GRP78, a resident endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone involved in protein transport, folding and assembly, has been reported in sperm. It is shown to be localized in the neck region of human sperm. We have previously reported GRP78 to be less phosphorylated in asthenozoosperm.The present study aimed to determine whether sperm GRP78 undergoes phosphorylation changes during epididymal maturation...

The lipid composition of the sperm membrane has a significant effect upon the functional characteristics of spermatozoa. In the present study we investigated the fatty acid (FA) composition of subpopulations of spermatozoa separated on a discontinuous Percoll gradient (47:90%) and the FA composition of phospholipids (PL) of sperm heads and tails in both normal and abnormal semen samples. In nor...

BACKGROUND There is clinical evidence to show that sperm DNA damage could be a marker of sperm quality and extensive data exist on the relationship between DNA damage and male fertility status. Detecting such damage in sperm could provide new elements besides semen parameters in diagnosing male infertility. We aimed to assess sperm DNA fragmentation and oxidation and to study the association be...

Excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) beyond the scavenging capacity of antioxidants leads to DNA damage and oxidation of lipoprotein components at the cellular and subcellular level. The oxidative stress (OS) adversely affects sperm function by altering membrane fluidity, permeability and impairs sperm functional competence. In the present study, the OS status in seminal plasma and blood serum ...

background: the lipids of the spermatozoa membrane are important for the fluidity and flexibility of spermatozoa. however, spermatozoa’s lipids are the main substrates for peroxidation, which may provoke severe functional disorder of sperm. objective: the aim of this study was to investigate the fatty acids composition of spermatozoa in men with asthenozoospermia, asthenoteratozoospermia and ol...

Background Estrogens biosynthesis in ejaculated spermatozoa is an autonomous process that may influence sperm functions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the expression of aromatase, sperm quality and seminal neutral α–glucosidase marker in semen of Tunisian infertile men. MaterialsAndMethods Fifty seven men were investigated: they were composed of two groups: ...

background: progesterone has been suggested to contribute to the regulation of spermatogenesis and to facilitate the production of viable sperm. investigations have showed that polymorphism of progesterone receptor (pgr) is associated with some diseases. objective: to analyze the potential relationship between male infertility and the +331g/a and progins polymorphisms of pgr gene. materials and...

Background: It is stated that pentoxifyline can improve sperm motility and suggested to use in ART for asthenozoospermia. But, probable effect of this drug on sperm DNA in unknown. Our main goal was to evaluate the impact of pentoxifyline on sperm DNA fragmentation. Materials and Methods: Thirty eight asthenozoospermic patients were selected for this prospective study. After direct swim-up, spe...

Background: Oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant levels have been projected as a potential factors involved in the pathophysiology of diverse male infertility types, including asthenospermia. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the male reproductive tract has become an actual concern because of their probable noxious effects, at high levels, on physical properties of sperm ...