Elaidic acid leads to mitochondrial dysfunction via mitochondria-associated membranes triggers disruption of mitochondrial calcium fluxes

Elaidic acid(EA)stimulation can lead to endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS),accompanied by a large release of Ca^(2+),and ultimately the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in Kupffer cells(KCs).Mitochondrial instability or dysfunction may be the key stimulating factors to activate NLRP3 inflammasome,and sustained Ca^(2+)transfer can result in mitochondrial dysfunction.We focused on KCs to explore the damage to mitochondria by EA.After EA stimulation,cells produced an oxidative stress(OS)response with a significant increase in ROS release.Immunoprecipitation experiments and the addition of inhibitors revealed that the increase in the level of intracellular Ca^(2+)led to Ca^(2+)accumulation in the mitochondrial matrix via mitochondria-associated membranes(MAMs).This was accompanied by a significant release of m ROS,loss of MMP and ATP,and a significant increase in mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening,ultimately leading to mitochondrial instability.These findings confirmed the mechanism that EA induced mitochondrial Ca^(2+)imbalance in KCs via MAM,ultimately leading to mitochondrial dysfunction.Meanwhile,EA induced OS and the decrease of MMP and ATP in rat liver,and significant lesions were found in liver mitochondria.Swelling of the inner mitochondrial cristae and mitochondrial vacuolization occurred,with a marked increase in lipid droplets.

Progress of mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum-associated signaling and its regulation of chronic liver disease by Chinese medicine

The endoplasmic reticulum(ER)is connected to mitochondria through mitochondria-associated ER membranes(MAMs).MAMs provide a framework for crosstalk between the ER and mitochondria,playing a crucial role in regulating cellular calcium balance,lipid metabolism,and cell death.Dysregulation of MAMs is involved in the development of chronic liver disease(CLD).In CLD,changes in MAMs structure and function occur due to factors such as cellular stress,inflammation,and oxidative stress,leading to abnormal interactions between mitochondria and the ER,resulting in liver cell injury,fibrosis,and impaired liver function.Traditional Chinese medicine has shown some research progress in regulating MAMs signaling and treating CLD.This paper reviews the literature on the association between mitochondria and the ER,as well as the intervention of traditional Chinese medicine in regulating CLD.

JTE-522-induced apoptosis in human gastric adenocarinoma cell line AGS cells by caspase activation accompanying cytochrome C release,membrane translocation of Bax and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential

AIM: To investigate the role of the mitochondrial pathway in JTE-522-induced apoptosis and to investigate the relationship between cytochrome C release, caspase activity and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Deltapsim). METHODS: Cell culture, cell counting, ELISA assay, TUNEL, flow cytometry, Western blot and fluorometric assay were employed to investigate the effect of JTE-522 on cell proliferation and apoptosis in AGS cells and related molecular mechanism. RESULTS: JTE-522 inhibited the growth of AGS cells and induced the apoptosis. Caspases 8 and 9 were activated during apoptosis as judged by the appearance of cleavage products from procaspase and the caspase activities to cleave specific fluorogenic substrates. To elucidate whether the activation of caspases 8 and 9 was required for the apoptosis induction, we examined the effect of caspase-specific inhibitors on apoptosis. The results showed that caspase inhibitors significantly inhibited the apoptosis induced by JTE-522. In addition, the membrane translocation of Bax and cytosolic release of cytochrome C accompanying with the decrease of the uptake of Rhodamin 123, were detected at an early stage of apoptosis. Furthermore, Bax translocation, cytochrome C release, and caspase 9 activation were blocked by Z-VAD.fmk and Z-IETD-CHO. CONCLUSION: The present data indicate a crucial association between activation of caspases 8, 9, cytochrome C release, membrane translocation of Bax, loss of Deltapsim and JTE-522-induced apoptosis in AGS cells.

PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF CAPTOPRIL AND COENZYME Q10 ON THE MITOCHONDRIAL MEMBRANE-PHOSPHOLIPID INJURY OF LYMPHOCYTES IN PATIENTS WITH DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY.

The membrane-phospholipid (MPL)injury of myocardial cells may play an important role in the development of heart failure.In present study, peripheral lymphocytes were used as a study model in which the protective and reparative effects of Captopril and Cocnzyme 10 (Coo10)on mitochondrial MPL injury were observed. 42 hospitalized patients with dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM),on conventional anti-heart-failure therapy, were divided into three groups at random,and Captopil (Capton),Neuquinone 10 (CoQ10) and placebo were added respectively.The A4PL localization was proceeded by modified Demer's tricomplex flocculation.After mean 75'5 days observation,in Captopril and CoQ10 groups, heart function was improved,with circulatory A1 decreased,the degree of mitochondrial proliferation of lymphocytes decreased and the mitochondrial MPL injury repaired in certain degree.The percentages of the lymphocytes with less than 5 mitochondria per lymphocyte increased [(60.0± 9.4)vs (72.0± 6. 8)% for Captopril;(55.0±8.9) vs (73.1 ± 9. 8)% for CoQ10, P<0. 001];the percentages of mitochondria with intact MPL localization increased [(59. 1 ± 8. 1 ) vs (72. 0± 9. 4)% for Captopril;(56.6±9.3) vs (73.8±9. 4)% for CoQ10 P< 0.001].But no significant changes were found in either the proliferation or MPL injury in the con trols. In conclusion,Captopril and CoQ10 have a beneficial effects on the protection and reparation of mitochondrial injury in patients with DCM.

Gambogic acid induces mitochondria-dependent apoptosis by modulation of Bcl-2 and Bax in mantle cell lymphoma JeKo-1 cells

Objective： To study the mechanisms in gambogic acid （GA） -induced JeKo-1 human Mantle Cell Lymphoma cell apoptosis in vitro. Methods： The proliferation of GA-treated JeKo-1 cells was measured by CCK-8 assay and Ki-67 immunocytochemical detection. Apopt0sis, cell cycle and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured by flow cytometric analysis. Caspase-3, -8 and -9 were detected by colorimetric assay. Bcl-2 and Bax were analyzed by Western blotting. Results： GA inhibited cell growth in a time- and dose- dependent manner. GA induces apoptosis in JeKo- 1 cells but not in normal bone marrow cells, which was involved in reducing the membrane potential of mitochondria, activating caspases-3, -8 and -9 and decreasing the ratio of Bd-2 and Bax without cell cycle arresting. Conclusions： GA induced apoptosis in human MCL JeKo-1 cells by regulating Bcl-2/Bax and activating caspase-3, -8 and -9 via mitochondrial pathway without affecting cell cycle.

Significance of bilayer-forming phospholipids for skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity and mitochondrial function

Phosphatidylcholine(PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine(PE), which make up the bulk of mammalian cell membrane phospholipids, are recognized for their importance in metabolic health. Perturbations in the ratio of PC:PE can affect membrane integrity and function, which thus have serious health consequences. Imbalance in the hepatic PC and PE membrane content can be linked to metabolic disturbances such as ER stress, fatty liver and insulin resistance. Given that impaired insulin sensitivity underlies the pathology of many metabolic disorders and skeletal muscle is a significant regulator of energy metabolism, it is likely that aberrant phospholipid metabolism in skeletal muscle affects whole-body insulin sensitivity. Sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca^(2+) ATPase(SERCA) activity and mitochondrial function respond to alterations in PC:PE ratio and are associated with glucose homeostasis. Moreover, PC and PE content within the mitochondrial membrane influence mitochondrial respiration and biogenesis and thus, metabolic function. As skeletal muscle phospholipids respond to stimuli such as diet and exercise, understanding the implications of imbalances in PC:PE ratio is of great importance in the face of the rising epidemic of obesity related diseases. This review will summarize the current state of knowledge signifying the links between skeletal muscle PC:PE ratio and insulin sensitivity with respects to PC and PE metabolism, SERCA activity, mitochondrial function and exercise.

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide and Adenosine Triphosphate Oscillations Caused by Gradual Entry of Substrates within Mitochondria

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) oscillation was observed when the isolated mitochondria were immersed in a pyruvate solution. In addition, when an adenosine diphosphate (ADP) was added to the mitochondrial suspension containing pyruvate, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) oscillation was observed as well as NADH oscillation. At this time, the pH within mitochondria also oscillated. It was found that the oscillatory reaction of NADH caused by the membrane permeation of pyruvate continues, causing the oscillation of NADH and H+ in the subsequent reactions. The pH oscillation led to the ATP oscillation. It is considered that the oscillatory reaction caused by the gradual entry of pyruvate into mitochondria was thought to be carried over to both the citric acid cycle and the respiratory chain, ultimately leading to the ATP oscillation in oxidative phosphorylation. Similarly, it was found that membrane permeation of malate causes the gradual occurrence of NADH, at which point NADH oscillates, followed by an oscillatory reaction of the respiratory chain, and finally ATP oscillation. It was found that the oscillations of NADH and ATP occur without going through the citric acid cycle. Oscillations of NADH and other intermediates in both the citric acid cycle and respiratory chain were also confirmed by experiments using semipermeable membranes. These results support our hypothesis that the gradual entry of the substrate by membrane permeation triggers an oscillatory reaction of the enzyme, which is also carried over to subsequent reactions.

Polydatin prevents the induction of secondary brain injury after traumatic brain injury by protecting neuronal mitochondria

Polydatin is thought to protect mitochondria in different cell types in various diseases.Mitochondrial dysfunction is a major contributing factor in secondary brain injury resulting from traumatic brain injury.To investigate the protective effect of polydatin after traumatic brain injury,a rat brain injury model of lateral fluid percussion was established to mimic traumatic brain injury insults.Rat models were intraperitoneally injected with polydatin(30 mg/kg)or the SIRT1 activator SRT1720(20 mg/kg,as a positive control to polydatin).At 6 hours post-traumatic brain injury insults,western blot assay was used to detect the expression of SIRT1,endoplasmic reticulum stress related proteins and p38 phosphorylation in cerebral cortex on the injured side.Flow cytometry was used to analyze neuronal mitochondrial superoxide,mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial permeability transition pore opened.Ultrastructural damage in neuronal mitochondria was measured by transmission electron microscopy.Our results showed that after treatment with polydatin,release of reactive oxygen species in neuronal mitochondria was markedly reduced;swelling of mitochondria was alleviated;mitochondrial membrane potential was maintained;mitochondrial permeability transition pore opened.Also endoplasmic reticulum stress related proteins were inhibited,including the activation of p-PERK,spliced XBP-1 and cleaved ATF6.SIRT1 expression and activity were increased;p38 phosphorylation and cleaved caspase-9/3 activation were inhibited.Neurological scores of treated rats were increased and the mortality was reduced compared with the rats only subjected to traumatic brain injury.These results indicated that polydatin protectrd rats from the consequences of traumatic brain injury and exerted a protective effect on neuronal mitochondria.The mechanisms may be linked to increased SIRT1 expression and activity,which inhibits the p38 phosphorylation-mediated mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.This study was approved by the Animal Care and Use Committee of the Southern Medical University,China(approval number:L2016113)on January 1,2016.

A study on liver mitochondria respiration and protein synthesis in cold adapted rats

Mitochondria were isolated from normal and cold adapted rat livers.The respiratory func-tion of mitochondria in rat livers,including ADP:O ratio(P/O)and the respiratory control ratio(RCR),was determined by oxygen electrode method,The protein synthesis in mitochondria wasstudied by observing the incorporation of[~3H]-Leucine into mitochondria.Polyacrylamide gelelectrophoresis was carried out to detect the changes of the inner membrane proteins.It was shownthat the P/O and RCR decreased in cold adapted rats in the 2nd and 4th weeks and returned tothe control level in the 6th week,the protein synthesis of mitochondria decreased significantly incold adapted rats in 1,2 and 4 weeks;the electrophoretic pattern of the inner membrane proteinsin mitochondria from cold adapted rat livers revealed some new bands.

Mitochondrial membrane stabilization by Angelica sinensis polysaccharide in murine aplastic anemia

In order to investigate the mechanism of mitochondrial membrane stabilization by Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP) in murine aplastic anemia (AA).ICR mice were randomly divided into control, AA and ASP-treated groups. The AA group mice were treated with 60Coγand intraperitoneal injections of cyclophosphamide and chloramphenicol. The control animals were treated with lead shielding irradiation and saline injection. The treated AA mice were fed with ASP for 2 wk. Mitochondrial ultrastructure of the bone marrow was observed by transmission electron microscopy, and the transmembrane potential of bone marrow-nucleated cells (BMNC)was examined by fluorescence spectrophotometry. The Cox and MDH contents of the medium were also studied in the three groups.The mitochondrial number and transmembrane potential of BMNC in the bone marrow decreased in the AA group as compared to the control group, but improved in the ASP-treated group as compared to the AA group. Complete mitochondrial cleavage in the ASP-treated group was significantly delayed (P<0.05) as compared to the AA group. We conclude that ASP might improve mitochondrial membrane stabilization, and suppress the downregulation of transmembrane potential and apoptosis of BMNC in AA.

Phosphodiesterase-3 inhibitor （cilostazol） attenuates oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in the heart

Background Cilostazol is a type 3 phosphodiesterase inhibitor which has been previously demonstrated to prevent the occurrence of tachyarrhythmia and improve defibrillation efficacy. However, the mechanism for this beneficial effect is still unclear. Since cardiac mito-chondria have been shown to play a crucial role in fatal cardiac arrhythmias and that oxidative stress is one of the main contributors to arr-hythmia generation, we tested the effects of cilostazol on cardiac mitochondria under severe oxidative stress. Methods Mitochondria were isolated from rat hearts and treated with H2O2 to induce oxidative stress. Cilostazol, at various concentrations, was used to study its protective effects. Pharmacological interventions, including a mitochondrial permeability transition pore （mPTP） blocker, cyclosporine A （CsA）, and an inner membrane anion channel （IMAC） blocker, 4＇-chlorodiazepam （CDP）, were used to investigate the mechanistic role of cilostazol on cardiac mitochondria. Cardiac mitochondrial reactive oxygen species （ROS） production, mitochondrial membrane potential change and mi-tochondrial swelling were determined as indicators of cardiac mitochondrial function. Results Cilostazol preserved cardiac mitochondrial function when exposed to oxidative stress by preventing mitochondrial depolarization, mitochondrial swelling, and decreasing ROS produc-tion. Conclusions Our findings suggest that cardioprotective effects of cilostazol reported previously could be due to its prevention of car-diac mitochondrial dysfunction caused by severe oxidative stress.

Control mechanisms in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation

Distribution and activity of mitochondda are key factors in neuronal development, synaptic plasticity and axogenesis. The majority of energy sources, necessary for cellular functions, originate from oxidative phosphorylation located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. The adenosine-5＇- triphosphate production is regulated by many control mechanism-firstly by oxygen, substrate level, adenosine-5＇-diphosphate level, mitochondrial membrane potential, and rate of coupling and proton leak. Recently, these mechanisms have been implemented by ＂second control mechanisms,＂ such as reversible phosphorylation of the tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes and electron transport chain complexes, aUosteric inhibition of cytochrome c oxidase, thyroid hormones, effects of fatty acids and uncoupling proteins. Impaired function of mitochondria is implicated in many diseases ranging from mitochondrial myopathies to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Mitochondrial dysfunctions are usually related to the ability of mitochondria to generate adenosine-5＇-triphosphate in response to energy demands. Large amounts of reactive oxygen species are released by defective mitochondria similarly, decline of antioxidative enzyme activities （e.g. in the elderly） enhances reactive oxygen species production. We reviewed data concerning neuroplasticity, physiology, and control of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and reactive oxygen species production.

3′-Daidzein sulfonate sodium improves mitochondrial functions after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

3′-Daidzein sulfonate sodium is a new synthetic water-soluble compound derived from daidzein（an active ingredient of the kudzu vine root）. It has been shown to have a protective effect on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats. We plan to study the mechanism of its protective effect. 3′-Daidzein sulfonate sodium was injected in rats after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Results showed that 3′-daidzein sulfonate sodium significantly reduced mitochondrial swelling, significantly elevated the mitochondrial membrane potential, increased mitochondrial superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities, and decreased mitochondrial malondialdehyde levels. 3′-Daidzein sulfonate sodium improved the structural integrity of the blood-brain barrier and reduced blood-brain barrier permeability. These findings confirmed that 3′-daidzein sulfonate sodium has a protective effect on mitochondrial functions after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, improves brain energy metabolism, and provides protection against blood-brain barrier damage.

Plasma membrane calcium pump regulation by metabolic stress

The plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase(PMCA)is an ATPdriven pump that is critical for the maintenance of low resting[Ca2+]i in all eukaryotic cells.Metabolic stress, either due to inhibition of mitochondrial or glycolytic metabolism,has the capacity to cause ATP depletion and thus inhibit PMCA activity.This has potentially fatal consequences,particularly for non-excitable cells in which the PMCA is the major Ca2+efflux pathway.This is because inhibition of the PMCA inevitably leads to cytosolic Ca2+ overload and the consequent cell death.However,the relationship between metabolic stress,ATP depletion and inhibition of the PMCA is not as simple as one would have originally predicted.There is increasing evidence that metabolic stress can lead to the inhibition of PMCA activity independent of ATP or prior to substantial ATP depletion.In particular,there is evidence that the PMCA has its own glycolytic ATP supply that can fuel the PMCA in the face of impaired mitochondrial function.Moreover, membrane phospholipids,mitochondrial membrane potential,caspase/calpain cleavage and oxidative stress have all been implicated in metabolic stress-induced inhibition of the PMCA.The major focus of this review is to challenge the conventional view of ATP-dependent regulation of the PMCA and bring together some of the alternative or additional mechanisms by which metabolic stress impairs PMCA activity resulting in cytosolic Ca2+ overload and cytotoxicity.

Development and Application of a Mitochondrial Genetically Encoded Voltage Indicator in Narcosis

Mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP)plays a crucial role in the function of cells and organelles,involving various cellular physiological processes,including energy production,formation of reactive oxygen species(ROS),unfolded protein stress,and cell survival.Currently,there is a lack of genetically encoded fluorescence indicators(GEVIs)for MMP.In our screening of various GEVIs for their potential monitoring MMP,the Accelerated Sensor of Action Potentials(ASAP)demonstrated optimal performance in targeting mitochondria and sensitivity to depolarization in multiple cell types.However,mitochondrial ASAPs also displayed sensitivity to ROS in cardiomyocytes.Therefore,two ASAP mutants resistant to ROS were generated.A double mutant ASAP3-ST exhibited the highest voltage sensitivity but weaker fluorescence.Overall,four GEVIs capable of targeting mitochondria were obtained and named mitochondrial potential indicators 1-4(MPI-1-4).In vivo,fiber photometry experiments utilizing MPI-2 revealed a mitochondrial depolarization during isoflurane-induced narcosis in the M2 cortex.

Arsenic trioxide induces multiple myeloma cell apoptosis via disruption of mitochondrial transmembrane potentials and activation of caspase-3

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the response of multiple myeloma (MM) cells to arsenic trioxide (As2O3) and their possible mechanisms. METHODS: Two MM-derived cell lines RPMI8226 and U266 cells were used as in vitro models. Cell apoptosis was assessed by morphology, flow cytometry, and DNA gel electrophoresis. Mitochondrial transmembrane potentials (delta psi m) were evaluated by measuring cellular Rhodamine 123 staining intensity. Protein expression was analyzed using Western blot. RESULTS: Zero point one to 0.5 mumol/L As2O3 inhibited cell proliferation and 2.0 mumol/L As2O3 induced cell apoptosis, while 1.0 mumol/L As2O3 inhibited proliferation with a weak degree of apoptosis induction in RPMI8226 and U266 cell lines. As2O3-induced apoptosis was accompanied by mitochondrial transmembrane potentials (delta psi m) collapse and caspase-3 activation in the presence of intact membrane. Glutathione depleter buthionine sulfoximine enhanced, while disulfide bond-reducing agent dithiothreitol partially antagonized As2O3-induced delta psi m collapse and apoptosis in MM cells. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) could also induce apoptosis in RPMI8226 cells, but it did not show any cooperative effects with As2O3. CONCLUSION: As2O3 exerts apoptosis-inducing and growth-inhibiting effects on MM cells, and mitochondrium is a pivotal and common target of As2O3 for apoptosis induction.

Peptide 68-88 of apocytochromec plays a crucial role in its insertion into membrane and binding to mitochondria

Apocytochrome c (Apocyt. c) is the precursor of cytochrome c. It is synthesized in the cytosol and posttranslationally imported into mitochondria. In order to determine the crucial se-quence in apocyt. c translocation, deleted mutant and chemically synthesized peptides with differ-ent length were used. Obtained results showed that sequence 68-88 of apocyt. c plays a critical role in its insertion into membrane and binding to mitochondria.

Effects of vitamin C on myocardial mitochondrial function and ATP content in hypoxic rats

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Ceramide induces release of mitochondrial proapop-totic proteins in caspase-dependent and -independent manner in HT-29 cells

In this study, the release of mitochondrial proapoptotic intermembrane space proteins induced by ex-ogenous C2-ceramide in human colon carcinoma (HT-29) cell line was investigated. HT-29 cells were treated with 12.5, 25 and 50 μmol/L C2-ceramide in vitro. Flow cytometer was used to detect the mito-chondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Subcellular fractions were extracted by Mitochondrial/Cytosol Fractionation Kit after C2-ceramide treatment for 24 h. SDS-PAGE was used to determine the level of cytochrome c (Cyt c), high temperature requirement A2 (HtrA2) and second mitochondrial-derived ac-tivator of caspases (Smac) released from mitochondria, the expression of X-linked inhibitor of apop-tosis protein (XIAP) and caspase-3 for 24 h. The results showed that ΔΨm began to decrease from 6 h after 25 and 50 μmol/L C2-ceramide treatment (P<0.05) and cyclosporin A (CsA) could inhibit the col-lapse of ΔΨm through regulating mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pore. There was no effect of C2-ceramide on the expression of Cyt c, HtrA2 and Smac in the total levels. 12.5, 25 and 50 μmol/L C2-ceramide could induce Cyt c, HtrA2 and Smac to release from mitochondria to cytosol and down-regulate the expression of XIAP (P<0.05). Also there was expression of cleaved caspase-3 with C2-ceramide treatment. After the treatment with caspase inhibitor, C2-ceramide still induced the release of Cyt c and HtrA2, but Smac did not. Therefore, C2-ceramide could induce apoptosis of HT-29 cells through the mitochondria pathway. The release of Cyt c, HtrA2 and Smac from mitochondria did not occur via the same mechanism, the release of Cyt c and HtrA2 was caspase-independent and the re-lease of Smac was caspase-dependent.

Immunomagnetic removal of cryo-damaged human spermatozoa

Aim: To estimate the dissipation of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (mTMR,Δψ_m) and activation of sperm caspases (aCP) as signs of apoptosis in human spermatozoa during cryopreservation and to evaluate the efficiency of immunomagnetic cell separation (MACS) of these spermatozoa via annexin V-binding. Methods: The mTMP and aCP in fresh and cryopreserved spermatozoa were detected by fluorescence microscopy and by Western blots. The sperm suspensions were divided into two sperm fractions (with intact and deteriorated membranes) by magnetic cell separation (MiniMACS, Miltenyi Biotec, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany) in dependence on their binding to superparamagnetic annexin V-microbeads (AN-MB). Results: The cryopreservation decreased the portion of spermatozoa with intact mTMP from 80.1% ± 7.2 % to 53.5 % ± 13.1% and increased the spermatozoa with activated pancaspases (aCP) from 21.8 % ± 2.6 % to 47.7 % ± 5.8 % (n = 10; mean ± SEM; P < 0.01). The activation of caspases 1, 3, 8, and 9 in the cryopreserved spermatozoa was confirmed by Western blots (n = 22). MACS reduced significantly the percentage of cryopreserved spermatozoa with dissipated mTMP to 8.1 ± 3.9 (P < 0.01) and also those with aCP to 9.3 % ± 2.2 %. Western blot analyses confirmed the increase of the activated caspase3, 9, and 8 in the AN-MB-positive fraction (P < 0.05) compared with the AN-MB-negative fraction. The MACS separation effect was confirmed by anti-annexin V-antibodies. There was no significant influence of the separation column and the magnetic field on the sperm functions. Conclusion: The cryopreservation impaired the mTMP and enhanced the activation status of caspases in human spermatozoa. The immunomagnetic sperm separation via binding of AN-MB could deplete low quality spermatozoa from cryopreserved semen samples.