alpha1-antitrypsin prevents polymorphonuclear leucocyte-elastase effects on spermatozoa quality

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Immunology
• Andrology

Background:

• Inflammation in the male genital tract is linked to sperm damage.
• Polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMN)-derived elastase is a key marker of such inflammation.
• Spermatozoa deterioration correlates with elevated PMN elastase levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of PMN elastase on human spermatozoa.
• To determine the protective role of seminal plasma components against elastase-induced sperm damage.
• To elucidate the contribution of alpha(1)-antitrypsin to seminal plasma's protective capacity.

Main Methods:

• Human spermatozoa were exposed to varying concentrations and durations of PMN elastase.
• Flow cytometry was used to assess phosphatidylserine externalization and propidium iodide uptake.
• Blotting techniques identified alpha(1)-antitrypsin in seminal plasma.
• Sperm vitality assays were performed with and without seminal plasma and alpha(1)-antitrypsin.

Main Results:

• PMN elastase induced time- and concentration-dependent sperm damage, leading to necrosis and apoptosis.
• Seminal plasma demonstrated a concentration-dependent protective effect against elastase-induced sperm damage.
• Alpha(1)-antitrypsin was identified in seminal plasma and its increasing concentrations progressively inhibited elastase-mediated sperm deterioration.
• A protease/antiproteinase balance, involving alpha(1)-antitrypsin, is crucial for maintaining sperm vitality.

Conclusions:

• PMN elastase significantly impairs sperm function and viability.
• Seminal plasma, particularly alpha(1)-antitrypsin, plays a vital protective role against inflammatory damage to spermatozoa.
• Imbalances in the seminal protease/antiproteinase system may contribute to male infertility.