P-12: Direct Evaluation of HspA2 in Fertile and Infertile Individuals

Background: Heat-shock protein A2 (HspA2) is a testis-specific member of the HSP70 family known to play a critical role in spermatogenic cell differentiation. HSPA2 is correlated with sperm maturity, function and fertility, and diminished expression of HSPA2 results in abnormal sperm maturity and infertility. The aim of this study was to assess maturity of ejaculated spermatozoa via comparing percentage of HSPA2 expression in fertile and infertile individuals by flow cytometry and Western blot. Materials and Methods: This study included 33 fertile and infertile individuals. Percentage of HSPA2 expression was compared by flow cytometry and Western blot. Results: Percentage of HSPA2 expression significantly lower in infertile individuals when compared to fertile individuals by using two procedures. Conclusion: In this study for the first time, we research on the direct evaluation of HSPA2 in fertile and infertile individuals by using flow cytometry, that has high advantage such as precise, rapid and assessment of large number of sperm in short time. Percentages of this maturation marker were higher in fertile compared infertile individuals. For confirm this result, we used western blot technique, which observed same outcome.