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Yang W, Duan Z, Li G, Geng H, Gao Y, Shen Q, Liu L, Wang G, Zha X, Xu C, Zhou P, Song B, Tang D, Wu H, Wei Z, Tang F, He X. Association of lifestyle and occupational exposure factors with human semen quality: a cross-sectional study of 1060 participants. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2024; 70:150-163. [PMID: 38896558 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2024.2357348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The incidence of male infertility (MI) is rising annually. However, the lifestyle and occupational exposure factors contributing to MI remain incompletely understood. This study explored the effects of self-reported lifestyle and occupational exposure factors on semen quality. Among 1060 subjects invited to participate, 826 were eligible. The participants' general characteristics, lifestyle, and occupational exposure factors were collected immediately before or after semen evaluation through an online questionnaire. Initially, univariate analysis was used to investigate the relationship between the abovementioned factors and semen quality. The results indicated significant associations between low semen quality and various factors, including age, BMI, infertility type and duration, abstinence time, semen and sperm parameters, smoking, alcohol consumption, irregular sleep habits, and frequent exposure to high temperatures and chemicals at work (p < 0.05). Then, multivariate analysis was conducted to identify factors independently associated with low semen quality. Adjustment for relevant confounders was achieved by including factors with a p-value < 0.25 from univariate analyses as covariates in the binomial and ordered logistic regression models. The results suggested that alcohol consumption was a positive factor for sperm concentration (odds ratio [OR] = 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.36-0.99; p = 0.045). The groups with a BMI ≥ 24 and <28 kg/m2 showed a significant decrease in sperm progressive motility when compared to the reference group (BMI < 24 kg/m2) (OR = 0.63; 95% CI = 0.46-0.87, p = 0.005). In addition, the groups that drank green tea <1 time/week (OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.05-2.2) and 1-4 times/week (OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.02-2.54) exhibited significantly increased sperm DFI values compared with the group that drank green tea 5-7 times/week. In conclusion, these findings underscore the importance of maintaining a normal weight and regularly consuming green tea for men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, China
- Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, China
| | - Zongliu Duan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, China
- Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, China
| | - Guanjian Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, China
- Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, China
| | - Hao Geng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, China
- Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, China
- Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, China
| | - Qunshan Shen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, China
- Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, China
| | - Liting Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, China
- Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, China
| | - Guanxiong Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, China
- Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, China
| | - Xiaomin Zha
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, China
- Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, China
| | - Chuan Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, China
- Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, China
- Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, China
| | - Bing Song
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, China
- Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, China
| | - Dongdong Tang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, China
- Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, China
| | - Huan Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, China
- Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, China
| | - Zhaolian Wei
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, China
- Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, China
| | - Feng Tang
- Zhejiang Mater Child and Reproductive Health Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Anhui, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Verón GL, Manjon AA, Bello R, Catalano D, Arévalo L, Santiago J, Vazquez-Levin MH. A 2-step remote TUNEL approach for sperm DNA fragmentation assessment. Analysis in donors and patients. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2024; 299:231-239. [PMID: 38905966 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2024.06.018] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Infertility is a disease of the male or female reproductive systems. Male reproductive workup is based on routine semen analysis, although of limited value. The 2021 WHO Manual incorporated Sperm DNA Fragmentation (SDF) assessment, and highlighted the need for individual laboratories to define suitable thresholds. This study aimed to present an alternative to address this issue, determine an SDF cut-off value with fertile donors, and characterize SDF in a patient cohort and their relationship with semen parameters. STUDY DESIGN A service unit was established to remotely perform TUNEL assay in a 2 step-process. Semen samples were received at andrology laboratories, subjected to routine semen analysis (WHO, 2010), partially processed and transported to the service unit for SDF evaluation. Using this setting, studies were done in fertile donors (n = 15) to define the cut-off value, and in men undergoing infertility workup (n = 318). RESULTS A cut-off value of 9.17 % was determined with the fertile donor cohort. With this cut-off, a 64.46 % abnormal SDF incidence was determined in the patient cohort. SDF negatively correlated with sperm number, vitality and motility, and positively with abnormal morphology and male age (P < 0.05). TUNEL-positive cases depicted lower sperm quality and higher male age (P < 0.05). A similar abnormal SDF incidence was determined among patients with semen abnormalities. Asthenozoospermic and ≥40 years patient samples depicted higher (P < 0.05) SDF than those of the general population. SDF incidence was also high in normozoospermic patients. CONCLUSIONS Using a 2-step remote approach with a standardized procedure and an SDF cut-off value established with fertile donors, high SDF incidence in semen samples depicting normal and abnormal quality were identified in men consulting for infertility, highlighting the relevance of its evaluation as part of the male fertility workup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Luis Verón
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ania Antonella Manjon
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ricardo Bello
- Universidad de Tres de Febrero. Sáenz Peña, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Débora Catalano
- Centro de Diagnóstico Enrique Rossi (CDRossi), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | | | | | - Mónica Hebe Vazquez-Levin
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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How Well Do Semen Analysis Parameters Correlate with Sperm DNA Fragmentation? A Retrospective Study from 2567 Semen Samples Analyzed by the Halosperm Test. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13030518. [PMID: 36983700 PMCID: PMC10056107 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13030518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) levels have been measured in the workup for in vitro fertilization (IVF) at PIVET since 2007, with the Halosperm test having replaced the previous sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) since 2013. Of 2624 semen samples analyzed for the Halosperm test, 57 were excluded as the sperm concentration was <5 million/mL, a level too low for accurate testing, leaving 2567 samples for assessment within this study. The SDF rates were categorized in 5 sperm DNA fragmentation indices (DFI), ranging from <5% to levels >30%, and these categories were correlated with the respective semen analysis profiles and two clinical parameters, namely the age of the male and the ejaculatory abstinence period prior to the sample. The results showed a significant correlation with male age (r = 0.088; p < 0.0001), the abstinence period (r = 0.076; p = 0.0001), and the semen volume (r 0.063; p = 0.001), meaning an adversely high SDF was associated with advanced age, prolonged abstinence, and raised semen volume parameters. There was a significant negative correlation with sperm morphology (r = −0.074; p = 0.0001), progressive motility (r = −0.257; p < 0.0001), and semen pH (r = −0.066; p < 0.001), meaning these semen anomalies were associated with high SDF values. With respect to abnormal morphology, sperm tail defects had a positive correlation (r = 0.096; p < 0.0001) while midpiece defects showed a negative correlation (r = −0.057; p = 0.004), meaning that tail defects are most likely to associate with adverse DFI values. With respect to motility patterns, the poorer patterns showed a positive correlation with increased DFI, namely C pattern (r = 0.055; p = 0.005) and D pattern (r = 0.253; p < 0.0001). These results imply that raised DFI reflects poor sperm quality and should be investigated in clinical trials involving IVF and the consideration of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
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Calamai C, Ammar O, Marchiani S, Degl'Innocenti S, Fino M, Righi L, Dabizzi S, Maggi M, Baldi E, Vignozzi L, Muratori M. Decrease of air pollution during lockdown in Tuscany (Italy): An effect on sperm DNA fragmentation? ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2023; 64:148-158. [PMID: 36719109 DOI: 10.1002/em.22530] [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: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
In March 2020, the Italian government imposed a national lockdown which was almost completely removed in June 2020. Due to the abrupt stop of human activities, emissions of air pollutants decreased. Air pollution is an environmental risk factor for noncommunicable disease and mortality. Emerging evidence also suggests a role in male infertility. In this study, we compared sperm DNA fragmentation (sDF) levels and conventional semen parameters between subjects undergoing sDF determination and routine semen analysis in a single Italian centre, during about 6 months before (N = 119) and after lockdown (N = 105). After lockdown, we found an improvement of sperm progressive motility (48.00[38.50-58.00]% vs. 42.00[33.00-53.00]%) and sDF levels (as total: 24.79[18.33-33.97]% vs. 35.02[25.04-45.73]%, p < .001; brighter: 14.02[10.69-17.93]% vs 18.54[13.58-25.82]%, p < .001 and dimmer sDF: 9.24[5.64-15.78]% vs. 12.24[8.08-19.10]%, p < .01), mirrored by a decrease of leukocyte semen concentration (p < .01). The improvement of sperm motility and DNA quality was maintained after adjusting for leukocyte concentration and several conditions known to affect sperm motility and/or sDF levels. With a significant decrease in air pollution observed in Tuscany during and after lockdown, associated improvement in sperm motility and DNA quality in patients referred to the infertility clinic is suggestive of the potential role of air pollution in male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costanza Calamai
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Oumaima Ammar
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Marchiani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Selene Degl'Innocenti
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, AOU Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Marisa Fino
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, AOU Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Sara Dabizzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, AOU Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Baldi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, AOU Careggi, Florence, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, AOU Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Monica Muratori
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Jimbo M, Kunisaki J, Ghaed M, Yu V, Flores HA, Hotaling JM. Fertility in the aging male: a systematic review. Fertil Steril 2022; 118:1022-1034. [PMID: 36509505 PMCID: PMC10914128 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.10.035] [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: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The negative effect of advanced female age on fertility and offspring health is well understood. In comparison, much less is known about the implications of male age on fertility, with many studies showing conflicting results. Nevertheless, increasing evidence suggests that advanced paternal age has negative effects on sperm parameters, reproductive success, and offspring health. Herein, we summarize the current body of knowledge on this controversial topic, with the belief that this review will serve as a resource for the clinicians providing fertility counseling to couples with older male partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaya Jimbo
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Jason Kunisaki
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Mohammadali Ghaed
- Urology Department, Rasool Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Victor Yu
- University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada
| | - Hunter A Flores
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - James M Hotaling
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah.
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Luo Y, Wu S, Zhang M, Zhou H, Yuan J, Yang Y, Zhong Y, Li Q, Sun X, Xu X, Zhu D. Sperm DNA integrity is critically impacted by male age but does not influence outcomes of artificial insemination by husband in the Chinese infertile couples. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:4326-4335. [PMID: 35580171 PMCID: PMC9186781 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) is crucial for assessing male fertility. However, the predictive value of the SCSA parameters, including the DNA fragment indices (DFI) and the percentages of high DNA stainability (HDS), for outcomes of artificial insemination by husband (AIH) remains controversial. This study aims to evaluate the correlations between SCSA parameters and male aging as well as other routine semen parameters, and explore their prognostic powers on AIH outcomes of the Chinese infertile couples. A total of 809 AIH cycles were retrospectively analyzed. The results showed that DFI in the age groups < 35 years were significantly lower than that in the age groups ≥ 35 years (P < 0.001). Meanwhile, there was no statistical difference in HDS between the age groups (P = 0.063). DFI and HDS are negatively correlated with most routine semen parameters (all P < 0.05). The chi-square and generalized linear model tests indicated that neither DFI nor HDS influenced the clinical pregnancy rate of AIH. In summary, this study found that aging is a critical factor leading to increased sperm DFI but not HDS. DFI and HDS are negatively correlated with most semen parameters but do not significantly influence AIH outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumei Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China
| | - Shunhong Wu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clinical Rapid Diagnosis and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, Kingmed School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China
| | - Mimi Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China
| | - Hua Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China
| | - Jingru Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China
| | - Yiying Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China
| | - Yufang Zhong
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clinical Rapid Diagnosis and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, Kingmed School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China
| | - Xiaofang Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China
| | - Xia Xu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clinical Rapid Diagnosis and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, Kingmed School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China
| | - Detu Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China
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7
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Axelsson J, Lindh CH, Giwercman A. Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and nicotine, and associations with sperm DNA fragmentation. Andrology 2022; 10:740-748. [PMID: 35234353 PMCID: PMC9310791 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Background Tobacco smoking has been reported to cause DNA fragmentation and has been suggested to cause mutations in spermatozoa. These effects have been ascribed to the action of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) present in the smoke. Simultaneously, DNA fragmentation has been associated with mutagenesis. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate whether levels of urinary biomarkers of PAH and nicotine exposure were associated with sperm DNA fragmentation. Methods In the urine of 381 men recruited from two cohorts of young men (17–21 years old) from the general Swedish population, the PAH metabolites 1‐hydroxypyrene and 2‐hydroxyphenanthrene, as well as the nicotine metabolite cotinine, were measured. The sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was analysed using the sperm chromatin structure assay. Associations between the DFI, and PAH metabolite levels as continuous variables as well as in quartiles, were studied by general linear models adjusted for abstinence time. A similar analysis was carried out for cotinine levels, according to which the men were categorised as “non‐smoking” (n = 216) and “smoking” (n = 165). Results No association was found between levels of any of the three biomarkers and DFI, either as a continuous variable (p = 0.87–0.99), or when comparing the lowest and the highest quartiles (p = 0.11–0.61). The same was true for comparison of men categorised as non‐smoking or smoking (DFI 11.1% vs. 11.8%, p = 0.31). Discussion We found no evidence of PAH or nicotine exposure to be associated with DFI, which does not exclude that these exposures may have other effects on sperm DNA. Conclusion In these young men, levels of biomarkers of nicotine and PAH exposure were not associated with DFI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonatan Axelsson
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Skåne University Hospital, and Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.,Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Sweden
| | - Christian H Lindh
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Sweden
| | - Aleksander Giwercman
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Skåne University Hospital, and Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
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8
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Zhu C, Chen F, Zhang S, She H, Ju Y, Wen X, Yang C, Sun Y, Dong N, Xue T, Liu K, Li F, Cui H. Influence of sperm DNA fragmentation on the clinical outcome of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:945242. [PMID: 35909570 PMCID: PMC9329669 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.945242] [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: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the effect of elevated sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) on fresh and frozen embryo transfer cycles. METHODS A retrospective study was performed with 549 fresh embryo transfer cycles and 1340 frozen embryo transfer cycles after in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) from 2016 to 2021. RESULTS The statistical results of 549 fresh embryo transfer cycles showed that the delivery rate in the normal sperm DFI group (43.9% vs. 27.1%, P = 0.014) was significantly higher than that in the abnormal sperm DFI group, and there were no significant differences in the biochemical pregnancy rate (59.0% vs. 50.8%, P = 0.232), clinical pregnancy rate (53.1% vs. 40.7%, P = 0.072), or miscarriage rate (17.3% vs. 33.3%, P = 0.098) between the two groups. The results of 1340 frozen embryo transfer cycles showed that the biochemical pregnancy rate (57.9% vs. 45.6%, P = 0.006) and clinical pregnancy rate (50.3% vs. 40.7%, P = 0.027) in the normal sperm DFI group were significantly higher than those in the abnormal sperm DFI group. The delivery rate (40.9% vs. 33.3%, P = 0.074) and miscarriage rate (18.6% vs. 18.0%, P = 0.919) were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSION The increase of sperm DFI significantly reduced the delivery rate of fresh embryo transfer cycles and the biochemical pregnancy rate and clinical pregnancy rate of frozen embryo transfer cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhui Zhu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Institute of Epigenetics and Epigenomics, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Fang Chen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Shengmin Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Hong She
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yun Ju
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xidong Wen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Chunxia Yang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Naijun Dong
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Tongmin Xue
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Kaifeng Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Feng Li, ; Hengmi Cui,
| | - Hengmi Cui
- Institute of Epigenetics and Epigenomics, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Feng Li, ; Hengmi Cui,
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Farkouh A, Finelli R, Agarwal A. Beyond conventional sperm parameters: the role of sperm DNA fragmentation in male infertility. Minerva Endocrinol (Torino) 2021; 47:23-37. [PMID: 34881857 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-6507.21.03623-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Infertility is a condition that widely affects the couples all over the world. In this regard, sperm DNA fragmentation can lead to harmful reproductive consequences, including male infertility and poor outcomes after assisted reproductive techniques. The investigation of SDF in male infertility diagnostics has constantly increased over time, becoming more common in clinical practice with the recent publication of several guidelines regarding its testing. This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the pathogenesis and causes of sperm DNA fragmentation, as well as the assays which are more commonly performed for testing. Moreover, we discussed the most recently published evidence regarding the use of SDF testing in clinical practice, highlighting the implications of high sperm DNA fragmentation rate on human reproduction, and the therapeutic approaches for the clinical management of infertile patients. Our review confirms a significant harmful impact of sperm DNA fragmentation on reproduction, and points out several interventions which can be applied in clinics to reduce sperm DNA fragmentation and improve reproductive outcomes. Sperm DNA fragmentation has been shown to adversely impact male fertility potential. As high sperm DNA fragmentation levels have been associated with poor reproductive outcomes, its testing may significantly help clinicians in defining the best therapeutic strategy for infertile patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ala'a Farkouh
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Renata Finelli
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA -
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Influence of age on sperm characteristics evaluated by light and electron microscopies. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4989. [PMID: 33654135 PMCID: PMC7925541 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84051-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The impact of male aging on male fertility has only recently become of interest to the scientific community. This study aims to assess the relationship between age and fertility among a sample of men, considering the individual and pathological characteristics. In this retrospective study data of semen analysis and medical history of 1294 Italian male patients were considered. Semen analysis was performed by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy mathematically elaborated. A generalized linear model was used to explore the influence of male age on semen quality, considering as confounders wine consumption, smoking habits, presence of varicocele, consanguinity and positive semen bacteriological analysis and urethral swab. The mean age of the participants was 36.41 ± 6.379. Male aging without impact of confounders was correlated with a decrease in sperm concentration and motility and an increased in sperm necrosis. Sperm concentration and progressive motility were negatively related to the presence of confounders as wine consumption (sperm motility), urogenital infection (sperm concentration and motility), varicocele (sperm concentration) and consanguinity (sperm motility). Urogenital infection, varicocele and consanguinity positively correlated with sperm necrosis. The most important finding was the observation of a negative effect of male aging on sperm parameters such as concentration, motility, and viability. It is possible to hypothesize age-dependent changes of testicular environment, probably related to reactive oxygen species production. The demonstration, in a large sample of patients, that aging influences sperm quality strongly motivates further research focused on the mechanisms involved in this phenomenon and its effects on offspring fitness.
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