Investigation of the relationship between aquaporin molecules (AQ7,AQ8,AQ3)and sperm parameters in fertile and infertile human sperm cells

Infertility known as sterility in society is the failure of pregnancy for a year without protection although regular sexual intercourse. Infertility may result from male and female genital problems. The aim of this thesis is histologically to investigate the relationship between aquaporin molecules (Aq-3, Aq-7, Aq-8) in human sperm cells and infertility. Our study was carried out on two separate groups consisting of 20 fertile and 7 infertile individuals. Spermiogram test was performed on semen samples taken from fertile and infertile individuals. Sperm smear preparations were prepared in order to anlize both Kruger strict sperm morphology and immunohistochemical expressions of aquaporin molecules. The slices were stained with Diff-quick stain for Kruger strict morphology analysis and immunohistochemically for immunohistochemical evaluations. These stained preparations were then analyzed microscopically. As we predicted, The results of spermiogram and Kruger strict analysis showed that normal sperm cell numerical values in semen of infertile individuals were decreased but sperm cell values with morphologically abnormal anomalies were high. The results of our immunohistochemical analysis showed that the immune expression of each aquaporin molecules was slightly reduced in infertile individuals respect ot fertile ones. But it was not statistically significant. According to our findings, the association of these aquaporin molecules with infertility could not be determined since the decrease in immuno-expressions was not significant. However, further high-level repetitive studies are required to make an accurate decision.