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Experimental Chlamydia trachomatis infection causes apoptosis in human sperm
Annalisa Satta1, Aldo Stivala, Adriana Garozzo
1Section of Endocrinology, Andrology and Internal Medicine and Master in Andrological and Human Reproduction Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|August 30, 2005
Summary
Chlamydia trachomatis infection significantly impacts sperm by causing DNA fragmentation and phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization. These effects may contribute to reduced sperm fertilizing ability in infected men.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Microbiology
- Urology
Background:
- Chlamydia trachomatis is a common cause of sexually transmitted infections in men, linked to infertility.
- C. trachomatis serovar E infection is known to reduce sperm motility and viability.
- The impact of C. trachomatis on sperm DNA integrity and apoptosis remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) infection on sperm apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Normozoospermic sperm were incubated with C. trachomatis serovar E elementary bodies (EB) for 6 and 24 hours.
- Phosphatidylserine (PS) membrane translocation and DNA fragmentation were assessed using Annexin V-propidium iodide staining and TUNEL assay.
- Flow cytometry was employed to quantify the changes in sperm apoptosis markers.
Main Results:
- C. trachomatis significantly increased sperm DNA fragmentation after both 6 and 24 hours of incubation.
- A significant increase in sperm PS externalization was observed after 24 hours of incubation with C. trachomatis.
Conclusions:
- C. trachomatis infection induces sperm PS externalization and DNA fragmentation.
- These findings suggest a direct negative impact of C. trachomatis on sperm function and fertilizing capacity.