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Updated: Dec 24, 2025
Flow Cytometric Analysis of Biomarkers for Detecting Human Sperm Functional Defects
Published on: April 21, 2022
Differential microRNAs expression in seminal plasma of normospermic patients with different sperm DNA fragmentation
Lejun Li1, Hongping Li1, Yonghong Tian1
1Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
Abstract:
Sperm DNA fragmentation index (SDF), as an important supplement to routine semen parameters, has been proposed to discriminate between fertile and infertile men, and predicts the outcomes of natural conception and in vitro fertilization. Unfortunately there are uncertainty and contradictory evidences regarding the importance of SDF. An important reason is the fact that significant and fundamental research about SDF is rare. This study was designed to characterize the microRNA (miRNA) expression profile in seminal plasma of normospermic patients with different SDF and their implications in human fertility. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS), a total of 897 human miRNAs were detected from 10 seminal plasma samples, out of which 431 differentially expressed miRNAs in 5 pairs of seminal plasma samples (each pair of seminal plasma samples obtained from the same male), with 14 miRNAs were identified in all the pairs. According to the fold change and expression level, 7 miRNAs including miR-374b-5p, miR-429, hsa-miR-26b-5p, miR-21-5p, miR-4257, miR-135b-5p and miR-134-5p were selected for further excavation. MiR-374b-5p and miR-26b-5p were significantly different in 3 sets of individual seminal plasma samples with different SDF from total 90 infertile patients (30 patients each set). Our results demonstrate that the profile of miR-374b and miR-26b with significantly decreased expression could be used as a first indication of increased SDF. And miR-374b and miR-26b could serve as adjunct biomarkers for the diagnosis of idiopathic infertile males.
Insights
Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) is linked to male infertility. This study identifies decreased miR-374b and miR-26b levels in seminal plasma as potential biomarkers for increased SDF and idiopathic infertility.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Molecular diagnostics
- Genetics
Background:
- Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) is a crucial factor in male fertility, yet its diagnostic significance remains debated due to limited fundamental research.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) in seminal plasma are emerging biomarkers for reproductive health, but their specific role in SDF is underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the miRNA expression profile in seminal plasma of normospermic individuals with varying SDF levels.
- To identify potential miRNA biomarkers associated with SDF and their implications in male infertility.
Main Methods:
- Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was employed to analyze miRNA expression in seminal plasma samples.
- Differential expression analysis identified key miRNAs, followed by validation in infertile patient cohorts with different SDF levels.
Main Results:
- NGS detected 897 human miRNAs, with 431 differentially expressed miRNAs identified across paired samples.
- Seven miRNAs, including miR-374b-5p and hsa-miR-26b-5p, were selected for further analysis.
- Significantly decreased expression of miR-374b-5p and miR-26b-5p was observed in infertile males with higher SDF.
Conclusions:
- Decreased levels of miR-374b and miR-26b in seminal plasma may serve as early indicators of elevated SDF.
- These miRNAs show potential as adjunct biomarkers for diagnosing idiopathic infertile males.
