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Decrease of mitochondrial DNA level in sperm from patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus-1 linked to
Lynda Pavili1, Myriam Daudin, Nathalie Moinard
1Université de Toulouse, UPS, Groupe de Recherche en Fertilité Humaine (EA 3694, Human Fertility Research Group), TSA 70034, CECOS Midi Pyrénées, Hôpital Paule de Viguier, Toulouse, France.
Fertility and Sterility
|February 16, 2010
Summary
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infection alters sperm parameters. Nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) used in HIV treatment decrease mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copies in sperm cells.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Virology
- Genetics
Background:
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infection can impact male reproductive health.
- Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) plays a crucial role in sperm function and energy production.
- The effects of HIV-1 and its treatments on sperm mtDNA levels require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate alterations in sperm parameters in men with HIV-1 infection.
- To analyze sperm mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) levels in relation to HIV-1 treatment regimens.
Main Methods:
- Observational study involving 32 HIV-1 infected patients and 31 healthy controls.
- Semen samples analyzed for sperm parameters and mtDNA levels using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
- mtDNA copy number per cell quantified using the mtDNA-to-β-globin gene ratio.
Main Results:
- HIV-1 infected patients showed altered sperm parameters compared to controls.
- Increased mtDNA copies per cell were observed in whole semen of HIV-1 patients.
- Spermatozoa from HIV-1 patients showed no significant difference in mtDNA copy number after density gradient centrifugation.
- Increasing numbers of nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) were associated with a significant decrease in sperm mtDNA levels.
Conclusions:
- Specific measurement of sperm mtDNA revealed a reduction in copy number following NRTI treatment.
- NRTIs, known for mitochondrial toxicity, appear to decrease sperm mtDNA levels.
- Findings highlight the impact of HIV treatment on sperm mitochondrial integrity.
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