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Published on: November 28, 2018
Effect of recombinant β-defensin 1 protein on human sperm motility and viability
Reyhaneh Khayamabed1, Marziyeh Tavalaee1, Samira-Sadat Taherian1
1Department of Reproductive Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.
Abstract:
The reduction of sperm motility and subsequently reduced ability to undergo capacitation and acrosome reaction are considered as common causes of male infertility. The β-defensin family is a group of well-known secretory proteins with antimicrobial activity that contribute to the process of "sperm maturation" during the passage of spermatozoa in the epididymis when spermatozoa attain its motility. One member of this family is "β-defensin 1" which is present in seminal plasma and spermatozoa. The aim of this study was the incubation of human processed spermatozoa with recombinant β-defensin 1 (500 ng/ml) for 1, 2 and 3 hr at 37°C under 5% CO2 atmosphere and assessment of sperm viability and motility in 59 semen samples. The analysis of semen samples such as sperm concentration, motility, viability, morphology and semen volume was performed according to the World Health Organization (2010; World health organization laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen (p. 287). Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization) criteria. The result of the current study shows that the incubation of spermatozoa with recombinant β-defensin significantly maintained percentage of sperm viability and motility compared to processed spermatozoa incubate in the absence of β-defensin in the studied time intervals (p < .05). Therefore, we concluded that recombinant β-defensin 1 protein as an agent with antimicrobial activity can maintain sperm viability and motility in in vitro condition.
Insights
Recombinant beta-defensin 1 protein was found to significantly maintain sperm viability and motility in vitro. This suggests its potential role in addressing male infertility caused by reduced sperm function.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Male infertility is often linked to reduced sperm motility and impaired capacitation.
- Beta-defensins are antimicrobial proteins involved in sperm maturation and found in seminal plasma.
- Beta-defensin 1 (BD-1) is present in both seminal fluid and spermatozoa.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of recombinant beta-defensin 1 on human sperm viability and motility in vitro.
- To assess the potential of BD-1 as a therapeutic agent for male infertility.
Main Methods:
- Human spermatozoa from 59 samples were incubated with recombinant BD-1 (500 ng/ml) for 1, 2, and 3 hours at 37°C.
- Sperm viability and motility were assessed using World Health Organization (2010) criteria.
- Sperm concentration, morphology, and semen volume were also analyzed.
Main Results:
- Incubation with recombinant BD-1 significantly maintained sperm viability compared to controls.
- Sperm motility percentages were also significantly preserved in the presence of recombinant BD-1.
- These effects were observed across the studied time intervals (p < .05).
Conclusions:
- Recombinant beta-defensin 1 protein demonstrates a protective effect on sperm viability and motility in vitro.
- BD-1's antimicrobial properties may contribute to maintaining sperm function under laboratory conditions.
- This suggests BD-1 could be a potential therapeutic agent for certain types of male infertility.
