Telomeric RNAs, TERRA, as a Potential Biomarker for Spermatozoa Quality

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Genetics
• Biomarkers

Background:

• Idiopathic male infertility affects a significant portion of the population.
• Telomeres and telomeric repeat-containing RNAs (TERRA) are implicated in cellular aging and function.
• Understanding molecular factors in sperm is crucial for diagnosing male infertility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate long non-coding telomeric repeat-containing RNAs (TERRA) and telomere length in sperm of normozoospermic and oligoasthenozoospermic men.
• To assess the potential of these telomeric parameters as biomarkers for idiopathic male infertility.
• To correlate telomeric parameters with seminal parameters and embryo quality.

Main Methods:

• Observational prospective study comparing two groups of men (normozoospermic and oligoasthenozoospermic) aged 40 and above.
• Fertility parameters analyzed in men undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection with donor oocytes.
• Telomeric RNAs and telomere length measured using quantitative fluorescent in situ hybridization (qFISH).

Main Results:

• Oligoasthenozoospermic men exhibited shorter mean telomere length and altered telomere length distribution.
• A higher percentage of spermatozoa with more than 3 telomeric RNA foci was observed in the oligoasthenozoospermic group.
• A positive correlation was found between telomeric RNA intensity and sperm progressive motility in normozoospermic men.

Conclusions:

• Telomeric parameters are altered in spermatozoa of men with oligoasthenozoospermia.
• Telomeric RNA levels and telomere length may serve as potential biomarkers for male infertility and sperm quality.
• Further research is needed to validate these findings for clinical application.