Peroxiredoxin 6 is the primary antioxidant enzyme for the maintenance of viability and DNA integrity in human spermatozoa

AbstractSTUDY QUESTIONAre all components of the peroxiredoxins (PRDXs) system important to control the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to maintain viability and DNA integrity in spermatozoa?SUMMARY ANSWERPRDX6 is the primary player of the PRDXs system for maintaining viability and DNA integrity in human spermatozoa.WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADYMammalian spermatozoa are sensitive to high levels of ROS and PRDXs are antioxidant enzymes proven to control the levels of ROS generated during sperm capacitation to avoid oxidative damage in the spermatozoon. Low amounts of PRDXs are associated with male infertility. The absence of PRDX6 promotes sperm oxidative damage and infertility in mice.STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATIONSemen samples were obtained over a period of one year from a cohort of 20 healthy non-smoking volunteers aged 22 –30 years old.PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODSSperm from healthy donors was incubated for 2 h in the absence or presence of inhibitors for the 2-Cys PRDXs system (peroxidase, reactivation system and NADPH-enzymes suppliers) or the 1-Cys PRDX system (peroxidase and calcium independent-phospholipase A2 (Ca2+-iPLA2) activity). Sperm viability, DNA oxidation, ROS levels, mitochondrial membrane potential and 4-hydroxynonenal production were determined by flow cytometry.MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCEWe observed a significant decrease in viable cells due to inhibitors of the 2-Cys PRDXs, PRDX6 Ca2+-iPLA2 activity or the PRDX reactivation system compa...
Source: Human Reproduction - Category: Reproduction Medicine Source Type: research