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Research code: 82058
Ethics code: IR.GUILAN.REC.1403.166
1- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran.
Abstract: (303 Views)
Background: The sphingolipid composition of the sperm membrane—particularly sphingomyelin—plays a critical role in membrane stability and fertilization-related processes. Two isoenzymes, sphingomyelin synthase (SGMS1 and SGMS2), catalyze the final step of sphingomyelin biosynthesis and may influence sperm quality.
Objective: This study aimed to compare the expression of SGMS1 and SGMS2, as well as sperm viability and acrosome reaction, in oligozoospermic men.
Methods: In a cross-sectional design, 20 semen samples were collected from men attending the Al-Zahra Infertility Center in Rasht. Based on WHO criteria, samples were classified into oligozoospermic (n=10) and normozoospermic (n=10) groups. Gene expression was assessed via qPCR using GAPDH as a reference. Sperm viability and acrosome integrity were evaluated using triple staining and microscopy. Group comparisons were performed using two-tailed t-tests (α=0.05).
Results: SGMS1 expression was 2.3-fold higher and SGMS2 expression was reduced by approximately 45% in the oligozoospermic group. The percentage of sperm with intact acrosomes decreased from 66.76% in the normozoospermic group to 48.53% in the oligozoospermic group, while viability declined from 82.26% to 48.83% (P<0.0001 for both).
Conclusion: The concurrent increase in SGMS1 and decrease in SGMS2 may disrupt the ceramide/diacylglycerol balance, compromising sperm membrane stability and reducing viability and acrosomal responsiveness. The SGMS1/SGMS2 ratio may serve as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target in male infertility management.
Objective: This study aimed to compare the expression of SGMS1 and SGMS2, as well as sperm viability and acrosome reaction, in oligozoospermic men.
Methods: In a cross-sectional design, 20 semen samples were collected from men attending the Al-Zahra Infertility Center in Rasht. Based on WHO criteria, samples were classified into oligozoospermic (n=10) and normozoospermic (n=10) groups. Gene expression was assessed via qPCR using GAPDH as a reference. Sperm viability and acrosome integrity were evaluated using triple staining and microscopy. Group comparisons were performed using two-tailed t-tests (α=0.05).
Results: SGMS1 expression was 2.3-fold higher and SGMS2 expression was reduced by approximately 45% in the oligozoospermic group. The percentage of sperm with intact acrosomes decreased from 66.76% in the normozoospermic group to 48.53% in the oligozoospermic group, while viability declined from 82.26% to 48.83% (P<0.0001 for both).
Conclusion: The concurrent increase in SGMS1 and decrease in SGMS2 may disrupt the ceramide/diacylglycerol balance, compromising sperm membrane stability and reducing viability and acrosomal responsiveness. The SGMS1/SGMS2 ratio may serve as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target in male infertility management.
Keywords: Oligozoospermia, Normozoospermia, Sphingomyelin Synthase, Sperm Survival, Acrosome Reaction
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