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Medium-throughput Screening Assays for Assessment of Effects on Ca2+-Signaling and Acrosome Reaction in Human Sperm
Published on: March 1, 2019
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Mitochondrial functionality modifies human sperm acrosin activity, acrosome reaction capability and chromatin
Guowei Zhang1, Wang Yang2, Peng Zou2
1Department of Environmental Health, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|November 15, 2018
Summary
Sperm mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) is crucial for fertilization capacity, impacting acrosin activity, acrosome reaction, and chromatin integrity. Maintaining MMP is vital for sperm function and fertility potential.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology andrology
- Spermatozoa function and fertility
- Mitochondrial physiology in gametes
Background:
- Sperm mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) is linked to sperm motility and fertilization ability.
- Limited research exists on other sperm fertility determinants associated with MMP.
- Understanding MMP's role beyond motility is essential for comprehensive fertility assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between sperm mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and other key sperm fertility characteristics.
- To explore the impact of MMP on acrosin activity, acrosome reaction (AR) capability, and chromatin integrity.
- To evaluate the role of mitochondrial functionality in maintaining these crucial sperm parameters.
Main Methods:
- Sperm MMP was assessed in 627 college students using JC-1 staining.
- Acrosin activity, chromatin integrity (DNA fragmentation index - DFI), and AR were measured.
- In vitro experiments assessed the effects of MMP collapse (induced by CCCP) on sperm parameters, ROS, and ATP.
Main Results:
- Higher MMP correlated with significantly increased acrosin activity and decreased DFI.
- In vitro MMP dissipation reduced acrosin activity and AR capacity, while increasing DFI.
- MMP collapse led to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and decreased ATP content.
Conclusions:
- Sperm mitochondrial functionality, indicated by MMP, is essential for maintaining acrosin activity, AR capability, and chromatin integrity.
- MMP is a significant determinant of sperm fertilization capacity beyond motility.
- Mitochondrial functionality tests should be integrated into infertility diagnostics and risk assessment.
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