Presence Of Antisperm Antibodies Research Articles

Advancements in the detection and implications of sperm-immobilizing antibodies in female infertility

This review highlights over five decades of research on sperm-immobilizing antibodies (SI-Abs), which are crucial for understanding female infertility due to their effects on sperm motility and fertilization. Since the 1960s, Isojima et al. have made significant strides, notably with the Sperm Immobilization Test (SIT), which revolutionized the quantification of SI-Abs and their roles in infertility. Drawing from a comprehensive PubMed search on "the sperm immobilization test" and "sperm immobilizing antibody," our review underscores the critical insights gained into SI-Abs' impact on reproductive functions. SI-Abs result from the body's response to sperm antigens, potentially leading to infertility by affecting post-intercourse sperm function. However, the presence of anti-sperm antibodies does not guarantee infertility, indicating a complex relationship between these antibodies and reproductive outcomes. Isojima et al.'s pioneering studies paved the way for SIT and sperm immobilization titer (SI50), tools that have clarified the link between SI-Abs and infertility, focusing on disrupted sperm mobility and fertilization as key infertility mechanisms. Clinically, interventions such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF), which bypasses or eliminates SI-Abs, have improved pregnancy rates, whereas Freund's complete adjuvant therapy has deepened our understanding of infertility mechanisms. The SI50 value is crucial for predicting fertility treatment success and guiding therapeutic decisions based on antibody levels. In summary, the evolution of SI-Abs research has provided new hope for addressing infertility, significantly enriching the field of reproductive immunology, and highlighting the need for ongoing investigation.

The correlation between human seminal plasma sialoproteins and ejaculate parameters

Sialic acids are negatively charged carbohydrates that are components of saccharide chains covalently linked to macromolecules. Sialylated glycoproteins are important for most biological processes, including reproduction, where they are associated with spermatogenesis, sperm motility, immune responses, and fertilization. Changes in the glycoprotein profile or sialylation in glycoproteins are likely to affect the quality of ejaculate. The aim of this study was to determine differences in the degree of sialylation between normozoospermic ejaculates and ejaculates with a pathological spermiogram using two lectins, Sambucus nigra (SNA) and Maackia amurensis (MAL II/MAA) recognizing α-2,6 or α-2,3 linkage of Sia to galactosyl residues. Our results show a close relationship between seminal plasma (SP) sialoproteins and the presence of anti-sperm antibodies in the ejaculate, apoptotic spermatozoa, and ejaculate quality. Using mass spectrometry, we identified SP sialoproteins such as, semenogelins, glycodelin, prolactin-inducible protein, lactotransferrin, and clusterin that are associated with spermatozoa and contribute to the modulation of the immune response and sperm apoptosis. Our findings suggest a correlation between the degree of SP glycoprotein sialylation and the existence of possible pathological states of spermatozoa and reproductive organs. Glycoproteins sialylation represents a potential parameter reflecting the overall quality of ejaculate and could potentially be utilised in diagnostics.

Relationship between antisperm antibodies and seminogram characteristics

Background: Autoimmunity to spermatozoa could compromise male fertility in at least three fundamental areas: Interfering with the creation of normal amounts of spermatozoa, decreasing their ability to migrate, and impairing their ability to engage with ovum. Objective: This study's objective was to assess the association between infertile male individuals' seminogram features and the existence of antisperm antibodies. Material and Methods: In the present study semen analysis was done by sperm quality analyzer II CP and antisperm antibody by varelisa sperm antibodies enzyme immunoassay kit. Statistical Analysis: The data obtained was analyzed by using mean + standard deviation and chi-square test. Results: The presence of antisperm antibodies in the serum of infertile male was statistically not significant with their seminogram characteristics. Conclusion: Presence of antisperm antibodies in serum of subjects with different seminogram characteristics without any significant difference proved that ASA may not be involved directly in affecting seminogram parameters.

ФИЗИОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ ОСОБЕННОСТИ НАТИВНОЙ И ДЕКОНСЕРВИРОВАННОЙ СПЕРМЫ КОТОВ С РАЗНЫМ АНТИГЕННЫМ ПРОФИЛЕМ ЭРИТРОЦИТОВ

The presence of antisperm antibodies in the blood and secretions of the genital tract can inhibit the interaction of spermatozoa with eggs, and they can inhibit the development of zygotes after fertilization. Therefore, the identification and study of antigens that can reduce reproductive function is of great importance for understanding their relationship with infertility and with antisperm antibodies. The physiological features of native and frozen-thawed sperm of cats with different antigenic profile of erythrocytes by blood groups were established. The mobility of native spermatozoa was the lowest in cats of blood group AB, which is 6.45% less (P<0.001) than the mobility of spermatozoa in animals with blood group A and 6.73% less (P<0.001) than the activity of spermatozoa in cats with the blood group blood B. The concentration in all ejaculates was from 78 to 425 million / ml. The highest sperm concentration was in cats with blood type AB, which is 0.64 million/ml more than in blood group B and 32.57 million/ml more (P<0.01) in cats with blood type A. The largest number of pathological forms of spermatozoa were found by us in cats with blood type AB, which is 4.34% more (P<0.05) from blood group A and 5.15% more (P<0.05) from cats with blood type B. The data obtained allow us to conclude that for the creation of cryobanks of sperm production, cats with blood type A or B are most desirable. blood group B and 5.55% more (P<0.01) from animals with blood group AB. The data obtained allow us to state that the physiological usefulness of germ cells of cats of Russian selection is better in cats with blood type A or B. hours more (P<0.05) from blood group B and 0.68 hours more (P<0.001) from animals of blood group AB.

Detection of antisperm antibodies in blood sera of rams naturally infected with Brucella ovis

Brucella ovis causes epididymitis and infertility in rams, however, the presence of antisperm antibodies in blood sera, associated with the infection has been little studied. The objective of this investigation was to show the presence of antisperm antibodies in the blood sera of 90 seropositive rams, naturally infected with B. ovis. Additionally, the presence of the antisperm IgA and IgG isotypes was evaluated by ELISA in 90 blood sera from 30 adult ewes, 30 four-month-old female lambs and 30 clinically healthy adult rams, seronegative to B. ovis used as controls. The molecular weight of the antigenic proteins of the sperm antigen was measured by immunoblotting. Blood sera from naturally infected rams showed a higher concentration of IgA and IgG antisperm antibodies compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). The molecular weights of the antigenic proteins were 14.6 and 17.8 kDa respectively. The presence of antisperm antibodies in rams naturally infected with B. ovis could be associated with the immune response against the bacteria, with the consequent infertility of the infected animals.

Correlation between the levels of anti-sperm antibodies and some cytokines in the seminal plasma with sperm parameters and leukocytes concentration of infertile men

Background: The aim of this work is study the relationship between sperm parameters, anti-sperm antibody and some cytokines levels for infertile men. Semen samples were studied for 88 infertile men;of these (28) infertile men with normozoospermic, (29) with oligozoospermic and (31) with asthenozoospermic ,samples were collected from Fertility Centre in Al-Sadder teaching hospital in Al-Najaf / Iraq during the period of (2/11/ 2021) and (5/2/2022). All participants underwent seminal analysis and measurement of seminal plasma antisperm antibody and some cytokine. The result of the study showed negative correlation between antisperm antibody and of interleukin (IL-1and IL-6) with sperm parameter and posative correlation with leucocytes. The presence of leucocytes in the semen is associated with an increase in levels of interleukin (IL-1and IL-6) in the seminal plasma of infertile men. The presence of antisperm antibody and interleukin (IL-1and IL-6) in the seminal plasma is associated with a negative relationship in the semen quality of infertile men.

MАR-test and Spermiological Research Indices

Antisperm antibodies are detected in 3% to 25% of cases in men and women diagnosed with infertility. They can also be diagnosed in 1–10% of healthy fertile men. The presence of a high titer of AST is one of the factors of male infertility, which can be «hidden», i. e. not cause symptoms and deterioration of the overall spermogram. The objective: to analyze the results of sperm testing in men with antisperm antibodies, which were detected by MAR-test. Material and methods. A retrospective analysis of the examination results of 555 men was conducted on the basis of the Medical Center for Infertility Treatment in Chernivtsi. Spermograms were examined according to WHO recommendations in 2000, using an inverted microscope Olympus CKX41 in a Broker chamber. Determination of the percentage of sperm coated with antisperm antibodies was performed using the MAR-test (MAR-test, MAR-mixed antiglobulin reaction). Results. If we calculate the percentage of patients in whom we assume the connection between the presence of antisperm antibodies and undertaken surgery, genital infections and allergy history, we get only 48.3% of cases. It has been found that most changes in sperm counts correlate with the percentage of sperm that are coated with IgG. These data indicate that increased IgG levels play an important role in the development of pathospermia. A negative medium-strength correlation was found between the percentage of Category A sperm and the percentage of IgG-coated sperm. Persistence of IgG in semen is accompanied by a probable decrease in the morphological quality of sperm. Conclusion. In 52% of patients it was not possible to establish the etiological factor for the presence of Ig in the ejaculate. It has been found that most changes in sperm counts correlate with the percentage of sperm that are coated with IgG. It has been determined that an increase in the level of IgA and IgG leads to a probable increase in the percentage of pathological sperm forms and decrease in sperm motility. In the presence of 30% of sperm that are coated with IgG, with a probability of 95%, the ejaculate of patients will have 100% of pathologicoalr mf s of sperm.

Is there a role of antisperm antibodies in women with unexplained infertility - a Turkish pilot cross sectional case control study

Aim: Although some studies indicate that the presence of antisperm antibody (ASA) is important in the etiology of female infertility, this remains a controversial issue. The aim of this study was to determine whether the presence of ASA was important or not in primary and secondary unexplained infertility patients.Materials and Methods: Female patients (n = 90) were divided into three groups as follows: the primary infertility group (n = 30), the secondary infertility group (n = 28) and a control group (n = 32). In addition to laparoscopic evaluations, the presence of ASA in the study groups was also examined in serum and peritoneal washing liquid. The ASA - immunoglobulin G was measured using the Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) method with a qualitative measurement kit.Results: When the demographic data were analyzed, it was observed that the study groups were homogeneous in terms of age and period of infertility. The results of the study demonstrated that, when compared to the secondary infertility and control groups, the ASA positivity in the serum in the primary infertility group was significant (p 0.05).Conclusion: This study showed that the presence of ASA in serum may be an impact on the etiology of unexplained primary infertility.

The Presence of Antisperm Antibodies in Semen of Subfertile Men—Positive ASA in Subfertile Men

Background: In more than 50% of male subfertility, the aetiology remains unknown. Antisperm antibodies (ASA) might be involved, however the exact role of ASA in unexplained male subfertility is not clear, yet. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine 1) the prevalence of ASA in subfertile men, 2) the possible causes of the presence of ASA, and 3) the influence of ASA on sperm parameters and fertilization including assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and pregnancy outcomes. Study Design, Size, Duration: In this retrospective single center study, all men with semen analyses between January 2003 and December 2017 were included as well as all subfertile couples getting treatment if at least one sperm analysis showed a spermMar test ≥50%. Methods: Collected parameters were: intoxications, medication and professions that could have an adverse effect on fertility, sperm parameters, the type and amount of ART, mode of conception, pregnancy rates and outcomes. Results: 3098 semen analyses were performed. In total, 233 ASA positive men were observed, including 175 subfertile couples with an ASA positive man in the additional analyses. The prevalence of ASA in the subfertile population was 8.2%. The presence of ASA was significantly associated with the presence of oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT), asthenoteratozoospermia and asthenozoospermia (p = 0.008, p = 0.004, and p = 0.02 respectively). However, 50% of the couples with an ASA positive man became pregnant without ART. Conclusions: The presence of ASA did not seem to have a negative effect on spontaneously pregnancy rates or pregnancy rates after ART. Therefore, it might be justified to advice 6 - 12 months expectant management, before starting ART in ASA positive men.

Do assisted reproduction outcomes differ according to aetiology of obstructive azoospermia?

Azoospermia is defined as absence of spermatozoa and may be secondary to blocked seminal ducts, known as obstructive azoospermia. Semen quality may be impaired due to factors such as sperm cell DNA fragmentation and presence of antisperm antibodies. The objective of this article was to investigate potential differences in outcomes of in vitro fertilisation and intracytoplasmic sperm injection between groups with different obstruction aetiology, as well as between the use of different techniques and sperm cells of different origins. Retrospective, multi-centre analysis of 621 first cycles was carried out between 2008 and 2015: Group I, congenital obstruction, 45 patients and Group 2, vasectomy, 576 patients. Sperm cell retrieval was achieved in all cases. Results were similar forGroup I and II fertilisation rates, 70% versus 66.85% (p=.786); pregnancy rates, 42.5% versus 41.46% (p=.896); and live birth rates, 29.73% versus 17.69% (p=.071). According to sperm cell origin (579 epididymal vs. 42 testicular), pregnancy rates, 41.47% versus 43.9% (p=.760); andlive birth rates, 18.3% versus 27.78% (p=.163)had no difference. Fertilisation, pregnancy and live birth rates did not differ according to obstruction aetiology. Outcomes did not differ between groups according to sperm cell origin.

Use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in normospermic men may result in lower clinical pregnancy and live birth rates.

While intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was developed for overcoming male infertility, it is increasingly being used for non-male factor indications, without consensus regarding the safety and efficacy of this approach. To determine whether ICSI offers any benefit compared to standard in vitro fertilisation (IVF), in the setting of normal semen parameters. Retrospective analysis of reproductive outcomes in 3363 stimulated cycles (IVF = 1661; ICSI = 1702), in patients treated between 2009-2015, was performed. Selected couples had no male factor infertility. Couples with abnormal semen parameters (based on WHO 2010 guidelines), presence of anti-sperm antibodies and low oocyte yield of ≤4 oocytes, were excluded. The outcomes analysed included: (1) fertilisation rate (FR); (2) clinical pregnancy rate (CPR); and (3) live birth rate (LBR), by method of fertilisation used (IVF vs ICSI) and controlling for significant confounders. FR, CPR and LBR were significantly higher in the IVF group compared with ICSI (67.1% vs 62.3%, 23.06% vs 16.8%, 17.22% vs 13.2%, respectively). Pregnancy rate with ICSI was approximately 30% lower than with IVF, even when controlling for significant factors such as day of embryo transfer and number of embryos transferred. This translates to one less pregnancy in every 15 cycles where ICSI was used without clear indication. Our data suggest that ICSI may be detrimental to clinical outcomes and contributes to the wider understanding of use of ICSI in normospermic men.

Elevated level of antisperm antibodies as a risk factor for unfavorable pregnancy outcome after use of assisted reproductive technology

The study objective is to analyze the connection between the level ofantisperm antibodies and pregnancy outcomes in pairs who underwent in vitro fertilization procedure due to secondary infertility. Materials and methods . At the center for family planning and reproduction V.N. Gorodkov Ivanovo Scientific Research Institute for Maternity and Childhood, a prospective cohort study of 46 women with a history of recurrent miscarriage and secondary infertility developed in the last year which became an indication for use of assisted reproductive technologies was performed. A comparative analysis of spermograms and MAR test results prior to ART was performed. The group 1 included pairs with MAR test result &gt;10 %, the group 2 — MAR test result &lt;10 %. Results. Forty-one percent (41 %) of pregnancies in the group 1 and 82.3 % of pregnancies in the group 2 resulted in term normal birth (p &lt;0.05). A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.36) between elevated IgG level and unfavorable pregnancy outcome (miscarriage) was observed. Elevated level of antisperm antibodies increased the risk of miscarriage by 6.57 (1.67—25.78). Conclusion. Presence of antisperm antibodies on the surface of spermatozoa dramatically worsens pregnancy outcome prognosis even if the number of covered spermatozoa is between 10 and 49 %. This characteristic can be used as a predictor for reproductive failure.

Detection of antisperm antibodies in patients with unexplained infertility

Objective: To detect Antisperm antibodies in Patient’s with unexplained infertility. Method: This study was undertaken in 50 patient of unexplained infertility who were admitted in the indoor ward and those attending outpatient Department of obs and Gynae of M.L.N Medical College, Prayagraj. fifty couples with no organic cause for infertility were selected for this study.25.58% of couples with primary unexplained infertility showed positive ASA while only 14.42% of couples with secondary unexplained infertility showed positive results.No correlation was present between the presence of ASA and duration of infertility,socio economic status and ethnic group. Result: Antisperm antibody has a high predictive value for the patient with unexplained infertility. Presence of antisperm antibody was a more accurate predictor of Unexplained infertility than other historical risk factors. The serological test is rapid and non-invasive, and our data suggests that it would be useful in investigation of infertility. Conclusion: Antisperm antibody is a Sensitive, specific, easy, non-invasive and reliable test for diagnosis of Unexplained infertility

Anti-Sperm Antibodies: Prevalence of Ig A and Ig G Positive Serology among Infertile Patients in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo

Introduction: Infertility in a couple is a stressful situation. Among the causes is the presence of antisperm antibodies that play a harmful role in reducing fertility and negatively influencing in vitro fertilization. The aim of this study is to determine their prevalence among infertile patients in Kisangani. Patients and methods: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study in health facilities in the city of Kisangani. Of the 1379 patients who consulted for conception, 311 were tested for antisperm antibodies by ELISA. Results: Of the 311 patients, 121 tested positive (38.91%). Women were significantly more likely to be positive (p-value = 0.013). Ig G was positive in 32.48% of patients and Ig A in 10.93%. Age was a significant predictor of the number of positive patients (p-value < 0.001). Compared to patients of ≤30 years of age, having 31 to 40 years of age or 41 years of age and older increased respectively 2 and 3 times the risk of being positive. In secondary infertility, women are twice as likely to be positive. Conclusion: The prevalence of antisperm antibodies is very high among infertile patients in Kisangani with predominance among women. Older age increases the risk of positivity. This test should therefore be integrated into infertility investigations as often as possible.

Antisperm antibodies as a factor of male infertility. Relevance, modern methods of diagnosis and treatment

According to WHO statistics 40 % of childless marriage is due to factors of male infertility. One of them is the presence of antisperm antibodies in the male organism, which may be in blood serum, on the surface of spermatozoids and seminal plasma. Aim. Оn the grounds of specialized literature analysis, to show the relevance of this problem in Reproductive Medicine, to descript Basic methods of Modern treatment and diagnosis of this pathology in the body of infertile males. The most common methods of antisperm antibodies identifying are: MAR-test sample Shuvarskiy–Sims–Hyuner, Kurtsrok–Miller test, the method of latex agglutination, solid-phase immunoenzymatic blood test. Indications for antisperm antibodies determining are: modified indices, deviations in post-coital test, a negative test of sperm and cervical mucus interaction in vitro, unexplained infertility in the married couples, failure or low indices during IVF ( in vitro fertilization) and of course, the exclusion of other causes of infertility. When antisperm antibodies are detected, the strategy of treatment may be destined to reduction of their titer for further pregnancy. Such types of therapy can be used: contraceptive (long-term use contraception barrier to reduce antisperm antibodies titer in women), plasmapheresis, artificial insemination with pretreated from antisperm antibodies husband's sperm, methods of assisted reproductive technologies. Conclusoins. The formation of antisperm antibodies leads to infertility of immunological genesis (in 20 % of couples with unexplained infertility). To confirm their presence in the male body it is necessary to perform the MAR-test, Shuvarsky test, other tests and, of course, the exclusion of other causes of infertility. Men of reproductive age with an immunological factor of infertility provides for a comprehensive treatment, including elimination of all possible causative and contributing factors of infertility (infection of the male reproductive system, varicocele etc.), decreased production and removal of spermatozoa-associated antisperm antibodies and assisted reproductive technologies – intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization.

Association between Helicobacter pylori infection and the presence of anti-sperm antibodies

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to investigate the possible association between serum anti-Helicobacter pylori antibodies and anti-sperm antibodies (ASA) in patients with gastroduodenal diseases caused by H. pylori, infertile patients positive for ASA and healthy fertile blood donors as controls. Serum ASA were studied by sperm agglutination tests, sperm immobilization test and ELISA against sperm antigens (ELISAsp). Serum IgG anti-H. pylori antibodies were detected by ELISA (ELISAHp). The tests revealed significantly higher incidence of ASA in patients with gastroduodenal diseases compared to the controls (P < 0.0001). The median levels of both types of antibodies were significantly higher in infertile patients than in patients with upper gastroduodenal diseases in all tests applied (sperm agglutination and immobilization tests P < 0.0001; ELISAsp P = 0.006; ELISAHp, P = 0.0008). Significant linear correlation was found between anti-H. pylori antibodies and ASA detected by sperm immobilization test (r = 0.613, P = 0.05) in the group of patients with gastroduodenal disease, as well as a weak linear correlation was established between anti-H. pylori antibodies and ASA in ELISAsp (r = 0.275, P = 0.0051) in the same group. These results suggest that H. pylori infection may play a role in the induction of ASA.

The Effect of Infection With Genital Mycoplasma hominis and the Presence of Antisperm Antibodies in Iranian Women With Unexplained Infertility

Objectives: Mycoplasma hominis (M. hominis) infection is considered as one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. Antibodies against sperm can influence fertilization through different mechanisms. These two factors can affect women’s fertility status. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between infection with genital M. hominis and the presence of antisperm antibodies (ASA). Materials and Methods: Case-control study was conducted using 50 patients with primary or secondary infertility as a case group and 50 healthy women as a control group in Sarem’s women hospital. DNA was extracted from urine samples and the presence of M. hominis (past infection) was determined by PCR. In addition, the presence of antibody against M. hominis in the serum (current infection) was assessed by ELISA. On the other hand, the presence of ASA was further evaluated by IgG-MAR test in the serum. Results: Our results clearly demonstrated that the prevalence of M. hominis (evaluated by PCR) in the two groups was not significantly different. Furthermore, the presence of antibodies against M. hominis and sperm was not significantly different as compared between fertile and infertile women. Conclusion: The current study demonstrated that there is no distinct association between current or past infection with M. hominis and the levels of antisperm antibody in women with unexplained infertility. This result can be due to limitation in antiserum used in

Presence of human papillomavirus in semen in relation to semen quality.

Is the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in semen associated with impairment of semen quality? In a large cohort of males seeking fertility evaluation, no associations were observed between seminal HPV presence and semen parameters. HPV is commonly detected in semen samples. Whether the presence of HPV is related to impairment of semen quality, remains unclear. This cross-sectional study included a cohort of 430 males. Male partners in couples seeking fertility evaluation provided one semen sample per person. Semen samples were tested for HPV-DNA using GP5+/6+-PCR. Sperm concentration was counted and motility was assessed in a Makler counting chamber at a magnification of ×200. The presence of antisperm antibodies was assessed by a mixed agglutination reaction (MAR)-test. Overall HPV was detected in 14.9% (64/430) of semen samples, including 2.1% (9/430) that contained both high-risk (hr) HPV and low-risk (lr) HPV types, 8.8% (38/430) with exclusively hrHPV types and 4.0% (17/430) with exclusively lrHPV types. The presence of HPV in semen was not associated with the age of the participants, seminal pH, semen volume, total sperm count, sperm concentration, progressive motility or the presence of antisperm antibodies. This study did not observe an association between HPV presence in semen and impairment of semen quality. However, we cannot exclude an effect of seminal HPV on early embryo development and clinical reproductive outcomes. As HPV is frequently present in semen, screening of donor semen for HPV should be considered to prevent iatrogenic cervical HPV infections in the recipient. However our findings do not support standardized HPV testing of semen in the diagnostic work-up of subfertile couples. This study was sponsored by an unrestricted grant of Stichting Researchfonds Pathology Amsterdam, the Netherlands. P.J.F.S. has been on the speakers bureau of Roche, Gen-Probe, Abbott, Qiagen and Seegene and has been a consultant for Crucell B.V. J.B. has been on the speakers bureau of Qiagen and has been a consultant for Roche, DDL Diagnostic Laboratory, GlaxoSmithKline and Merck. D.A.M.H. has been member of the scientific advisory boards of Amgen and Pfizer, and has been on the speakers bureau of Hologic/Gen-Probe. C.J.L.M.M. has been on the speakers bureau of GlaxoSmithKline, Qiagen, Merck, Roche, Menarini and Seegene, has served occasionally on the scientific advisory board of GlaxoSmithKline, Qiagen, Merck, Roche and Genticel, and has occasionally been a consultant for Qiagen. Formerly, C.J.L.M.M. was a minority shareholder of Delphi Biosciences, which bankrupted in 2014. C.J.L.M.M. is a minority shareholder of Diassay B.V. P.J.F.S., D.A.M.H. and C.J.L.M.M. have minority stake in Self-Screen B.V., a spin-off company of VU University Medical Center. R.L., M.G.D., P.G.A.H., D.T.M.P., and I.H. do not have any conflicts of interest to disclose. Not applicable.

Antisperm protein targets in azoospermia men.

BACKGROUND:The number of couples that meet the definition of infertility at reproductive ages is increasing worldwide. One of the most known conditions of infertility in males is azoospermia, defined as complete absence of spermatozoa in the semen. Azoospermia manifests in two forms, namely obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia. Although the presence of antisperm antibody (ASA) has been reported in 88% of the patients with obstructive azoospermia (OA), interestingly, there is no data regarding ASA targets in OA individuals.AIM:The present study aimed to identify sperm antibody targets in a group of OA men.SETTINGS AND DESIGN:The present study was carried out on 27 OA infertile men and 27 healthy fertile age-matched males as cases and controls, respectively.SUBJECTS AND METHODS:The sperm proteome was separated using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis technique, transferred onto the polyvinylidene fluoride membrane, and blotted with the sera of a group of OA men. Then, it was compared with the membranes blotted with the sera of a group of healthy fertile men. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight/time-of-flight (MALDI TOF/TOF) mass spectrometry was used to identify the different blotted spots and finally the results of the mass analysis were confirmed using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction method.RESULTS:The results indicated that OA patients might produce antibody against two sperm proteins, Tektin-2 and triose phosphate isomerase. Moreover, the expressions of the two targeted proteins were confirmed at RNA level.CONCLUSIONS:The findings of the present study revealed two functionally important sperm proteins as antibody targets in azoospermic men.

Molecular Characterization of Sperm Antigens with In Vivo Developed Antisperm Antibodies in Variably Inseminated Cross Bred-Heifers/Cows

Molecular characterization of sperm proteins and their immunoreactions to sera from subfertile/infertile animals may give deeper insight to the immunological reason of infertility. The purpose of this study was to characterize antigenic sperm proteins by reacting with blood serum and cervical mucus of variably inseminated heifers/cows using immunoblotting and immunofluorescence techniques. Immunoblot analysis of sperm proteins with blood serum/CM of variably inseminated cows/heifers revealed around 23 polypeptides in cattle sperm, but all proteins did not react with blood serum and cervical mucus of all tested animals. Number of sperm polypeptides that reacted with blood serum of non-inseminated, 1-3, 4-6 and >6 times inseminated heifers/cows were in the range of 11-14, 8-13, 3-14 and 5-13 respectively. Correspondingly cervical mucus of 1-3, 4-6 and >6 times inseminated heifers/cows also recognized about 2-7, 2-13 and 2-12 sperm polypeptides respectively. Immunofluorescence of sperm smears with blood serum and cervical mucus of variably inseminated heifer/cows indicated the presence of antisperm antibodies (ASA) mainly against acrosome surface, post –acrosome and principal piece surface proteins. There was not any difference in range of number of polypeptides detected with blood serum in regard to number of insemination. But range of number of polypeptides detected was higher with cervical mucus of >3 times inseminated animals, which indicated increase in ASA against antigenic sperm proteins in cervical mucus with increase in number of inseminations. It was concluded that ASA are produced in blood serum and cervical mucus of cows/heifers against sperm proteins, irrespective of number of inseminations. In future further characterization of sperm proteins and their homogeneity with bacterial proteins is needed to understand the mechanism of ASA mediated fertility impairment and to develop treatment protocol on the basis of purified antigens.