Background: Molecular techniques can complement conventional spermiogram analyses to provide new information on the fertilizing potential of spermatozoa and to identify early alterations due to environmental pollution. Methods: Here, we present a multilevel molecular profiling by small RNA sequencing and sperm nuclear basic protein analysis of male germ cells from 33 healthy young subjects residing in low and high-polluted areas. Results: Although sperm motility and sperm concentration were comparable between samples from the two sites, those from the high-pollution area had a higher concentration of immature/immune cells, a lower protamine/histone ratio, a reduced ability of sperm nuclear basic proteins to protect DNA from oxidative damage, and an altered copper/zinc ratio in sperm. Sperm levels of 32 microRNAs involved in intraflagellar transport, oxidative stress response, and spermatogenesis were different between the two areas. In parallel, a decrease of Piwi-interacting RNA levels was observed in samples from the high-polluted area. Conclusions: This comprehensive analysis provides new insights into pollution-driven epigenetic alterations in sperm not detectable by spermiogram.
Small noncoding RNAs and sperm nuclear basic proteins reflect the environmental impact on germ cells / Ferrero, Giulio; Festa, Rosaria; Follia, Laura; Lettieri, Gennaro; Tarallo, Sonia; Notari, Tiziana; Giarra, Antonella; Marinaro, Carmela; Pardini, Barbara; Marano, Alessandra; Piaggeschi, Giulia; Di Battista, Carla; Trifuoggi, Marco; Piscopo, Marina; Montano, Luigi; Naccarati, Alessio. - In: MOLECULAR MEDICINE. - ISSN 1528-3658. - 30:1(2024). [10.1186/s10020-023-00776-6]
Small noncoding RNAs and sperm nuclear basic proteins reflect the environmental impact on germ cells
Giarra, Antonella;Marinaro, Carmela;Marano, Alessandra;Trifuoggi, Marco;Piscopo, Marina
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2024
Abstract
Background: Molecular techniques can complement conventional spermiogram analyses to provide new information on the fertilizing potential of spermatozoa and to identify early alterations due to environmental pollution. Methods: Here, we present a multilevel molecular profiling by small RNA sequencing and sperm nuclear basic protein analysis of male germ cells from 33 healthy young subjects residing in low and high-polluted areas. Results: Although sperm motility and sperm concentration were comparable between samples from the two sites, those from the high-pollution area had a higher concentration of immature/immune cells, a lower protamine/histone ratio, a reduced ability of sperm nuclear basic proteins to protect DNA from oxidative damage, and an altered copper/zinc ratio in sperm. Sperm levels of 32 microRNAs involved in intraflagellar transport, oxidative stress response, and spermatogenesis were different between the two areas. In parallel, a decrease of Piwi-interacting RNA levels was observed in samples from the high-polluted area. Conclusions: This comprehensive analysis provides new insights into pollution-driven epigenetic alterations in sperm not detectable by spermiogram.File | Dimensione | Formato | |
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