• Fikret Gevrek, Osman Serden Gencel, Selim Görgün, Mikail Kara, and Muzaffer Katar.
• Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University, Tokat, Turkiye.
• Turk J Med Sci. 2024 Jan 1; 54 (1): 204212204-212.

Background/AimMale infertility rises for many reasons, along with age; therefore, we aimed to research the characterization of aquaporin-3, 7, and 8 in human sperm belonging to different age groups.Material And MethodsThis study was conducted on sperm samples of men aged over 18 years. A total of 60 men were included in the study and divided into three age groups: group 1, age 18-25 years (n = 20); group 2, age 26-35 years (n = 20); and group 3, age ≥35 years (n = 20). Sperm ejaculates obtained from each participant were used for spermiogram tests, Kruger strict morphology analysis, and immunohistochemistry.ResultsWe observed no statistically significant differences in terms of macroscopic and microscopic sperm testing. The immunostaining score of aquaporin-3 was the lowest in group 1 and increased in group 3 and group 2, respectively (p < 0.05). Aquaporin-8 immunostaining only increased in group 2 (p < 0.05). Aquaporin-7 immunostaining scores were not different between the groups (p > 0.05). When the immunostaining scores of aquaporin molecules were compared with each other, aquaporin-7 was significantly increased compared with the others (p < 0.05).ConclusionAccording to the results, it can be stated that aquaporin-3 and aquaporin-8 molecules were more expressed at age 26 to 35 years, and aquaporin-7 was densely expressed from age 18 to 25 years. If the characterization of these molecules is adversely affected, male infertility may eventually emerge. We recommend further advanced-level studies on this subject.© TÜBİTAK.

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