101
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Kläver R, Gromoll J. Bringing epigenetics into the diagnostics of the andrology laboratory: challenges and perspectives. Asian J Androl 2015; 16:669-74. [PMID: 24923457 PMCID: PMC4215682 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.125412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have shown significant associations of aberrant DNA methylation in spermatozoa with idiopathic male infertility, increased frequency of spontaneous abortions and imprinting disorders. Thus, the analysis of DNA methylation of specific genes in spermatozoa has the potential to become a new valuable diagnostic marker in clinical andrology. This perspective article discusses the current state and value of DNA methylation analysis in the diagnostic setup of infertile men and outlines challenges and perspectives. It highlights the potential of DNA methylation in andrological diagnostics and its putative benefit in the examination of hitherto idiopathic infertile patients is described.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jörg Gromoll
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Clinics of Münster, Münster, Germany
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102
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Zhao K, Chen Y, Yang R, Bai Y, Li C, Li H, Xiong C. miR-424/322 is downregulated in the semen of patients with severe DNA damage and may regulate sperm DNA damage. Reprod Fertil Dev 2015; 28:RD15052. [PMID: 25872494 DOI: 10.1071/rd15052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm DNA integrity is an essential factor for accurate transmission of genetic information. Human sperm DNA damage is a common cause of male infertility but the exact mechanism remains poorly understood. Considering the vital role of microRNA (miRNA) in multiple pathophysiological processes, we hypothesised that testicular miRNA is involved in sperm DNA damage during spermatogenesis. Infertile patients with high sperm DNA fragment index (DFI; n=94) were selected from 1090 infertile men and a total of 18 testis-specific seminal miRNAs previously identified from human seminal plasma were chosen and tested. miR-29c and miR-424 were downregulated in men with high DFI. The inhibition of these two miRNAs in mice confirmed the role of miR-424 (murine homologue miR-322) in sperm DNA damage during spermatogenesis; by contrast, miR-29c exhibited a negative result. Thus, miR-424/322 is involved in sperm DNA damage. Furthermore, the dysregulation of this miRNA can induce DNA double-strand breaks during spermatogenesis.
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103
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The effect of sperm DNA fragmentation on the dynamics of the embryonic development in intracytoplasmatic sperm injection. Reprod Biol 2015; 15:94-100. [PMID: 26051457 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2015.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2013] [Revised: 03/01/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The genetic integrity of sperm DNA can contribute to the infertility problems experienced by couples. Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) is the most common DNA abnormality in male gametes, and yet its effect on embryo kinetics has not been widely studied. Embryo morphokinetic parameters during the first days of embryo culture after intracytoplasmatic sperm injection (ICSI) are weakly predictive of both embryo development and pregnancy outcome. This study investigated the effect of SDF on embryo morphokinetic parameters following ICSI. The DNA fragmentation index (DFI) in spermatozoa from all males in the study (n = 165) was determined before ICSI and the morphokinetic parameters of the embryos (n = 165) were monitored via time-lapse recording. We found that a low DFI index in spermatozoa corresponded with embryos that reached the blastocyst stage at a faster rate after ICSI. Overall, lower SDF levels were also found in the group of patients that achieved pregnancy. Thus, higher SDF levels can slow down embryo morphokinetic parameters, and may be predictive of pregnancy outcomes after ICSI.
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104
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Osman A, Alsomait H, Seshadri S, El-Toukhy T, Khalaf Y. The effect of sperm DNA fragmentation on live birth rate after IVF or ICSI: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Reprod Biomed Online 2014; 30:120-7. [PMID: 25530036 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2014.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Revised: 10/14/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the relationship between the extent of sperm DNA damage and live birth rate (LBR) per couple and the influence of the method of fertilization on treatment outcome. Searches were conducted on MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library. Six studies were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Overall, LBR increased signficantly in couples with low sperm DNA fragmentation compared with those with high sperm DNA fragmentation (RR 1.17, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.28; P = 0.0005). After IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), men with low sperm DNA fragmentation had significantly higher LBR (RR 1.27, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.52; P = 0.01) and (RR 1.11, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.23, P = 0.04), respectively. A sensitivity analysis showed no statistically significant difference in LBR between low and high sperm DNA fragmentation when ICSI treatment was used (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.39 to 2.96; P = 0.88). High sperm DNA fragmentation in couples undergoing assisted reproduction techniques is associated with lower LBR. Well-designed randomized studies are required to assess the role of ICSI over IVF in the treatment of men with high sperm DNA fragmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Osman
- Assisted Conception Unit, Guys Hospital, Great Maze Pond, SE1 9RT, UK.
| | - H Alsomait
- Assisted Conception Unit, Guys Hospital, Great Maze Pond, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - S Seshadri
- Assisted Conception Unit, Guys Hospital, Great Maze Pond, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - T El-Toukhy
- Assisted Conception Unit, Guys Hospital, Great Maze Pond, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Y Khalaf
- Assisted Conception Unit, Guys Hospital, Great Maze Pond, SE1 9RT, UK
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105
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Zhu WJ, Li J. A simple sperm nuclear vacuole assay with propidium iodide. Andrologia 2014; 47:779-85. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- W.-J. Zhu
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology; College of Life Science and Technology; Jinan University; Guangzhou China
| | - J. Li
- Department of Pathophysiology; Medical College; Jinan University; Guangzhou China
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106
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Zatecka E, Castillo J, Elzeinova F, Kubatova A, Ded L, Peknicova J, Oliva R. The effect of tetrabromobisphenol A on protamine content and DNA integrity in mouse spermatozoa. Andrology 2014; 2:910-7. [PMID: 25146423 DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2014.00257.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2014] [Revised: 07/15/2014] [Accepted: 07/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) is a widely used brominated flame retardant of increasing concern to human health because of its action as an endocrine disruptor. We have previously demonstrated that TBBPA is able to increase apoptosis of testicular cells and other changes in the first and second generations of mice exposed to TBBPA. However, the potential effects of TBBPA on mouse epididymal spermatozoa have not yet been investigated. Therefore, we initiated this study to determine whether TBBPA exposure could also result in increased DNA fragmentation in epididymal spermatozoa and whether it had an effect on the protamines as the major nuclear proteins. C57Bl/6J mouse pups (n = 10) were exposed to TBBPA (experimental group) during the gestation, lactation, pre-pubertal and pubertal periods up to the age of 70 days as previously described and compared to control mouse pups (n = 10) that were not exposed. The results demonstrate that TBBPA treatment results in a significantly decreased protamine 1/protamine 2 ratio (0.362 vs. 0.494; p < 0.001), increased total protamine/DNA ratio (0.517 vs. 0.324; p < 0.001) and increased number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling positive spermatozoa (39.5% vs. 21.2%; p < 0.05) observed between TBBPA and control mice respectively. These findings indicate that TBBPA exposure, in addition to the resulting increased sperm DNA damage, also has the potential to alter the epigenetic marking of sperm chromatin through generation of an anomalous content and distribution of protamines. The possibility is now open to study whether the detected altered protamine content and DNA integrity are related to the previously observed second-generation effects upon TBBPA exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Zatecka
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v. v. i., Prague, Czech Republic
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107
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Hamad MF, Shelko N, Kartarius S, Montenarh M, Hammadeh ME. Impact of cigarette smoking on histone (H2B) to protamine ratio in human spermatozoa and its relation to sperm parameters. Andrology 2014; 2:666-77. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2014.00245.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2014] [Revised: 06/14/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. F. Hamad
- Department of Basic Sciences; College of Science and Health Professions; King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences; Riyadh Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; University of the Saarland; Homburg/Saar Germany
- IVF & Andrology Laboratory; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; University of the Saarland; Homburg/Saar Germany
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences; Petra University; Amman Jordan
| | - N. Shelko
- Department of Medical Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; University of the Saarland; Homburg/Saar Germany
- IVF & Andrology Laboratory; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; University of the Saarland; Homburg/Saar Germany
| | - S. Kartarius
- Department of Medical Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; University of the Saarland; Homburg/Saar Germany
| | - M. Montenarh
- Department of Medical Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; University of the Saarland; Homburg/Saar Germany
| | - M. E. Hammadeh
- IVF & Andrology Laboratory; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; University of the Saarland; Homburg/Saar Germany
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108
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Ni K, Steger K, Yang H, Wang H, Hu K, Chen B. Sperm Protamine mRNA Ratio and DNA Fragmentation Index Represent Reliable Clinical Biomarkers for Men with Varicocele after Microsurgical Varicocele Ligation. J Urol 2014; 192:170-6. [PMID: 24582535 DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2014.02.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Ni
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Section Molecular Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Klaus Steger
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Section Molecular Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Hao Yang
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongxiang Wang
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Hu
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Chen
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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109
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Francis S, Yelumalai S, Jones C, Coward K. Aberrant protamine content in sperm and consequential implications for infertility treatment. HUM FERTIL 2014; 17:80-9. [DOI: 10.3109/14647273.2014.915347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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110
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Azpiazu R, Amaral A, Castillo J, Estanyol JM, Guimerà M, Ballescà JL, Balasch J, Oliva R. High-throughput sperm differential proteomics suggests that epigenetic alterations contribute to failed assisted reproduction. Hum Reprod 2014; 29:1225-37. [PMID: 24781426 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deu073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are there quantitative alterations in the proteome of normozoospermic sperm samples that are able to complete IVF but whose female partner does not achieve pregnancy? SUMMARY ANSWER Normozoospermic sperm samples with different IVF outcomes (pregnancy versus no pregnancy) differed in the levels of at least 66 proteins. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The analysis of the proteome of sperm samples with distinct fertilization capacity using low-throughput proteomic techniques resulted in the detection of a few differential proteins. Current high-throughput mass spectrometry approaches allow the identification and quantification of a substantially higher number of proteins. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a case-control study including 31 men with normozoospermic sperm and their partners who underwent IVF with successful fertilization recruited between 2007 and 2008. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Normozoospermic sperm samples from 15 men whose female partners did not achieve pregnancy after IVF (no pregnancy) and 16 men from couples that did achieve pregnancy after IVF (pregnancy) were included in this study. To perform the differential proteomic experiments, 10 no pregnancy samples and 10 pregnancy samples were separately pooled and subsequently used for tandem mass tags (TMT) protein labelling, sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) identification and peak intensity relative protein quantification. Bioinformatic analyses were performed using UniProt Knowledgebase, DAVID and Reactome. Individual samples (n = 5 no pregnancy samples; n = 6 pregnancy samples) and aliquots from the above TMT pools were used for western blotting. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE By using TMT labelling and LC-MS/MS, we have detected 31 proteins present at lower abundance (ratio no pregnancy/pregnancy < 0.67) and 35 at higher abundance (ratio no pregnancy/pregnancy > 1.5) in the no pregnancy group. Bioinformatic analyses showed that the proteins with differing abundance are involved in chromatin assembly and lipoprotein metabolism (P values < 0.05). In addition, the differential abundance of one of the proteins (SRSF protein kinase 1) was further validated by western blotting using independent samples (P value < 0.01). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION For individual samples the amount of recovered sperm not used for IVF was low and in most of the cases insufficient for MS analysis, therefore pools of samples had to be used to this end. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Alterations in the proteins involved in chromatin assembly and metabolism may result in epigenetic errors during spermatogenesis, leading to inaccurate sperm epigenetic signatures, which could ultimately prevent embryonic development. These sperm proteins may thus possibly have clinical relevance. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (Ministerio de Economia y Competividad; FEDER BFU 2009-07118 and PI13/00699) and Fundación Salud 2000 SERONO13-015. There are no competing interests to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Azpiazu
- Human Genetics Research Group, IDIBAPS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Casanova 143, Barcelona 08036, Spain
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111
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Paradowska-Dogan A, Fernandez A, Bergmann M, Kretzer K, Mallidis C, Vieweg M, Waliszewski P, Zitzmann M, Weidner W, Steger K, Kliesch S. Protamine mRNA ratio in stallion spermatozoa correlates with mare fecundity. Andrology 2014; 2:521-30. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2014.00211.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2014] [Revised: 02/26/2014] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Paradowska-Dogan
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology; Justus Liebig University of Giessen; Giessen Germany
| | - A. Fernandez
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology; University Clinic Muenster; Muenster Germany
| | - M. Bergmann
- Institute for Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology; Justus Liebig University of Giessen; Giessen Germany
| | - K. Kretzer
- Institute for Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology; Justus Liebig University of Giessen; Giessen Germany
| | - C. Mallidis
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology; University Clinic Muenster; Muenster Germany
| | - M. Vieweg
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology; Justus Liebig University of Giessen; Giessen Germany
| | - P. Waliszewski
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology; Justus Liebig University of Giessen; Giessen Germany
| | - M. Zitzmann
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology; University Clinic Muenster; Muenster Germany
| | - W. Weidner
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology; Justus Liebig University of Giessen; Giessen Germany
| | - K. Steger
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology; Justus Liebig University of Giessen; Giessen Germany
| | - S. Kliesch
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology; University Clinic Muenster; Muenster Germany
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112
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Correlation between aneuploidy, apoptotic markers and DNA fragmentation in spermatozoa from normozoospermic patients. Reprod Biomed Online 2014; 28:492-502. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2013.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2013] [Revised: 11/21/2013] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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113
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Fortes MRS, Satake N, Corbet DH, Corbet NJ, Burns BM, Moore SS, Boe-Hansen GB. Sperm protamine deficiency correlates with sperm DNA damage in Bos indicus bulls. Andrology 2014; 2:370-8. [PMID: 24634207 DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2014.00196.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2013] [Revised: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 01/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The primary purpose of spermatozoa is to deliver the paternal DNA to the oocyte at fertilization. During the complex events of fertilization, if the spermatozoon penetrating the oocyte contains compromised or damaged sperm chromatin, the subsequent progression of embryogenesis and foetal development may be affected. Variation in sperm DNA damage and protamine content in ejaculated spermatozoa was reported in the cattle, with potential consequences to bull fertility. Protamines are sperm-specific nuclear proteins that are essential to packaging of the condensed paternal genome in spermatozoa. Sperm DNA damage is thought to be repaired during the process of protamination. This study investigates the potential correlation between sperm protamine content, sperm DNA damage and the subsequent relationships between sperm chromatin and commonly measured reproductive phenotypes. Bos indicus sperm samples (n = 133) were assessed by two flow cytometric methods: the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) and an optimized sperm protamine deficiency assay (SPDA). To verify the SPDA assay for bovine sperm protamine content, samples collected from testis, caput and cauda epididymidis were analyzed. As expected, mature spermatozoa in the cauda epididymidis had higher protamine content when compared with sperm samples from testis and caput epididymidis (p < 0.01). The DNA fragmentation index (DFI), determined by SCSA, was positively correlated (r = 0.33 ± 0.08, p < 0.05) with the percentage of spermatozoa that showed low protamine content using SPDA. Also, DFI was negatively correlated (r = -0.21 ± 0.09, p < 0.05) with the percentage of spermatozoa with high protamine content. Larger scrotal circumference contributes to higher sperm protamine content and lower content of sperm DNA damage (p < 0.05). In conclusion, sperm protamine content and sperm DNA damage are closely associated. Protamine deficiency is likely to be one of the contributing factors to DNA instability and damage, which can affect bull fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R S Fortes
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, Centre for Animal Science, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Qld, Australia
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114
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Simon L, Liu L, Murphy K, Ge S, Hotaling J, Aston KI, Emery B, Carrell DT. Comparative analysis of three sperm DNA damage assays and sperm nuclear protein content in couples undergoing assisted reproduction treatment. Hum Reprod 2014; 29:904-17. [PMID: 24619433 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deu040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is there an association between sperm DNA damage, measured by three different assays, sperm nuclear protein content and clinical outcomes in assisted reproduction treatment (ART)? SUMMARY ANSWER Sperm DNA damage measured by terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) and the Comet assay were significantly associated with ART outcomes in our single institution study. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Abnormal protamine expression is known to be associated with sperm DNA damage and male infertility. A number of studies have shown a significant relationship between sperm DNA damage and ART outcomes. To date, there are no large studies providing direct comparisons of DNA damage tests within the same study population. Thus, the prognostic value for each method remains unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Cross-sectional study of 238 men from infertile couples undergoing ART at the University Center for Reproductive Medicine, Utah, USA, between April 2011 and March 2013. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Sperm from men undergoing ART were tested for DNA damage using the alkaline Comet assay, TUNEL and flow cytometric chromatin evaluation (FCCE) assays. Histone retention was analysed using the aniline blue staining method, whereas protamine content (proteins P1 and P2) and ratio were analysed using acid urea gel electrophoresis. The prognostic value of each sperm DNA test to predict clinical pregnancy was calculated. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Histone retention was associated with sperm DNA damage (P < 0.001), reduced embryo quality (P = 0.005) and clinical pregnancies (P < 0.001). The mean percentage of sperm with DNA damage was significantly higher in sperm from non-pregnant couples compared with that from pregnant couples, as measured by TUNEL assay (15.04 ± 1.16% versus 8.79 ± 0.56%; P < 0.001) and alkaline Comet assay (72.79 ± 2.49% versus 55.86 ± 2.29%; P < 0.001). There was no association between clinical pregnancies and DNA fragmentation index measured by FCCE (12.97 ± 1.46 versus 14.93 ± 1.65; P = 0.379). Of the protamine parameters analysed, only the P1/P2 ratio was associated with sperm count (P = 0.013), men's age (P = 0.037), maturity (P = 0.049) and blastocyst quality (P = 0.012). Histone retention and sperm DNA damage measured by Comet and TUNEL assays were associated with fertilization rate (P < 0.05), embryo quality (P < 0.05) and implantation rate (P < 0.05). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION A potential drawback of this study is that it is cross-sectional. Generally in such studies there is more than one variable that could cause the effect. Analysing sperm is one part of the equation; there are also a number of female factors that have the potential to influence ART outcomes. Therefore, given the large and well-established role of female factors in infertility, normal sperm DNA integrity and protamination do not necessarily ensure clinical pregnancy in ART. Thus, female factors can reduce the prognostic value of sperm DNA tests. Further, our use of native semen instead of prepared sperm may have iatrogenically increased the DNA damage. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Alteration in sperm nuclear protein affects sperm DNA integrity. Further, with the current dataset, TUNEL and Comet assays appeared more predictive of ART success than FCCE. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) No personal or direct financial support has been received for any of this work. The authors declare no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Simon
- Andrology and IVF Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
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115
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Ribas-Maynou J, García-Peiró A, Martínez-Heredia J, Fernández-Encinas A, Abad C, Amengual MJ, Navarro J, Benet J. Nuclear degraded sperm subpopulation is affected by poor chromatin compaction and nuclease activity. Andrologia 2014; 47:286-94. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- J. Ribas-Maynou
- Departament de Biologia Cellular; Fisiologia i Immunologia; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Bellaterra Spain
| | - A García-Peiró
- Departament de Biologia Cellular; Fisiologia i Immunologia; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Bellaterra Spain
- Centro de Infertilidad Masculina y Análisis de Barcelona (CIMAB); Edifici Eureka, PBM5; Parc de Recerca de la UAB (PRUAB); Bellaterra Spain
| | - J. Martínez-Heredia
- Departament de Biologia Cellular; Fisiologia i Immunologia; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Bellaterra Spain
| | - A. Fernández-Encinas
- Departament de Biologia Cellular; Fisiologia i Immunologia; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Bellaterra Spain
| | - C. Abad
- Servei d'Urologia; Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí; Institut Universitari Parc Taulí - UAB; Sabadell Spain
| | - M. J. Amengual
- UDIAT, Centre Diagnòstic; Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí; Institut Universitari Parc Taulí - UAB; Sabadell Spain
| | - J. Navarro
- Departament de Biologia Cellular; Fisiologia i Immunologia; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Bellaterra Spain
| | - J. Benet
- Departament de Biologia Cellular; Fisiologia i Immunologia; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Bellaterra Spain
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116
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Jodar M, Oliva R. Protamine Alterations in Human Spermatozoa. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 791:83-102. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-7783-9_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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117
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Parmegiani L, Cognigni GE, Filicori M. Sperm selection: effect on sperm DNA quality. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 791:151-72. [PMID: 23955678 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-7783-9_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The selection of spermatozoa without DNA fragmentation and chromosomal diseases prior to assisted reproductive techniques helps to optimize the outcome of the treatment; in particular, sperm selection prior to in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is crucial. In fact, although ICSI has been successfully and safely applied worldwide for almost 20 years, at the present time we have no real knowledge regarding the hypothetical long-term side effects on ICSI adults, given the increased likelihood of spermatozoa with defective nuclear content fertilizing oocytes.In the case of DNA damage, the basal sperm DNA fragmentation rate can be significantly reduced by some sperm processing procedures that improve the percentage of spermatozoa with normal chromatin structure by filtering out DNA-damaged spermatozoa. After this first step, new advances in micromanipulation can be performed to choose the "ideal" mature spermatozoa for ICSI, reducing potential damage to the gametes. In fact, it is possible to prevent fertilization by DNA-damaged and chromosomal-unbalanced spermatozoa by selecting ICSI sperm by maturation markers such as hyaluronic acid or other zona pellucida receptors. Furthermore, novel noninvasive imaging techniques can be valid tools for helping in the morphological selection of ICSI spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lodovico Parmegiani
- GynePro Medical Centers, Reproductive Medicine Unit, Via T. Cremona, 8-40137, Bologna, Italy,
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118
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Castillo J, Amaral A, Oliva R. Sperm nuclear proteome and its epigenetic potential. Andrology 2013; 2:326-38. [PMID: 24327354 DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2013.00170.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2013] [Revised: 11/08/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The main function of the sperm cell is to transmit the paternal genetic message and epigenetic information to the embryo. Importantly, the majority of the genes in the sperm chromatin are highly condensed by protamines, whereas genes potentially needed in the initial stages of development are associated with histones, representing a form of epigenetic marking. However, so far little attention has been devoted to other sperm chromatin-associated proteins that, in addition to histones and protamines, may also have an epigenetic role. Therefore, with the goal of contributing to cover this subject we have compiled, reviewed and report a list of 581 chromatin or nuclear proteins described in the human sperm cell. Furthermore, we have analysed their Gene Ontology Biological Process enriched terms and have grouped them into different functional categories. Remarkably, we show that 56% of the sperm nuclear proteins have a potential epigenetic activity, being involved in at least one of the following functions: chromosome organization, chromatin organization, protein-DNA complex assembly, DNA packaging, gene expression, transcription, chromatin modification and histone modification. In addition, we have also included and compared the sperm cell proteomes of different model species, demonstrating the existence of common trends in the chromatin composition in the mammalian mature male gamete. Taken together, our analyses suggest that the mammalian sperm cell delivers to the offspring a rich combination of histone variants, transcription factors, chromatin-associated and chromatin-modifying proteins which have the potential to encode and transmit an extremely complex epigenetic information.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Castillo
- Human Genetics Research Group, IDIBAPS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
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119
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In vitro reconstruction of inflammatory reaction in human semen: effect on sperm DNA fragmentation. J Reprod Immunol 2013; 100:76-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2013.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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120
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Gosálvez J, Caballero P, López-Fernández C, Ortega L, Guijarro JA, Fernández JL, Johnston SD, Nuñez-Calonge R. Can DNA fragmentation of neat or swim-up spermatozoa be used to predict pregnancy following ICSI of fertile oocyte donors? Asian J Androl 2013; 15:812-8. [PMID: 24121979 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2013.74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2013] [Revised: 03/12/2013] [Accepted: 05/13/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
This study compared the potential of assessing sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) from neat semen and the subsequent swim-up (SU) procedure to predict pregnancy when conducting ICSI of fertile donor oocytes. Infertile females (n=81) were transferred embryos resulting from intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) of their partner's spermatozoa and proven donor oocytes. This model normalized the impact of female factor in putative sperm DNA repair. Semen was blindly assessed for SDF using Halosperm immediately following ejaculation (NS) and after swim-up at the time of ICSI fertilisation. There was a decrease in SDF values of the ejaculated semen sample following the swim-up protocol (P=0.000). Interestingly, pregnancy could be equally predicted from SDF values derived from either neat or swim-up semen samples. Receiver operator curves and the derived Youden's indices determined SDF cutoff values for NS and SU of 24.8% and 17.5%, respectively. Prediction of pregnancy from NS SDF had a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 69%, whereas for SU SDF was 78% and 73%, respectively. While increased levels of SDF negatively impact reproductive outcome, we have shown that a reduction in SDF following sperm selection using ICSI with proven donor oocytes is not mandatory for achieving pregnancy. This suggests that a certain level of DNA damage that is not detectable using current technologies could be impacting on the relative success of assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures. Consequently, we propose a modification of the so called 'iceberg model' as a possible rationale for understanding the role of SDF in reproductive outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Gosálvez
- Faculty of Biology, Autonomous University of Madrid, Cantoblanco, Madrid 28049, Spain
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Abstract
This article summarizes the current office-based evaluation of male infertility and offers speculation, based on current research, on the future evolution of this encounter. A comprehensive history, physical examination, and semen analysis remain paramount to directing the evaluation; however, new advances continue to refine diagnostic and treatment algorithms. Interpretation of the routine semen analysis as well as adjunctive assessments, including reactive oxygen species, DNA fragmentation, and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) are discussed. The analysis of genetic and endocrine abnormalities is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan P Smith
- Department of Urology, University of Virginia, PO Box 800422, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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122
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Adams DH. Conceptualising a child-centric paradigm : do we have freedom of choice in donor conception reproduction? JOURNAL OF BIOETHICAL INQUIRY 2013; 10:369-381. [PMID: 23780686 DOI: 10.1007/s11673-013-9454-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2012] [Accepted: 04/05/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Since its inception, donor conception practices have been a reproductive choice for the infertile. Past and current practices have the potential to cause significant and lifelong harm to the offspring through loss of kinship, heritage, identity, and family health history, and possibly through introducing physical problems. Legislation and regulation in Australia that specifies that the welfare of the child born as a consequence of donor conception is paramount may therefore be in conflict with the outcomes. Altering the paradigm to a child-centric model, however, impinges on reproductive choice and rights of adults involved in the process. With some lobby groups pushing for increased reproductive choice while others emphasise offspring rights there is a dichotomy of interests that society and legislators need to address. Concepts pertaining to a shift toward a child-centric paradigm are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian H Adams
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Flinders University, Sturt Road, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia, 5042,
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Amaral A, Castillo J, Ramalho-Santos J, Oliva R. The combined human sperm proteome: cellular pathways and implications for basic and clinical science. Hum Reprod Update 2013; 20:40-62. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmt046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
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de Oliveira RV, Dogan S, Belser LE, Kaya A, Topper E, Moura A, Thibaudeau G, Memili E. Molecular morphology and function of bull spermatozoa linked to histones and associated with fertility. Reproduction 2013; 146:263-72. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-12-0399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Sub-par fertility in bulls is influenced by alterations in sperm chromatin, and it might not be solved with increased sperm concentration in artificial insemination. Appropriate histone retention during sperm chromatin condensation plays critical roles in male fertility. The objective of this study was to determine failures of sperm chromatin condensation associated with abnormal persistence or accessibility of histones by aniline blue (ANBL) test, expression levels, and cellular localizations of one variant and two core histones (H3.3, H2B, and H4 respectively) in the spermatozoa of low-fertility (LF) vs high-fertility (HF) bulls. The expression levels and cellular localizations of histones in spermatozoa were studied using immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry, and staining methods. The bioinformatics focused on the sequence identity and evolutionary distance of these proteins among three mammalian species: bovine, mouse, and human. We demonstrated that ANBL staining was different within the LF (1.73 (0.55, 0.19)) and HF (0.67 (0.17, 0.06)) groups (P<0.0001), which was also negatively correlated within vivobull fertility (r=−0.90,P<0.0001). Although these histones were consistently detectable and specifically localized in bull sperm cells, they were not different between the two groups. Except H2B variants, H3.3 and H4 showed 100% identity and were evolutionarily conserved in bulls, mice and humans. The H2B variants were more conserved between bulls and humans, than in mice. In conclusion, we showed that H2B, H3.3, and H4 were detectable in bull spermatozoa and that sperm chromatin condensation status, changed by histone retention, is related to bull fertility.
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Sperm DNA fragmentation assay by sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD): correlation between DNA fragmentation and outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Reprod Med Biol 2013; 13:87-94. [PMID: 29699153 DOI: 10.1007/s12522-013-0168-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2013] [Accepted: 08/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between sperm DNA fragmentation index (sDFI) and outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Methods All the patients were divided into two groups based on sperm DNA fragmentation analysis by the sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) method. A total of 237 patients were in the DNA fragmentation normal group (sDFI ≤ 30 %), and 140 patients were in the DNA fragmentation abnormal group (sDFI ≥ 30 %). The relationship of sDFI with the outcome of ICSI was analyzed. Results A significant difference in semen parameters was observed between the DNA fragmentation normal and abnormal groups [count, motility and morphology (p < 0.05)]. However, no significant difference was seen between the number of oocytes retrieved and fertilization rates between the two groups, whereas the number of embryos progressed to day 3 and the blastocyst formation rate in the remaining embryos after transfer were significantly more in the DNA fragmentation normal group (p < 0.05). A significant negative correlation was noted between DFI values of more than 30 % and number of pregnancies and deliveries (p < 0.05). A higher DFI was also associated with increased abortion rates. Conclusions In the present study, sperm with DNA fragmentation showed a negative correlation with semen parameters. Further, sperm with damaged DNA have potential adverse effects on embryo progression, clinical pregnancy rate, and ongoing pregnancies.
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Delbes G, Herrero MB, Troeung ET, Chan PTK. The use of complimentary assays to evaluate the enrichment of human sperm quality in asthenoteratozoospermic and teratozoospermic samples processed with Annexin-V magnetic activated cell sorting. Andrology 2013; 1:698-706. [PMID: 23843365 DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2013.00106.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Revised: 05/21/2013] [Accepted: 05/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Sperm chromatin integrity may affect the outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Developing a clinically reliable strategy to enrich sperm samples with high chromatin quality spermatozoa prior to sperm banking or use in ART would thus be advantageous. The objectives of this study were to: (i) assess the sperm chromatin quality in men with different categories of semen parameters; and (ii) evaluate the extents of Annexin-V magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) technology coupled with differential density gradient centrifugation (DGC) in improving sperm chromatin quality. Three categories of men from couples attending a university-based fertility clinic were recruited based on their semen parameters: normozoospermic (n = 13), asthenoteratozoospermic (n = 17) and teratozoospermic (n = 12). For each patient, spermatozoa in semen samples were processed first by DGC to enrich the motility and further by MACS to remove spermatozoa showing apoptotic features. The yield and enrichment of sperm quality was evaluated at each step with conventional semen parameters in conjunction with a combination of five complementary assays, to assess sperm maturity, chromatin structure, compaction and DNA integrity (Hyaluronic Binding Assay, SCSA, chromomycine A3 staining and TUNEL and COMET assays). Our results demonstrated that, compared with normozoospermic samples, raw asthenoteratozoospermic and teratozoospermic samples had a higher proportion of spermatozoa containing DNA breaks, but only asthenoteratozoospermic exhibited altered chromatin structure and decreased binding to hyaluronic acid. Interestingly, the DGC appeared to select for more mature spermatozoa with high DNA compaction. More importantly, in all categories of semen samples, Annexin-V MACS allows enrichment of spermatozoa with good chromatin quality as measured by the TUNEL and SCSA. Because effective treatment modalities to improve sperm DNA damage are limited, our results suggest a potential clinical value of MACS as a mean to enhance sperm quality that may improve assisted reproductive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Delbes
- The Urology Research Department, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
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127
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Aitken RJ, Bronson R, Smith TB, De Iuliis GN. The source and significance of DNA damage in human spermatozoa; a commentary on diagnostic strategies and straw man fallacies. Mol Hum Reprod 2013; 19:475-85. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gat025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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128
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Seiringer M, Maurer M, Shebl O, Dreier K, Tews G, Ziehr S, Schappacher-Tilp G, Petek E, Ebner T. Efficacy of a sperm-selection chamber in terms of morphology, aneuploidy and DNA packaging. Reprod Biomed Online 2013; 27:81-8. [PMID: 23665264 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2013.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2012] [Revised: 03/08/2013] [Accepted: 03/20/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Since most current techniques analysing spermatozoa will inevitably exclude these gametes from further use, attempts have been made to enrich semen samples with physiological spermatozoa with good prognosis using special sperm-processing methods. A particular sperm-selection chamber, called the Zech-selector, was found to be effective in completely eliminating spermatozoa with DNA strand breaks. The aim of this study was to further analyse the subgroup of spermatozoa accumulated using the Zech-selector. In detail, the potential of the chamber to select for proper sperm morphology, DNA status and chromatin condensation was tested. Two samples, native and processed semen, of 53 patients were analysed for sperm morphology (×1000, ×6300), DNA packaging (fragmentation, chromatin condensation) and chromosomal status (X, Y, 18). Migration time (the time needed for proper sperm accumulation) was significantly correlated to fast progressive motility (P=0.002). The present sperm-processing method was highly successful with respect to all parameters analysed (P<0.001). In particular, spermatozoa showing numeric (17.4% of patients without aneuploidy) or structural chromosomal abnormalities (90% of patients without strand-breaks) were separated most effectively. To summarize, further evidence is provided that separating spermatozoa without exposure to centrifugation stress results in a population of highly physiological spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Seiringer
- Landes- Frauen- und Kinderklinik, Kinderwunsch Zentrum Linz, Krankenhausstr. 26-30, A-4020 Linz, Austria
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Lazaros L, Vartholomatos G, Pamporaki C, Kosmas I, Takenaka A, Makrydimas G, Sofikitis N, Stefos T, Zikopoulos K, Hatzi E, Georgiou I. Sperm flow cytometric parameters are associated with ICSI outcome. Reprod Biomed Online 2013; 26:611-8. [PMID: 23602684 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2013.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2012] [Revised: 02/08/2013] [Accepted: 02/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The association of sperm nuclear chromatin condensation and ploidy with embryo development and outcome after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was explored. The study population consisted of 16 couples referred to Ioannina University Medical School In vitro Fertilization Unit with male factor infertility and serious impairments in sperm nuclear chromatin condensation and ploidy, according to sperm flow cytometry. Additionally, 20 couples with male factor infertility and relatively high sperm flow cytometry parameters participated as controls. The 35 cycles of the study population were characterized by a lower fertilization rate (P<0.001) as well as decreased grade A embryo rate (P=0.004) and increased grade C embryo rate (P=0.028), compared with the 29 cycles of the control group. Additionally, a significantly elevated arrested embryo rate (P<0.001) and a decreased clinical pregnancy rate (P<0.020) were observed in the couples of the study population. Consequently, high levels of sperm nuclear chromatin condensation abnormalities and sperm aneuploidies are probably associated with lower fertilization rates, impaired embryo quality, elevated arrested embryo rates and decreased pregnancy rates. These preliminary results strongly support the use of sperm flow cytometry as a potential prognostic tool of ICSI outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandros Lazaros
- Genetics and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ioannina University Medical School, Ioannina, Greece
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Rogenhofer N, Dansranjavin T, Schorsch M, Spiess A, Wang H, von Schönfeldt V, Cappallo-Obermann H, Baukloh V, Yang H, Paradowska A, Chen B, Thaler CJ, Weidner W, Schuppe HC, Steger K. The sperm protamine mRNA ratio as a clinical parameter to estimate the fertilizing potential of men taking part in an ART programme. Hum Reprod 2013; 28:969-78. [PMID: 23340056 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/des471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Could the protamine-1 to protamine-2 mRNA ratio serve as a biomarker to estimate the fertilizing capacity of sperm from men taking part in an IVF/ICSI programme? SUMMARY ANSWER The protamine mRNA ratio clearly discriminates between fertile and subfertile men and sperm with a normal protamine mRNA ratio exhibit a higher fertilizing capacity in IVF/ICSI. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Aberrant sperm protamine ratios are associated with male factor infertility and mRNA ratio is comparable with protein ratio (due to transcriptional stop in elongating spermatids). STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The study population was drawn from subfertile men, whose female partners participated in IVF or ICSI programmes between September 2010 and February 2012. Normozoospermic healthy volunteers served as controls. Sperm cells were lysed, mRNA extracted, reverse transcribed and subjected to real-time quantitative PCR using specific primer pairs for protamine-1 and protamine-2. Relative protamine-1 and protamine-2 mRNA levels were analysed with the Mann-Whitney U-test (two-tailed). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Quantitative RT-PCR for protamines 1 and 2 has been performed in ejaculates from 32 normozoospermic volunteers (control, University Clinic Giessen, Germany) and 306 patients, whose female partners took part in an IVF (n = 76; University Clinic Hamburg, Germany and Shanghai Jiaotong University, China) or an ICSI (n = 230; University Clinic Munich, Germany and Kinderwunschzentrum Wiesbaden, Germany) programme. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The sperm protamine mRNA ratio in normozoospermic men (0.98 ± 0.3) differed significantly from that of ICSI patients (Munich 0.81 ± 0.1; Wiesbaden 0.78 ± 0.2; P < 0.001), while processed samples obtained from IVF patients revealed a normal protamine mRNA ratio (Hamburg 1.0 ± 0.07; Shanghai 1.0 ± 0.54). Normal protamine mRNA ratios were associated with a significantly higher total motile sperm count and a significantly higher percentage of progressively motile sperm. Sperm with a normal protamine mRNA ratio revealed a higher fertilization capacity (fc) in both IVF (53.6% of patients with fc > 80%; P = 0.017) and ICSI (65.1% of patients with fc > 70%; P = 0.028). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The protamine mRNA ratio in an individual sperm cell used for ICSI may be different from the overall value obtained from a semen aliquot. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Data are in line with current literature and suggest the protamine mRNA ratio as a diagnostic marker to estimate the fertilizing capacity of sperm. STUDY FUNDING The German Research Foundation (DFG) to K.S., W.W. and A.P. (STE 892/9-2), as well as to A.S. and H.C.O. (SP721/1-3). COMPETING INTEREST(S) None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Rogenhofer
- Division of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Campus Grosshadern, Munich, Germany
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Abstract
Measurement of sperm DNA damage is a useful tool in the evaluation of male infertility, as the sperm nucleus lacks protection against oxidative stress and is vulnerable to oxidation-mediated DNA damage. The Comet assay or single-cell gel electrophoresis is a relatively simple and sensitive method for measuring strand breaks in DNA in individual sperm. During this procedure, sperm cells are embedded in a thin layer of agarose on a microscope slide and lysed with detergent under high salt conditions. This process removes protamines and histones allowing the nucleus to form a nucleoid-like structure containing supercoiled loops of DNA. Alkaline pH conditions result in unwinding of double-stranded DNA, and subsequent electrophoresis results in the migration of broken strands towards the anode, forming a comet tail, when observed under fluorescence microscope. The amount of DNA in the head and tail is reflected by its fluorescent intensity. The relative fluorescence in the tail compared with its head serves as a measure of the level of DNA damage. In this chapter, we describe the alkaline version of the Comet assay, which is highly sensitive for measuring single- and double-strand DNA breaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Simon
- Andrology and IVF Laboratories, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Redgrove KA, Nixon B, Baker MA, Hetherington L, Baker G, Liu DY, Aitken RJ. The molecular chaperone HSPA2 plays a key role in regulating the expression of sperm surface receptors that mediate sperm-egg recognition. PLoS One 2012; 7:e50851. [PMID: 23209833 PMCID: PMC3510172 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0050851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2012] [Accepted: 10/25/2012] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
A common defect encountered in the spermatozoa of male infertility patients is an idiopathic failure of sperm–egg recognition. In order to resolve the molecular basis of this condition we have compared the proteomic profiles of spermatozoa exhibiting an impaired capacity for sperm-egg recognition with normal cells using label free mass spectrometry (MS)-based quantification. This analysis indicated that impaired sperm–zona binding was associated with reduced expression of the molecular chaperone, heat shock 70 kDa protein 2 (HSPA2), from the sperm proteome. Western blot analysis confirmed this observation in independent patients and demonstrated that the defect did not extend to other members of the HSP70 family. HSPA2 was present in the acrosomal domain of human spermatozoa as a major component of 5 large molecular mass complexes, the most dominant of which was found to contain HSPA2 in close association with just two other proteins, sperm adhesion molecule 1 (SPAM1) and arylsulfatase A (ARSA), both of which that have previously been implicated in sperm-egg interaction. The interaction between SPAM1, ARSA and HSPA2 in a multimeric complex mediating sperm-egg interaction, coupled with the complete failure of this process when HSPA2 is depleted in infertile patients, provides new insights into the mechanisms by which sperm function is impaired in cases of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate A. Redgrove
- Priority Research Centre in Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre in Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark A. Baker
- Priority Research Centre in Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Louise Hetherington
- Priority Research Centre in Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gordon Baker
- Melbourne In Vitro Fertilisation, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Royal Women’s Hospital, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - De-Yi Liu
- Melbourne In Vitro Fertilisation, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Royal Women’s Hospital, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - R. John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre in Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail:
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González-Marín C, Gosálvez J, Roy R. Types, causes, detection and repair of DNA fragmentation in animal and human sperm cells. Int J Mol Sci 2012; 13:14026-52. [PMID: 23203048 PMCID: PMC3509564 DOI: 10.3390/ijms131114026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Revised: 10/16/2012] [Accepted: 10/18/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Concentration, motility and morphology are parameters commonly used to determine the fertilization potential of an ejaculate. These parameters give a general view on the quality of sperm but do not provide information about one of the most important components of the reproductive outcome: DNA. Either single or double DNA strand breaks can set the difference between fertile and infertile males. Sperm DNA fragmentation can be caused by intrinsic factors like abortive apoptosis, deficiencies in recombination, protamine imbalances or oxidative stress. Damage can also occur due to extrinsic factors such as storage temperatures, extenders, handling conditions, time after ejaculation, infections and reaction to medicines or post-testicular oxidative stress, among others. Two singular characteristics differentiate sperm from somatic cells: Protamination and absence of DNA repair. DNA repair in sperm is terminated as transcription and translation stops post-spermiogenesis, so these cells have no mechanism to repair the damage occurred during their transit through the epididymis and post-ejaculation. Oocytes and early embryos have been shown to repair sperm DNA damage, so the effect of sperm DNA fragmentation depends on the combined effects of sperm chromatin damage and the capacity of the oocyte to repair it. In this contribution we review some of these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara González-Marín
- Sexing Technologies, 22575 State Highway 6 South, Navasota, TX 77868, USA; E-Mail:
| | - Jaime Gosálvez
- Biology Department, Universidad Autonoma of Madrid, C/ Darwin nº 2. 28049 Madrid, Spain; E-Mail:
| | - Rosa Roy
- Biology Department, Universidad Autonoma of Madrid, C/ Darwin nº 2. 28049 Madrid, Spain; E-Mail:
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Thilagavathi J, Venkatesh S, Kumar R, Dada R. Segregation of sperm subpopulations in normozoospermic infertile men. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2012; 58:313-8. [DOI: 10.3109/19396368.2012.706361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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135
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Shamsi MB, Kumar R, Malhotra N, Singh N, Mittal S, Upadhyay AD, Dada R. Chromosomal aberrations, Yq microdeletion, and sperm DNA fragmentation in infertile men opting for assisted reproduction. Mol Reprod Dev 2012; 79:637-50. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2011] [Accepted: 06/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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136
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Hammoud I, Boitrelle F, Ferfouri F, Vialard F, Bergere M, Wainer B, Bailly M, Albert M, Selva J. Selection of normal spermatozoa with a vacuole-free head (x6300) improves selection of spermatozoa with intact DNA in patients with high sperm DNA fragmentation rates. Andrologia 2012; 45:163-70. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2012.01328.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/09/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - B. Wainer
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Cytogenetics and Gynecology; Hospital of Poissy; Poissy; France
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Noblanc A, Peltier M, Damon-Soubeyrand C, Kerchkove N, Chabory E, Vernet P, Saez F, Cadet R, Janny L, Pons-Rejraji H, Conrad M, Drevet JR, Kocer A. Epididymis response partly compensates for spermatozoa oxidative defects in snGPx4 and GPx5 double mutant mice. PLoS One 2012; 7:e38565. [PMID: 22719900 PMCID: PMC3375294 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0038565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2012] [Accepted: 05/07/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
We report here that spermatozoa of mice lacking both the sperm nucleaus glutathione peroxidase 4 (snGPx4) and the epididymal glutathione peroxidase 5 (GPx5) activities display sperm nucleus structural abnormalities including delayed and defective nuclear compaction, nuclear instability and DNA damage. We show that to counteract the GPx activity losses, the epididymis of the double KO animals mounted an antioxydant response resulting in a strong increase in the global H2O2-scavenger activity especially in the cauda epididymis. Quantitative RT-PCR data show that together with the up-regulation of epididymal scavengers (of the thioredoxin/peroxiredoxin system as well as glutathione-S-transferases) the epididymis of double mutant animals increased the expression of several disulfide isomerases in an attempt to recover normal disulfide-bridging activity. Despite these compensatory mechanisms cauda-stored spermatozoa of double mutant animals show high levels of DNA oxidation, increased fragmentation and greater susceptibility to nuclear decondensation. Nevertheless, the enzymatic epididymal salvage response is sufficient to maintain full fertility of double KO males whatever their age, crossed with young WT female mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs Noblanc
- Genetics Reproduction & Development laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Clermont Université, Aubière, France
| | | | - Christelle Damon-Soubeyrand
- Genetics Reproduction & Development laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Clermont Université, Aubière, France
| | - Nicolas Kerchkove
- Genetics Reproduction & Development laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Clermont Université, Aubière, France
| | - Eléonore Chabory
- Laboratoire d'Assistance Médicale à la Procréation, Département gynécologie-obstétrique, Hôpital Porte Madeleine, Orléans, France
| | - Patrick Vernet
- Genetics Reproduction & Development laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Clermont Université, Aubière, France
| | - Fabrice Saez
- Genetics Reproduction & Development laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Clermont Université, Aubière, France
| | - Rémi Cadet
- Genetics Reproduction & Development laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Clermont Université, Aubière, France
| | - Laurent Janny
- Genetics Reproduction & Development laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Clermont Université, Aubière, France
- CHU Estaing, Assistance Médicale à la Procréation, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Hanae Pons-Rejraji
- Genetics Reproduction & Development laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Clermont Université, Aubière, France
- CHU Estaing, Assistance Médicale à la Procréation, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Marcus Conrad
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany and Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Developmental Genetics, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Joël R. Drevet
- Genetics Reproduction & Development laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Clermont Université, Aubière, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Ayhan Kocer
- Genetics Reproduction & Development laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Clermont Université, Aubière, France
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Streichemberger E, Perrin J, Saias-Magnan J, Karsenty G, Malzac P, Grillo JM, Mitchell MJ, Metzler-Guillemain C. Case report of apoptosis in testis of four AZFc-deleted patients: increased DNA fragmentation during meiosis, but decreased apoptotic markers in post-meiotic germ cells. Hum Reprod 2012; 27:1939-45. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/des128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
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139
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Carrell DT. Epigenetics of the male gamete. Fertil Steril 2012; 97:267-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2011] [Revised: 12/19/2011] [Accepted: 12/20/2011] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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