1
|
Stenqvist A, Bungum M, Pinborg AB, Bogstad J, Englund AL, Grøndahl ML, Zedeler A, Hansson SR, Giwercman A. High sperm deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation index is associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia following assisted reproduction treatment. Fertil Steril 2024:S0015-0282(24)01939-3. [PMID: 39122087 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.08.316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the association between sperm deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation index (DFI) and the odds of preeclampsia and other adverse perinatal outcomes after in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment. DESIGN A prospective cohort study including infertile couples undergoing conventional IVF or ICSI treatment and their children. Data regarding preeclampsia and perinatal outcomes were derived from the Swedish National Birth Register. SETTING University-affiliated fertility clinic. PATIENT(S) A total of 1,594 infertile couples undergoing IVF or ICSI treatment and their 1,660 children conceived by assisted reproduction. INTERVENTION(S) Sperm DFI measured by Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The primary outcome was preeclampsia. The secondary outcomes were preterm birth (PTB), low birth weight, low Apgar score, and small for gestational age. RESULT(S) With a DFI level of <20% as a reference, the odds ratio (OR) of preeclampsia statistically significantly increased in the group with a DFI level of ≥20% when IVF was used as the fertilization method (OR, 2.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-4.4). Already at the DFI levels of ≥10%, in IVF pregnancies, the OR of preeclampsia increased in a dose-response manner, from a prevalence of 3.1% in the reference group to >10% among those with a DFI level of ≥30%. The DFI was not associated with the OR of preeclampsia in the ICSI group. In the entire cohort, a DFI level of ≥20% was associated with an increased OR of PTB (OR, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-2.0). CONCLUSION(S) High DFI level was associated with increased odds of PTB and, in IVF pregnancies, also increased odds of preeclampsia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amelie Stenqvist
- Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden; Reproductive Medicine Centre, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö/Lund, Sweden.
| | - Mona Bungum
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Anja Bisgaard Pinborg
- Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jeanette Bogstad
- Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Anne Zedeler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Stefan R Hansson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö/Lund, Sweden; Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Sweden
| | - Aleksander Giwercman
- Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden; Reproductive Medicine Centre, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Arshad J, Parrish JJ, Awan MA, Rakha BA, Waseem M, Ahmad MS, Iqbal S, Akhter S. Prediction of Nili-Ravi buffalo bull fertility through Fourier harmonic analysis of sperm. Theriogenology 2024; 225:162-171. [PMID: 38805998 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Fourier harmonic analysis (FHA) is a robust method for identification of minute changes in sperm nuclear shape that are indicative of reduced fertility. The current study was designed to develop a fertility prediction model for Nili-Ravi buffalo bulls through FHA of sperm. In experiment I, FHA technique was standardized, average sperm nuclear perimeter was measured and sperm nuclear shape plot of buffalo bull was constructed. Sperm of buffalo bulls (n = 10) were stained with YOYO-1 and Hoechst-33342 to differentiate live and dead, and digital images were captured using phase contrast and fluorescent microscopy. The images were analyzed by ImageJ software and 100 sperm/bull were evaluated. The results are described as mean ± SEM values of mean harmonic amplitude (mharm), skewness harmonic amplitude (skharm), kurtosis harmonic amplitude (kurharm) and variance harmonic amplitude (varharm) at Fourier frequencies 0-5 along with the cartesian and polar coordinate plots of buffalo bull sperm. In experiment II, a fertility prediction model was developed based on FHA of buffalo bull sperm. Semen samples of low (n = 6), medium (n = 3) and high (n = 8) fertility bulls were investigated for FHA of sperm and harmonic amplitudes (HA) were generated. Firstly, to determine if live and dead sperm population have unique nuclear shape distribution; the mean, skewness, kurtosis and variance HA 0-5 of 1700 live and 1294 dead spermatozoa of 17 bulls were evaluated. T-test signified a difference in the mharm0 (2.363 ± 0.01 vs. 2.439 ± 0.02), skharm0 (-0.0002 ± 0.07 vs. -0.266 ± 0.09), kurharm0 (-0.156 ± 0.07 vs. 0.260 ± 0.18), kurharm2 (0.142 ± 0.11 vs. 1.031 ± 0.32) and varharm4 (0.109 ± 0.00 vs. 0.082 ± 0.00) of live vs. dead sperm population (p < 0.05). Therefore, 100 live sperm/bull were further evaluated for mean, skewness, kurtosis and variance HA 0-5 values among high (n = 6) and low-fertility (n = 6) groups. Results of T-test showed higher values of mharm2 (0.739 ± 0.01 vs. 0.686 ± 0.00), mharm4 (0.105 ± 0.001 vs. 0.007 ± 0.001), and skharm0 (0.214 ± 0.109 vs. -0.244 ± 0.097) in high vs. low-fertility group (p < 0.05). In next step, five significantly different combinations of discriminant measures between high and low-fertility groups were obtained by discriminant analysis. In conclusion, mharm4, skharm0 and varharm2 correctly identified 91.7 % of bulls into their respective fertility groups, and upon cross validation the value of the canonical correlation was 0.928.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javeria Arshad
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife & Fisheries, Pir Mehr Ali Shah- Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - John J Parrish
- Department of Animal & Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
| | - Muhammad Amjad Awan
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife & Fisheries, Pir Mehr Ali Shah- Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Bushra Allah Rakha
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife & Fisheries, Pir Mehr Ali Shah- Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | | | - Muhammad Sheeraz Ahmad
- University Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Pir Mehr Ali Shah- Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Sajid Iqbal
- Livestock Breeding Services Authority, Government of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Shamim Akhter
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife & Fisheries, Pir Mehr Ali Shah- Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cinar B, Bollwein H, Siuda M, Lautner M, Leiding C, Malama E. Impact of bull age, sperm processing, and microclimatic conditions on the viability and DNA integrity of cryopreserved bovine sperm. Reprod Fertil Dev 2024; 36:RD23219. [PMID: 38713807 DOI: 10.1071/rd23219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Context Seasonal microclimatic fluctuations can cause changes in sperm quality even in dairy bulls bred under temperate climate. These changes can vary between sires of different age and affect sperm freezability. Aims We aimed to evaluate the modulating effect of bull age and equilibration time before freezing on the seasonal pattern of sperm viability and DNA integrity post-thaw. Methods In the frame of systematic sperm quality control, we assessed the integrity of sperm plasma membrane and acrosome (PMAI) in 15,496 cryopreserved bovine batches, and the percentage of sperm with high DNA fragmentation index (%DFI) after 0h and 3h incubation at 38°C post-thaw (3h) in 3422 batches. Semen was equilibrated for 24h before freezing if collected on Monday or Wednesday and 72h if produced on Friday. We investigated the effect of season, bull age, equilibration, and temperature-humidity index (THI) on the day of semen collection on sperm traits using mixed-effects linear models. Key results PMAI and %DFI (0h and 3h) deteriorated with increasing THI. The effect of THI on %DFI was detected with a 30-day time lag. Seasonal fluctuations of sperm quality were similar between young, mature, and older sires. Prolonged equilibration did not affect PMAI but was linked to elevated %DFI (3h) in summer. Conclusions Extending equilibration from 24 to 72h is compatible with commercial standards of bovine sperm quality post-thaw; however, it could interfere with the seasonal pattern of the latter. Implications Systematic monitoring of bovine sperm quality enables the prompt detection of stress factors related to microclimate and semen processing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Burcu Cinar
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Heinrich Bollwein
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Mathias Siuda
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Lautner
- Besamungsverein Neustadt a.d. Aisch e.V., Karl-Eibl-Straße 17-27, Neustadt a.d. Aisch 91413, Germany
| | - Claus Leiding
- Besamungsverein Neustadt a.d. Aisch e.V., Karl-Eibl-Straße 17-27, Neustadt a.d. Aisch 91413, Germany
| | - Eleni Malama
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Parveen S, Rizvi A, Akhtar K, Khan AA, Naseem I. Nickel-induced oxidative stress causes cell death in testicles: implications for male infertility. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:1659-1670. [PMID: 37704774 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02713-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Aligarh region is well known for its lock industry. This lock industry utilises nickel for electroplating. There have been informal reports of infertility in men and women living near the lock industry. We analysed field water samples to investigate this link, and the results showed considerable nickel contamination. To further validate our results, we exposed male rats to relevant nickel levels in drinking water. This experimental exposure resulted in abnormal sperm morphology, decline in sperm count, significant change in activities of antioxidant enzymes, pronounced oxidative stress in the rat spermatocytes and decrease in serum testosterone level, as well as damage in the hypothalamus and pituitary (in all cases, the changes were most significant at the highest concentration used i.e 2.5 mg/l). The breeding experiments showed decline in live birth rate, while pups did not survive post birth in cages where males were given 2 and 2.5 mg/l concentrations of nickel in drinking water prior to mating. Our data strongly indicate a link between industrial nickel exposure and male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saima Parveen
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| | - Asim Rizvi
- Department of Kulliyat, Faculty of Unani Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| | - Kafil Akhtar
- Department of Pathology, JNMC, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| | - Aijaz Ahmed Khan
- Department of Anatomy, JNMC, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| | - Imrana Naseem
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cakir C, Kuspinar G, Ganiyev A, Aslan K, Kasapoglu I, Kilicarslan H, Ata B, Uncu G, Avcı B. Reliability of hypo-osmotic swelling test on fresh and frozen-thawed ejaculated or testicular immotile sperm: A sibling oocyte study. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2024; 293:132-141. [PMID: 38159442 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The viability of sperm is a crucial factor for achieving a successful pregnancy in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) in fresh and frozen-thawed sperm samples of different origins (ejaculated/testicular). A retrospective analysis was conducted on the outcomes of 2167 oocytes subjected to ICSI using motile and immotile-HOST-positive sperm from 2011 to 2023. We evaluated embryonic development, as well as clinical, obstetric, and neonatal outcomes in four groups based on different sperm origins (ejaculated/testicular) and processing (fresh/frozen). When comparing the results of ICSI between motile and immotile-HOST-positive sperm within each group, it was observed that there were no significant differences in the outcomes for fresh samples. However, for frozen-thawed samples, fertilization rates and blastocyst development rates were significantly lower when ICSI was performed with immotile-HOST-positive sperm compared to motile sperm. Of note, clinical, obstetric, and neonatal outcomes were statistically similar across all groups. Our findings indicate that HOST is more reliable in fresh samples than in those subjected to the freeze-thaw process. Nonetheless, HOST is considered a safe method for selecting viable sperm in all subgroups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cihan Cakir
- Bursa Uludag University School of Medicine, ART Center, Department of Histology and Embryology, Bursa, Turkey.
| | - Goktan Kuspinar
- Bursa Uludag University School of Medicine, ART Center, Department of Histology and Embryology, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Alim Ganiyev
- Bursa Uludag University School of Medicine, ART Center, Department of Histology and Embryology, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Kiper Aslan
- Bursa Uludag University School of Medicine, ART Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Isil Kasapoglu
- Bursa Uludag University School of Medicine, ART Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Hakan Kilicarslan
- Bursa Uludag University School of Medicine, Department of Urology, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Baris Ata
- Koc University School of Medicine, ART Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gurkan Uncu
- Bursa Uludag University School of Medicine, ART Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Berrin Avcı
- Bursa Uludag University School of Medicine, ART Center, Department of Histology and Embryology, Bursa, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Braga DPAF, Setti A, Morishima C, Provenza RR, Iaconelli A, Borges E. The effect of sperm DNA fragmentation on ICSI outcomes depending on oocyte quality. Andrology 2023; 11:1682-1693. [PMID: 37004191 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sperm deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragmentation is commonly encountered in spermatozoa, and the oocyte assumes responsibility for repairing sperm DNA fragmentation during the oocyte-embryo transition. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate whether the effect of sperm DNA fragmentation on intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes depends on the incidence of oocyte dimorphisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS For the present cohort, 2942 fertilized oocytes from 525 patients submitted to intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles were assessed. The present study was conducted in a private in vitro fertilization center affiliated to a university from June 2016 to July 2019. Semen samples were divided into the following two groups depending on the sperm DNA fragmentation index: a low fragmentation index group (<30% sperm DNA fragmentation, n = 1468) and a high fragmentation index group (≥30% sperm DNA fragmentation, n = 486). In addition, mature oocytes were examined before sperm injection, and intracytoplasmic and extracytoplasmic defects were recorded. The effect of the sperm DNA fragmentation index on laboratory and clinical intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes (depending on the presence of oocyte defects) was evaluated. RESULTS Significant increases in the rates of fertilization, high-quality embryo, implantation, and pregnancy were noted for cycles with <30% sperm DNA fragmentation than cycles with ≥30% sperm DNA fragmentation (regardless of the presence of oocyte dimorphisms). The presence of dimorphisms significantly impacted laboratory and clinical outcomes. The lowest fertilization and high-quality embryo rates were observed when a high sperm DNA fragmentation index was associated with the presence of dark cytoplasm, vacuoles, resistant membrane, and non-resistant membrane. The lowest implantation and pregnancy rates were observed when a high sperm DNA fragmentation index was associated with the presence of vacuoles, defective perivitelline space, and fragmented polar body. The effect of sperm DNA fragmentation on miscarriage rates was significantly influenced by the presence of centrally located cytoplasmic granulation, a defective perivitelline space and non-resistant membrane. CONCLUSION A high sperm DNA fragmentation index increases the likelihood of miscarriage in intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles, an effect that may potentially be magnified by the presence of oocyte dysmorphisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Christina Morishima
- Instituto Sapientiae-Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Assistida, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Nielsen JLM, Majzoub A, Esteves S, Humaidan P. Unraveling the Impact of Sperm DNA Fragmentation on Reproductive Outcomes. Semin Reprod Med 2023; 41:241-257. [PMID: 38092034 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1777324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in identifying subcellular causes of male infertility, and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) research has been at the forefront of this focus. DNA damage can occur during spermatogenesis due to faulty chromatin compaction or excessive abortive apoptosis. It can also happen as sperm transit through the genital tract, often induced by oxidative stress. There are several methods for SDF testing, with the sperm chromatin structure assay, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase d-UTI nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, comet assay, and sperm chromatin dispersion test being the most commonly used. Numerous studies strongly support the negative impact of SDF on male fertility potential. DNA damage has been linked to various morphological and functional sperm abnormalities, ultimately affecting natural conception and assisted reproductive technology outcomes. This evidence-based review aims to explore how SDF influences male reproduction and provide insights into available therapeutic options to minimize its detrimental impact.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeanett L M Nielsen
- The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Skive, Denmark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Viborg Regional Hospital, Viborg, Denmark
| | - Ahmad Majzoub
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Clinical Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sandro Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Campinas, Brazil
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peter Humaidan
- The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Skive, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Faix A, Methorst C, Lamazou F, Vialard F, Huyghe E. [Assessment of the man in the infertile couple]. Prog Urol 2023; 33:588-612. [PMID: 38012906 DOI: 10.1016/j.purol.2023.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among couples consulting for infertility, there is a male component, either alone or associated with a female aetiology in around one in 2 cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS Bibliographic search in PubMed using the keywords "male infertility", "diagnosis", "management" and "evaluation" limited to clinical articles in English and French prior to 1/01/2023. RESULTS The AFU recommends: (1) a complete medical history including: family history, patient history affecting fertility, lifestyle habits (toxicity), treatments, symptoms, sexual dysfunctions; (2) a physical examination including: BMI, signs of hypogonadism, secondary sexual characteristics, scrotal examination (volume and consistency of testes, vas deferens, epididymal or testicular nodules, presence of varicocele); (3) two spermograms, if abnormal on the first; (4) a systematic scrotal ultrasound,± an endorectal ultrasound depending on the clinic; (5) a hormonal work-up (testosterone, FSH; if testosterone is low: LH assay to differentiate between central or peripheral hypogonadism); (6) karyotype if sperm concentration≤10 million/mL; (7) evaluation of Y chromosome microdeletions if concentration≤1 million/mL; (8) evaluation of the CFTR gene in cases of suspected bilateral or unilateral agenesis of the vas deferens and seminal vesicles. The role and usefulness of direct and indirect tests to assess the effects of oxidative stress on sperm DNA will also be explained. CONCLUSION This review complements and updates the AFU/SALF 2021 recommendations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Faix
- Clinique Saint-Roch, 560, avenue du Colonel-Pavelet-dit-Villars, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - C Methorst
- Service de médecine de la reproduction, hôpital des 4-villes, Saint-Cloud, France
| | - F Lamazou
- Clinique Pierre-Cherest, Paris, France
| | - F Vialard
- Service de génétique, CHU de Poissy Saint-Germain, UVSQ, Poissy, France
| | - E Huyghe
- Département d'urologie, hôpital de Rangueil, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France; Service de médecine de la reproduction, hôpital Paule-de-Viguier, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France; UMR DEFE, Inserm 1203, université de Toulouse, université de Montpellier, Toulouse, France.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Viñolas-Vergés E, Yeste M, Garriga F, Bonet S, Mateo-Otero Y, Ribas-Maynou J. An intracellular, non-oxidative factor activates in vitro chromatin fragmentation in pig sperm. Biol Res 2023; 56:53. [PMID: 37876007 PMCID: PMC10594720 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-023-00467-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In vitro incubation of epididymal and vas deferens sperm with Mn2+ induces Sperm Chromatin Fragmentation (SCF), a mechanism that causes double-stranded breaks in toroid-linker regions (TLRs). Whether this mechanism, thought to require the participation of topoisomerases and/or DNAses and thus far only described in epididymal mouse sperm, can be triggered in ejaculated sperm is yet to be elucidated. The current study aimed to determine if exposure of pig ejaculated sperm to divalent ions (Mn2+ and Mg2+) activates SCF, and whether this has any impact on sperm function and survival. For this purpose, sperm DNA integrity was evaluated through the Comet assay and Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE); sperm motility and agglutination were assessed with computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA); and sperm viability and levels of total reactive oxygen species (ROS) and superoxides were determined through flow cytometry. RESULTS Incubation with Mn2+/Ca2+ activated SCF in a dose-dependent (P < 0.05) albeit not time-dependent manner (P > 0.05); in contrast, Mg2+/Ca2+ only triggered SCF at high concentrations (50 mM). The PFGE revealed that, when activated by Mn2+/Ca2+ or Mg2+/Ca2+, SCF generated DNA fragments of 33-194 Kb, compatible with the size of one or multiple toroids. Besides, Mn2+/Ca2+ affected sperm motility in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05), whereas Mg2+/Ca2+ only impaired this variable at high concentrations (P < 0.05). While this effect on motility was concomitant with an increase of agglutination, neither viability nor ROS levels were affected by Mn2+/Ca2+ or Mg2+/Ca2+ treatments. CONCLUSION Mn2+/Ca2+ and Mn2+/Ca2+ were observed to induce SCF in ejaculated sperm, resulting in DNA cleavage at TLRs. The activation of this mechanism by an intracellular, non-oxidative factor sheds light on the events taking place during sperm cell death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Estel Viñolas-Vergés
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain.
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain.
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), S08010, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Ferran Garriga
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Yentel Mateo-Otero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Naglot S, Thapliyal A, Tomar AK, Yadav S. Male Contributory Factors in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:2107-2121. [PMID: 36792841 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01192-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
With 40% of idiopathic cases, recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a problem of great concern for patients and clinicians. In addition to financial burden, it causes a lot of frustration and anxiety in affected couples. The primary objective of this review was to gain knowledge of recent advances in the field of recurrent pregnancy losses and to understand the role of male contributory factors in idiopathic cases. For a long time, researchers and clinicians were seeking an explanation for idiopathic RPL (iRPL) in females only; however, with recent advances in reproductive biology, the role of spermatozoa in early embryonic development has caught the attention of researchers. Clinically, only routine semen parameters and karyotyping are investigated in iRPL male partners, which seem to be insufficient in the present scenario, and thus, more information at the molecular level is required for a comprehensive understanding of iRPL. In concluding remarks, we suggest targeted multi-omics investigations in a large cohort to improve our understanding of the role of male contributory factors in iRPL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarla Naglot
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Ayushi Thapliyal
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Anil Kumar Tomar
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Savita Yadav
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Baran V, Mayer A. Checkpoint Kinase 1 Is a Key Signal Transducer of DNA Damage in the Early Mammalian Cleavage Embryo. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076778. [PMID: 37047751 PMCID: PMC10095474 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
After fertilization, remodeling of the oocyte and sperm genome is essential for the successful initiation of mitotic activity in the fertilized oocyte and subsequent proliferative activity of the early embryo. Despite the fact that the molecular mechanisms of cell cycle control in early mammalian embryos are in principle comparable to those in somatic cells, there are differences resulting from the specific nature of the gene totipotency of the blastomeres of early cleavage embryos. In this review, we focus on the Chk1 kinase as a key transduction factor in monitoring the integrity of DNA molecules during early embryogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vladimír Baran
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej 4, 040 00 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Alexandra Mayer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 12000 Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Mazzilli R, Rucci C, Vaiarelli A, Cimadomo D, Ubaldi FM, Foresta C, Ferlin A. Male factor infertility and assisted reproductive technologies: indications, minimum access criteria and outcomes. J Endocrinol Invest 2023; 46:1079-1085. [PMID: 36633791 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-022-02000-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility, which is defined as the inability to conceive after at least 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourses, affects about 15-20% of couples worldwide and a male factor is involved in about half of the cases. The development of assisted reproductive technology (ART) made it possible to conceive also to individuals affected from severe oligospermia or azoospermia. However, the impact of the male factor on embryo development, implantation, prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities, genetic and epigenetic alterations, and clinical and obstetric outcomes is still controversial. PURPOSE This narrative review examines the indications, minimum access criteria, and outcomes by individual ART technique in relation to the male factor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Mazzilli
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Di Grottarossa, 1036-1039, 00100, Rome, Italy.
- GeneraLife IVF, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy.
| | - C Rucci
- GeneraLife IVF, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Gynecologic Unit, University of Rome "TorVergata", Rome, Italy
| | - A Vaiarelli
- GeneraLife IVF, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - D Cimadomo
- GeneraLife IVF, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - F M Ubaldi
- GeneraLife IVF, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - C Foresta
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - A Ferlin
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Adler A, Roth B, Lundy SD, Takeshima T, Yumura Y, Kuroda S. Sperm DNA fragmentation testing in clinical management of reproductive medicine. Reprod Med Biol 2023; 22:e12547. [PMID: 37915974 PMCID: PMC10616814 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Approximately 8%-12% of couples worldwide face infertility, with infertility of individuals assigned male at birth (AMAB) contributing to at least 50% of cases. Conventional semen analysis commonly used to detect sperm abnormalities is insufficient, as 30% of AMAB patients experiencing infertility show normal results in this test. From a genetic perspective, the assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) is important as a parameter of sperm quality. Methods In this narrative study, we review and discuss pathophysiological causes, DNA repair mechanisms, and management of high SDF. We then summarize literature exploring the association between SDF and reproductive outcomes. Main Findings Recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses have revealed a significant association between high SDF in AMAB individuals and adverse reproductive outcomes including embryo development, natural conception, intrauterine insemination, and in vitro fertilization. However, the association with live birth rates and pregnancy rates following intracytoplasmic injection remains inconclusive. The disparities among quantitative assays, inconsistent reference range values, absent high-quality prospective clinical trials, and clinical heterogeneity in AMAB patients with elevated SDF represent the main limitations affecting SDF testing. Conclusion The evaluation and management of SDF plays an important role in a subset of AMAB infertility, but widespread integration into clinical guidelines will require future high-quality clinical trials and assay standardization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ava Adler
- Glickman Urological & Kidney InstituteCleveland Clinic FoundationClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Bradley Roth
- Glickman Urological & Kidney InstituteCleveland Clinic FoundationClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Scott D. Lundy
- Glickman Urological & Kidney InstituteCleveland Clinic FoundationClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Teppei Takeshima
- Department of Urology, Reproduction CenterYokohama City University Medical CenterYokohamaJapan
| | - Yasushi Yumura
- Department of Urology, Reproduction CenterYokohama City University Medical CenterYokohamaJapan
| | - Shinnosuke Kuroda
- Glickman Urological & Kidney InstituteCleveland Clinic FoundationClevelandOhioUSA
- Department of Urology, Reproduction CenterYokohama City University Medical CenterYokohamaJapan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
The Effects of Different Doses of ROCK Inhibitor, Antifreeze Protein III, and Boron Added to Semen Extender on Semen Freezeability of Ankara Bucks. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27228070. [PMID: 36432171 PMCID: PMC9698151 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27228070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In the presented study, the effects of ROCK inhibitor Y-27632, antifreeze protein III, and boron at two different doses were investigated on the spermatological parameters of Ankara buck semen after freeze−thawing. Ejaculates were collected from bucks using an electroejaculator during the breeding season. The ejaculates that showed appropriate characteristics were pooled and used in the dilution and freezing of semen. The extender groups were formed by adding two different doses of three different additives (ROCK inhibitor Y-27632, 5 and 20 µM; antifreeze protein III, 1 and 4 µg/mL; boron, 0.25 and 1 mM) to the control extender. The semen was diluted with the different extenders at 35−37 °C and loaded into straws. Sperm samples frozen in liquid nitrogen vapors, following equilibration, were stored in liquid nitrogen. It was observed that extender supplementation improved post-thaw motility of Ankara buck semen after freeze−thawing. Differences were significant (p < 0.01) for 5 and 10 µM doses of ROCK inhibitor (71.82% and 74.04 % motility), as well as for 0.25 and 1 mM doses of boron (76.36% and 72.08% motility), compared to the control group (66.15% motility). With respect to the evaluation of acrosomal integrity and mitochondrial activity after freeze−thawing, although supplementation provided protection at all doses, the efficacy was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). It was observed that DNA damage was improved by antifreeze protein III at 1 µg/mL (1.23% ± 0.23%) and by boron at all doses (0.25 mM: 1.83% and 1 mM: 1.18%) compared to the control group (3.37%) (p < 0.01), following the thawing process. In the present study, it was determined that some additives added to the extender provided significant improvements in buck spermatozoa motility and DNA damage after thawing.
Collapse
|
15
|
Musson R, Gąsior Ł, Bisogno S, Ptak GE. DNA damage in preimplantation embryos and gametes: specification, clinical relevance and repair strategies. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:376-399. [PMID: 35021196 PMCID: PMC9071077 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA damage is a hazard that affects all cells of the body. DNA-damage repair (DDR) mechanisms are in place to repair damage and restore cellular function, as are other damage-induced processes such as apoptosis, autophagy and senescence. The resilience of germ cells and embryos in response to DNA damage is less well studied compared with other cell types. Given that recent studies have described links between embryonic handling techniques and an increased likelihood of disease in post-natal life, an update is needed to summarize the sources of DNA damage in embryos and their capacity to repair it. In addition, numerous recent publications have detailed novel techniques for detecting and repairing DNA damage in embryos. This information is of interest to medical or scientific personnel who wish to obtain undamaged embryos for use in offspring generation by ART. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review aims to thoroughly discuss sources of DNA damage in male and female gametes and preimplantation embryos. Special consideration is given to current knowledge and limits in DNA damage detection and screening strategies. Finally, obstacles and future perspectives in clinical diagnosis and treatment (repair) of DNA damaged embryos are discussed. SEARCH METHODS Using PubMed and Google Scholar until May 2021, a comprehensive search for peer-reviewed original English-language articles was carried out using keywords relevant to the topic with no limits placed on time. Keywords included ‘DNA damage repair’, ‘gametes’, ‘sperm’, ‘oocyte’, ‘zygote’, ‘blastocyst’ and ‘embryo’. References from retrieved articles were also used to obtain additional articles. Literature on the sources and consequences of DNA damage on germ cells and embryos was also searched. Additional papers cited by primary references were included. Results from our own studies were included where relevant. OUTCOMES DNA damage in gametes and embryos can differ greatly based on the source and severity. This damage affects the development of the embryo and can lead to long-term health effects on offspring. DDR mechanisms can repair damage to a certain extent, but the factors that play a role in this process are numerous and altogether not well characterized. In this review, we describe the multifactorial origin of DNA damage in male and female gametes and in the embryo, and suggest screening strategies for the selection of healthy gametes and embryos. Furthermore, possible therapeutic solutions to decrease the frequency of DNA damaged gametes and embryos and eventually to repair DNA and increase mitochondrial quality in embryos before their implantation is discussed. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Understanding DNA damage in gametes and embryos is essential for the improvement of techniques that could enhance embryo implantation and pregnancy success. While our knowledge about DNA damage factors and regulatory mechanisms in cells has advanced greatly, the number of feasible practical techniques to avoid or repair damaged embryos remains scarce. Our intention is therefore to focus on strategies to obtain embryos with as little DNA damage as possible, which will impact reproductive biology research with particular significance for reproductive clinicians and embryologists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Musson
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Łukasz Gąsior
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Simona Bisogno
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Grażyna Ewa Ptak
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zhu C, Zhang S, Chen F, She H, Ju Y, Wen X, Ji Y, Pan Y, Yang C, Sun Y, Dong N, Liu K, Li F, Xue T, Cui H. Correlations between elevated basal sperm DNA fragmentation and the clinical outcomes in women undergoing IUI. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:987812. [PMID: 36120437 PMCID: PMC9478029 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.987812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the impact of the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) on the clinical outcomes in women undergoing artificial insemination by husband intrauterine insemination (AIH-IUI). METHODS In this retrospective study, the value of sperm DFI was detected by sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) in a semen analysis collected before fertility treatment (basal DFI) in 1,500 IUI cycles at the infertility clinic of Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Reproductive Medicine Center from Jan 2016 to April 2021. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to calculate the cut-off value for the clinical outcomes of IUI, including the biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, delivery rate, and live birth rate, and multivariate logistic regression was conducted to analyse the risk factors for clinical outcomes after IUI. RESULT In 1,500 IUI cycles, the results showed that there were no statistically significant differences between the normal DFI group and the abnormal DFI group in biochemical pregnancy rate (14.41% vs. 11.3%, P = 0.386), clinical pregnancy rate (12.9% vs. 10.5%, P = 0.433), delivery rate (11.0% vs. 8.9%, P = 0.456), live birth rate (10.9% vs. 8.9%, P = 0.484) or pregnancy loss rate (14.6% vs. 15.4%, P = 1.000). CONCLUSION Sperm DFI alone may have limited predictive power for IUI clinical outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunhui Zhu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University/Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Institute of Epigenetics and Epigenomics, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Shengmin Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University/Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Fang Chen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University/Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Hong She
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University/Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yun Ju
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University/Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xidong Wen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University/Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yurong Ji
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University/Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yu Pan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University/Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Chunxia Yang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University/Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University/Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Naijun Dong
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University/Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Kaifeng Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University/Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University/Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Feng Li, ; Tongmin Xue, ; Hengmi Cui,
| | - Tongmin Xue
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University/Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Feng Li, ; Tongmin Xue, ; Hengmi Cui,
| | - Hengmi Cui
- Institute of Epigenetics and Epigenomics, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Feng Li, ; Tongmin Xue, ; Hengmi Cui,
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Finelli R, Moreira BP, Alves MG, Agarwal A. Unraveling the Molecular Impact of Sperm DNA Damage on Human Reproduction. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1358:77-113. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-89340-8_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
18
|
Wang H, Li H, Zhu J, Xu J, Jiang Y, Chen W, Sun Y, Yang Q. The Effect of Sperm DNA Fragmentation on In Vitro Fertilization Outcomes for Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:822786. [PMID: 35712248 PMCID: PMC9196864 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.822786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disease in reproductive women associated with poor pregnancy outcomes. In modern society, people pay more attention to the female factor, but it is uncertain whether sperm quality is another factor affecting pregnancy outcomes of patients with PCOS. METHOD The effect of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) on oocyte fertilization, embryonic development, and pregnancy outcomes for patients with PCOS who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment was studied. A total of 141 PCOS patients and 332 control patients undergoing IVF treatment were recruited from January 2017 to December 2019. All female patients were designated into two groups according to the Rotterdam criteria. Each group was divided into two sets, DNA fragmentation index (DFI) ≤15% and DFI > 15%, on the basis of sperm DFI. RESULT There were no differences in basic clinical characteristics between couples with a sperm DFI ≤ 15% or DFI > 15%. For control patients, no differences were observed in IVF outcomes. However, for PCOS patients, although there were no differences in the fertilization (60.4% vs. 59.9%, p = 0.831), high-quality embryo (68.5% vs. 67.9% p = 0.832), clinical pregnancy (78.4% vs. 66.7%, p = 0.148), and abortion (12.5% vs. 11.5%, p = 1.000) rates, a significantly lower high-quality blastocyst formation rate (26.3% vs. 16.3%, p = 0.023) was observed for couples with a sperm DFI > 15% compared with a sperm DFI ≤ 15%. CONCLUSION For PCOS patients undergoing IVF, oocytes fertilized using sperm with higher DFI led to a lower high-quality blastocyst formation rate but had no influence on fertilization, high-quality embryo, clinical pregnancy, and miscarriage rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hui Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jing Zhu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jianmin Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuqing Jiang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenhui Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yingpu Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yingpu Sun, ; Qingling Yang,
| | - Qingling Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yingpu Sun, ; Qingling Yang,
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Newman H, Catt S, Vining B, Vollenhoven B, Horta F. DNA repair and response to sperm DNA damage in oocytes and embryos, and the potential consequences in ART: a systematic review. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 28:6483093. [PMID: 34954800 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm DNA damage is considered a predictive factor for the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing ART. Laboratory evidence suggests that zygotes and developing embryos have adopted specific response and repair mechanisms to repair DNA damage of paternal origin. We have conducted a systematic review in accordance with guidelines from Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) to identify and review the maternal mechanisms used to respond and repair sperm DNA damage during early embryonic development, how these mechanisms operate and their potential clinical implications. The literature search was conducted in Ovid MEDLINE and Embase databases until May 2021. Out of 6297 articles initially identified, 36 studies were found to be relevant through cross referencing and were fully extracted. The collective evidence in human and animal models indicate that the early embryo has the capacity to repair DNA damage within sperm by activating maternally driven mechanisms throughout embryonic development. However, this capacity is limited and likely declines with age. The link between age and decreased DNA repair capacity could explain decreased oocyte quality in older women, poor reproductive outcomes in idiopathic cases, and patients who present high sperm DNA damage. Ultimately, further understanding mechanisms underlying the maternal repair of sperm DNA damage could lead to the development of targeted therapies to decrease sperm DNA damage, improved oocyte quality to combat incoming DNA insults or lead to development of methodologies to identify individual spermatozoa without DNA damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Newman
- Education Program in Reproduction & Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - S Catt
- Education Program in Reproduction & Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - B Vining
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - B Vollenhoven
- Education Program in Reproduction & Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia.,Monash IVF, Melbourne, VIC, 3168, Australia.,Women's and Newborn Program, Monash Health, VIC, 3169, Australia
| | - F Horta
- Education Program in Reproduction & Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia.,Monash IVF, Melbourne, VIC, 3168, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Orsolini MF, Meyers SA, Dini P. An Update on Semen Physiology, Technologies, and Selection Techniques for the Advancement of In Vitro Equine Embryo Production: Section II. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113319. [PMID: 34828049 PMCID: PMC8614388 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In order to improve fertilization and pregnancy rates within artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization techniques in horses, producers may choose to select the best sperm within an ejaculate. In this paper, we review conventional and novel methods of sperm selection. Abstract As the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and in vitro embryo production (IVP) expand in the equine industry, it has become necessary to further our understanding of available semen selection techniques. This segment of our two-section review will focus on the selection of spermatozoa based on quality and sex for equine intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), as well as current and future developments in sperm sorting technologies. Ultimately, novel methods of semen selection will be assessed based on their efficacy in other species and their relevance and future application towards ARTs in the horse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Morgan F. Orsolini
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Stuart A. Meyers
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Pouya Dini
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
DNA Repair in Haploid Context. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212418. [PMID: 34830299 PMCID: PMC8620282 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA repair is a well-covered topic as alteration of genetic integrity underlies many pathological conditions and important transgenerational consequences. Surprisingly, the ploidy status is rarely considered although the presence of homologous chromosomes dramatically impacts the repair capacities of cells. This is especially important for the haploid gametes as they must transfer genetic information to the offspring. An understanding of the different mechanisms monitoring genetic integrity in this context is, therefore, essential as differences in repair pathways exist that differentiate the gamete’s role in transgenerational inheritance. Hence, the oocyte must have the most reliable repair capacity while sperm, produced in large numbers and from many differentiation steps, are expected to carry de novo variations. This review describes the main DNA repair pathways with a special emphasis on ploidy. Differences between Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe are especially useful to this aim as they can maintain a diploid and haploid life cycle respectively.
Collapse
|
22
|
Khodamoradi K, Ibrahim E, Ramasamy R. Can we select human sperm with high DNA integrity for intracytoplasmic sperm injection on the basis of motility and morphology? Fertil Steril 2021; 116:1319. [PMID: 34602263 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Emad Ibrahim
- Department of Urology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Zhang Z, Dai C, Shan G, Chen X, Liu H, Abdalla K, Kuznyetsova I, Moskovstev S, Huang X, Librach C, Jarvi K, Sun Y. Quantitative selection of single human sperm with high DNA integrity for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Fertil Steril 2021; 116:1308-1318. [PMID: 34266663 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study at the single-cell level whether a sperm's motility and morphology parameters reflect its DNA integrity, and to establish a set of quantitative criteria for selecting single sperm with high DNA integrity. DESIGN Prospective study. SETTING In vitro fertilization center and university laboratories. PATIENT(S) Male patients undergoing infertility treatments. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The motility and morphology parameters of each sperm were measured with the use of computer vision algorithms. The sperm was then aspirated and transferred for DNA fragmentation measurement by single-cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay). RESULT(S) We adapted the World Health Organization criteria, which were originally defined for semen analysis, and established a set of quantitative criteria for single-sperm selection in intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Sperm satisfying the criteria had significantly lower DNA fragmentation levels than the sample population. Both normal motility and normal morphology were required for a sperm to have low DNA fragmentation. The quantitative criteria were integrated into a software program for sperm selection. In blind tests in which our software and three embryologists selected sperm from the same patient samples, our software outperformed the embryologists and selected sperm with the highest DNA integrity. CONCLUSION(S) At the single-cell level, a sperm's motility and morphology parameters reflect its DNA integrity. The developed technique and criteria hold the potential to mitigate the risk factor of sperm DNA fragmentation in intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoran Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Changsheng Dai
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Guanqiao Shan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xin Chen
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hang Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Xi Huang
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Keith Jarvi
- Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yu Sun
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Santymire RM, Ali N, Marinari PE, Livieri TM. Using hair cortisol analysis to understand the biological factors that affect black-footed ferret ( Mustela nigripes) stress physiology. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 9:coab033. [PMID: 34007452 PMCID: PMC8114467 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coab033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) was driven to near extinction due to habitat loss and an introduced disease, sylvatic plague (Yersinia pestis). After 35 years of breeding in ex situ facilities, the black-footed ferret has been experiencing infertility with seminal traits declining in males and only about a third of breeding-aged females are whelping. Our goal was to use hair cortisol analysis to determine if the ex situ population was experiencing chronic stress that was affecting reproduction by comparing captive ferrets to wild individuals. Our specific objectives were to (i) compare hair cortisol concentrations (HCCs) between age classes (juveniles versus adults), (ii) compare the HCCs of in situ and across different ex situ facilities and (iii) determine the relationship between HCCs and reproductive success. Overall, wild juveniles had higher HCC than wild adults. Our generalized linear mixed model determined that the parameters that best predict HCC for adults were the interactions among sex, in situ versus ex situ facilities and season. During both seasons, wild females had higher HCCs compared to the ex situ females. During the breeding season, male HCCs across breeding facilities varied and males at the breeding facility with the largest ferret habitats had HCCs similar to wild males. At one breeding facility, HCC was higher in males that sired compared to those that did not sire. In conclusion, ex situ ferrets do not have higher HCC than wild individuals when controlling for season and ex situ habitat size, and ex situ males with higher HCC tended to sire. This suggests that HCC may be metabolically driven and/or that low HCC may be an indication of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation and warrants further investigation both for laboratory validation and biological relevance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R M Santymire
- Conservation and Science Department, Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
- Committee on Evolutionary Biology, University of Chicago, 1025 E. 57th St, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - N Ali
- Conservation and Science Department, Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
- Committee on Evolutionary Biology, University of Chicago, 1025 E. 57th St, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - P E Marinari
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Rd, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
| | - T M Livieri
- Prairie Wildlife Research, PO Box 308, Wellington, CO 80549, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Horta F, Catt S, Ramachandran P, Vollenhoven B, Temple-Smith P. Female ageing affects the DNA repair capacity of oocytes in IVF using a controlled model of sperm DNA damage in mice. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:529-544. [PMID: 32108237 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does female ageing have a negative effect on the DNA repair capacity of oocytes fertilised by spermatozoa with controlled levels of DNA damage? SUMMARY ANSWER Compared to oocytes from younger females, oocytes from older females have a reduced capacity to repair damaged DNA introduced by spermatozoa. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The reproductive lifespan in women declines with age predominantly due to poor oocyte quality. This leads to decreased reproductive outcomes for older women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments, compared to young women. Ageing and oocyte quality have been clearly associated with aneuploidy, but the range of factors that influence this change in oocyte quality with age remains unclear. The DNA repair activity prior to embryonic genomic activation is considered to be of maternal origin, with maternal transcripts and proteins controlling DNA integrity. With increasing maternal age, the number of mRNAs stored in oocytes decreases. This could result in diminished efficiency of DNA repair and/or negative effects on embryo development, especially in the presence of DNA damage. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Oocytes from two age groups of 30 super-ovulated female mice (young: 5-8 weeks old, n = 15; old: 42-45 weeks old, n = 15) were inseminated with sperm from five males with three different controlled DNA damage levels; control: ≤10%, 1 Gray (Gy): 11-30%, and 30 Gy: >30%. Inseminated oocytes (young: 125, old: 78) were assessed for the formation of zygotes (per oocyte) and blastocysts (per zygote). Five replicates of five germinal vesicles (GVs) and five MII oocytes from each age group were analysed for gene expression. The DNA damage response (DDR) was assessed in a minimum of three IVF replicates in control and 1 Gy zygotes and two-cell embryos using γH2AX labelling. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Swim-up sperm samples from the cauda epididymidis of C57BL6 mice were divided into control (no irradiation) and 1- and 30-Gy groups. Treated spermatozoa were irradiated at 1 and 30 Gy, respectively, using a linear accelerator Varian 21iX. Following irradiation, samples were used for DNA damage assessment (Halomax) and for insemination. Presumed zygotes were cultured in a time-lapse incubator (MIRI, ESCO). Gene expression of 91 DNA repair genes was assessed using the Fluidigm Biomark HD system. The DNA damage response in zygotes (6-8 h post-fertilisation) and two-cell embryos (22-24 h post-fertilisation) was assessed by immunocytochemical analysis of γH2AX using confocal microscopy (Olympus FV1200) and 3D volumetric analysis using IMARIS software. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The average sperm DNA damage for the three groups was statistically different (control: 6.1%, 1 Gy: 16.1%, 30 Gy: 53.1%, P < 0.0001), but there were no significant differences in fertilisation rates after IVF within or between the two age groups [(young; control: 86.79%, 1 Gy: 82.75%, 30 Gy: 76.74%) (old; control: 93.1%, 1 Gy: 70.37%, 30 Gy: 68.18%) Fisher's exact]. However, blastocyst rates were significantly different (P < 0.0001) among the groups [(young; control: 86.95%, 1 Gy: 33.33%, 30 Gy: 0.0%) (old; control: 70.37%, 1 Gy: 0.0%, 30 Gy: 0.0%)]. Between the age groups, 1-Gy samples showed a significant decrease in the blastocyst rate in old females compared to young females (P = 0.0166). Gene expression analysis revealed a decrease in relative expression of 21 DNA repair genes in old GV oocytes compared to young GV oocytes (P < 0.05), and similarly, old MII oocytes showed 23 genes with reduced expression compared to young MII oocytes (P < 0.05). The number of genes with decreased expression in older GV and MII oocytes significantly affected pathways such as double strand break (GV: 5; MII: 6), nucleotide excision repair (GV: 8; MII: 5) and DNA damage response (GV: 4; MII: 8). There was a decreased DDR in zygotes and in two-cell embryos from old females compared to young regardless of sperm treatment (P < 0.05). The decrease in DNA repair gene expression of oocytes and decreased DDR in embryos derived from older females suggests that ageing results in a diminished DNA repair capacity. LARGE-SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Ionising radiation was used only for experimental purposes, aiming at controlled levels of sperm DNA damage; however, it can also damage spermatozoa proteins. The female age groups selected in mice were intended to model effects in young and old women, but clinical studies are required to demonstrate a similar effect. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Fertilisation can occur with sperm populations with medium and high DNA damage, but subsequent embryo growth is affected to a greater extent with aging females, supporting the theory that oocyte DNA repair capacity decreases with age. Assessment of the oocyte DNA repair capacity may be a useful diagnostic tool for infertile couples. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Funded by the Education Program in Reproduction and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University. None of the authors has any conflict of interest to report.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Horta
- Education Program in Reproduction & Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - S Catt
- Education Program in Reproduction & Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - P Ramachandran
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC 3164, Australia
| | - B Vollenhoven
- Monash IVF, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia.,Women's and Newborn Program, Monash Health, VIC 3169, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - P Temple-Smith
- Education Program in Reproduction & Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Verdi A, Nasr-Esfahani MH, Forouzanfar M, Tavalaee M. The Effect of Recombinant Human Follicle-Stimulating Hormone on Sperm Quality, Chromatin Status and Clinical Outcomes of Infertile Oligozoospermic Men Candidate for Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection: A Randomized Clinical Trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2021; 15:1-7. [PMID: 33497040 PMCID: PMC7838760 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2021.6210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Background Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) plays a crucial role in spermatogenesis; in this study, we assessed
the effect of recombinant human FSH (rhFSH) on sperm parameters, chromatin status and clinical outcomes of infer-
tile oligozoospermic men candidates for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Materials and Methods This interventional randomized clinical trials (IRCT) included 40 infertile oligozoospermic
men undergoing ICSI. These individuals were randomized into two groups: 20 men received rhFSH drug for three
months and the other 20 men who did not receive rhFSH drug were considered the control group. Before and 3 months
after treatment initiation, sperm parameters (using computer-assisted semen analysis) and chromatin status [using
chromomycin A3, aniline blue, and sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) tests] were assessed in these individuals. Fur-
thermore, hormonal profile was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Clinical outcomes of
ICSI were also compared between the two groups.
Results The rhFSH treated group showed a significant increase in the level of FSH, luteinizing hormone (LH), tes-
tosterone (T) and prolactin (PRL), as well as significant improvements in sperm parameters compared to the control
group. Also, after administration of rhFSH, there was asignificant reduction in the percentage of sperm DNA damage,
protamine deficiency and chromatin immaturity, while such a reduction in these parameters was not observed in the
control group. Moreover, the percentage of embryos with grade Aquality, was significantly higher in the rhFSH group
compared to the control group. The pregnancy rate in the rhFSH group was higher than the control group but the dif-
ference was insignificant. Conclusion Administration of rhFSH improves sperm quality in infertile oligozoospermic men and results in higher
rates of good quality embryos post-ICSI (Registration number: IRCT20170923036334N2).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atefeh Verdi
- Department of Biology, Fars Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Fars, Iran.,Department of Biology, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.,Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Forouzanfar
- Department of Biology, Marvdasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Marvdasht, Iran. Electronic Address:
| | - Marziyeh Tavalaee
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Agarwal A, Leisegang K, Majzoub A, Henkel R, Finelli R, Panner Selvam MK, Tadros N, Parekh N, Ko EY, Cho CL, Arafa M, Alves MG, Oliveira PF, Alvarez JG, Shah R. Utility of Antioxidants in the Treatment of Male Infertility: Clinical Guidelines Based on a Systematic Review and Analysis of Evidence. World J Mens Health 2021; 39:233-290. [PMID: 33474843 PMCID: PMC7994666 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.200196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
It is widely accepted that oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathophysiology of male infertility and that antioxidants could have a significant role in the treatment of male infertility. The main objectives of this study are: 1) to systematically review the current evidence for the utility of antioxidants in the treatment of male infertility; and 2) propose evidence-based clinical guidelines for the use of antioxidants in the treatment of male infertility. A systematic review of the available clinical evidence was performed, with articles published on Scopus being manually screened. Data extracted included the type of antioxidant used, the clinical conditions under investigation, the evaluation of semen parameters and reproductive outcomes. The adherence to the Cambridge Quality Checklist, Cochrane Risk of Bias for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), CONSORT guidelines and JADAD score were analyzed for each included study. Further, we provided a Strength Weakness Opportunity Threat (SWOT) analysis to analyze the current and future value of antioxidants in male infertility. Of the 1,978 articles identified, 97 articles were included in the study. Of these, 52 (53.6%) were uncontrolled (open label), 12 (12.4%) unblinded RCTs, and 33 (34.0%) blinded RCTs, whereas 44 (45.4%) articles tested individual antioxidants, 31 (32.0%) a combination of several products in variable dosages, and 22 (22.6%) registered antioxidant products. Based on the published evidence, we 1) critically examined the necessity of additional double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials, and 2) proposed updated evidence-based clinical guidelines for antioxidant therapy in male infertility. The current systematic review on antioxidants and male infertility clearly shows that antioxidant supplementation improves semen parameters. In addition, it provides the indications for antioxidant treatment in specific clinical conditions, including varicocele, unexplained and idiopathic male infertility, as well as in cases of altered semen quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Kristian Leisegang
- School of Natural Medicine, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Ahmad Majzoub
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ralf Henkel
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Renata Finelli
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Nicholas Tadros
- Division of Urology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA
| | - Neel Parekh
- Department of Urology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Edmund Y Ko
- Department of Urology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Chak Lam Cho
- Department of Surgery, Union Hospital, Hong Kong.,S. H. Ho Urology Centre, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Mohamed Arafa
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,Andrology Department, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Marco G Alves
- Department of Anatomy & Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Juan G Alvarez
- Centro Androgen, La Coruña, Spain and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rupin Shah
- Department of Urology, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Susceptibility of boar spermatozoa to heat stress using in vivo and in vitro experimental models. Trop Anim Health Prod 2021; 53:97. [PMID: 33415455 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-020-02516-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Induction of heat stress as an experimental procedure in animals is commonly used to examine heat-related impacts on sperm quality. This study aimed to develop potential heat stress models that could be used at any time of the year, to advance the study of seasonal infertility in the pig under controlled conditions. Heat stress was induced by either housing boars (n = 6) at 30 °C inside a hot room for 42 days (55-65% humidity; LD 12:12 h; in vivo), or by heating boar semen (n = 7) for 30 min at various temperatures (35.5, 38.8, 40, 42, 46, 50, 54 and 60 °C; in vitro). Sperm motility was then characterized by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA; IVOS version 10: Hamilton Thorne, USA), and DNA integrity was evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) and flow cytometry. Our in vivo hot room model induced biologically meaningful levels of DNA damage in boar spermatozoa (10.1 ± 1.9 hot room vs. 6.7 ± 1.7% control; P > 0.05), although not statistically significant from controls. Moreover, sperm concentration and motility parameters did not differ between treatments (P > 0.05). Compared to the 38.8 °C control, our in vitro heat shock model significantly increased sperm DNA damage after incubation at 54 and 60 °C (3.0 ± 1.0, 2.9 ± 1.0, 1.2 ± 0.3, 2.5 ± 0.7, 9.0 ± 3.7, 16.2 ± 7.1, 14.2 ± 5.8 and 41.8 ± 18.6% respectively; P ≤ 0.05). However, these temperatures rendered sperm completely immotile or dead, with most motility parameters declining rapidly to zero above 40 or 42 °C. In conclusion, our results suggest that temperature combined with individual factors may contribute to a boar's overall susceptibility to heat stress. Refinement of these models particularly of the in vitro heat shock model could be further pursued to overcome environmental variability, reduce whole animal experiments and provide a putative diagnostic fertility screening tool to evaluate heat tolerance in the boar.
Collapse
|
29
|
Magata F, Urakawa M, Matsuda F, Oono Y. Developmental kinetics and viability of bovine embryos produced in vitro with sex-sorted semen. Theriogenology 2020; 161:243-251. [PMID: 33340757 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to elucidate the developmental kinetics, growth potential, and viability of bovine embryos produced in vitro with sexed semen. Bovine oocytes were fertilized in vitro using unsorted and X-sorted semen from the same Holstein bulls, and the kinetics of in vitro development were continuously monitored for 10 d through time-lapse cinematography. The blastocyst formation rate was lower in the X-sorted group than in the unsorted group (P < 0.01), whereas the normal fertilization rate did not differ between groups. Morphokinetic evaluation revealed that the incidence of blastomere fusion during the first cleavage division, termed reverse cleavage, was higher in the X-sorted group (P < 0.01). Furthermore, embryos produced with X-sorted semen showed slower growth throughout the developmental period than embryos produced with unsorted semen (P < 0.01). The cell number of the trophectoderm and inner cell mass of blastocysts was reduced in the X-sorted group (P < 0.01). In embryos that developed to the blastocyst stage, the hatchability (P < 0.05), chromosomal normality (P < 0.01), and survivability after the conventional frozen-thawing process (P < 0.05) were reduced in the X-sorted group compared to that in the unsorted group, indicating a compromised viability of embryos derived from X-sorted semen. Taken together, the first cleavage dysmorphism, delayed embryo growth, and impaired viability of embryos developed to the blastocyst stage may explain the mechanism of reduced fertility in embryos derived from sexed semen. The kinetic evaluation of early embryo development and de-selection of embryos presenting the aberrant first cleavage would be valid for clinical application to produce sexed embryos with high implantation potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Magata
- Research and Development Group, Zen-noh Embryo Transfer Center, Kamishihoro, Hokkaido, Japan; Department of Veterinary Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - M Urakawa
- Research and Development Group, Zen-noh Embryo Transfer Center, Kamishihoro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - F Matsuda
- Department of Veterinary Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Y Oono
- Research and Development Group, Zen-noh Embryo Transfer Center, Kamishihoro, Hokkaido, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Male Factors: the Role of Sperm in Preimplantation Embryo Quality. Reprod Sci 2020; 28:1788-1811. [DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00334-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
31
|
Bryan ER, Kollipara A, Trim LK, Armitage CW, Carey AJ, Mihalas B, Redgrove KA, McLaughlin EA, Beagley KW. Hematogenous dissemination of Chlamydia muridarum from the urethra in macrophages causes testicular infection and sperm DNA damage†. Biol Reprod 2020; 101:748-759. [PMID: 31373361 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of Chlamydia infection, in both females and males, is increasing worldwide. Male infections have been associated clinically with urethritis, epididymitis, and orchitis, believed to be caused by ascending infection, although the impact of infection on male fertility remains controversial. Using a mouse model of male chlamydial infection, we show that all the major testicular cell populations, germ cells, Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and testicular macrophages can be productively infected. Furthermore, sperm isolated from vas deferens of infected mice also had increased levels of DNA damage as early as 4 weeks post-infection. Bilateral vasectomy, prior to infection, did not affect the chlamydial load recovered from testes at 2, 4, and 8 weeks post-infection, and Chlamydia-infected macrophages were detectable in blood and the testes as soon as 3 days post-infection. Partial depletion of macrophages with clodronate liposomes significantly reduced the testicular chlamydial burden, consistent with a hematogenous route of infection, with Chlamydia transported to the testes in infected macrophages. These data suggest that macrophages serve as Trojan horses, transporting Chlamydia from the penile urethra to the testes within 3 days of infection, bypassing the entire male reproductive tract. In the testes, infected macrophages likely transfer infection to Leydig, Sertoli, and germ cells, causing sperm DNA damage and impaired spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Bryan
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Avinash Kollipara
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Logan K Trim
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Charles W Armitage
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Alison J Carey
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Bettina Mihalas
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Kate A Redgrove
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Eileen A McLaughlin
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Science and Technology Office, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
| | - Kenneth W Beagley
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Herston, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Lu R, Chen X, Yu W, Jiang F, Zhou X, Xu Y, Wang F. Analysis of age-associated alternation of SCSA sperm DNA fragmentation index and semen characteristics of 1790 subfertile males in China. J Clin Lab Anal 2020; 34:e23548. [PMID: 32926480 PMCID: PMC7755769 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.23548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been identified that incidence of infertility was about 20% among couples worldwide, about 50% caused by male elements. However, conventional semen laboratory detections could not handle clinical needs, which led to more comprehensive parameters for male fertility evaluation. We aimed to investigate the clinical relationship of age-linked changes and the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI), and routine semen characteristics among subfertile Chinese males. METHODS 1790 clinical semen specimens were enrolled from February 2018 to October 2019. Clinical and laboratory data including routine semen analyses, sperm DFI, and sperm morphology were collected and showed age-related alterations in semen parameters. RESULTS Our results, displayed an increase in sperm DFI with age, were demonstrated in three age-groups, particularly within the ≥35-year cohort. There were positive and inverse correlations of sperm DFI with abnormal semen characteristics and with normal morphological parameters, respectively. Furthermore, age, sperm morphology, concentration, and progressive motility, immotile sperm percentage, semen volume, sperm survival, and high acridine orange DNA stainability (indicating immature forms) were found to be independent risk factors affecting sperm DNA integrity. Likewise, men aged ≥35 years had a higher sperm DFI than did normozoospermic men in the overall cohort. Routine semen characteristics, sperm DFI, and morphology tended to alter with age. CONCLUSIONS The SCSA sperm DFI showed the greatest clinical application in the assessment of male fertility in this study, which should help infertility clinics decide on reproductive options for the treatment of older infertile couples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruijing Lu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shenzhen Baoan Women's and Children's Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xian Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shenzhen Baoan Women's and Children's Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weijian Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shenzhen Baoan Women's and Children's Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fan Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shenzhen Baoan Women's and Children's Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiyou Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shenzhen Baoan Women's and Children's Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shenzhen Baoan Women's and Children's Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shenzhen Baoan Women's and Children's Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Bosch E, Espinós JJ, Fabregues F, Fontes J, García-Velasco J, Llácer J, Requena A, Checa MA, Bellver J. ALWAYS ICSI? A SWOT analysis. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:2081-2092. [PMID: 32578032 PMCID: PMC7492350 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01836-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Intracytroplasmatic sperm injection (ICSI) is a common procedure used to improve reproductive results, even among couples without male factor infertility. However, the evidence available is still uncertain on the possible advantages and deficiencies that this procedure may have in patients with no formal indication for ICSI. METHODS A SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis examines the possible advantages and deficiencies of performing ICSI in these patients with no formal indication. RESULTS The evidence suggests that ICSI is not justified for non-male factor infertile couples requiring in vitro conception. One of the major strengths associated to the procedure is the virtual elimination of cases further complicated by total fertilization failure and a combination between IVF and ICSI on sibling oocytes has been advised in the literature. Greater technical difficulties, higher costs and performing an unnecessary invasive technique in some cases represent some of the weaknesses of the procedure, and questions regarding safety issues should not be ruled out. CONCLUSION Despite the widespread use of ICSI in patients without a formal diagnosis of male factor infertility, evidence demonstrating its effectiveness in this population is still lacking. Additional large and well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to clarify definitive indications for ICSI in non-male factor infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Bosch
- IVI RMA Valencia, Plaza de la Policía Local, 3, 46015, Valencia, Spain.
| | - J J Espinós
- Fertty, Ausiàs March 25, 08010, Barcelona, Spain
- Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Campus de la UAB, Plaza Cívica, s/n, 08193, Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain
| | - F Fabregues
- Institut Clinic Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology (ICGON), Hospital Clinic, C/Villarroel 160, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Fontes
- Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Avd Fuerzas Armadas s/n, 18014, Granada, Spain
| | | | - J Llácer
- Instituto Bernabeu Alicante, Av. Albufereta, 31, 03540, Alacant (Alicante), Spain
| | - A Requena
- IVI RMA Madrid, Avda. del Talgo 68, 28023, Madrid, Spain
| | - M A Checa
- Hospital del Mar-Parc de Salut Mar, Paseo Maritimo 25-29, 08005, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Bellver
- IVI RMA Valencia, Plaza de la Policía Local, 3, 46015, Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Pediatría, Obstetricia y Ginecología. Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Fortes MRS, Porto-Neto LR, Satake N, Nguyen LT, Freitas AC, Melo TP, Scalez DCB, Hayes B, Raidan FSS, Reverter A, Boe-Hansen GB. X chromosome variants are associated with male fertility traits in two bovine populations. Genet Sel Evol 2020; 52:46. [PMID: 32787790 PMCID: PMC7425018 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-020-00563-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Twenty-five phenotypes were measured as indicators of bull fertility (1099 Brahman and 1719 Tropical Composite bulls). Measurements included sperm morphology, scrotal circumference, and sperm chromatin phenotypes such as DNA fragmentation and protamine deficiency. We estimated the heritability of these phenotypes and carried out genome-wide association studies (GWAS) within breed, using the bovine high-density chip, to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL). RESULTS Our analyses suggested that both sperm DNA fragmentation and sperm protamine deficiency are heritable (h2 from 0.10 to 0.22). To confirm these first estimates of heritability, further studies on sperm chromatin traits, with larger datasets are necessary. Our GWAS identified 12 QTL for bull fertility traits, based on at least five polymorphisms (P < 10-8) for each QTL. Five QTL were identified in Brahman and another seven in Tropical Composite bulls. Most of the significant polymorphisms detected in both breeds and nine of the 12 QTL were on chromosome X. The QTL were breed-specific, but for some traits, a closer inspection of the GWAS results revealed suggestive single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associations (P < 10-7) in both breeds. For example, the QTL for inhibin level in Braham could be relevant to Tropical Composites too (many polymorphisms reached P < 10-7 in the same region). The QTL for sperm midpiece morphological abnormalities on chromosome X (QTL peak at 4.92 Mb, P < 10-17) is an example of a breed-specific QTL, supported by 143 significant SNPs (P < 10-8) in Brahman, but absent in Tropical Composites. Our GWAS results add evidence to the mammalian specialization of the X chromosome, which during evolution has accumulated genes linked to spermatogenesis. Some of the polymorphisms on chromosome X were associated to more than one genetically correlated trait (correlations ranged from 0.33 to 0.51). Correlations and shared polymorphism associations support the hypothesis that these phenotypes share the same underlying cause, i.e. defective spermatogenesis. CONCLUSIONS Genetic improvement for bull fertility is possible through genomic selection, which is likely more accurate if the QTL on chromosome X are considered in the predictions. Polymorphisms associated with male fertility accumulate on this chromosome in cattle, as in humans and mice, suggesting its specialization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina R. S. Fortes
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia Campus, Brisbane, QLD 4072 Australia
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia Campus, Brisbane, QLD 4072 Australia
| | | | - Nana Satake
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, Gatton, QLD 4343 Australia
| | - Loan T. Nguyen
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia Campus, Brisbane, QLD 4072 Australia
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Ana Claudia Freitas
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP Brazil
| | - Thaise P. Melo
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP Brazil
| | - Daiane Cristina Becker Scalez
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP Brazil
| | - Ben Hayes
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia Campus, Brisbane, QLD 4072 Australia
| | | | | | - Gry B. Boe-Hansen
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, Gatton, QLD 4343 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Wu PH, Fu Y, Cecchini K, Özata DM, Arif A, Yu T, Colpan C, Gainetdinov I, Weng Z, Zamore PD. The evolutionarily conserved piRNA-producing locus pi6 is required for male mouse fertility. Nat Genet 2020; 52:728-739. [PMID: 32601478 PMCID: PMC7383350 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-020-0657-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Pachytene PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), which comprise >80% of small RNAs in the adult mouse testis, have been proposed to bind and regulate target RNAs like microRNAs, cleave targets like short interfering RNAs or lack biological function altogether. Although piRNA pathway protein mutants are male sterile, no biological function has been identified for any mammalian piRNA-producing locus. Here, we report that males lacking piRNAs from a conserved mouse pachytene piRNA locus on chromosome 6 (pi6) produce sperm with defects in capacitation and egg fertilization. Moreover, heterozygous embryos sired by pi6-/- fathers show reduced viability in utero. Molecular analyses suggest that pi6 piRNAs repress gene expression by cleaving messenger RNAs encoding proteins required for sperm function. pi6 also participates in a network of piRNA-piRNA precursor interactions that initiate piRNA production from a second piRNA locus on chromosome 10, as well as pi6 itself. Our data establish a direct role for pachytene piRNAs in spermiogenesis and embryo viability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Hsuan Wu
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
| | - Yu Fu
- Bioinformatics Program, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.,Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,Oncology Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Katharine Cecchini
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Deniz M Özata
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Amena Arif
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Tianxiong Yu
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cansu Colpan
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ildar Gainetdinov
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Zhiping Weng
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
| | - Phillip D Zamore
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Castro R, Morales P, Parraguez VH. Post-thawing Sperm Quality in Chilean Purebred Stallions: Effect of Age and Seasonality. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 92:103170. [PMID: 32797792 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In this work, we investigated the influence of age and seasonality on sperm motility and DNA fragmentation in post-thawing semen from Chilean Purebred Stallions (CPS), a horse breed presenting the oldest genealogy record in South America with an interesting reproductive industry. Despite that semen from aged CPS is frozen all year round, there is a lack of studies characterizing the breed semen freezability in accordance with age and seasonality. Twenty fertile CPS were grouped into the young group, the middle group, and the aged group. Ten ejaculates from each stallion were obtained by using an artificial vagina during summer (December) and winter (July) and directly frozen. Subsequently, the frozen semen was thawed and analyzed by a computer-assisted semen analysis and flow cytometer assessing progressive motility, mean velocity, and DNA fragmentation spermatozoa. Kruskal-Wallis test and Pearson's correlation were used to determine statistical differences among groups and correlation among variables (P ≤ .05). Both spermatozoa motility traits decreased progressively in accordance with age and seasonality, showing the lowest values in the aged group during winter and the highest values in the young group during summer. Deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation increased significantly in accordance with age and seasonality being highest in the aged group during winter and lowest in the young group during summer. Post-thawing sperm quality showed a negative correlation with the age of the stallions and a positive correlation with the normal sperm morphology before freezing. These results allow the conclusion that age and seasonality are important factors that need to be considered during the selection of CPS for reproductive programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Castro
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Recursos Naturales y Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Santo Tomás, Chile.
| | - Pamela Morales
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Recursos Naturales y Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Santo Tomás, Chile
| | - Victor H Parraguez
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Greco E, Litwicka K, Minasi MG, Cursio E, Greco PF, Barillari P. Preimplantation Genetic Testing: Where We Are Today. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4381. [PMID: 32575575 PMCID: PMC7352684 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is widely used today in in-vitro fertilization (IVF) centers over the world for selecting euploid embryos for transfer and to improve clinical outcomes in terms of embryo implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates. METHODS We report the current knowledge concerning these procedures and the results from different clinical indications in which PGT is commonly applied. RESULTS This paper illustrates different molecular techniques used for this purpose and the clinical significance of the different oocyte and embryo stage (polar bodies, cleavage embryo, and blastocyst) at which it is possible to perform sampling biopsies for PGT. Finally, genetic origin and clinical significance of embryo mosaicism are illustrated. CONCLUSIONS The preimplantation genetic testing is a valid technique to evaluated embryo euploidy and mosaicism before transfer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ermanno Greco
- Reproductive Medicine, Villa Mafalda, 00199 Rome, Italy; (E.G.); (M.G.M.); (E.C.); (P.F.G.); (P.B.)
- UniCamillus, International Medical University, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Katarzyna Litwicka
- Reproductive Medicine, Villa Mafalda, 00199 Rome, Italy; (E.G.); (M.G.M.); (E.C.); (P.F.G.); (P.B.)
| | - Maria Giulia Minasi
- Reproductive Medicine, Villa Mafalda, 00199 Rome, Italy; (E.G.); (M.G.M.); (E.C.); (P.F.G.); (P.B.)
| | - Elisabetta Cursio
- Reproductive Medicine, Villa Mafalda, 00199 Rome, Italy; (E.G.); (M.G.M.); (E.C.); (P.F.G.); (P.B.)
| | - Pier Francesco Greco
- Reproductive Medicine, Villa Mafalda, 00199 Rome, Italy; (E.G.); (M.G.M.); (E.C.); (P.F.G.); (P.B.)
| | - Paolo Barillari
- Reproductive Medicine, Villa Mafalda, 00199 Rome, Italy; (E.G.); (M.G.M.); (E.C.); (P.F.G.); (P.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
The Impact of Single- and Double-Strand DNA Breaks in Human Spermatozoa on Assisted Reproduction. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21113882. [PMID: 32485940 PMCID: PMC7312948 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21113882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Several cellular insults can result in sperm DNA fragmentation either on one or both DNA strands. Oxidative damage, premature interruption of the apoptotic process and defects in DNA compaction during spermatogenesis are the main mechanisms that cause DNA breaks in sperm. The two-tailed Comet assay is the only technique that can differentiate single- (SSBs) from double- (DSBs) strand DNA breaks. Increased levels of the phosphorylated isoform of the H2AX histone are directly correlated with DSBs and proposed as a molecular biomarker of DSBs. We have carried out a narrative review on the etiologies associated with SSBs and DSBs in sperm DNA, their association with reproductive outcomes and the mechanisms involved in their repair. Evidence suggests a stronger negative impact of DSBs on reproductive outcomes (fertilization, implantation, miscarriage, pregnancy, and live birth rates) than SSBs, which can be partially overcome by using intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). In sperm, SSBs are irreversible, whereas DSBs can be repaired by homologous recombination, non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) and alternative NHEJ pathways. Although few studies have been published, further research is warranted to provide a better understanding of the differential effects of sperm SSBs and DSBs on reproductive outcomes as well as the prognostic relevance of DNA breaks discrimination in clinical practice.
Collapse
|
39
|
Impact of nicotine, alcohol, and cocaine exposure on germline integrity and epigenome. Neuropharmacology 2020; 173:108127. [PMID: 32413368 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Converging evidence suggests that parental exposure to drugs of abuse can affect offspring phenotypes. The impacts of drug abuse on germ cell quality may mediate multigenerational and transgenerational inheritance, although biological pathways underlying this mode of inheritance are not yet characterized. Germline epigenetic marks are modified by drug exposure and have emerged as promising mechanistic candidates in recent work. Drug exposure also impacts overall germline integrity and reproductive functioning, although the role of these consequences in multi/transgenerational inheritance is unclear. This review synthesizes literature on effects of exposure to alcohol, cocaine, and nicotine on the germline with a focus on epigenetic modifications following drug exposure and broader impacts on germline integrity and reproductive functioning. We discuss potential interactions between reproductive functioning, germline integrity, and germline epigenome/transcriptome in pathways underlying multi/transgenerational inheritance. We find that existing data may support independent or interactive contributions of these germline impacts on offspring phenotypes in a manner that may mediate multi/transgenerational inheritance.
Collapse
|
40
|
DNA fragmentation index (DFI) as a measure of sperm quality and fertility in mice. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3833. [PMID: 32123279 PMCID: PMC7052244 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60876-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although thousands of genetically modified mouse strains have been cryopreserved by sperm freezing, the likelihood of cryorecovery success cannot be accurately predicted using conventional sperm parameters. The objective of the present study was to assess the extent to which measurement of a sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) can predict sperm quality and fertility after cryopreservation. Using a modified TUNEL assay, we measured and correlated the DFI of frozen-thawed sperm from 83 unique mutant mouse strains with sperm count, motility and morphology. We observed a linear inverse correlation between sperm DFI and sperm morphology and motility. Further, sperm DFI was significantly higher from males with low sperm counts compared to males with normal sperm counts (P < 0.0001). Additionally, we found that viable embryos derived using sperm from males with high DFI (62.7 ± 7.2% for IVF and 73.3 ± 8.1% for ICSI) failed to litter after embryo transfer compared to embryos from males with low DFI (20.4 ± 7.9% for IVF and 28.1 ± 10.7 for ICSI). This study reveals that measurement of DFI provides a simple, informative and reliable measure of sperm quality and can accurately predict male mouse fertility.
Collapse
|
41
|
Ikhlas S, Ahmad M. Acute and sub-acute bisphenol-B exposures adversely affect sperm count and quality in adolescent male mice. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 242:125286. [PMID: 31896186 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol-B (BPB), an analogue of bisphenol-A is used in the plastic industry. It has been found to leach from plastic containers leading to its contamination in canned food products. Moreover, it has also been detected in human samples such as sera and urine. BPB is recognized as a potential endocrine disrupting chemical owing to its estrogenic and anti-androgenic nature. Therefore, it was pertinent to study the effect of BPB exposure during the adolescence age (5-6 weeks old) in male mice. Weekly intraperitoneal injections of 5, 10 and 15% LD50 of BPB were given for 2 weeks to acute exposure groups and for 4 weeks to sub-acute exposure groups. BPB exposure induces change in enzymatic and non-enzymatic oxidative stress markers in sperm samples. DNA damage was also observed in sperm cells on acute and sub-acute exposures. Furthermore, BPB exposure led to a marked decline in sperm count and compromised sperm morphology. Computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA) revealed a significant decrease in sperm quality and progressive motility. Thus, both the acute and sub-acute exposures of adolescent male mice to BPB adversely affect the sperms' quality, functions and morphology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shoeb Ikhlas
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, India
| | - Masood Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, India.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Abstract
Gender affirming medical and surgical treatments affect the reproductive potential of transgender individuals. Prior to the development of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), genital gender-affirming surgery frequently eliminated a patient’s reproductive potential. Today, all patients should be counseled on their fertility preservation (FP) options before medical and surgical transition, yet this appears to seldom occur in practice. The following review is the result of a systematic literature search of PubMed, Medline and Google Scholar to identify current and future FP options, barriers to treatment patients face, practice patterns of transgender health care providers, and if there were any standardized counseling protocols. Options for transwomen at any point in their transition range from simply providing a semen sample to be used with assistive reproductive techniques to experimental techniques involving testicular cryopreservation followed by in vitro initiation of spermatogenesis. Transmen before and after starting hormone therapy can pursue any assistive reproductive techniques available for ciswomen. Future options currently under investigation include ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) with in vitro oocyte maturation. In addition to counseling about their FP options, patients should be advised prospectively about the requirements, process details, the total costs associated with achieving pregnancy, and the inherent risks associated with using preserved genetic material including risk of failure, and maternal and fetal health risks. Transgender patients report using assistive reproductive services difficult, due to a lack of dialogue about fertility and the lack of information offered to them- presumably because their circumstances do not fit into a traditional narrative familiar to providers. Physicians and health care providers would benefit from better educational tools to help transgender patients make informed decisions and better training about transgender patients in general, and FP options available to them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Sterling
- Division of Urology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Maurice M Garcia
- Division of Urology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Baldi E, Tamburrino L, Muratori M, Degl'Innocenti S, Marchiani S. Adverse effects of in vitro manipulation of spermatozoa. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 220:106314. [PMID: 32089373 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Development of in vitro reproduction techniques has not only offered some infertile couples the possibility to have a child, it also revolutionized animal reproduction. Although in vitro reproduction techniques for humans or domestic and non-domestic animals have been designed to mimic in vivo conditions, modifications due to environmental effects or in vitro manipulation of gametes and embryos are unavoidable. For male gametes, in vitro manipulations include techniques to select spermatozoa, cryopreservation and other incubation procedures, during which spermatozoa may be exposed to oxidative stress and other insults that may damage their functions and DNA. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of key studies reporting sperm damage during in vitro manipulation, with particular focus on effects on DNA integrity, a fundamental factor for fertilization and transmission of paternal genetic information to offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Baldi
- Departments of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy.
| | - Lara Tamburrino
- Departments of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy.
| | - Monica Muratori
- Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Science, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy.
| | - Selene Degl'Innocenti
- Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy.
| | - Sara Marchiani
- Departments of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Sarasa J, Enciso M, García L, Leza A, Steger K, Aizpurua J. Comparison of ART outcomes in men with altered mRNA protamine 1/protamine 2 ratio undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection with ejaculated and testicular spermatozoa. Asian J Androl 2020; 22:623-628. [PMID: 32217836 PMCID: PMC7705981 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_146_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies involving the use of spermatozoa and eggs for in vitro fertilization (IVF) have come as the solution for many infertile couples to become parents. However, in some cases, the use of ejaculated spermatozoa delivers poor IVF performance. Some studies have suggested the use of testicular spermatozoa in severe male infertility cases, but no guidelines regarding their utilization are currently available. In the present study, we found the mRNA protamine 1/protamine 2 (P1/P2) ratio to be a valuable biomarker of poor sperm function that could be used as a diagnostic key for the identification of cases that would benefit from the use of testicular spermatozoa. A total of 23 couples undergoing egg donation cycles with at least one previous cycle failure were studied. All couples underwent two consecutive intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles with either ejaculated or testicular spermatozoa (TESA). The sperm mRNA P1/P2 ratio, fertilization rate, blastocyst rate, and pregnancy and live birth rate were compared. Results showed improved ICSI and clinical outcomes in cycles with testicular spermatozoa in men with altered mRNA P1/P2 ratios. TESA cycles presented significantly higher rates of fertilization (mean ± standard deviation: 76.1% ± 15.1% vs 65.5% ± 18.8%), blastocyst formation (55.0% ± 20.3% vs 30.8% ± 23.8%), and good morphological quality blastocyst (28.9% ± 22.9% vs 13.5% ± 17.9%) and also improvements on pregnancy (60.9% vs 0%) and healthy birth rates (56.5% vs 0%) than EJACULATE cycles. The results described here suggest that in patients with previous IVF/ICSI failures and aberrant mRNA protamine ratios, the use of testicular spermatozoa may be a good alternative to improve clinical outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Klaus Steger
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Molecular Andrology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen 35385, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Peña ST, Stone F, Gummow B, Parker AJ, Paris DBBP. Tropical summer induces DNA fragmentation in boar spermatozoa: implications for evaluating seasonal infertility. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:590-601. [PMID: 30414622 DOI: 10.1071/rd18159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Summer infertility continues to undermine pig productivity, costing the pig industry millions in annual losses. The boar's inefficient capacity to sweat, non-pendulous scrotum and the extensive use of European breeds in tropical conditions, can make the boar particularly vulnerable to the effects of heat stress; however, the link between summer heat stress and boar sperm DNA damage has not yet been demonstrated. Semen from five Large White boars was collected and evaluated during the early dry, late dry and peak wet seasons to determine the effect of seasonal heat stress on the quality and DNA integrity of boar spermatozoa. DNA damage in spermatozoa during the peak wet was 16-fold greater than during the early dry and nearly 9-fold greater than during the late dry season. Sperm concentration was 1.6-fold lower in the peak wet than early dry whereas no difference was found across several motility parameters as determined by computer-assisted sperm analysis. These results demonstrate that tropical summer (peak wet season) induces DNA damage and reduces concentration without depressing motility in boar spermatozoa, suggesting that traditional methods of evaluating sperm motility may not detect inherently compromised spermatozoa. Boar management strategies (such as antioxidant supplementation) need to be developed to specifically mitigate this problem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Santiago T Peña
- Discipline of Biomedical Science, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld 4811, Australia
| | - Felicity Stone
- Discipline of Biomedical Science, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld 4811, Australia
| | - Bruce Gummow
- Discipline of Veterinary Science, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld 4811, Australia
| | - Anthony J Parker
- College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Ohio State University, Wooster, OH 44691, USA
| | - Damien B B P Paris
- Discipline of Biomedical Science, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld 4811, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Souza FD, Asampille G, Uppangala S, Kalthur G, Atreya HS, Adiga SK. Sperm-mediated DNA lesions alter metabolite levels in spent embryo culture medium. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:443-450. [PMID: 30223941 DOI: 10.1071/rd18136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Paternal genetic alterations may affect embryo viability and reproductive outcomes. Currently it is unknown whether embryo metabolism is affected by sperm-mediated abnormalities. Hence, using a mouse model, this study investigated the response to paternally transmitted DNA lesions on genetic integrity and metabolism in preimplantation embryos. Spent embryo culture media were analysed for metabolites by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and embryonic genetic integrity was determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) assay on embryonic Day 4.5 (E4.5). Metabolic signatures were compared between normally derived embryos (control) and embryos derived from spermatozoa carrying induced DNA lesions (SDL). SDL embryos showed a significant reduction in blastocyst formation on E3.5 and E4.5 (P<0.0001) and had an approximately 2-fold increase in TUNEL-positive cells (P<0.01). A cohort of SDL embryos showing delayed development on E4.5 had increased uptake of pyruvate (P<0.05) and released significantly less alanine (P<0.05) to the medium compared with the corresponding control embryos. On the other hand, normally developed SDL embryos had a reduced (P<0.001) pyruvate-to-alanine ratio compared with normally developed embryos from the control group. Hence, the difference in the metabolic behaviour of SDL embryos may be attributed to paternally transmitted DNA lesions in SDL embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fiona D Souza
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal-576104, India
| | | | - Shubhashree Uppangala
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal-576104, India
| | - Guruprasad Kalthur
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal-576104, India
| | - Hanudatta S Atreya
- NMR Research Centre, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560012, India
| | - Satish Kumar Adiga
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal-576104, India
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Younes G, Tannus S, Son WY, Dahan MH. When to do intracytoplasmic sperm injection: a prospective comparison. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2019; 300:1461-1471. [PMID: 31631246 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-019-05324-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of the study was to assess the fertilization rate and embryo development in sibling human oocytes after split insemination in patients with and without isolated teratozoospermia. METHODS A prospective cohort study at a university affiliated reproduction center was performed. Hundred and three patients during the time periods 01-2013 to 12-2015 had split insemination ordered for their first IVF cycle. The primary outcome measured was fertilization rate. Secondary outcomes were the number and quality of embryos. RESULTS Mature oocytes at the time of collection were assigned as follows: 558 to IVF and 556 to ICSI. An additional 48 immature oocytes matured while awaiting spontaneous fertilization with IVF for a total of 606 in that group. The study group of normal strict sperm morphology ≤ 4 included 61 patients, and the control group included 42 patients with normal strict sperm morphology > 4. ICSI was statistically favored over IVF only in cases with normal strict sperm morphology ≤ 4%. There was a higher fertilization rate in ICSI compared to IVF (74.4% vs. 38%, p < 0.0001), a higher number of day 2 (4 ± 3.4 vs. 2.4 ± 2.7, p < 0.0001), day 3 (4 ± 3.4 vs. 2.2 ± 2.7, p < 0.0001) and day 5 embryos (2.2 ± 2.6 vs. 1.2 ± 2, p = 0.001), and they were of better quality; however, it did not reach significance (p = 0.062). A similar advantage for ICSI was seen in a subgroup of unexplained infertility with normal strict sperm morphology > 4%. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, in couples with normal strict sperm morphology ≤ 4%, there is an advantage of ICSI over IVF in terms of fertilization rate, quantity and quality of cleavage stage embryos and blastocysts. Based on the results, ICSI seems reasonable as a first-line treatment in patients with normal strict sperm morphology ≤ 4%, as well as in patients with unexplained infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grace Younes
- MUHC Reproductive Centre, 888 Boul de Maisoneuve East #200, Montreal, QC, H2L 4S8, Canada.
| | - Samer Tannus
- MUHC Reproductive Centre, 888 Boul de Maisoneuve East #200, Montreal, QC, H2L 4S8, Canada
| | - Weon-Young Son
- MUHC Reproductive Centre, 888 Boul de Maisoneuve East #200, Montreal, QC, H2L 4S8, Canada
| | - Michael H Dahan
- MUHC Reproductive Centre, 888 Boul de Maisoneuve East #200, Montreal, QC, H2L 4S8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Neuhauser S, Bollwein H, Siuda M, Handler J. Effects of Different Freezing Protocols on Motility, Viability, Mitochondrial Membrane Potential, Intracellular Calcium Level, and DNA Integrity of Cryopreserved Equine Epididymal Sperm. J Equine Vet Sci 2019; 82:102801. [PMID: 31732114 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2019.102801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different freezing procedures on sperm motion, viability, the acrosome status, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), intracellular calcium content, and DNA integrity on epididymal stallion sperm. Therefore, the sperm of 10 healthy stallions was harvested by retrograde flushing after testectomy, diluted with a semen extender containing defined milk proteins and a freezing extender containing egg yolk and glycerol and frozen according to 4 different protocols, using a programmable freezer and a floating rack performing a slow (processes 1 and 2) or a fast cooling rate (processes 3 and 4, respectively). Post-thaw total motility and slow sperm values were lower when using process 4 compared with processes 1 and 2 (P < .05) after 1 hour of incubation. Progressive motility was lower in process 4 compared with process 1 immediately after thawing and after 1 hour of incubation (P < .05). The amount of rapid sperm was lower when using process 4 compared with process 1 immediately after thawing (P < .05). After 1 hour of incubation, the amount of rapid sperm was lower when using process 4 compared with processes 1 and 2 (P < .05). Higher values for viable sperm were seen in processes 1 and 2 compared with process 4 (P < .05) after 1 hour of incubation. Immediately after thawing, more viable sperm with high MMP (hMMP) were observed when using process 3 compared with process 2 (P < .05). After 1 hour of incubation, a significantly higher amount of viable hMMP sperm were detected when using processes 1 and 2 compared with process 4 (P < .05). Process 2 yielded a lower percentage of sperm containing low calcium (lCa) than process 3 immediately after thawing (P < .05). After 1 hour of incubation, the lowest amount of lCa sperm was observed using process 4 (P < .05). The subpopulation of viable/hMMP/lCa sperm was higher when using process 3 compared with process 2 immediately after thawing (P < .05). After 1 hour of incubation, the lowest amount of this subpopulation was detected in process 4 (P < .05). The DNA integrity was similar in all groups. In conclusion, a slow cooling rate with a controlled rate freezer resulted in best sperm quality after thawing. Using a floating rack in nitrogen vapor as an alternative to a programmable freezer, equilibration in a cooled environment is advantageous.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Neuhauser
- Pferdezentrum Bad Saarow, Equine Reproduction Unit, Freie Universität Berlin, Bad Saarow, Germany
| | - Heiner Bollwein
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mathias Siuda
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Handler
- Pferdezentrum Bad Saarow, Equine Reproduction Unit, Freie Universität Berlin, Bad Saarow, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Abstract
Sperm DNA fragmentation is referred to as one of the main causes of male infertility. Failures in the protamination process, apoptosis and action of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are considered the most important causes of DNA fragmentation. Action of ROS or changes in sperm protamination would increase the susceptibility of sperm DNA to fragmentation. Routine semen analysis is unable to estimate sperm chromatin damage. Sperm DNA integrity influences sperm functional capability, therefore tests that measure sperm DNA fragmentation are important to assess fertility disorders. Actually, there is a considerable number of methods for assessing sperm DNA fragmentation and chromatin integrity, sperm chromatin stability assay (SCSA modified), sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD), comet assay, transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL); and protamine evaluation in sperm chromatin assay, such as toluidine blue, CMA3, protamine expression and evaluation of cysteine radicals. This review aims to describe the main causes of sperm DNA fragmentation and the tests commonly used to evaluate sperm DNA fragmentation.
Collapse
|
50
|
Arakaki PR, Salgado PAB, de Agostini Losano JD, Blank MH, Nichi M, Pereira RJG. Assessment of different sperm functional tests in golden-headed lion tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysomelas). Am J Primatol 2019; 81:e23034. [PMID: 31318077 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The golden-headed lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas) is an endangered species endemic to Brazil's Atlantic Forest, a shrinking biodiversity hotspot. As in other Neotropical primates, its semen characteristics and freezability are poorly studied. Hence, reproductive technologies for callitrichids would greatly benefit from reliable methods of semen analysis. In a bid to promote reproductive research in tamarins, we validated simple and inexpensive sperm function tests that can be used to monitor sperm-egg binding, plasma membrane and acrosome integrity, mitochondrial activity, and DNA fragmentation. Ejaculates from adult males were individually diluted and divided into control and damage-induced aliquots, and then samples comprising assorted amounts of damaged spermatozoa were examined by organelle-specific tests. Our findings showed that sperm-binding in chicken egg perivitelline membrane (EPM) positively correlated with the number of spermatozoa injured by snap-freezing. Eosin-nigrosin (EN) and propidium iodide readings were correlated with each other, and both provided robust measurements of plasma membrane integrity. A high correlation between expected and measured amounts of acrosome-intact spermatozoa was found using Fast Green-Rose Bengal (FG-RB), Coomassie Blue (CB), and FITC-PSA stains, and all three methods exhibited comparable results. Likewise, different percentages of UV-irradiated spermatozoa were accurately assessed for DNA integrity by Toluidine Blue (TB) and sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) tests. Comparisons between 3,3'-diaminobenzidine (DAB) and JC-1 stains also indicated the reliability of the former assay to ascertain gradual increases in spermatozoa with greater mitochondrial function. These data confirmed that different parts of the tamarin spermatozoa can be simply and consistently evaluated by EPM, EN, FG-RB, CB, TB, and DAB protocols.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paloma Rocha Arakaki
- Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paula Andrea Borges Salgado
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Applied Research Department, São Paulo Zoological Park Foundation, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - João Diego de Agostini Losano
- Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcel Henrique Blank
- Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcílio Nichi
- Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo José Garcia Pereira
- Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|