The detection of CatSper1, and CatSper3 expression in Normozoospermic and Asthenoteratozoospermia men and its association with sperm parameters, fertilization rate, embryo quality

Abstract CatSper affects sperm function and male fertilization capacity markers, including sperm motility and egg penetration. The study has aimed to evaluate the mRNA expression of CatSper1, and CatSper3, in the spermatozoa of normozoospermia and Asthenoteratozoospermia men as well as the correlation with sperm parameters, fertilization rate, and embryo quality in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was utilized to evaluate the mRNA expression of CatSper1 and CatSper3 in sperm in two patient groups: Normozoospermia (NOR; n = 32), and Asthenoteratozoospermia (AT; n = 22). In all patients receiving intracytoplasmic sperm injection, the fertilization rate and embryo quality were evaluated. CatSper1, and CatSper3 mRNA expression in sperm was significantly lower in AT males than in NOR (P < 0.05). At the cleavage stage following ICSI, low levels of these genes had a significant correlation with low motility, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), Capacitation and fertilization rate, and good-quality embryos (P < 0.05). However, a negative correlation was found between mRNA expression of CatSper1, 3 and sperm DNA fragmentation (P < 0.05). Findings indicate low levels of CatSper1, and CatSper3 mRNA expression in Asthenoteratozoospermia men, in results low sperm quality and embryo development following ICSI therapy.