Small noncoding RNAs and sperm nuclear basic proteins reflect the environmental impact on germ cells

• Published in: Molecular medicine (Cambridge, Mass.) Vol. 30; no. 1; p. 12
• Main Authors: Ferrero, Giulio, Festa, Rosaria, Follia, Laura, Lettieri, Gennaro, Tarallo, Sonia, Notari, Tiziana, Giarra, Antonella, Marinaro, Carmela, Pardini, Barbara, Marano, Alessandra, Piaggeschi, Giulia, Di Battista, Carla, Trifuoggi, Marco, Piscopo, Marina, Montano, Luigi, Naccarati, Alessio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BMC 20.01.2024
• Subjects: Environmental pollution; Male fertility; Small noncoding RNA; Sperm nuclear basic proteins; Transcriptomics; Small noncoding RNA; Environmental pollution; Male fertility; Transcriptomics; Sperm nuclear basic proteins
• ISSN: 1528-3658; 1528-3658
• DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00776-6

Molecular techniques can complement conventional spermiogram analyses to provide new information on the fertilizing potential of spermatozoa and to identify early alterations due to environmental pollution. Here, we present a multilevel molecular profiling by small RNA sequencing and sperm nuclear basic protein analysis of male germ cells from 33 healthy young subjects residing in low and high-polluted areas. Although sperm motility and sperm concentration were comparable between samples from the two sites, those from the high-pollution area had a higher concentration of immature/immune cells, a lower protamine/histone ratio, a reduced ability of sperm nuclear basic proteins to protect DNA from oxidative damage, and an altered copper/zinc ratio in sperm. Sperm levels of 32 microRNAs involved in intraflagellar transport, oxidative stress response, and spermatogenesis were different between the two areas. In parallel, a decrease of Piwi-interacting RNA levels was observed in samples from the high-polluted area. This comprehensive analysis provides new insights into pollution-driven epigenetic alterations in sperm not detectable by spermiogram.