Proteomic Profiles of Seminal Plasma in Individuals with Secondary Infertility: Insights into the Involvement of Oxidative Stress.

Background/

Objectives

Male infertility, including primary and secondary infertility, is significantly influenced by oxidative stress, which disrupts sperm function and fertility. Seminal plasma, a protein-rich fluid essential for sperm protection and function, represents a valuable source for identifying biomarkers through proteomic analysis. While previous studies have explored seminal plasma proteins in fertility, the specific proteomic changes associated with oxidative stress in secondary infertility remain unclear. This study aimed to characterize these alterations by analyzing seminal plasma from three groups: men with secondary infertility, fertile donors with high oxidative stress, and fertile donors without oxidative stress.

Methods

Pooled semen samples from each group underwent quantitative proteomics analysis using advanced mass spectrometry, with subsequent bioinformatic analysis using tools like DAVID, STRING, and IPA for identifying differentially expressed proteins (DEPs).

Results

Quantitative proteomic analysis identified 377 DEPs in secondary infertility and 523 DEPs in fertile donors with high oxidative stress compared to controls. Bioinformatic analysis revealed seven shared pathways, including acute-phase response signaling, organismal injury, cellular movement, cell-to-cell signaling, free radical scavenging, immune cell trafficking, and Hematological system development. Notably, C3 and SERPINA3 exhibited significant alterations, along with proteins involved in sperm motility, capacitation, and fertilization, suggesting their potential roles in impaired fertility.

Conclusions

These findings underscore the link between oxidative stress and secondary infertility and highlight specific seminal plasma proteins as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for diagnosing and treating male infertility.