The important role of protamine in spermatogenesis and quality of sperm: A mini review

• Main Authors: Muslim Akmal, Aulanni'am Aulanni'am, M. Aris Widodo, Sutiman B. Sumitro, Basuki B. Purnomo, Widodo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2016-09-01
• Series: Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction
• Subjects: Sperm; Inhibin B; Protamine; Spermatogenesis; Male fertility
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2305050016300914

Objective: To prove that the decrease in the expression of protamine 2 affects the fertilization ability and the number of child production. Methods: During the development stage of elongating spermatids, human spermatozoa chromatin undergoes a complex transition where histone is extensively replaced by protamine. Histone substitution by protamine 1 and 2 plays a significant role in condensing chromatin required to induce the quality of potent spermatozoa. The substitution also has a key role in protecting spermatozoa from effects of free radicals which can degrade the spermatozoa quality. Results: The results revealed that protamine deficiency instigated a severe disruption of spermatogenesis affecting male infertility. In addition, the protamine expression disorder caused a decrease in number, motility, and morphology of spermatozoa. Conclusion: Our results of a study in mice confirmed that inhibin B injection caused a reduction in the expression of protamine 2 in cauda epididymis. It has implications in the decrease of motility, concentration, and spermatozoa viability so that it affects the fertilization ability and the number of child production.