• The Correlation of Septin4 Gene Expression with Sperm Quality, DNA Damage, and Oxidative Stress Level in infertile Patients
  • Rahil Jannatifar,1,* Fahimeh Naghi jalalabadi,2 Hamid Piroozmanesh,3 Hamid Reza Momeni,4
    1. Department of Reproductive Biology, Academic Center for Education Culture and Research (ACECR)
    2. Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Arak University
    3. Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Arak University
    4. Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Arak University


  • Introduction: Septin4 belong to a family of polymerizing GTP-binding proteins that are required for many cellular functions, such as membrane compartmentalization, vesicular trafficking, mitosis, and cytoskeletal remodeling. One family member, Septin4 (full name: Septin; symbol name: SEPT), is expressed specifically in the testis. The aim of the present study was to determine the association between Septin4 gene expression, sperm quality, DNA damage, and stress oxidative level in infertile patients.
  • Methods: The present study included 60 semen samples that were obtained from men attending the Infertility Research Center at the Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR) in Qom, Iran and were divided into three groups: Normozoospermia (n=20), Asthenozoospermia (n=20), Astheno-Teratozoospermia (n=20). Semen samples were collected and initial analysis including semen parameters was analyzed by using the World Health Organization protocol. The mRNA expression of Septin4 in sperm was examined using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Oxidative stress markers, i.e. total antioxidant capacity (TAC), Superoxide dismutase(SOD), catalyzes(CAT), Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and malondialdehyde (MDA), were determined by ELISA kit.
  • Results: The current study showed a statistically significant highly positive correlation in Septin4 gene expression with sperm motility, normal morphology, viability, capacity, and sperm Mitochondrial membrane potential. However, it shows significant negative correlation with sperm DNA fragmentation. Septin4 had a significant correlation with stress oxidative factor and antioxidant enzyme levels.
  • Conclusion: In conclusion, SEPTIN-4 gene expression provides clinical useful information for the diagnosis of male infertility. It might be a marker for discrimination between fertile and infertile patients.
  • Keywords: Septin4, Sperm quality, DNA damage, Stress oxidative