possible epigenetic effects on embryo development. MiRNAs are also present in body fluids, such as blood serum, milk, ovarian follicular fluid and seminal fluid. Circulating miRNAs are stable, and aberrant expression of cellular or extracellular miRNA has been associated with multiple pathophysiological conditions, the most studied being numerous forms of cancer. Considering that miRNAs are present in spermatozoa and in seminal fluid, their stability and the relatively non-invasive procedures required to obtain these samples make miRNAs excellent candidates for use as biomarkers of male reproduction and fertility. Biomarkers, such as miRNAs, identifying fertile males would be of financial interest to the animal production industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann)(Diptera: Tephritidae), mating has a strong impact on female biology, leading to a decrease in sexual receptivity and increased oviposition and fecundity. Previous studies suggest that sperm transfer may play a role in inducing these behavioural changes. Here we report the identification of a medfly innexin gene, Cc-inx5 , whose expression is limited to the germ-line of both sexes. Through RNA interference of this gene, we generated males without testes and, consequently, sperm, but apparently retaining all the other reproductive organs intact. These sperm-less males were able to mate and, like their wild-type counterparts, to induce in their partners increased oviposition rates and refractoriness to remating. Interestingly, matings to sperm-less males results in oviposition rates higher than those induced by copulation with control males. In addition, the observed female post-mating behavioural changes were congruent with changes in transcript abundance of genes known to be regulated by mating in this species. Our results suggest that sperm transfer is not necessary to reduce female sexual receptivity and to increase oviposition and fecundity. These data pave the way to a better understanding of the role/s of seminal components in modulating female post-mating responses. In the long term, this knowledge will be the basis for the development of novel approaches for the manipulation of female fertility, and, consequently, innovative tools to be applied to medfly control strategies in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on an Ebola virus disease (EVD) survivor who showed Ebola virus in seminal fluid 531 days after onset of disease. The persisting virus was sexually transmitted in February 2016, about 470 days after onset of symptoms, and caused a new cluster of EVD in Guinea and Liberia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitrification is a new method that has been recently introduced in Assisted Reproduction Technique programs. The aim of this study was to design a new medium similar to normal human seminal fluid (SF), formulation artificial seminal fluid (ASF), and to compare the cryoprotective potency of this medium with SF and human tubal fluid (HTF) medium. Thirty normal ejaculates were processed with the swim-up technique and sperm suspensions were divided into four aliquots: (i) fresh sample (control); (ii) vitrification in HTF medium supplemented with 5 mg/mL human serum albumin and 0.25 mol sucrose (Vit HTF); (iii) vitrification with patients’ SF (Vit SF); and (iv) vitrification in ASF (Vit ASF). After warming, sperm parameters of motility, viability, and morphology were analyzed using WHO criteria. Also, sperm pellets were fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde and processed for scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy observations. The results showed that progressive motility (46.09 ± 10.33 vs. 36.80 ± 13.75), grade A motility (36.59 ± 11.40 vs. 16.41 ± 11.24), and normal morphology (18.74 ± 8.35 vs. 11.85 ± 5.84) and viability (68.22 ± 10.83 vs. 60.86 ± 11.72) of spermatozoa were significantly higher in Vit ASF than in Vit HTF. All parameters were better in Vit ASF than in Vit SF, but only viability was significantly different (p = 0.006). After cryopreservation, deep invagination in cytoplasm and mechanically weak point sites and folded tail were commonly observed. But, this phenomenon was more significant in Vit HTF and Vit SF than in ASF (p < 0.05). In transmission electron microscopy evaluation, acrosome damage, plasma membrane loss, chromatin vacuolation, and disruption of mitochondria arrangement and structures were observed in all vitrified groups. Adherence of several tail sections together was also seen in all cryo groups. But this was seen more in Vit HTF and Vit SF than in ASF (p < 0.05). In conclusion, vitrification of human spermatozoa with ASF can effectively preserve the quality of sperm motility in comparison with Vit HTF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Human seminal fluid (hSF) has been suggested as a biofluid suitable to characterise male reproductive organ pathology with metabolomics. However, various enzymatic processes, including phosphorylcholine hydrolysis mediated by prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), cause unwanted metabolite variation that may complicate metabolomic analysis of fresh hSF samples. Objectives: To investigate the effects of PAP inhibition with tartrate. Methods: Using NMR spectroscopy, the kinetics of phosphorylcholine to choline hydrolysis was characterized in hSF samples from three subjects at different temperatures and tartrate concentrations. Principal components analysis was used to characterise the effects of tartrate and temperature on personal differences in metabolite profiles. Potential effects of tartrate on RNA quantification were also determined. Results: Metabolite profiles and the kinetics of phosphorylcholine degradation are reproducible in independent samples from three ostensibly normal subjects. Increasing concentrations of tartrate and refrigerated sample storage (279 K) resulted in greatly reduced reaction rates as judged by apparent rate constants. Multivariate statistical analysis showed that personal differences in metabolite profiles are not overshadowed by tartrate addition, which stabilises phosphorylcholine and choline concentrations. The tartrate signal also served as an internal concentration standard in the samples, allowing the determination of absolute metabolite concentrations in hSF. Furthermore, the presence of tartrate did not affect RNA expression analysis by qPCR. Conclusion: Based on these results we recommend as standard protocol for the collection of hSF samples, that 10 mM tartrate are added immediately to samples, followed by sample storage/handling at 277 K until clinical processing within 6 h to remove/inactivate enzymes and isolate metabolite supernatant and other cellular fractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract New approaches need to be pursued towards the assessment of sperm quality using biochemical markers and develop this markers to assess sperm function. The current study included analyzed 52 samples of human's seminal fluid wich classified into three classes: fertile normospermea (control), infertile oligospermea and azospermea. The percentage of dead sperms were obtaind by using eosin die in addition to the use of trypan blue to show the intact acrosome. The results of the study showed that the concentration of sperm in human's seminal fluid samples was (63x106/ml).The results showed ahigher level of creatine kinase CK activity in human seminal plasma in an infertile oligospermic (113.3±17U/L) and azospermic cases (97.1±11U/L) in comparison to the control normospermic case (48.5±9U/L).

The mineral and organic composition of seminal plasma, physical spermatological parameters and their physiological relationships were investigated in Salmo trutta macrostigma. The seminal plasma contained 121.0 ± 0.37mM/l (Na+), 8.18 ± 0.03mM/l (K+), 7.23 ± 0.03 mg/dl (Ca2+), 3.19 ± 0.02 mEq/l (Mg++), 0.48 ± 0.02 g/dl total protein, 6.07 ± 0.06 mg/dl cholesterol, 6.24 ± 0.08 mg/dl triglyceride and 9.97 ± 0.39 mg/dl urea. The following physical spermatological parameters were found out: sperm volume 13.93 ± 0.84 ml, sperm motility 80.37 ± 2.36%, movement duration 81.47 ± 4.21 s, density 6.02 ± 0.46 × 109/ml, total density 8.85 ± 6.12 × 109 and pH 7.53 ± 0.20. Significant positive relationships were determined between motility duration and motility (r = 0.83, P < 0.01) and also between spermatocrit and motility (r = 0.536, P < 0.05). Sperm volume and total density negatively correlated with motility (r = -0.191, P > 0.05 and r = -0.087, P > 0.05, respectively). The Na+, K+ and Cl- ions correlated negatively with motility (r = -0.267, P > 0.05, r = -0.152, P > 0.05 and r = -0.461, P > 0.05, respectively). On the other hand, the Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions correlated positively with motility (r = 0.114, P > 0.05 and r = 0.040, P > 0.05, respectively). A significant negative relationship was found between motility and urea (r = -0.515, P < 0.05). These parameters should be considered when developing procedures for short-term storage or cryopreservation of the Salmo trutta macrostigma sperm.

Objectives: To investigate Mycoplasma prevalence rate among infertile Jordanian patients and determine the possible role of asymptomatic Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum as an infectious factor that might affect semen quality in infertility, mainly varicose-related one. Setting: Medical Hussein City Hospital in Jordan. Materials and methods: Seminal fluids obtained from 99 infertile patients were tested for the presence of M. hominis and U. urealyticum by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and analyzed for motility, counts and viscosity. Cases involved were 33(27.5%) infertile with varicocele, 8(24.2%) with normal seminal fluid parameters, 25(75.8%) with abnormal, and 66(55%) infertile patients (all showed a decrease in sperm concentration and motility). Twenty-one fertile males (17.5%) were used as control. DNA primer pairs specific for 16S ribosomal RNA gene of M. hominis and urease gene of U. urealyticum were utilized for PCR. Results: M. hominis and U. urealyticum were present in 9(27.3%), 4(12.1%) of seminal fluids of infertile-varicose patients, 12(18.2%), 11(16.7%) of infertile and only in 3(14.3%), and 0(0%) fertile male, respectively. The presence of the two species among infertility cases was significantly correlated (p=0.039). A high percentage of M. hominis was recorded in varicose-infertile males. U. urealyticum was significantly associated with infertility cases (without varicocele) in comparison with control (p=0.046). It exerts a minor effect on the mean values of sperm motility by decreasing a and b grades’ motility. Conclusion: The differences in the occurrence of M. hominis were statistically insignificant among infertility and control groups, but it was significant for U. urealyticum (p=0.046). M. hominis occurs more frequently in the semen of infertile-varicose male and normal seminal fluid quality. It seems to have no adverse effects on sperm motility but it might decline the fertility potential in such cases. U. urealyticum on the other hand have no clear significant impacts on sperm motility. The mean values for sperm motility, concentrations, and viscosity were not affected by the presence of the two species. Despite the significant presence of Ureaplasma among infertility, further studies were needed to clarify their potential effect on semen quality and infertility status.

Public health officials around the world are extremely concerned about the global outbreak of monkeypox (MPX), which has been claimed to have originated in Africa. As a result, studies into the origins and reasons behind the outbreak's rapid spread have been sped up. The goal of the current investigation is to determine whether the monkeypox virus (MPXV) is present in seminal fluid samples from MPX cases that have been verified. Up until 6 January 2023, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and ScienceDirect databases were used to conduct a thorough evaluation of the literature. The search technique returned a total of 308 items. Fourteen studies reporting the presence of MPXV in the seminal fluid of MPX-confirmed cases were included after the duplicates ( n = 158) and searches by title, abstract, and full text were eliminated. In 84 out of the 643 confirmed MPX cases (13.06% or n = 643), MPXV was discovered in seminal fluid. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to identify MPXV, and samples taken from skin lesions (96.27%), pharynx or oropharynx (30.48%), and blood all had higher positivity rates than other samples (12.44%). Additionally, 99.85% of respondents were male with a mean age of 36, 98.45% engaged in MSM (men who have sex with men) sexual conduct, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) accounted for 56.9% of all STD cases. This study offers proof that MPXV can be found in the seminal fluid of MPX sufferers. Our data imply that MPXV transmission is a possibility in these samples and that MSM are more vulnerable to it. The creation of hygienic standards is essential for the early identification of MPX cases.

The male reproductive system of L. schmitti is described, including spermatozoon ultrastructure. The testis is composed of 8 to 14 lobules arranged as seminiferous tubules. The proximal vas deferens is short and filled with spermatozoa without spikes. The median vas deferens is larger than the other parts of the vas deferens and it shows two ducts separated by typhlosoles, the sperm and accessory ducts. The former is filled with sperm masses, while the accessory duct shows only secretions that are part of the spermatophore material. In this region, the spermatozoa have a spike, indicating the end of the spermatogenesis. The distal vas deferens is a short tube ending in the ampulla, composed of three parts. The spermatozoa have a round main body and an anterior spike associated with the acrosomal cap. The subacrosomal space has a centrosome-like structure above the nucleus. The features of the male reproductive system of L. schmitti share the pattern of penaeoidean shrimps with closed thelyca related to the median vas deferens and the ampulla. All the differences in spermatozoon morphology and vasa deferentia are discussed, and compared to other Litopenaeus species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To support embryo implantation, the female reproductive tract must provide a tolerogenic immune environment. Seminal fluid contact at conception contributes to activating the endometrial gene expression and immune cell changes required for robust implantation, influencing not only the quality of the ensuing pregnancy but also the health of offspring. mi RNAs are small non-coding RNAs that play important regulatory roles in biological processes, including regulation of the immune environment. mi RNAs are known to contribute to gene regulation in pregnancy and are altered in pregnancy pathologies. Recent studies indicate that mi RNAs participate in establishing immune tolerance at conception, and may contribute to the regulatory effects of seminal fluid in generating tolerogenic dendritic cells and T regulatory cells. This review highlights those mi RNAs implicated in programming immune cells that are critical during the peri-conception period and explores how seminal fluid may regulate female tract mi RNA expression following coitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following mating and insemination, fertility is dependent on the successful execution of a complex array of morphological, physiological and molecular interactions between male and female proteins, cells and tissues. Many of these interacting components bear hallmarks of co-evolving systems and are suspected to contribute to postmating, prezygotic (PMPZ) reproductive barriers involved in the formation of new species. Although PMPZ reproductive isolation has historically been more difficult to study than precopulatory and postzygotic barriers, recent research has highlighted its potential role in speciation and revealed the impact of molecular investigation utilizing proteomic approaches. Proteomics, in conjunction with transcriptomic and evolutionary genomic studies, has been widely used to identify rapidly evolving male and female reproductive proteins. Increased access to high-throughput and quantitative proteomic techniques, as well as the ease of generating genomic and transcriptomic resources necessary for protein identification, can facilitate the extension of proteomics from traditional model species to systems of relevance to PMPZ phenotypes and hence greatly expand our understanding of how rapidly diverging molecular systems may contribute to PMPZ barriers. Here we review the influence proteomic analyses can have on our understanding of the function and evolution of the complex cellular and molecular processes governing postcopulatory male–female interactions and the study of PMPZ reproductive isolation, with the goal of expanding our understanding of the contribution of PMPZ processes to speciation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Denosumab is a fully human monoclonal immunoglobulin G2 antibody that inhibits bone resorption and increases bone mass and strength. The present clinical study assessed serum and seminal fluid pharmacokinetics following a single denosumab dose in healthy men, and evaluated whether denosumab in seminal fluid poses any risk to a fetus in the event of unprotected sexual intercourse with a pregnant partner. Methods An open-label, single-dose study in 12 healthy men was conducted over a 106-day period. Subjects received a single subcutaneous dose of 60-mg denosumab on day 1. Serum and seminal fluid samples were collected at specified time points to assess denosumab pharmacokinetics. Adverse events were recorded. Results Denosumab was measurable at low concentrations in seminal fluid (~2% of serum concentrations). The mean [standard deviation (SD)] maximum observed drug concentration (Cmax) was 6170 (2070) ng ml-1 (serum) and 100 (81.9) ng ml-1 (seminal fluid). The median time to Cmax (tmax) was 8 days (serum) and 21 days (seminal fluid). The mean (SD) area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) from time zero to the time of the last quantifiable concentration (AUClast) was 333 000 (122 000) day•ng ml-1 (serum) and 5220 (4880) day•ng ml-1 (seminal fluid). The mean (SD) Cmax and AUC ratios between seminal fluid and serum were 0.0217 (0.0154) and 0.0170 (0.0148), respectively. Using conservative assumptions for ejaculate volume (6 ml), vaginal absorption (100%) and placental transfer (100%), the measured mean denosumab seminal fluid Cmax would result in fetal exposure that was more than 110 times below the preclinically derived 'no effect level' for denosumab. Conclusions These results indicate a negligible risk to a fetus exposed to denosumab via seminal fluid transfer to a pregnant partner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing use of '-omics' (genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, epigenomic, and metabolomic) high-throughput measurement technologies over the past decade is beginning to reveal the complexity of human biology and physiology through the interactions of DNA, RNA, related proteins and small molecules. In reproductive medicine, the majority of this work, has thus far focused on the female factors, e.g., the oocyte, since they provide both the environment and the majority of elements required for embryogenesis. State-of-the-art sequencing and computational analyses have enabled a deeper understanding of the underlying components. Contrary to being simply a silent delivery vehicle to the oocyte of the packaged male DNA, sperm provide both a specific epigenetically marked genome together with a complex population of RNAs and proteins that are crucial for early embryogenesis. In addition to the sperm, seminal fluid appears to serve multiple roles providing a supplementary series of components that allow the sperm to successfully reach and fertilize the oocyte and prepare the female immune system to tolerate the semiallosteric embryo. A global analysis and review of what is presently known regarding the unique role of each component of the male factor and their associated interactions begins to shed light on this emergent field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seminal fluid induces pro-inflammatory cytokines and elicits an inflammation-like response in the cervix. Here, Affymetrix microarray and qPCR was utilised to identify activin A (INHBA) and its inhibitor follistatin (FST) amongst the cytokines induced by seminal plasma in Ect1 ectocervical epithelial cells, and a similar response was confirmed in primary ectocervical epithelial cells. TGFB is abundant in seminal plasma and all three TGFB isoforms induced INHBA in Ect1 and primary cells, and neutralisation of TGFB in seminal plasma suppressed the INHBA response. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide in seminal plasma also elicited INHBA, but potently suppressed FST production. There was moderate reciprocal inhibition between FST and INHBA, and cross-attenuating effects were seen. These data identify TGFB and potentially LPS as factors mediating seminal plasma-induced INHBA synthesis in cervical cells. INHBA and FST induced by seminal fluid in cervical tissues may thus contribute to regulation of the post-coital response in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]