Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026
Bio-energetics Investigation of Candida albicans Using Real-time Extracellular Flux Analysis
Published on: March 19, 2019
Candida albicans experimental infection: effects on human sperm motility, mitochondrial membrane potential and
Nunziatina Burrello1, Mario Salmeri, Anna Perdichizzi
1Section of Endocrinology, Andrology and Internal Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
Abstract:
Studies suggest Candida albicans infection has a negative effect on sperm function, including fertilizing ability. Assisted reproduction treatment using spermatozoa from a patient with unrecognized C. albicans infection did not result in fertilization. Preliminary evidence suggested an effect on sperm motility and apoptosis. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of experimentally induced C. albicans infection on motility, membrane mitochondrial potential (MMP), chromatin packaging and apoptosis [membrane phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization and DNA fragmentation] of spermatozoa isolated from normozoospermic healthy men. Motile spermatozoa were isolated by swim-up from 13 normal volunteers and exposed to increasing concentrations (0, 1000, 10,000, and 100,000 cfu/ml) of the fungus for 3 and 24 h. C. albicans was isolated from vaginal swabs, after identification, freshly prepared for experiments. Following incubation, sperm motility decreased significantly (P < 0.05 from 10,000 cfu/ml) and spermatozoa with reduced MMP or PS externalization, an early sign of apoptosis, increased in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Sperm DNA fragmentation and chromatin integrity increased slightly after exposure to C. albicans, but the increase did not reach statistical significance. This study showed that C. albicans infection may decrease the functional competence of spermatozoa by reducing motility and MMP and by promoting molecular apoptosis mechanisms.
Insights
Candida albicans infection negatively impacts sperm function, reducing motility and mitochondrial potential. This yeast infection promotes early apoptosis, potentially impairing male fertility.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Microbiology
- Andrology
Background:
- Candida albicans infection is linked to impaired sperm function and fertilization.
- Previous studies indicated potential effects on sperm motility and apoptosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of experimentally induced Candida albicans infection on sperm motility, mitochondrial potential, chromatin packaging, and apoptosis.
- To assess the functional competence of spermatozoa exposed to varying concentrations of C. albicans.
Main Methods:
- Spermatozoa from normozoospermic men were isolated using swim-up.
- Motile sperm were incubated with increasing concentrations of C. albicans (0-100,000 cfu/ml) for 3 and 24 hours.
- Sperm motility, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization, and DNA fragmentation were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Sperm motility significantly decreased at concentrations of 10,000 cfu/ml and higher.
- Spermatozoa exhibiting reduced MMP and PS externalization (early apoptosis markers) increased in a time- and concentration-dependent manner.
- Slight, non-significant increases in sperm DNA fragmentation and chromatin damage were observed.
Conclusions:
- Candida albicans infection can reduce sperm functional competence.
- The yeast impairs spermatozoa by decreasing motility and mitochondrial membrane potential.
- C. albicans promotes molecular mechanisms of apoptosis in sperm, potentially affecting fertility.
