The Effect of Anti-VDAC3 Recombinant Antibody on the Motility, Viability, and Membrane Integrity of Ejaculated Human Sperm

Voltage-Dependent Anion Channels (VDACs) is one of the ion channels in sperm that play an important role in the transport of ATP, ions, and metabolites in the membrane of cells. VDAC isoform 3 in human sperm was recognized by anti-VDAC3 recombinant antibody. . Fresh ejaculated human sperm samples from 12 donors were collected and treated with rabbit’s serum containing anti-VDAC3 antibodies, as well as with the preimmune serum that was produced by our self from the previous study, in a ratio of 1:1. Sperm motility parameters, i.e. general motility, Wobble (WOB), Curvilinear Velocity (VCL), Linearity (LIN), Average Path Velocity (VAP), and Straight-Line Velocity (VSL) was measured using Computer Assisted Sperm Analyzer (CASA) at 0 minutes, 30 minutes, and 60 minutes after treatment. The effect of anti-VDAC3 recombinant antibody on sperm viability was evaluated by Eosin-Y staining, while on sperm membrane integrity was evaluated by Hypo Osmotic Swelling (HOS) test. There were significant differences in motility in form of general motility of ejaculated human sperm after 30 and 60 minutes incubation with anti-VDAC3 recombinant antibody (p=0.001; p=0.002, respectively). The other parameters of the sperm motility in form of WOB, VCL, LIN, VAP, and VSL decreased after incubation with anti-VDAC3 antibodies, but it was not different significantly (p>0.05; respectively). Anti-VDAC3 recombinant antibody could significantly decrease the percentage of living sperm cells (p=0.003) and increase poor membrane integrity of ejaculated human sperm after 60 minutes of incubation (p=0.037). Anti-VDAC3 recombinant antibody could reduce sperm motility parameters, decrease sperm living cells, and could be increased ejaculated human sperm with poor membrane integrity. It suggests this antibody would be used as a contraceptive agent.