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Pańczyszyn A, Boniewska-Bernacka E, Wertel I, Sadakierska-Chudy A, Goc A. Telomeres and SIRT1 as Biomarkers of Gamete Oxidative Stress, Fertility, and Potential IVF Outcome. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8652. [PMID: 39201341 PMCID: PMC11354255 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168652] [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: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The number of infertile couples undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) has increased significantly. The efficacy of this procedure is contingent upon a multitude of factors, including gamete quality. One factor influencing gamete quality is oxidative stress, which leads to telomere damage and accelerates cellular ageing. Identifying new biomarkers that can predict the success of assisted reproduction techniques is a current relevant area of research. In this review, we discuss the potential role of SIRT1, a protein known to protect against oxidative stress and telomeres, which are responsible for genome stability, as biomarkers of gamete quality and assisted reproduction technique outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pańczyszyn
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Opole, Oleska 48, 45-052 Opole, Poland; (E.B.-B.); (A.G.)
| | - Ewa Boniewska-Bernacka
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Opole, Oleska 48, 45-052 Opole, Poland; (E.B.-B.); (A.G.)
| | - Iwona Wertel
- Independent Laboratory of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Anna Sadakierska-Chudy
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum, Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University, Gustawa Herlinga-Grudzinskiego 1, 30-705 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Anna Goc
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Opole, Oleska 48, 45-052 Opole, Poland; (E.B.-B.); (A.G.)
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Córdova-Oriz I, Polonio AM, Cuadrado-Torroglosa I, Chico-Sordo L, Medrano M, García-Velasco JA, Varela E. Chromosome ends and the theory of marginotomy: implications for reproduction. Biogerontology 2024; 25:227-248. [PMID: 37943366 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-023-10071-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: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres are the protective structures located at the ends of linear chromosomes. They were first described in the 1930s, but their biology remained unexplored until the early 70s, when Alexey M. Olovnikov, a theoretical biologist, suggested that telomeres cannot be fully copied during DNA replication. He proposed a theory that linked this phenomenon with the limit of cell proliferation capacity and the "duration of life" (theory of marginotomy), and suggested a potential of telomere lenghthening for the prevention of aging (anti-marginotomy). The impact of proliferative telomere shortening on life expectancy was later confirmed. In humans, telomere shortening is counteracted by telomerase, an enzyme that is undetectable in most adult somatic cells, but present in cancer cells and adult and embryonic stem and germ cells. Although telomere length dynamics are different in male and female gametes during gametogenesis, telomere lengths are reset at the blastocyst stage, setting the initial length of the species. The role of the telomere pathway in reproduction has been explored for years, mainly because of increased infertility resulting from delayed childbearing. Short telomere length in ovarian somatic cells is associated to decreased fertility and higher aneuploidy rates in embryos. Consequently, there is a growing interest in telomere lengthening strategies, aimed at improving fertility. It has also been observed that lifestyle factors can affect telomere length and improve fertility outcomes. In this review, we discuss the implications of telomere theory in fertility, especially in oocytes, spermatozoa, and embryos, as well as therapies to enhance reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Córdova-Oriz
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Alba M Polonio
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Isabel Cuadrado-Torroglosa
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Lucía Chico-Sordo
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Marta Medrano
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan A García-Velasco
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVIRMA Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medical Specialties and Public Health, Edificio Departamental II, Rey Juan Carlos University, Av. de Atenas, s/n, 28922, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisa Varela
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain.
- Department of Medical Specialties and Public Health, Edificio Departamental II, Rey Juan Carlos University, Av. de Atenas, s/n, 28922, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain.
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Fernández de la Puente M, Salas-Huetos A, Valle-Hita C, Babio N, Murphy MM, Canudas S, Salas-Salvadó J. Is telomere length a biomarker of sperm quality? A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Andrology 2024; 12:277-288. [PMID: 37328426 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13482] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telomeres are essential for the integrity of chromosome ends during cell division and their involvement in different processes linked to aging has been established. These chromosome components are involved in spermatogenesis and seem to play an important role in fertilization and embryo development. Telomere length is shortened with each cell division. Recently, short sperm telomere length has been proposed as a potential biomarker of male infertility. OBJECTIVES To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies exploring the association between spermatozoa and/or leukocyte telomere length with sperm quality parameters and different infertility conditions. MATERIAL AND METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted with studies from Medline-PUBMED and Cochrane Library databases until May 2022. Eligible studies included cohort, cross-sectional and case-control studies, and telomere length in spermatozoa and/or leukocytes cells was defined as the exposure. Semen quality parameters or infertility conditions (e.g., oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, teratozoospermia, or other spermatogenic impairment combinations) were defined as the outcomes. RESULTS Twenty-three observational studies were included. In the qualitative analysis, high heterogeneity was observed between studies regarding the associations between telomere length and semen parameters in different normozoospermic/fertile and oligozoospermic/infertile populations. In the meta-analysis, spermatozoa and leukocyte telomere length were shorter in infertile individuals than in fertile individuals (mean difference [95% confidence interval]: -1.43 [-1.66 to -1.21], p-value <0.001 and -1.67 [-2.02 to -1.31], p-value <0.001, respectively). Moreover, in terms of sperm telomere length, these differences were also significant between individuals with a normal seminogram and individuals with a low quantity of spermatozoa in the ejaculate (-0.97 [-1.32, -0.61], p-value <0.001). CONCLUSION The current systematic review and meta-analysis suggests the potential role of spermatozoa or leukocyte telomere length as a reliable biomarker of semen quality, which may help distinguish between infertility conditions beyond the routine semen analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Fernández de la Puente
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Unitat de Nutrició Humana, Grup ANUT-DSM, Reus, Spain
- Consorcio CIBER, M.P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Hospital Universitari San Joan de Reus, Reus, Spain
| | - Albert Salas-Huetos
- Consorcio CIBER, M.P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Hospital Universitari San Joan de Reus, Reus, Spain
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Unit of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Grup ANUT-DSM, Reus, Spain
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Cristina Valle-Hita
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Unitat de Nutrició Humana, Grup ANUT-DSM, Reus, Spain
- Consorcio CIBER, M.P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Hospital Universitari San Joan de Reus, Reus, Spain
| | - Nancy Babio
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Unitat de Nutrició Humana, Grup ANUT-DSM, Reus, Spain
- Consorcio CIBER, M.P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Hospital Universitari San Joan de Reus, Reus, Spain
| | - Michelle M Murphy
- Consorcio CIBER, M.P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Hospital Universitari San Joan de Reus, Reus, Spain
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Unit of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Grup ANUT-DSM, Reus, Spain
| | - Silvia Canudas
- Department of Nutrition, Food Sciences and Gastronomy, School of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Food Torribera Campus, University of Barcelona, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety, University of Barcelona, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
| | - Jordi Salas-Salvadó
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Unitat de Nutrició Humana, Grup ANUT-DSM, Reus, Spain
- Consorcio CIBER, M.P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Hospital Universitari San Joan de Reus, Reus, Spain
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Wei Y, Wang J, Qu R, Zhang W, Tan Y, Sha Y, Li L, Yin T. Genetic mechanisms of fertilization failure and early embryonic arrest: a comprehensive review. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:48-80. [PMID: 37758324 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility and pregnancy loss are longstanding problems. Successful fertilization and high-quality embryos are prerequisites for an ongoing pregnancy. Studies have proven that every stage in the human reproductive process is regulated by multiple genes and any problem, at any step, may lead to fertilization failure (FF) or early embryonic arrest (EEA). Doctors can diagnose the pathogenic factors involved in FF and EEA by using genetic methods. With the progress in the development of new genetic technologies, such as single-cell RNA analysis and whole-exome sequencing, a new approach has opened up for us to directly study human germ cells and reproductive development. These findings will help us to identify the unique mechanism(s) that leads to FF and EEA in order to find potential treatments. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The goal of this review is to compile current genetic knowledge related to FF and EEA, clarifying the mechanisms involved and providing clues for clinical diagnosis and treatment. SEARCH METHODS PubMed was used to search for relevant research articles and reviews, primarily focusing on English-language publications from January 1978 to June 2023. The search terms included fertilization failure, early embryonic arrest, genetic, epigenetic, whole-exome sequencing, DNA methylation, chromosome, non-coding RNA, and other related keywords. Additional studies were identified by searching reference lists. This review primarily focuses on research conducted in humans. However, it also incorporates relevant data from animal models when applicable. The results were presented descriptively, and individual study quality was not assessed. OUTCOMES A total of 233 relevant articles were included in the final review, from 3925 records identified initially. The review provides an overview of genetic factors and mechanisms involved in the human reproductive process. The genetic mutations and other genetic mechanisms of FF and EEA were systematically reviewed, for example, globozoospermia, oocyte activation failure, maternal effect gene mutations, zygotic genome activation abnormalities, chromosome abnormalities, and epigenetic abnormalities. Additionally, the review summarizes progress in treatments for different gene defects, offering new insights for clinical diagnosis and treatment. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The information provided in this review will facilitate the development of more accurate molecular screening tools for diagnosing infertility using genetic markers and networks in human reproductive development. The findings will also help guide clinical practice by identifying appropriate interventions based on specific gene mutations. For example, when an individual has obvious gene mutations related to FF, ICSI is recommended instead of IVF. However, in the case of genetic defects such as phospholipase C zeta1 (PLCZ1), actin-like7A (ACTL7A), actin-like 9 (ACTL9), and IQ motif-containing N (IQCN), ICSI may also fail to fertilize. We can consider artificial oocyte activation technology with ICSI to improve fertilization rate and reduce monetary and time costs. In the future, fertility is expected to be improved or restored by interfering with or supplementing the relevant genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqiu Wei
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingxuan Wang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Qu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Weiqian Zhang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiling Tan
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanwei Sha
- Department of Andrology, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Lin Li
- Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tailang Yin
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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5
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Randell Z, Dehghanbanadaki H, Fendereski K, Jimbo M, Aston K, Hotaling J. Sperm telomere length in male-factor infertility and reproduction. Fertil Steril 2024; 121:12-25. [PMID: 37949346 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.11.001] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The underlying reasons for male-factor infertility are often unknown. 30% of all men have unexplained semen analysis abnormalities. Moreover, 15%-40% of infertile men have normal semen analyses. There have been increasing efforts to identify causes and associations that may explain idiopathic male-factor infertility. Telomeres have become an area of considerable interest in the field because of the essential roles they have in cellular division and genome integrity. Research to date most consistently supports that men with infertility have shorter sperm telomere length (STL); however, associations between shorter STL and meaningful reproductive health outcomes are less consistent. There is a major need for additional studies to better identify the role of STL in male reproductive health and use the information to improve the counseling and treatment of couples with idiopathic male-factor infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zane Randell
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.
| | - Hojat Dehghanbanadaki
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Kiarad Fendereski
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Masaya Jimbo
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Kenneth Aston
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - James Hotaling
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
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6
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Torra-Massana M, Miguel-Escalada I, Vassena R, Rodríguez A. Long-term storage of vitrified oocytes does not affect pregnancy and live birth rates: analysis of 5362 oocyte donation cycles. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:103228. [PMID: 37308341 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.04.019] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Does long-term storage of vitrified oocytes affect laboratory and reproductive outcomes after intracytoplasmic sperm injection? DESIGN Retrospective cohort study including 41,783 vitrified-warmed oocytes from 5362 oocyte donation cycles between 2013 and 2021. Five categories of storage time were established to analyse its effect on clinical and reproductive outcomes (≤1 year [reference group], 1-2 years, 2-3 years, 3-4 years and >4 years). RESULTS The mean number of warmed oocytes was 8.0 ± 2.5 oocytes. Oocyte storage time ranged from 3 days to 8.2 years (mean: 0.7 ± 0.9). Mean oocyte survival (90.2% ± 14.7% overall) did not significantly decrease with longer storage time after adjusting for confounders (88.9% for time >4 years, P = 0.963). A linear regression model did not show a significant effect of oocyte storage time on fertilization rate (about 70% in all time categories) (P > 0.05). Reproductive outcomes after the first embryo transfer were statistically comparable across storage times (P > 0.05 for all categories). Longer term oocyte storage (>4 years) did not affect the chances of clinical pregnancy (OR 0.700, 95% CI 0.423 to 1.158, P = 0.2214) or live birth (OR 0.716, 95% CI 0.425 to 1.208, P = 0.2670). CONCLUSIONS Oocyte survival, fertilization rate, pregnancy and live birth rates are not affected by the time spent by vitrified oocytes in vapour-phase nitrogen tanks.
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Pendina AA, Krapivin MI, Sagurova YM, Mekina ID, Komarova EM, Tikhonov AV, Golubeva AV, Gzgzyan AM, Kogan IY, Efimova OA. Telomere Length in Human Spermatogenic Cells as a New Potential Predictor of Clinical Outcomes in ART Treatment with Intracytoplasmic Injection of Testicular Spermatozoa. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10427. [PMID: 37445605 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310427] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Predicting the clinical outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles that use the testicular spermatozoa of azoospermic patients presents a challenge. Thus, the development of additional approaches to assessing the competence of a testicular-sperm-derived embryo without causing damage to gametes or the embryo is necessary. One of the key parameters in determining such developmental competence is telomere length (TL). We aimed to analyze TLs in spermatogenic cells from the testicular biopsy samples of azoospermic patients and determine how this parameter influences embryo competence for pre- and post-implantation development. Using Q-FISH, we studied the TL of the chromosomes in spermatogonia and spermatocytes I from the TESE biopsy samples of 30 azoospermic patients. An increase in TL was detected during the differentiation from spermatogonia to spermatocytes I. The patients' testicular spermatozoa were used in 37 ICSI cycles that resulted in 22 embryo transfers. Nine pregnancies resulted, of which, one was ectopic and eight ended in birth. The analysis of embryological outcomes revealed a dependence between embryo competence for development to the blastocyst stage and the TL in spermatogenic cells. The TLs in spermatogonia and spermatocytes I in the testicular biopsy samples were found to be higher in patients whose testicular sperm ICSI cycles resulted in a birth. Therefore, the length of telomeres in spermatogenic cells can be considered as a potential prognostic criterion in assessing the competence of testicular-sperm-derived embryos for pre- and post-implantation development. The results of this study provide the basis for the development of a laboratory test for the prediction of testicular sperm ICSI cycle outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna A Pendina
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Mendeleevskaya Line 3, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Mikhail I Krapivin
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Mendeleevskaya Line 3, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Yanina M Sagurova
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Mendeleevskaya Line 3, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Irina D Mekina
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Mendeleevskaya Line 3, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Evgeniia M Komarova
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Mendeleevskaya Line 3, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Andrei V Tikhonov
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Mendeleevskaya Line 3, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Arina V Golubeva
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Mendeleevskaya Line 3, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexander M Gzgzyan
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Mendeleevskaya Line 3, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Igor Yu Kogan
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Mendeleevskaya Line 3, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Olga A Efimova
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Mendeleevskaya Line 3, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia
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Gouhier C, Pons-Rejraji H, Dollet S, Chaput L, Bourgne C, Berger M, Pereira B, Tchirkov A, Brugnon F. Freezing Does Not Alter Sperm Telomere Length despite Increasing DNA Oxidation and Fragmentation. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14051039. [PMID: 37239399 DOI: 10.3390/genes14051039] [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: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Correlations were reported between sperm telomere length (STL) and male fertility, sperm DNA fragmentation, and oxidation. Sperm freezing is widely used for assisted reproductive techniques, fertility preservation, and sperm donation. However, its impact on STL remains unknown. For this study, semen surplus from patients who underwent routine semen analysis were used. The impact of slow freezing on STL was analyzed by performing qPCR before and after freezing. Sperm populations with different STL were evaluated using Q-FISH. The relationship between sperm DNA oxidation, DNA fragmentation, and STL was assessed in fresh and frozen sperm samples. No significant impact of slow freezing on STL was observed, neither measured by qPCR nor Q-FISH. However, Q-FISH allowed for the distinguishing of sperm populations with different STLs within individual sperm samples. Slow freezing induced different STL distributions for some of the analyzed sperm samples, but no correlation was found between STL and sperm DNA fragmentation or oxidation. Slow freezing does not alter STL despite increasing sperm DNA oxidation and fragmentation. As STL alterations could be transmitted to offspring, the lack of impact of the slow freezing method on STL ensures the safety of this procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlène Gouhier
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Laboratoire AMP-CECOS, F-63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Hanae Pons-Rejraji
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Laboratoire AMP-CECOS, F-63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- UMR 1240 INSERM, IMoST, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Sandra Dollet
- UMR 1240 INSERM, IMoST, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Laure Chaput
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Laboratoire AMP-CECOS, F-63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- UMR 1240 INSERM, IMoST, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Céline Bourgne
- CHU Clermont Ferrand, Laboratoire d'Hématologie Biologique, F-63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Marc Berger
- CHU Clermont Ferrand, Laboratoire d'Hématologie Biologique, F-63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Bruno Pereira
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, DRCI-Délégation Recherche Clinique et Innovation, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Andrei Tchirkov
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Service de Cytogénétique Médicale, F-63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Florence Brugnon
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Laboratoire AMP-CECOS, F-63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- UMR 1240 INSERM, IMoST, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
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9
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Chieffi Baccari G, Iurato G, Santillo A, Dale B. Male Germ Cell Telomeres and Chemical Pollutants. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050745. [PMID: 37238614 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050745] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, male infertility has been correlated with the shortening of sperm telomeres. Telomeres regulate the reproductive lifespan by mediating the synapsis and homologous recombination of chromosomes during gametogenesis. They are composed of thousands of hexanucleotide DNA repeats (TTAGGG) that are coupled to specialized shelterin complex proteins and non-coding RNAs. Telomerase activity in male germ cells ensures that the telomere length is maintained at maximum levels during spermatogenesis, despite telomere shortening due to DNA replication or other genotoxic factors such as environmental pollutants. An emerging body of evidence has associated an exposure to pollutants with male infertility. Although telomeric DNA may be one of the important targets of environmental pollutants, only a few authors have considered it as a conventional parameter for sperm function. The aim of this review is to provide comprehensive and up-to-date data on the research carried out so far on the structure/function of telomeres in spermatogenesis and the influence of environmental pollutants on their functionality. The link between pollutant-induced oxidative stress and telomere length in germ cells is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Chieffi Baccari
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Santillo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Brian Dale
- Centro Fecondazione Assistita (CFA-Italia), 80127 Napoli, Italy
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Torra-Massana M, Vassena R, Rodríguez A. Sperm cryopreservation does not affect live birth rate in normozoospermic men: analysis of 7969 oocyte donation cycles. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:400-407. [PMID: 36661036 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does sperm cryopreservation influence the reproductive outcomes of normozoospermic patients in oocyte donation cycles? SUMMARY ANSWER After controlling for confounders, the use of cryopreserved semen from normozoospermic patients does not affect pregnancy and live birth rates after elective ICSI. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Sperm cryopreservation by slow freezing is a common practice in ART. While frozen-thawed semen typically presents reduced motility and vitality, its use for ICSI is generally considered adequate in terms of reproductive outcomes. Nevertheless, most studies comparing reproductive outcomes between fresh and cryopreserved sperm include patients with severe male factor (testicular sperm, oligo-, and/or asthenozoospermia) or women of advanced maternal age, where the altered quality of the gametes can partially mask the full effect of freezing/thawing. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The study included a retrospective cohort of 7969 couples undergoing their first oocyte donation cycle between January 2013 and December 2019 in one large clinic, using normozoospermic semen from the male partner. All cycles involved elective ICSI, fresh oocytes, and a fresh embryo transfer, either at cleavage or blastocyst stage. Two study groups were established based on the sperm status: fresh (n = 2865) and cryopreserved (n = 5104). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS A slow freezing protocol was used for all sperm cryopreservation. Sperm washing, capacitation, and selection prior to ICSI were performed identically for fresh and frozen-thawed samples, using pellet swim-up. Fertilization rate (FR), pregnancy (biochemical and ongoing), and live birth rates were compared between study groups using univariate and multivariate regression analyses. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Male and female age, sperm concentration and motility after ejaculation, and number of oocytes inseminated were similar between cycles using fresh or cryopreserved sperm. Analysis by Student's t-test did not indicate a significant difference in FR between fresh and cryopreserved sperm (P = 0.0591); however, after adjusting for confounders, this difference reached statistical significance: 74.65% FR for fresh (CI 95%: 73.92-75.38) versus 73.66% for cryopreserved sperm (CI 95%: 73.11-74.20), P = 0.0334. The adjusted regression analysis revealed higher odds of biochemical pregnancy when using fresh sperm (odds ratio (OR): 1.143, P = 0.0175), but no significant effects of sperm cryopreservation were observed for ongoing pregnancy (OR: 1.101, P = 0.0983) and live birth (OR: 1.082, P = 0.1805). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Caution should be exerted when extrapolating these results to different protocols for sperm cryopreservation and selection, or to IVM, advanced maternal age and classical IVF cycles, which were excluded from analysis. Owing to the retrospective nature of the study, some uncontrolled for variables may affect the results. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Sperm cryopreservation does not affect pregnancy and live birth rates in normozoospermic patients, and although it may lower FR s slightly, this would not be clinically relevant. In line with previous studies that included patients with an apparent male or female factor, sperm cryopreservation is a safe and convenient technique. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study received no external funding and all authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Fattet AJ, Chaillot M, Koscinski I. Telomere Length, a New Biomarker of Male (in)Fertility? A Systematic Review of the Literature. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:425. [PMID: 36833352 PMCID: PMC9957201 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Male factors are suspected in around half cases of infertility, of which up to 40% are diagnosed as idiopathic. In the context of a continuously increased resort to ART and increased decline of semen parameters, it is of greatest interest to evaluate an additional potential biomarker of sperm quality. According to PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review of the literature selected studies evaluating telomere length in sperm and/or in leukocytes as a potential male fertility biomarker. Twenty-two publications (3168 participants) were included in this review of experimental evidence. For each study, authors determined if there was a correlation between telomere length and semen parameters or fertility outcomes. Of the 13 studies concerning sperm telomere length (STL) and semen parameters, ten found an association between short STL and altered parameters. Concerning the impact of STL on ART results, the data are conflicting. However, eight of the 13 included studies about fertility found significantly longer sperm telomeres in fertile men than in infertile men. In leukocytes, the seven studies reported conflicting findings. Shorter sperm telomeres appear to be associated with altered semen parameters or male infertility. Telomere length may be considered as a new molecular marker of spermatogenesis and sperm quality, and thus is related to male fertility potential. However, additional studies are needed to define the place of the STL in the assessment of individual fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Julie Fattet
- Centre d’AMP Majorelle-Atoutbio, 95 Rue Ambroise Paré, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Maxime Chaillot
- Service de Médecine et Biologie du Développement et de la Reproduction, 38 Boulevard Jean Monnet, 44000 Nantes, France
- Faculté de Médecine, Université de Nantes, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Isabelle Koscinski
- Inserm U1256, Nutrition Genetics Environmental Risks Exposure (NGERE), Université de Lorraine, 54000 Nancy, France
- Centre d’AMP Hôpital Saint Joseph, 26 Bd de Louvain, 13008 Marseille, France
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Ribas-Maynou J, Llavanera M, Mateo-Otero Y, Ruiz N, Muiño R, Bonet S, Yeste M. Telomere length in bovine sperm is related to the production of reactive oxygen species, but not to reproductive performance. Theriogenology 2022; 189:290-300. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Torra-Massana M, Quintana-Vehí A, Barragán M, Bellido R, Rodríguez A, Vassena R. How long can the sperm wait? Effect of incubation time on ICSI outcomes. Mol Reprod Dev 2022; 89:133-145. [PMID: 35195315 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In sperm processing for IVF/ICSI incubation times differ considerably both between and within assisted reproduction facilities. There is no established consensus on the optimal sperm incubation timings to maximize pregnancy rates, and the few studies addressing this association rely on manual and operator-dependent methods for time recording. The present retrospective cohort study includes 1169 ICSI cycles using fresh semen processed by swim-up. An operator-independent, radiofrequency-based system was used to record sperm incubation times: from sample collection to swim-up (T1, 0.35 ± 0.26); from swim-up to ICSI (T2, 3.30 ± 2.2); and total time from sample collection to ICSI (T, 3.66 ± 2.26). In oocyte donation cycles, we observed a significant negative effect of T1 on fertilization rate (FR; generalized linear modelling regression, coeff. -0.20, p = 0.001); however, after analysing all times by deciles and by adjusted logistic regression, none of the time intervals had a significant effect on pregnancy (biochemical, clinical, and ongoing) and live birth (LB) rates (p > 0.05 for all outcomes). In cycles using the patient's oocytes, we observed a negative effect of T2 (ordinal regression, coeff. -0.25, p = 0.011) and T (-0.33, p = 0.005) on the mean morphological score of the embryo cohort. In these cycles, a trend associating longer values of T with higher LB rates was identified (OR = 1.47, p = 0.050), although this difference is likely not clinically significant. In conclusion, while longer sperm incubation in vitro may impact slightly both FRs and embryo morphology after ICSI, no adverse effects were detected on the reproductive outcomes.
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Telomere Length in Pig Sperm Is Related to In Vitro Embryo Development Outcomes. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12020204. [PMID: 35049825 PMCID: PMC8773156 DOI: 10.3390/ani12020204] [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: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Understanding how gamete chromatin influences fertilization is highly important not only to improve animal production, but also to develop new biomarkers helping in the selection of those animals with higher fertility potential. In this regard, sperm telomere length has been pointed out as a putative biomarker in human infertility, but no studies have been conducted into its influence in pig fertility. Here, we determined that sperm telomere length is independent from the conventional sperm quality parameters and, through the production of in vitro embryos, we showed that it is indicative of the percentage of morulae and blastocysts, thus becoming useful to be used as biomarker in this species. Abstract Telomere length has attracted much interest as a topic of study in human reproduction; furthermore, the link between sperm telomere length and fertility outcomes has been investigated in other species. This biomarker, however, has not been much explored in other animals, such as pigs, and whether it is related to sperm quality and fertility outcomes remains unknown. The present work aimed to determine the absolute value of telomere length in pig sperm, as well as its relationship to sperm quality parameters and embryo development. Telomere length was determined through quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization (qFISH) in 23 pig sperm samples and data were correlated to quality parameters (motility, morphology, and viability) and in vitro fertilization outcomes. We found that the mean telomere length in pig sperm was 22.1 ± 3.6 kb, which is longer than that previously described in humans. Whilst telomere length was not observed to be correlated to sperm quality variables (p > 0.05), a significant correlation between telomere length and the percentage of morulae 6 days after in vitro fertilization was observed (rs = 0.559; 95% C.I. = (−0.007 to 0.854); p = 0.047). Interestingly, this correlation was not found when percentages of early blastocysts/blastocysts (rs = 0.410; 95% C.I. = (−0.200 to 0.791); p = 0.164) and of hatching/hatched blastocysts (rs = 0.356; 95% C.I. = (− 0.260 to 0.766); p = 0.233) were considered. Through the separation of the samples into two groups by the median value, statistically significant differences between samples with shorter telomeres than the median and samples with longer telomeres than the median were found regarding development to morula (11.5 ± 3.6 vs. 21.8 ± 6.9, respectively) and to early blastocyst/blastocysts (7.6 ± 1.4 vs. 17.9 ± 12.2, respectively) (p < 0.05). In the light of these results, sperm telomere length may be a useful biomarker for embryo development in pigs, as sperm with longer telomeres lead to higher rates of morulae and blastocysts.
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15
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Yuan Y, Tan Y, Qiu X, Luo H, Li Y, Li R, Yang X. Sperm telomere length as a novel biomarker of male infertility and embryonic development: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1079966. [PMID: 36714598 PMCID: PMC9875015 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1079966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telomeres have an essential role in maintaining the integrity and stability of the human chromosomal genome and preserving essential DNA biological functions. Several articles have been published on the association of STL with male semen parameters and clinical pregnancy. The results, however, are either inconclusive or inconsistent. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to systematically assess the accuracy and clinical value of sperm telomere length (STL) as a new marker for diagnosing male infertility and predicting the quality of embryonic development. METHODS We performed a comprehensive systematic search for relevant publications in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and Ovid, from database build to August 2022. All experimental studies exploring the association of STL with male semen quality, male infertility, or embryonic development were included. RESULTS Overall, Twelve prospective observational cohort studies (1700 patients) were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed a positive linear correlation between STL and semen parameters. The optimal cut-off value for STL diagnosing male infertility was 1.0, with a sensitivity and specificity of 80%. Regarding STL and embryonic development, the clinical pregnancy rate was associated with longer STL, and there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding fertilization rate. CONCLUSION Our study showed that STL has good diagnostic and predictive value for male fertility and clinical pregnancy and could be used as a new biomarker for diagnosing male infertility and predicting embryonic development. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022303333.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yacheng Yuan
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Urology, The 940 Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese PLA, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yangyang Tan
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Urology, The 940 Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese PLA, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaolong Qiu
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Urology, The 940 Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese PLA, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hengfeng Luo
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Urology, The 940 Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese PLA, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuxiang Li
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Urology, The 940 Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese PLA, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ruijie Li
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Urology, The 940 Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese PLA, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xukai Yang
- Department of Urology, The 940 Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese PLA, Lanzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xukai Yang,
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Anifandis G, Samara M, Simopoulou M, Messini CI, Chatzimeletiou K, Thodou E, Daponte A, Georgiou I. Insights into the Role of Telomeres in Human Embryological Parameters. Opinions Regarding IVF. J Dev Biol 2021; 9:jdb9040049. [PMID: 34842724 PMCID: PMC8628962 DOI: 10.3390/jdb9040049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres promote genome integrity by protecting chromosome ends from the activation of the DNA damage response and protecting chromosomes from the loss of coding sequences due to the end replication problem. Telomere length (TL) is progressively shortened as age progresses, thus resulting in cellular senescence. Therefore, TL is in strong adverse linear correlation with aging. Mounting evidence supports the notion that telomeres and male/female infertility are in a close relationship, posing the biology of telomeres as a hot topic in the era of human-assisted reproduction. Specifically, the length of sperm telomeres is gradually increasing as men get older, while the telomere length of the oocytes seems not to follow similar patterns with that of sperm. Nonetheless, the telomere length of the embryos during the cleavage stages seems to have a paternal origin, but the telomere length can be further extended by telomerase activity during the blastocyst stage. The latter has been proposed as a new molecular biomarker with strong predictive value regarding male infertility. As far as the role of telomeres in assisted reproduction, the data is limited but the length of telomeres in both gametes seems to be affected mainly by the cause of infertility rather than the assisted reproductive therapy (ART) procedure itself. The present review aims to shed more light into the role of telomeres in human embryological parameters, including gametes and embryos and also presents opinions regarding the association between telomeres and in vitro fertilization (IVF).
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Affiliation(s)
- George Anifandis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larisa, Greece; (C.I.M.); (A.D.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Maria Samara
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larisa, Greece; (M.S.); (E.T.)
| | - Mara Simopoulou
- Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Christina I. Messini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larisa, Greece; (C.I.M.); (A.D.)
| | - Katerina Chatzimeletiou
- Unit for Human Reproduction, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Eleni Thodou
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larisa, Greece; (M.S.); (E.T.)
| | - Alexandros Daponte
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larisa, Greece; (C.I.M.); (A.D.)
| | - Ioannis Georgiou
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece;
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Berby B, Bichara C, Rives-Feraille A, Jumeau F, Pizio PD, Sétif V, Sibert L, Dumont L, Rondanino C, Rives N. Oxidative Stress Is Associated with Telomere Interaction Impairment and Chromatin Condensation Defects in Spermatozoa of Infertile Males. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10040593. [PMID: 33921485 PMCID: PMC8069055 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10040593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomere length can be influenced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by lifestyle factors or environmental exposure. We sought to determine whether oxidative stress has an impact on sperm nuclear alterations, especially on chromatin organization and telomere interactions in the spermatozoa of infertile males. We performed an observational and prospective study including fifty-two males, allocated in the "case group" (30 infertile males presenting conventional semen parameter alterations) and the "control group" (22 males with normal conventional semen parameters). ROS detection was determined on spermatozoa using CellROX© probes. Sperm nuclear damage was assessed using quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization (Q-FISH) for relative telomere length and telomere number, aniline blue staining for chromatin condensation, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling for DNA fragmentation, and FISH for aneuploidy and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine immunostaining for oxidative DNA damages. Infertile males had significantly increased levels of cytoplasmic ROS and chromatin condensation defects as well as a higher mean number of telomere signals per spermatozoon in comparison with controls. In addition, the mean number of sperm telomere signals were positively correlated with the percentage of spermatozoa with chromatin condensation defect. In infertile males with conventional semen parameter alterations, oxidative stress is associated with telomere interaction impairment and chromatin condensation defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Berby
- Biology of Reproduction—CECOS Laboratory, Rouen University Hospital, Normandie University, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 “Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality”, F 76000 Rouen, France; (B.B.); (C.B.); (A.R.-F.); (F.J.); (P.D.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Cynthia Bichara
- Biology of Reproduction—CECOS Laboratory, Rouen University Hospital, Normandie University, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 “Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality”, F 76000 Rouen, France; (B.B.); (C.B.); (A.R.-F.); (F.J.); (P.D.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Aurélie Rives-Feraille
- Biology of Reproduction—CECOS Laboratory, Rouen University Hospital, Normandie University, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 “Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality”, F 76000 Rouen, France; (B.B.); (C.B.); (A.R.-F.); (F.J.); (P.D.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Fanny Jumeau
- Biology of Reproduction—CECOS Laboratory, Rouen University Hospital, Normandie University, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 “Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality”, F 76000 Rouen, France; (B.B.); (C.B.); (A.R.-F.); (F.J.); (P.D.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Pierre Di Pizio
- Biology of Reproduction—CECOS Laboratory, Rouen University Hospital, Normandie University, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 “Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality”, F 76000 Rouen, France; (B.B.); (C.B.); (A.R.-F.); (F.J.); (P.D.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Véronique Sétif
- Biology of Reproduction—CECOS Laboratory, Rouen University Hospital, Normandie University, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 “Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality”, F 76000 Rouen, France; (B.B.); (C.B.); (A.R.-F.); (F.J.); (P.D.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Louis Sibert
- Department of Urology—Andrology, Rouen University Hospital, Normandie University, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 “Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality”, F 76000 Rouen, France;
| | - Ludovic Dumont
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 “Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality”, F 76000 Rouen, France; (L.D.); (C.R.)
| | - Chistine Rondanino
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 “Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality”, F 76000 Rouen, France; (L.D.); (C.R.)
| | - Nathalie Rives
- Biology of Reproduction—CECOS Laboratory, Rouen University Hospital, Normandie University, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 “Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality”, F 76000 Rouen, France; (B.B.); (C.B.); (A.R.-F.); (F.J.); (P.D.P.); (V.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-2-3288-8225
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Torra-Massana M, Jodar M, Barragán M, Soler-Ventura A, Delgado-Dueñas D, Rodríguez A, Oliva R, Vassena R. Altered mitochondrial function in spermatozoa from patients with repetitive fertilization failure after ICSI revealed by proteomics. Andrology 2021; 9:1192-1204. [PMID: 33615715 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unexplained fertilization failure (FF), occurring in 1-3% of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles, results in both psychological and financial burden for the patients. However, the molecular causes behind FF remain largely unknown. Mass spectrometry is a powerful technique to identify and quantify proteins across samples; however, no study so far has used it to dissect the proteomic signature of spermatozoa with FF after ICSI. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether sperm samples from patients suffering repetitive FF after ICSI display alterations in their protein content. MATERIAL AND METHODS Seventeen infertile men were included: 5 patients presented FF in ≥3 consecutive ICSI cycles, while 12 patients had a fertilization rate >75% (controls). Individual sperm samples were subjected to 2D-LC-MS/MS. Both conventional and novel statistical approaches were used to identify differentially abundant proteins. Additionally, analysis of mitochondrial and proteasomal abundance and activity were performed, using Western blot, FACS analysis of JC-1 staining and AMC-peptide fluorometric assay. RESULTS Four proteins presented lower abundance (FMR1NB, FAM209B, RAB2B, and PSMA1) in the FF group compared to controls, while five mitochondrial proteins presented higher abundance in FF (DLAT, ATP5H, SLC25A3, SLC25A6, and FH) (p < 0.05). The altered abundance of mitochondrial DLAT and proteasomal PSMA1 was corroborated by Western blot. Of relevance, novel stable-protein pair analysis identified 73 correlations comprising 28 proteins within controls, while different mitochondrial proteins (ie, PDHA2, PHB2, and ATP5F1D) lost >50% of these correlations in specific FF samples pointing out specific mitochondrial deregulations. DISCUSSION This is the first proteomic analysis of spermatozoa from patients who resulted in fertilization failure after ICSI. The altered proteins, most of them related to mitochondrial function, could help to identify diagnostic/prognostic markers of fertilization failure and could further dissect the molecular paternal contribution to reach successful fertilization. CONCLUSION Sperm samples from patients with FF after ICSI present altered abundance of different proteins, including mainly mitochondrial proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Torra-Massana
- EUGIN, Barcelona, Spain.,Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS, Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Hospital Clinic, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Jodar
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS, Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Hospital Clinic, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,EUGIN-UB Research Excellence Program, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Ada Soler-Ventura
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS, Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Hospital Clinic, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,EUGIN-UB Research Excellence Program, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Delgado-Dueñas
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS, Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Hospital Clinic, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,EUGIN-UB Research Excellence Program, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Rafael Oliva
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS, Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Hospital Clinic, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,EUGIN-UB Research Excellence Program, Barcelona, Spain
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19
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Lopes AC, Oliveira PF, Pinto S, Almeida C, Pinho MJ, Sá R, Rocha E, Barros A, Sousa M. Discordance between human sperm quality and telomere length following differential gradient separation/swim-up. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:2581-2603. [PMID: 32767207 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01897-1] [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: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Strong evidence has suggested an important role of telomeres in meiosis, fertilization, and embryo development. PURPOSE To determine if sperm telomere length (STL) in sperm purified by differential gradient centrifugation followed by swim-up (selected STL) is correlated with sperm quality and clinical outcomes. METHODS Relative selected STL was assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) in 78 consecutive assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments during 2017. Statistical analyses were performed in the totality of patients, and in normozoospermic and non-normozoospermic patients. These included correlations between selected STL and sperm quality parameters, embryological parameters (multivariable linear regression), and clinical parameters (multivariable logistic regression). RESULTS No significant correlations were found between selected STL and sperm quality in the total population. However, selected STL was significantly correlated with total sperm count (r = 0.361; P = 0.039) and sperm DNA fragmentation-post-acrosomal region pattern (r = - 0.464; P = 0.030) in normozoospermic patients. No relation was observed between selected STL and clinical outcomes in any clinical group. CONCLUSIONS As the correlations observed in normozoospermic patients were not representative of the whole heterogeneous population, differences in the sperm characteristics of the study population may lead to discrepant results when evaluating the association of STL with sperm quality. Since the total population selected STL was not related with sperm quality and with clinical outcomes, results do not support the use of selected STL measurement to evaluate the reproductive potential of the male patient or to predict the success rates of ART treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Catarina Lopes
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, New University of Lisbon, Campus Caparica, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Pedro Fontes Oliveira
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal.,Institute of Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - Soraia Pinto
- Centre for Reproductive Genetics Prof. Alberto Barros, 4100-009, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carolina Almeida
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria João Pinho
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rosália Sá
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.,Multidisciplinary Unit for Biomedical Research, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Eduardo Rocha
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Department of Microscopy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Alberto Barros
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal.,Institute of Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,Centre for Reproductive Genetics Prof. Alberto Barros, 4100-009, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mário Sousa
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal. .,Multidisciplinary Unit for Biomedical Research, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
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Jodar M, Attardo-Parrinello C, Soler-Ventura A, Barrachina F, Delgado-Dueñas D, Cívico S, Calafell JM, Ballescà JL, Oliva R. Sperm proteomic changes associated with early embryo quality after ICSI. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 40:700-710. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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21
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Amir S, Vakonaki E, Tsiminikaki K, Tzatzarakis M, Michopoulou V, Flamourakis M, Kalliantasi K, Karzi V, Fragkiadaki P, Renieri E, Tsoukalas D, Thanasoula M, Sarandi E, Sakellaris G, Makrigiannakis A, Nepka C, Spandidos D, Tsatsakis A. Sperm telomere length: Diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in male infertility (Review). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.3892/wasj.2020.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Saira Amir
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology Islamabad, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory 45550, Pakistan
| | - Elena Vakonaki
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Manolis Tzatzarakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Michopoulou
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Katerina Kalliantasi
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Karzi
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Persefoni Fragkiadaki
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Elisavet Renieri
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Maria Thanasoula
- Venizeleio General Hospital, Department of Surgery, 71409 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Evangelia Sarandi
- Venizeleio General Hospital, Department of Surgery, 71409 Heraklion, Greece
| | - George Sakellaris
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital of Heraklion, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Antonios Makrigiannakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University Hospital of Heraklion, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Charitini Nepka
- Department of Cytopathology, University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Demetrios Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
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Vergaro P, Tiscornia G, Barragán M, García D, Rodriguez A, Santaló J, Vassena R. Vaginal microbiota profile at the time of embryo transfer does not affect live birth rate in IVF cycles with donated oocytes. Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 38:883-891. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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23
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Darmishonnejad Z, Tavalaee M, Izadi T, Tanhaei S, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Evaluation of sperm telomere length in infertile men with failed/low fertilization after intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 38:579-587. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 10/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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