Proteomics, oxidative stress and male infertility

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Biochemistry
• Proteomics

Background:

• Oxidative stress, an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants, is a primary cause of male infertility.
• It leads to altered protein expression in seminal plasma and spermatozoa, affecting male reproductive health.
• Proteomic analyses are crucial for characterizing these protein changes in infertile men.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize findings from proteomic studies on men with high oxidative stress compared to those with normal levels.
• To elucidate the role of oxidative stress in male infertility by analyzing protein profiles.
• To identify potential protein biomarkers associated with oxidative stress-induced male infertility.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of proteomic studies comparing seminal plasma and sperm protein profiles.
• Analysis of protein expression differences (over-expressed, under-expressed, unique proteins) between oxidative stress and control groups.
• Pathway analysis to understand the biological functions associated with altered proteins.

Main Results:

• Proteomic studies revealed distinct protein expression patterns in seminal plasma and spermatozoa of men with high oxidative stress.
• Candidate biomarkers for oxidative stress-induced male infertility were identified, including DJ-1, PIP, lactotransferrin, and peroxiredoxin.
• Changes in seminal plasma proteins were linked to stress responses and regulatory pathways, while sperm protein alterations were associated with metabolic and stress responses.

Conclusions:

• Proteomic analysis provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of oxidative stress-induced male infertility.
• Identified proteins serve as potential biomarkers for diagnosing and understanding male infertility.
• Future research should investigate post-translational modifications in idiopathic infertility cases.