Oxidative Stress-Associated Alterations in Sperm ACTL7A Expression and Function in Men With Varicocele

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Andrology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Actin-like 7A (ACTL7A) is a crucial testis-specific protein for sperm development and fertilization.
• Varicocele, a common cause of male infertility, involves oxidative and thermal stress that may impact ACTL7A.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the expression of ACTL7A gene and protein in the sperm of infertile men with varicocele.
• To correlate ACTL7A levels with sperm quality and markers of oxidative stress and chromatin integrity.

Main Methods:

• Semen analysis (WHO 2021), redox status, chromatin packaging (CMA3, Aniline Blue), DNA integrity (SCSA), and ACTL7A expression (qRT-PCR, Western blot) were performed.
• Samples were obtained from 35 infertile men with varicocele and 35 fertile controls.

Main Results:

• Varicocele group showed reduced sperm quality, elevated oxidative stress, and impaired chromatin packaging compared to controls.
• Significantly lower ACTL7A gene and protein expression was observed in varicocele patients (p < 0.05).
• Reduced ACTL7A expression correlated inversely with chromatin packaging defects and protamine deficiency (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• ACTL7A gene and protein are significantly downregulated in varicocele, contributing to defective sperm chromatin remodeling and head formation.
• This study establishes a link between varicocele-induced oxidative stress and reduced ACTL7A, identifying it as a potential biomarker of testicular dysfunction.
• Further research is warranted to explore therapeutic interventions and the impact of varicocele severity on reproductive outcomes.