THE CORRELATION BETWEEN HSPA2, CHOROMATIN DAMAGE, FERTILIZATION, AND EMBRYO QUALITY IN ASTHENOTERATOZOOSPERMIA INDIVIDUALS UNDER INTRACYTOPLASMIC SPERM INJECTION

A testis-specific member of the HSP70 family is heat-shock protein A2 (HSPA2), which is recognized as a factor for succession ART (assisted reproductive technology) in male factor infertility and correlate with sperm maturation. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between HSPA2, chromatin damage, fertilization, and embryo quality in individuals with Asthenoteratozoospermia undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Sperm were provided from 50 Asthenoteratozoospermia (ATZ), and 45 Normospermia (NS) ejaculations. Sperm parameters (concentration, motility, and morphology), DNA fragmentation index (DFI), protamine deficiency, and HSPA2 level on sperm, as well as the correlation between HSPA2 content and sperm parameters and embryo quality, were evaluated in the groups. ICSI was applied to achieve a successful outcome. The results indicated a significant decrease in HSPA2 in the ATZ group compared to the NS group, resulting in a decrease in sperm quality and DNA integrity (p<0.001). Fertilization rate (p<0.05), cleavage (p<0.05), and embryo quality (p<0.001) were significantly reduced in ATZ individuals compared to NS individuals. There is a significant correlation between HSPA2 expression with sperm motility and normal morphology (p<0.05). There was also a significant correlation between HSPA2 expression and DFI, protamine deficiency, and embryo quality (p<0.001). Aberrant HSPA2 expression has a key role in chromatin damage and fertilization processes.