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Simple and reliable determination of Zn and some additional elements in seminal plasma samples by using total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy

Trace elements are essential for the normal spermatogenesis of mammals and play a critical role in sperm quality, but pathological processes e.g. inflammation, as well. Consequently, multi- elemental analysis of seminal plasma (SP) may provide significant information on physiological and pathophysiological processes occurring in the male reproductive tract. Therefore, the development of a simple, fast and reliable method for seminal plasma (SP) analysis by total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (TXRF) could be useful for both, scientific and clinical studies. In this study, a detailed assessment of the sample preparation parameters and measurement conditions, including analysis of the shape and element distribution of the deposited residue on the reflector by micro X- ray fluorescence spectrometry, was carried out. Using the best analytical conditions, limits of detection for trace elements were in the range of 0.04-0.3 mg/kg. Trueness and precision of the results, evaluated by spiked SP sample analysis, were in most cases acceptable with recoveries values in the range of 87-109 % and relative standard deviations 3-12% (n=5). The developed TXRF method was applied for the analysis of several SP samples from patients with different diagnoses and results were compared with those obtained by ICP-OES. Among the studied trace elements with a role in the antioxidant defence system only Zn could be quantified and some differences in Zn concentrations among studied groups were observed. However, further studies on a large number of samples are required to define the exact relationship between element composition and semen quality.

TXRF ; seminal plasma ; multi-elemental ; dilution ; Zn

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