This study aims to evaluate the expression of genes associated with the fertilisation potential and embryo development, sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), and acrosome reaction in male partners of infertile couples with different sperm parameters compared to fertile men. First, male partners of infertile couples with abnormal (N = 25) and normal sperm parameters (N = 25), and fertile men (N = 10) were included in experimental groups I, II, and controls respectively. The mRNA levels of the Annexin A2 (ANXA2), Sperm protein 17 (SP17), Plasma serine protease inhibitor (SERPINA5), and Peroxiredoxin‐2 (PRDX2) genes and SDF were evaluated. To evaluate the maturity of the sperm and oxidative stress, the acrosome reaction, the lipid peroxidation, and total antioxidant were measured. As result, SP17 showed a significantly lower expression in both experimental groups. SERPINA5 was significantly down‐regulated in experimental group I that was aligned with the low rate of acrosome reaction. Significant overexpression of PRDX2 was found between experimental group II and controls. Significant higher rates of SDF were seen in both experimental groups compared to the controls. Finally, our data suggest that differentially gene expression of SP17 is a potential diagnostic biomarker in infertile men either with normal or abnormal sperm parameters. SDF is one of the causes of male infertility, independent of the sperm parameters.

Objectives: In recent years, smoking water pipes or hookah has increased among adolescents in most countries. Although there is evidence in support of the negative effects of this type of smoking on human health, such as the increased risk of lung disease, little is known about the potential effects of hookah smoking on the male reproductive system, especially on the molecular aspects of sperm. Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study examined sperm DNA fragmentation index, protamine 1 and 2 (PRM1 and PRM2) genes expression, and oxidant status in normozoospermic hookah smokers in comparison with non-smoker controls. Results: Our results showed significantly higher rates of DNA fragmentation, protamine deficiency, and abnormal chromatin condensation in the spermatozoa of hookah smokers ( P < .0001). Also, protamine gene expression showed a remarkable decrease in hookah smokers (1.55 ± 2.54 and 0.33 ± 0.54) compared to the controls (3.49 ± 5.41 and 1.22 ± 1.96), although the reduction was not statistically significant ( P = .155 and P = .066, respectively). Moreover, a significantly higher level of semen MDA was observed in the case group compared to the controls (0.39 ± 1.04 vs 0.15 ± 0.21; P = .013). Conclusion: According to our study, although hookah smoking does not have a significant effect on sperm parameters, it may have deleterious effects on DNA integrity, oxidative status, and nuclear protein levels of spermatozoa.

Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the cellular and molecular levels of apoptosis induction in three groups of male partners of infertile couples, one featuring subjects with normal sperm parameters and unexplained male infertility (UMI), one including men with abnormal sperm parameters, and one with fertile men as controls. Methods Twenty-five infertile men with abnormal sperm parameters and 25 men with UMI and normal sperm parameters were recruited as experimental group I and experimental group II; 25 fertile men were included as controls. The mRNA levels of Fas, Fas ligand, Caspase 8, Bax , and Bcl2 were measured in the three groups. The cellular rates of early and late apoptosis were assessed using annexin V and propidium iodide staining. Results The expression of Bax, Bcl2 , and the Bax/Bcl2 ratio in experimental group I was significantly higher than that in experimental group II and controls. However, the Bax/Bcl2 ratio was less than 1 among all groups. No significant difference was found among study groups regarding the gene expression of Fas, Fas ligand , and Caspase 8 . No significant difference was seen in early apoptotic rates of sperm among study groups. The highest number of necrotic sperm cells was detected in experimental group I. Conclusions The findings showed that the external pathways of apoptosis were not activated in the absence of external stimuli of sperm apoptosis in ejaculated sperm. Regardless of fertility status, apoptosis gene induction in the internal pathway was associated with abnormalities in sperm motility and/or morphology in men with abnormal parameters.

No abstract

Background and Aim: All studies on mammals and rodents have revealed the presence of protamine 1 (P1) and protamine 2 (P2) in the sperm which is indicative of the expression of these two genes at different molecular levels. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of protamine and its disorders on male fertility potential. Materials and Methods: Using keywords of sperm, protamine, male infertility, and chromatin we searched PubMed and Google Scholar databases between 1980 and 2020. Results: Sperm concentration, motility, and morphology in the patients with variable P1/P2 ratios were significantly reduced compared to those in the individuals with normal P1/P2 ratios which were directly associated with reduced fertility rate. The most common protamine abnormality in the infertile men was increased P1/P2 ratio which was frequently associated with a decreased level of P2 and increased level of P2 precursors. Increased levels of histone B2 (H2B) in sperm and lower levels of protamine have been reported. Any disturbances in the histone expression process cause inconvenient early chromatin condensation, transcription arrest, as well as spermatogenesis failures. Conclusion:The results of this study showed that the protamine transcripts ratio can be used as a marker for male fertility. Histones/protamines mRNAs ratios are important for sperm quality and therefore can be used as predictors for male infertility. Altered levels of protamines may result in an increased susceptibility to injury in the sperm DNA causing infertility or poor outcome in assisted reproduction.