Work

Genetic variants involved in sperm motility and their association with sperm motility parameters and risk of male infertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: Introduction About 40–50% of cases of infertility globally are caused by male infertility. Asthenozoospermia, or decreased sperm motility, is one of the most prevalent causes of male infertility. Because sperm cells must pass through the female reproductive canal and enter the oocyte, sperm motility is necessary for successful fertilisation. Male infertility may be significantly influenced by genetic variations in genes controlling sperm motility, according to mounting research. Sperm motility has been linked to a number of genes, including those in the CATSPER family, cilia and flagella-associated proteins, A-kinase anchoring proteins and hormonal regulatory genes, including FSHR, FSHB and LHB. Individual study results, however, continue to be contradictory. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the relationship between the risk of male infertility and genetic variations related to sperm motility and sperm motility parameters. Methods and analysis To find pertinent research published between January 2021 and February 2026, a thorough literature search will be carried out in PubMed, Scopus and Embase. We will only consider case-control studies that have been published in English. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale will be used by two independent reviewers to identify papers, collect data and evaluate methodological quality. A meta-analysis will be carried out to determine pooled effect sizes where there is enough data, and a narrative synthesis will be used to summarise research characteristics. To ascertain whether genetic variations and male infertility are related, ORs with 95% CIs will be computed. Ethics and dissemination Since this study will use data from previously published studies, ethical approval is not necessary. The findings will be presented at scientific conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. PROSPERO registration CRD420261291792.

Source: BMJ Open

DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2026-122232

Authors: Abna Ajeesh, Nandhini Balunathan

Institution: Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research

Language: English

Topic: Sperm and Testicular Function

Subfield: Reproductive Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,839