The influence of l-carnitine on the expression of miRNAs in asthenospermia spermatozoa and the network regulation of the associated molecules

l-carnitine is a natural compound that is indispensable for energy metabolism in mammals. The efficiency and safety of l-carnitine in improving sperm activity, enhancing epididymal function and treating male infertility has been widely acknowledged by clinicians. CircRNAs can regulate gene expression at the transcriptional or post-transcriptional level by serving as a molecular sponge of miRNAs with miRNA response elements. However, the detailed mechanism linking miRNA, circRNA and asthenospermia remains unclear. The present study demonstrated that hsa-miR-27b-3p, hsa-miR-151a-5p and hsa-miR-206 play an important role in the effects of l-carnitine treatment of the spermatozoa in asthenospermia patients. Furthermore, the target mRNAs of hsa-miR-206 were analysed by GO and KEGG. The results show that the target mRNAs of hsa-miR-206 may change the activity of ATP synthase and participate in the cAMP signalling pathway and the calcium signalling pathway, which may play an important role in sperm motility.