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Impact of Escherichia coli Outer Membrane Vesicles on Sperm Function

Veronica Folliero1, Marianna Santonastaso2, Federica Dell'Annunziata1

  • 1Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy.

Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 27, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) from Escherichia coli impair human sperm function. These bacterial vesicles reduce sperm motility and increase DNA fragmentation, contributing to male infertility.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Microbiology
  • Andrology

Background:

  • Reproductive tract infections cause about 15% of male infertility.
  • Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the most common bacteria found in infertile men's semen.
  • Gram-negative bacteria produce outer membrane vesicles (OMVs).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of E. coli outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) in human sperm function.
  • To determine the impact of OMVs on sperm vitality, motility, morphology, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and DNA fragmentation.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and characterization of E. coli OMVs using ultracentrifugation, SDS-PAGE, TEM, and DLS.
  • Exposure of human sperm to isolated OMVs (8 µg/mL) for varying durations (30, 45, 60, and 90 minutes).
  • Evaluation of sperm vitality, motility, morphology, intracellular ROS, and DNA fragmentation.

Main Results:

  • OMVs significantly reduced progressive sperm motility and increased immotile spermatozoa after 30 minutes.
  • A significant increase in intracellular ROS and sperm DNA fragmentation was observed at all tested exposure times.
  • OMVs were characterized and confirmed to be involved in altering sperm function.

Conclusions:

  • Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) from E. coli negatively impact human sperm function.
  • OMVs contribute to male infertility by impairing sperm motility and causing DNA fragmentation.
  • These findings highlight a novel mechanism by which bacterial infections can lead to male infertility.
Keywords:
Escherichia colifertilityouter membrane vesicle

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