WBP2NL/PAWP mRNA and protein expression in sperm cells are not related to semen parameters, fertilization rate, or reproductive outcome.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

WBP2NL/PAWP, a protein found in the post-acrosomal region of mammalian spermatozoa, has been proposed as a sperm-borne oocyte-activating factor (SOAF) contributing to Ca²⁺ release within the oocyte and subsequent fertilization and embryo development. However, its relevance as either a diagnostic or a prognostic marker of fertilization failure has been questioned in the recent literature. We analyzed WBP2NL/PAWP gene and protein expression level and localization in patients without previous intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles in order to assess its association with both sperm characteristics and ability to fertilize.

Methods

Raw frozen-thawed semen samples from 33 couples referred for oocyte donation were included in the study during 2015. Relati

SUBMITTER: Freour T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5445044 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature