Seminal plasma HSPA2 mRNA content is associated with semen quality

Abstract

Purpose: Cell-free mRNAs (cfmRNAs) were quantitatively measured in human seminal plasma and its relationship with semen quality was investigated. Methods: Herein, a prospectively, controlled investigation was performed to study seminal plasma HSPA2 and uPA cfmRNA alterations between 21 asthenozoospermic patients and 16 normozoospermic individuals. Standard semen analysis was performed and seminal plasma cfmRNAs content was measured by real-time quantitative PCR. In addition, the regression analysis between seminal plasma cfmRNAs expression and semen parameters was performed. Results: Seminal plasma HSPA2, but not uPA cfmRNA indicated significant difference between normozoospermia and asthenozoospermia men (P = 0.02444 and 0.07811, respectively). Negative correlation between HSPA2 cfmRNA and sperm motility (R2 = 0.213, P = 0.004) as well as sperm concentration (R2 = 0.133, P = 0.026) were revealed. However, no correlation was found between seminal plasma uPA cfmRNA content and semen parameters. Conclusions: Our data suggest that seminal plasma HSPA2 cfmRNA is different between asthenozoospermic and normozoospermic individuals and it might be an indicator for semen quality.