Alterations in the protein lactylation landscape of sperm from patients with varicocele-associated asthenozoospermia
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By
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Heran Cao
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Xiaohua Liu
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Hua Nie
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Shenghui Zhu
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Shujuan Liu
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Yu Zhou
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Chunjie Ma
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Huang Liu
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Weibing Qin
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June 23, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: Changes in the Lactylation Profile of Sperm in Men with Varicocele-Related Asthenozoospermia
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Varicocele-related asthenozoospermia |
| Key Mechanisms | Disrupted lactate metabolism and protein lactylation affecting sperm motility |
| Target Population | Men with varicocele-associated infertility |
| Care Setting | Reproductive health and infertility clinics |
Key Highlights
- Varicocele is a leading cause of male infertility, particularly asthenozoospermia.
- Lactylome analysis identified 2,699 lactylation sites on 1,216 proteins in sperm.
- Differential lactylation was linked to pathways critical for sperm motility.
- Key proteins associated with sperm motility showed significant downregulation in lactylation.
- The study highlights the importance of lactate metabolism in sperm function.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Semen analysis and DNA fragmentation testing are conventional diagnostic approaches.
Management
- Varicocelectomy is a commonly employed intervention for varicocele-related infertility.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Post-treatment monitoring of semen parameters, particularly motility, is essential.
Risks
- Inconsistent therapeutic efficacy of varicocelectomy due to complex pathophysiology.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Men diagnosed with varicocele and asthenozoospermia.
Understanding molecular alterations in sperm may identify targets for improving sperm function.
Clinical Best Practices
- Focus on molecular alterations in mature spermatozoa to elucidate pathophysiology.
- Employ paired pre- and post-treatment study designs to assess treatment efficacy.
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