The Correlation of Sperm microRNA-149b and 34c expression and sperm quality in men with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Biology, Qom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran

2 Department of Reproductive Biology, Academic Center for Education Culture and Research (ACECR), Qom, Iran

10.22074/ijfs.2024.2013568.1555

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between the expression levels of sperm microRNA-149b and 34c and sperm quality in men diagnosed with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia.

Methods: In the Experimental study, we recruited 30 infertile men with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia and 30 control samples. In this study, miR -149b and miR 34c expression using RT-qPCR were evaluated. Semen samples were collected and subjected to initial analysis, including semen parameters, following the protocol provided by the World Health Organization (WHO). The levels of Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured using an ELISA kit.

Results: The expression levels of miR-149b and miR-34c were significantly downregulated in men with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia compared to age-matched normozoospermic men, as determined by RT-qPCR (P=0.01, and P=0.03 respectively). Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between the expression levels of miR-149b and miR-34c and various sperm parameters, including sperm count, motility, morphology, viability, sperm mitochondrial membrane potential, sperm capacity, and TAC. Additionally, an inverse correlation was observed between the expression levels of miR-149b, miR-34c, DNA fragmentation, and MDA levels.

Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that the decreased expression of miR-149b and miR-34c is associated with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, potentially affecting fundamental semen parameters. These results provide a basis for future research aimed at exploring potential therapeutic interventions for male infertility.

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Main Subjects

International Journal of Fertility and Sterility

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 12 February 2024

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