CYP24A1 Gene Expression in Spermatozoa of Human and Other Oxidation Level Controlling Enzymes as Biomarkers of Infertility

Background: Physiologically, the spermatozoa are exposed to reactive oxygen species (ROS), and those ROS can strongly affect sperm's function through sperm capacitation. However, producing a high level of ROS reduces the sperm anti-oxidation system that may cause infertility, especially in cases with normal sperm count.

Purpose: To investigate the expression of the CYP24A1 gene in human spermatozoa and other oxidation-related biomarkers, including vitamin E, ROS, and catalase as added tools to predict male infertility.

Method: The study included 50 infertile men and 50 young volunteers from the general Iraqi population. Blood samples were drawn from all included men, and semen samples were collected by masturbation. All the samples of semen were investigated for CYP24A1 expression, and routine semen analysis was performed. In addition, the serum was separated and used to assess other biochemical parameters, namely catalase, reactive oxygen species, and vitamin E, which were measured by ELISA.

Results: Serum ROS levels were higher in patients than control groups, while the serum catalase and vitamin E levels were significantly lower in patients than controls. CYP24A1 gene expression is significantly higher in infertile men with sperm count higher than 70 million and reaches twofold times the control.

Conclusion: CYP24A1 gene expression is significantly higher in infertile men and can be used as a marker of infertility, especially in infertile males with normal sperm count. At the same time, the serum catalase and vitamin E levels were significantly lower, which can be added as tools to predict male infertility..