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Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics
Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 4/2019

01-04-2019 | Fertility | Gamete Biology

Morbid obesity–related changes in the expression of lipid receptors, transporters, and HSL in human sperm

Authors: Berniza Calderón, Lydia Huerta, María Emilia Casado, José Manuel González-Casbas, José Ignacio Botella-Carretero, Antonia Martín-Hidalgo

Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics | Issue 4/2019

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Abstract

Objective

To study the location and expression of receptors (SR-BI/CLA-1, SR-BII, and LDLr) and transporter (ABCA1) involved in uptake and efflux of cholesterol in human spermatozoa and assess whether obesity alters its location/expression and whether this could be related to infertility.

Design

Observational study.

Setting

None

Patient(s)

Ten controls and 20 obese patients.

Intervention(s)

Anthropometric parameters. Serum and semen samples were collected.

Main outcome measure(s)

Spermatozoon concentration, immunolocalization, and protein expression in semen.

Results

Spermatozoon concentration and motility was decreased in morbidly obese patients. SR-BI/CLA-1, SR-BII, LDLr, and ABCA1 are located in the spermatozoon cell membrane and the localization does not change between obese patients and controls. Control spermatozoa showed high SR-BI expression, and less expression for the rest of the receptors analyzed, indicating that SR-BI/CLA-1 is relevant in human spermatozoon cholesterol uptake/efflux. On the contrary, spermatozoa of obese patients showed less SR-BI/CLA-1 expression than controls, and more intense positive staining for SR-BII, LDLr, and ABCA1. Finally, human sperm expresses the 130- and 82-kDa hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) isoforms. The 130-kDa isoform is expressed in the control sperm, and the expression disappears in the obese patients.

Conclusion(s)

The presence of lipid receptors/transporters and HSL in human spermatozoa suggests their role in the process of maturation/capacitation. The changes in the expression of lipid receptors/transporters and the lack of the 130-kDa HSL isoform in obese patients prevent the hydrolysis of cholesterol esters internalized by these receptors, and favor their accumulation in the cytoplasm of the spermatozoa that could contribute to lipotoxicity and infertility.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Morbid obesity–related changes in the expression of lipid receptors, transporters, and HSL in human sperm
Authors
Berniza Calderón
Lydia Huerta
María Emilia Casado
José Manuel González-Casbas
José Ignacio Botella-Carretero
Antonia Martín-Hidalgo
Publication date
01-04-2019
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics / Issue 4/2019
Print ISSN: 1058-0468
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7330
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-019-01406-z

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