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Caspase activity and apoptotic markers in ejaculated human sperm.
Shun-Long Weng1, Steven L Taylor, Mahmood Morshedi
1The Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA.
Molecular Human Reproduction
|October 25, 2002
Summary
Human ejaculated sperm can exhibit active caspases, which are enzymes involved in programmed cell death. These caspases correlate with markers of sperm DNA fragmentation, particularly in low-motility sperm populations.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Cellular Biology
- Spermatozoa Function
Background:
- Spermatozoa are terminally differentiated cells with unique apoptotic pathways.
- The presence and role of caspases in human ejaculated sperm remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and activity of caspases in human ejaculated sperm.
- To identify caspase-dependent apoptosis markers in sperm.
Main Methods:
- Sperm from fertile donors and infertile patients were separated by motility.
- Assays included immunofluorescence, immunoblotting, caspase activity assays, annexin V binding, and TUNEL assay.
Main Results:
- Active caspase-3 was detected in a subset of sperm, with higher prevalence in low-motility fractions.
- Caspase enzymatic activity was elevated in infertile patients compared to donors.
- Annexin V binding and DNA fragmentation were more frequent in low-motility sperm.
Conclusions:
- Human ejaculated sperm possess active caspases that may contribute to phosphatidylserine translocation and DNA fragmentation.
- Caspase-dependent apoptosis may play a role in sperm dysfunction, particularly in infertile individuals.