Human β-defensin 1 in follicular fluid and semen: impact on fertility

Abstract

Purpose β-defensins are antimicrobial peptides expressed at mucosal level of male and female genito-urinary tract, where they exert protective functions against infections, possibly preserving human health and fertility. In our study, we investigated the possible involvement of β-defensins in female and male infertility in Italian infertile couples (i) evaluating the presence of human β-defensin 1 (hBD-1) in follicular fluid (FF) and its correlation with in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes; (ii) investigating the relationship between hBD-1 levels in semen and IVF outcomes (comprising correlation with sperm parameters); and (iii) exploring the effect of hBD-1 peptide on spermatozoa motility in vitro. Methods A perspective observational analytic pilot study was conducted. hBD-1 concentration was measured with ELISA assay in FF and semen from 50 couples that underwent assisted procreation technique procedures due to infertility status. Moreover, hBD-1 exogenous peptide was administered to 29 normozoospermic semen and their motility was recorded. Results hBD-1 was detected in FF and its levels were significantly higher in women with good fertilization rate (≥ 75%), respect to those with a poor fertilization rate (< 75%). The hBD-1 semen concentrations in oligo-asthenozoospermic subjects were significantly lower than that in normozoospermic men. Instead, hBD-1 level in sperm and FF not correlated with pregnancy rate. Finally, incubation of sperm with exogenous hBD-1 significantly increased progressive motility after 1 h and 24 h. Conclusions Being aware of the relatively small sample size and medium power, our results possibly suggest that hBD-1 could influence oocyte and sperm quality, and could improve, when exogenously added, sperm motility.

Effect of recombinant β‐defensin 1 protein on human sperm motility and viability

“…In addition, it is well known that spermatozoa maintained at 37°C become exhausted especially if intracellular calcium is increased by chemical or proteins like recombinant human β‐defensin 1. These results clearly confirmed effectiveness of hBD‐1 on quality of oocyte and spermatozoa, and also improvement of sperm motility following incubation with recombinant human β‐defensin 1 (Zupin et al, ). In addition, Adria Puig‐Timonet et al () showed that adding of porcine beta‐defensins 1 and 2 to antibiotic‐free extenders for liquid‐stored boar semen could control microbial growth to some extent and did not have destructive effect on sperm viability and motility (Puig‐Timonet et al, ).…”

“…The results of this study are also consistent with the report by Yu et al () showing that human β‐defensin 114 in a concentration of 10–50 µg/ml can significantly rescue the sperm motility which was impaired by lipopolysaccharide during a 6‐hr incubation. Therefore, the results of present and previous studies demonstrate that sperm motility could be restored or maintained by recombinant β‐defensin 1 treatment (Zupin et al, ). Recently, Luisa Zupin et al () showed that the mean of human β‐defensin 1 in follicular fluid of women with fertilisation rate lower than 75% was significantly lower than women with fertilisation rate higher than 75%.…”

“…Therefore, the results of present and previous studies demonstrate that sperm motility could be restored or maintained by recombinant β‐defensin 1 treatment (Zupin et al, ). Recently, Luisa Zupin et al () showed that the mean of human β‐defensin 1 in follicular fluid of women with fertilisation rate lower than 75% was significantly lower than women with fertilisation rate higher than 75%. They also showed that human β‐defensin 1 in semen samples of oligozoospermic individuals was significantly lower than normozoospermic men.…”

Immune regulatory molecules as modifiers of semen and fertility: A review

“…In bovine caudal epididymal and vas deferens epithelial cells, defensin β 126 (DEFB126) is associated with antimicrobial peptides involved in sperm motility (Fernandez‐Fuertes et al, ), cell signaling, chemoattraction, immunoregulation (Narciandi et al, ), and sperm binding to the oviductal epithelium (Lyons et al, ). In human studies, incubation of sperm with defensin improved sperm motility and pregnancy rate (Zupin et al, ). DEFB126 is important for binding of spermatozoa to the epithelia of oviduct through glycosylation and during capacitation, it facilitates sperm binding to the zona pellucida (Dorin & Barratt, ).…”

Declined expressing mRNA of beta-defensin 108 from epididymis is associated with decreased sperm motility in blue fox (Vulpes lagopus)

“…The addition of cauda epididymal fluid (CEF) of cattle containing β-defensin 126 ( BBD126 ) can significantly improve the motility of bovine spermatozoa [ 9 ]. The results of some studies suggested that human β-defensin 1 ( hBD-1 ) can affect the quality of sperm and improve sperm motility when exogenously added [ 10 , 11 ]. Inhibition of the expression of Bin1b , a rat epididymis-specific β-defensin with antimicrobial activity [ 12 ], resulted in a decrease in the binding of Bin1b to sperm and a significant decrease in sperm motility and progressive movement [ 8 ].…”