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Hepatitis B virus s protein enhances sperm apoptosis and reduces sperm fertilizing capacity in vitro

Jihua Huang1, Ying Zhong, Xiaowu Fang

  • 1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China.

Plos One
|July 23, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Hepatitis B virus S protein (HBs) triggers early apoptosis in human sperm, increasing calcium levels and impairing fertilizing capacity. This study reveals HBs negatively impacts sperm function and viability.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Virology
  • Cellular Biology

Background:

  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health concern.
  • The S protein (HBs) of HBV plays a role in viral pathogenesis.
  • The impact of HBs on human sperm function is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of HBV S protein (HBs) on early apoptotic events in human spermatozoa.
  • To assess the impact of HBs on the fertilizing capacity of human sperm.

Main Methods:

  • Human spermatozoa were exposed to varying concentrations of HBs.
  • Assays were performed to measure cytosolic free Ca(2+) concentration, mitochondrial membrane potential, and cytochrome c release.
  • Sperm motility, hyperactivation, sperm-zona pellucida (ZP) binding, and ZP-induced acrosome reaction (ZPIAR) were evaluated.

Main Results:

  • HBs exposure led to a dose-dependent increase in cytosolic free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) and ADP/ATP ratios.
  • HBs induced mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening and cytochrome c (cyt c) release.
  • Sperm motility, hyperactivation, and ZPIAR rates declined significantly with HBs exposure, while ZP binding remained unaffected.

Conclusions:

  • HBs induces early apoptotic events in human spermatozoa, including [Ca(2+)]i elevation, MPTP opening, cyt c release, and increased ADP/ATP ratio.
  • HBs negatively impacts sperm fertilizing capacity by reducing motility, hyperactivation, and ZPIAR.

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