Down-regulation of DJ-1 protein in the ejaculated spermatozoa from Chinese asthenozoospermia patients

Objective: To determine whether the expression of DJ-1 protein, whose levels in spermatozoa have been reported to be highly correlated with male infertility caused by toxicants, is changed in spermatozoa of Chinese asthenozoospermia patients. Design: DJ-1 measurement by Western blotting, quantitive ELISA, and isoelectric-focusing electrophoresis (IFE) combined with immunoblotting. Setting: Academic medical center and research laboratories. Patient(s): Asthenozoospermia patients (n = 113), including mild asthenozoospermia patients (n = 70) and moderate asthenozoospermia patients (n = 43), and age-matched control subjects (n = 58). Intervention(s): None. Main Outcome Measure(s): DJ-1 in spermatozoawas determined by Western blotting and ELISA, the isoelectric point (pI) of DJ-1 by IFE combined with immunoblotting, and sperm superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity by an assay kit. Result(s): The sperm DJ-1 concentration in moderate asthenozoospermia patients was lower than those in mild asthenozoospermia patients and control subjects. DJ-1 with a more acidic pI was increased in asthenozoospermia patients. Sperm SOD activity was decreased in asthenozoospermia patients. Conclusion(s): DJ-1 levels are reduced in moderate asthenozoospermia patients. DJ-1 concentration is positively correlated with sperm motility and sperm SOD activity indicated by partial correlation analysis. (Fertil Steril (R) 2011;96:19-23. (C) 2011 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)