Evaluation of TNP1 and PRM1 gene expression in male infertility patients with low or high sperm DNA fragmentation.

OBJECTIVE

The transition nuclear protein 1 (TNP1) gene is a member of the TNP family and is abundantly expressed during spermatogenesis. Protamine 1 (PRM1), another sperm nuclear protein, is abundant in many species. The present study aimed to evaluate transition nuclear protein 1 (TNP1) and protamine 1 (PRM1) gene expression in infertile male patients with low and high sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF).

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Semen samples (n=100) were obtained from male participants undertaking treatment with intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The expression levels of TNP1 and PRM1 were measured using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The data were compared with statistical tests, (independent samples T- or Mann-Whitney U) as appropriate. A p<0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Patients with low-SDF exhibited a significantly lower sperm concentration compared to those with high-SDF (p=0.002). There was significant down regulation of TNP1 (p=0.036) and PRM1 (p=0.04) in patients exhibiting high-SDF levels compared to those with low-SDF levels. A significant moderate positive correlation was observed between the relative expression levels of TNP1 and PRM1 (r=0.459, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

In the present study TNP1 and PRM1 were differentially expressed in male patients being treated for infertility and who had low or high-SDF.