Investigation of molecular cryopreservation, fertility potential and microRNA-mediated apoptosis in Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia men

Investigation of the cryo-injury mechanism can provide novel insight into cryopreservation. The objective of this study is to assess the effect of cryopreservation on fertility potential, motility, oxidative stress (OS), DNA fragmentation, microRNAs (miRNAs), and apoptotic target genes in the infertile men compared to the fertile men. All 40 samples were divided into two leading groups of fresh and cryopreserved sperms. Each main group was subdivided into three groups including, Normozoospermia, and Mild, and Severe Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT). In all collected samples the following were assessed: microRNA-34c (miR-34c) and miR-184, P53 and Caspase9 using Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) using imaging multi-mode reader, and DNA fragmentation using Sperm DNA Fragmentation Assay Test (SDFA). Within the studied groups, immotile spermatozoa were increased due to cryopreservation. We observed an increasing levels of SOD, MDA, and DNA fragmentation. Also, cryopreservation was associated with decreasing the expression of P53, mir-43c, and miR-184 while capase9 was showed enhancing expression after freeze-thawing of sperm cells. During cryopreservation, sperm fertility and motility were influenced via apoptosis cascade-mediated mitochondrial dysfunctions such as caspase9. Also, we found that miR-34c, miR184, and P53 could impact fertility potential. In Addition, there was a meaningful correlations between microRNAs and motility post freeze-thawing process in Severe Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia men.

Automated summary

The study aimed to assess the impact of cryopreservation on fertility potential, motility, oxidative stress, DNA fragmentation, microRNAs, and apoptotic target genes in infertile men compared to fertile men. Cryopreservation led to an increase in immotile sperm, as well as elevated levels of SOD, MDA, and DNA fragmentation. It also resulted in decreased expression of P53, miR-34c, and miR-184, while enhancing expression of Caspase9 post freeze-thawing of sperm cells. Therefore, cryopreservation affects sperm fertility and motility through apoptosis-mediated mitochondrial dysfunctions.