HE1/NPC2 status in human reproductive tract and ejaculated spermatozoa: consequence of vasectomy.
Mol Hum Reprod
; 12(7): 461-8, 2006 Jul.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-16772431
ABSTRACT
We have previously demonstrated that the amount of HE1/NPC2 mRNA and protein expressed in the human epididymis is decreased under vasectomy. In this study, western blot analyses showed that many vasovasostomized men are characterized by high HE1/NPC2 levels in spermatozoa when compared with fertile donors. HE1/NPC2 association with sperm from vasovasostomized men was not related to low motility per se as spermatozoa from asthenospermic men have HE1/NPC2 levels similar to those in normal fertile semen samples. Spermatozoa from vasovasostomized men with high amount of HE1/NPC2 are characterized by higher concentration of cholesterol and more lipid raft domains. HE1/NPC2 is secreted in different glycoforms by different tissues of human male reproductive tract. These forms are due to variation in N-glycosylation, and only the deglycosylated form is associated with spermatozoa from some vasovasostomized men. Compared with normal men, seminal plasma of vasectomized men is characterized by a major decrease in immunodetectable HE1/NPC2 without change in the glycosylation pattern. Following surgical vasectomy reversal, seminal plasma HE1/NPC2 was found in similar amounts to the ones characterizing normal men. Considering the potential role of HE1/NPC2 in cholesterol transport during sperm maturation, unusual high levels of this protein associated with spermatozoa of vasovasostomized men may reflect epididymal sequelae occurring when the vas deferens is obstructed.
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Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Spermatozoa
/
Glycoproteins
/
Carrier Proteins
/
Epididymis
Limits:
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Language:
En
Journal:
Mol Hum Reprod
Journal subject:
BIOLOGIA MOLECULAR
/
MEDICINA REPRODUTIVA
Year:
2006
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Canada
Country of publication:
ENGLAND
/
ESCOCIA
/
GB
/
GREAT BRITAIN
/
INGLATERRA
/
REINO UNIDO
/
SCOTLAND
/
UK
/
UNITED KINGDOM