Expression profile and distribution of Annexin A1, A2 and A5 in human semen

Annexins (ANXAs) have been identified in different seminal components mainly by proteomic methods. The presence and distribution of Annexin A1, A2 and A5 (ANXA1, ANXA2, ANXA5) in human semen was analysed and the corresponding mRNAs studied in spermatozoa. All three ANXAs were present in prostasomes and spermatozoa, but only ANXA1 in prostasomes-free seminal plasma. Immunofluorescence showed ANXA1 and ANXA5 in the sperm head, mid-piece and flagellum. The amount of mRNAs corresponding to ANXA1 and A2 decreased with increasing levels of the corresponding proteins indicating a probable regulation of their expression at the translational level during spermatogenesis. Additionally, DNA fragmentation was assessed by the sperm chromatin dispersion test. Lower amounts of ANXA1 and A2 with higher levels of the corresponding mRNAs were noted in poor quality semen samples. ANXA5 was detected in spermatozoa from all semen samples, but no particular trend was noted. The corresponding mRNA were detected both in excellent and poor quality semen samples. Results showed that ANXA1 and A2 expressions appear to be related with DNA fragmentation suggesting their possible use as new biomarkers for sperm DNA quality. ANXA5's natural presence in spermatozoa suggest that revision of high-quality sperm selection by binding to this protein is needed.