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Updated: Oct 21, 2025
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Flow Cytometric Analysis of Biomarkers for Detecting Human Sperm Functional Defects
Published on: April 21, 2022
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Local renin angiotensin system and sperm DNA fragmentation
María Victoria Aparicio Prieto1, María Victoria Rodríguez Gallego2, Asier Valdivia Palacín3
1Human Reproduction Unit, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo 48903, Spain.
Asian Journal of Andrology
|September 8, 2021
Summary
The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) impacts male fertility. Fragmented DNA in spermatozoa correlates with reduced levels of key RAS receptors, suggesting impaired response to RAS peptides.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a crucial role in male reproductive functions.
- Sperm DNA integrity is a critical factor in male fertility.
- The interplay between RAS and sperm DNA integrity requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between the renin-angiotensin system and sperm DNA integrity in male volunteers.
- To analyze the expression and activity of key RAS components in relation to DNA fragmentation levels.
Main Methods:
- Fifty male volunteers were categorized into control (DNA fragmentation ≤20%) and pathological (>20%) groups.
- Fluorometric assays measured peptidase activities regulating RAS components.
- Flow cytometry and semiquantitative assays assessed RAS components and their receptors (AT1R, AT2R, AT4R, PRR, MasR).
Main Results:
- Amineptidase N (APN/CD13) activity was lower in sperm with DNA fragmentation.
- Receptor expression showed significant differences: AT2R and (pro)renin receptor (PRR) were higher in non-fragmented spermatozoa.
- AT1R, AT4R, and MasR labeling showed no significant differences between groups.
Conclusions:
- Spermatozoa with fragmented DNA exhibit reduced levels of AT2R and PRR.
- These findings suggest that fragmented DNA spermatozoa have a diminished capacity to respond to bioactive RAS peptides.
- The RAS, particularly specific receptors, may be involved in maintaining sperm DNA integrity.
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