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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
03:28
Sperm Collection of Differential Quality Using Density Gradient Centrifugation
Published on: November 29, 2018
Mammalian sperm quality and aromatase expression.
Serge Carreau1, Christelle Delalande, Isabelle Galeraud-Denis
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Caen-Basse Normandie, USC INRA, EA2608, CHU-Caen, France. serge.carreau@unicaen.fr
Microscopy Research and Technique
|March 6, 2009
Summary
Aromatase, an enzyme crucial for estrogen production, is present in human sperm. Lower aromatase levels correlate with reduced sperm motility and abnormal morphology, suggesting a role in male fertility.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Endocrinology
- Spermatogenesis
Background:
- Aromatase (encoded by cyp19) is essential for estrogen synthesis.
- In mammals, Leydig cells and germ cells produce estrogens.
- Estrogen receptors (ERalpha and ERss) are found in human germ cells and spermatozoa.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and activity of aromatase in human spermatozoa.
- To determine the correlation between aromatase levels and sperm quality parameters.
- To elucidate the role of aromatase and local estrogen production in male fertility.
Main Methods:
- Reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) to measure aromatase mRNA levels in sperm.
- Analysis of sperm morphology and motility.
- Statistical correlation analysis between aromatase/GAPDH ratio and sperm parameters.
Main Results:
- Biologically active aromatase and estrogen receptors are present in human immature germ cells and ejaculated spermatozoa.
- Aromatase mRNA levels are significantly decreased (30%) in immotile compared to motile sperm fractions.
- Spermatozoa from men with asthenospermia, teratospermia, and asthenoteratospermia show 44-67% lower aromatase mRNA levels compared to controls.
- A strong negative correlation (r = -0.64) exists between aromatase/GAPDH ratio and the percentage of abnormal spermatozoa, particularly microcephaly and acrosome malformations.
Conclusions:
- Aromatase is biologically active in human spermatozoa, and its expression is reduced in cases of impaired sperm motility and morphology.
- Local estrogen production by germ cells, regulated by aromatase, likely plays a significant role in sperm development and function.
- Estrogens should be considered alongside gonadotropins and testosterone as key hormones regulating mammalian spermatogenesis and male fertility.
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