Sperm DNA Fragmentation and Sperm-Borne MiRNAs: Molecular Biomarkers of Embryo Development?

Overview

Journal Int J Mol Sci

Publisher MDPI

Specialties Biochemistry
Chemistry
Molecular Biology

Date 2023 Jan 21

PMID 36674527

Authors

Anna Chiara Conflitti

Gaia Cicolani

Alessandra Buonacquisto

Francesco Pallotti

Fabiana Faja

Serena Bianchini

Giovanna Blacona

Sabina Maria Bruno

Antonella Linari

Marco Lucarelli

Diletta Montanino

Ludovico Muzii

Andrea Lenzi

Francesco Lombardo

Donatella Paoli

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The evaluation of morpho-functional sperm characteristics alone is not enough to explain infertility or to predict the outcome of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): more sensitive diagnostic tools are needed in clinical practice. The aim of the present study was to analyze Sperm DNA Fragmentation (SDF) and sperm-borne miR-34c-5p and miR-449b-5p levels in men of couples undergoing ART, in order to investigate any correlations with fertilization rate, embryo quality and development. Male partners (n = 106) were recruited. Semen analysis, SDF evaluation and molecular profiling analysis of miR-34c-5p and miR-449b-5p (in 38 subjects) were performed. Sperm DNA Fragmentation evaluation- a positive correlation between SDF post sperm selection and the percentage of low-quality embryos and a negative correlation with viable embryo were found. SDF > 2.9% increased the risk of obtaining a non-viable embryo by almost 4-fold. Sperm miRNAs profile—we found an association with both miRNAs and sperm concentration, while miR-449b-5p is positively associated with SDF. Moreover, the two miRNAs are positively correlated. Higher levels of miR-34c-5p compared to miR-449b-5p increases by 14-fold the probability of obtaining viable embryos. This study shows that SDF, sperm miR-34c-5p, and miR-449b-5p have a promising role as biomarkers of semen quality and ART outcome.

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