1
|
Shacfe G, Turko R, Syed HH, Masoud I, Tahmaz Y, Samhan LM, Alkattan K, Shafqat A, Yaqinuddin A. A DNA Methylation Perspective on Infertility. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2132. [PMID: 38136954 PMCID: PMC10743303 DOI: 10.3390/genes14122132] [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: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects a significant number of couples worldwide and its incidence is increasing. While assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have revolutionized the treatment landscape of infertility, a significant number of couples present with an idiopathic cause for their infertility, hindering effective management. Profiling the genome and transcriptome of infertile men and women has revealed abnormal gene expression. Epigenetic modifications, which comprise dynamic processes that can transduce environmental signals into gene expression changes, may explain these findings. Indeed, aberrant DNA methylation has been widely characterized as a cause of abnormal sperm and oocyte gene expression with potentially deleterious consequences on fertilization and pregnancy outcomes. This review aims to provide a concise overview of male and female infertility through the lens of DNA methylation alterations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Areez Shafqat
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; (G.S.); (R.T.); (H.H.S.); (I.M.); (Y.T.); (L.M.S.); (K.A.); (A.Y.)
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Erdoğan K, Sanlier NT, Sanlier N. Are epigenetic mechanisms and nutrition effective in male and female infertility? J Nutr Sci 2023; 12:e103. [PMID: 37771507 PMCID: PMC10523291 DOI: 10.1017/jns.2023.62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
This review discusses epigenetic mechanisms and the relationship of infertility in men and women in relation to parameters pertaining to nutrition. The prevalence of infertility worldwide is 8-12 %, and one out of every eight couples receives medical treatment. Epigenetic mechanisms, aging, environmental factors, dietary energy and nutrients and non-nutrient compounds; more or less energy intake, and methionine come into play in the occurrence of infertility. It also interacts with vitamins B12, D and B6, biotin, choline, selenium, zinc, folic acid, resveratrol, quercetin and similar factors. To understand the molecular mechanisms regulating the expression of genes that affect infertility, the environment, the role of genotype, age, health, nutrition and changes in the individual's epigenotype must first be considered. This will pave the way for the identification of the unknown causes of infertility. Insufficient or excessive intake of energy and certain macro and micronutrients may contribute to the occurrence of infertility as well. In addition, it is reported that 5-10 % of body weight loss, moderate physical activity and nutritional interventions for improvement in insulin sensitivity contribute to the development of fertility. Processes that pertain to epigenetics carry alterations which are inherited yet not encoded via the DNA sequence. Nutrition is believed to have an impact over the epigenetic mechanisms which are effective in the pathogenesis of several diseases like infertility. Epigenetic mechanisms of individuals with infertility are different from healthy individuals. Infertility is associated with epigenetic mechanisms, nutrients, bioactive components and numerous other factors.
Collapse
Key Words
- 5mc, 5-methylcytosine
- AMH, anti-Müllerian hormone
- ART, assisted reproductive technique
- Aging
- CoQ10, coenzyme Q10
- CpG dinucleotides, context of guanine
- DMR, distinct methylated region
- DNMT, DNA methyltransferase
- Epigenetic
- FSH, follicle stimulating hormone
- Female
- H2A, H2B, H3 and H4, nucleosomal core histones
- HOXA10, HomeoboxA10
- HPR, histone-protamine ratio
- ICMART, International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technologies
- ICR, imprinted control region
- ICSI, intracytoplasmic sperm injection
- IL-6, interleukin-6
- IVF, in vitro fertilisation
- Infertility
- MAR, matrix attachment region
- MTHFR, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase
- Male
- NIFT, non-IVF fertility treatment
- NTD, neural tube defect
- Nutrition
- OAT, oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia
- P1, P2, potamine 1, potamine 2
- PCOS, polycystic ovary syndrome
- ROS, reactive oxygen species
- SAM, S-adenosylmethionine
- SHBG, sex hormone-binding globulin
- SNP, single nucleotide polymorphism
- SNRPN, small nuclear ribonucleoprotein polypeptide N
- TP1, TP2, transition proteins
- UMI, unexplained male infertility
- VDR, vitamin D receptor
- lncRNA, long non-coding RNA
- mRNA, coding RNA
- miRNA, micro-RNA
- ncRNA, non-coding RNA
- piRNA, piwi-interacting RNA
- siRNA, small interfering RNA
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kadriye Erdoğan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Health Sciences University, Etlik Zübeyde Hanım Women's Health Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nazlı Tunca Sanlier
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nevin Sanlier
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, Ankara Medipol University, Altındağ, Ankara 06050, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sánchez-Jasso DE, López-Guzmán SF, Bermúdez-Cruz RM, Oviedo N. Novel Aspects of cAMP-Response Element Modulator (CREM) Role in Spermatogenesis and Male Fertility. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12558. [PMID: 37628737 PMCID: PMC10454534 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612558] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a very complex process with an intricate transcriptional regulation. The transition from the diploid to the haploid state requires the involvement of specialized genes in meiosis, among other specific functions for the formation of the spermatozoon. The transcription factor cAMP-response element modulator (CREM) is a key modulator that triggers the differentiation of the germ cell into the spermatozoon through the modification of gene expression. CREM has multiple repressor and activator isoforms whose expression is tissue-cell-type specific and tightly regulated by various factors at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional and post-translational level. The activator isoform CREMτ controls the expression of several relevant genes in post-meiotic stages of spermatogenesis. In addition, exposure to xenobiotics negatively affects CREMτ expression, which is linked to male infertility. On the other hand, antioxidants could have a positive effect on CREMτ expression and improve sperm parameters in idiopathically infertile men. Therefore, CREM expression could be used as a biomarker to detect and even counteract male infertility. This review examines the importance of CREM as a transcription factor for sperm production and its relevance in male fertility, infertility and the response to environmental xenobiotics that may affect CREMτ expression and the downstream regulation that alters male fertility. Also, some health disorders in which CREM expression is altered are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego Eduardo Sánchez-Jasso
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (D.E.S.-J.); (S.F.L.-G.); (R.M.B.-C.)
| | - Sergio Federico López-Guzmán
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (D.E.S.-J.); (S.F.L.-G.); (R.M.B.-C.)
| | - Rosa Maria Bermúdez-Cruz
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (D.E.S.-J.); (S.F.L.-G.); (R.M.B.-C.)
| | - Norma Oviedo
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Immunología e Infectología, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City 02990, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Peng Y, Guo R, Shi B, Li D. The role of long non-coding RNA H19 in infertility. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:268. [PMID: 37507391 PMCID: PMC10382492 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01567-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility is defined as the failure to conceive after at least one year of unprotected intercourse. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts that contain more than 200 nucleotides but do not convert into proteins. LncRNAs, particularly lncRNA H19, have been linked to the emergence and progression of various diseases. This review focuses on the role of H19 in infertility caused by polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, diminished ovarian reserve, male factor, and assisted reproductive technology-related pathology, highlighting the potential of H19 as a molecular target for the future treatment of infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Peng
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Advanced Reproductive Medicine and Fertility (China Medical University), National Health Commission, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Renhao Guo
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Bei Shi
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Advanced Reproductive Medicine and Fertility (China Medical University), National Health Commission, Shenyang, 110004, China.
- Department of Physiology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
| | - Da Li
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Advanced Reproductive Medicine and Fertility (China Medical University), National Health Commission, Shenyang, 110004, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sciorio R, Tramontano L, Rapalini E, Bellaminutti S, Bulletti FM, D'Amato A, Manna C, Palagiano A, Bulletti C, Esteves SC. Risk of genetic and epigenetic alteration in children conceived following ART: Is it time to return to nature whenever possible? Clin Genet 2023; 103:133-145. [PMID: 36109352 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technology may influence epigenetic signature as the procedures coincide with the extensive epigenetic modification occurring from fertilization to embryo implantation. However, it is still unclear to what extent ART alters the embryo epigenome. In vivo fertilization occurs in the fallopian tube, where a specific and natural environment enables the embryo's healthy development. During this dynamic period, major waves of epigenetic reprogramming, crucial for the normal fate of the embryo, take place. Over the past decade, concerns relating to the raised incidence of epigenetic anomalies and imprinting following ART have been raised by several authors. Epigenetic reprogramming is particularly susceptible to environmental conditions during the periconceptional period; therefore, unphysiological conditions, including ovarian stimulation, in vitro fertilization, embryo culture, cryopreservation of gametes and embryos, parental lifestyle, and underlying infertility, have the potential to contribute to epigenetic dysregulation independently or collectively. This review critically appraises the evidence relating to the association between ART and genetic and epigenetic modifications that may be transmitted to the offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Luca Tramontano
- Department of Women, Infants and Adolescents, Division of Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Erika Rapalini
- IVF Department, Versilia Hospital Lido di Camaiore, Lucca, Italy
| | - Serena Bellaminutti
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Ospedale Regionale di Lugano, Lugano, Switzerland
- Gynecology and Fertility Unit, Procrea Institute, Lugano, Switzerland
- Gynecology Unit, Centro Medico, Lugano, Switzerland
| | | | - Antonio D'Amato
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinic, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Claudio Manna
- Biofertility IVF and Infertility Center, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Palagiano
- CFA Napoli, Italy, CFA: Centro Fecondazione Assistita Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Bulletti
- Ostetricia e Ginecologia, EXTRA OMNES Medicina e Salute Riproduttiva, Cattolica, Italy
| | - Sandro C Esteves
- Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Campinas, Brazil
- Department of Surgery (Division of Urology), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
- Faculty of Health, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Song B, Chen Y, Wang C, Li G, Wei Z, He X, Cao Y. Poor semen parameters are associated with abnormal methylation of imprinted genes in sperm DNA. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:155. [PMID: 36357889 PMCID: PMC9647922 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-01028-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Altered sperm DNA methylation patterns of imprinted genes as well as certain spermatogenesis-related genes has been proposed as a possible mechanism of male subfertility. Some reports suggest that there is an elevated risk of congenital diseases, associated with imprinted genes, in children conceived via intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection, due to the involvement of spermatozoa with aberrant imprinted genes obtained from infertile men. METHODS In this study, the DNA methylation status of the promoter regions of six imprinted genes, namely potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily Q member 1 (KCNQ1), maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3), insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2), KCNQ1 overlapping transcript 1 (KCNQ1OT1), mesoderm specific transcript (MEST), and paternally expressed gene 3 (PEG3), were detected by a next generation sequencing-based multiple methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction analysis of sperm samples obtained from 166 men who sought fertility evaluation in our Reproductive Medicine Center. Thereafter, the semen samples were classified into subgroups according to sperm motility and DNA integrity status. RESULTS As compared to the normozoospermic group, the samples of the asthenospermic group exhibited significant hypermethylation in two CpG sites of IGF-2 and significant hypomethylation in one CpG site of KCNQ1 as well as three CpG sites of MEST (P < 0.05). However, we did not observe any significant differences in the overall methylation levels of these six imprinted genes (P > 0.05). Additionally, we found that 111 of 323 CpG sites were hypomethylated in the group with DNA fragmentation index (DFI) ≥ 30% as compared to the group with DFI < 30% (P < 0.05). In this case, there were significant differences in the overall methylation levels of MEG3, IGF-2, MEST, and PEG3 (P < 0.05), but not in that of KCNQ1OT1 and KCNQ1 (P > 0.05). Hence, aberrant methylation patterns of imprinted genes were more prevalent in males with poor sperm quality, especially in those with severe sperm DNA damage. CONCLUSION In conclusion, abnormal DNA methylation of some CpG sites of imprinted genes are associated with poor sperm quality, including asthenospermia and severe sperm DNA impairment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bing Song
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, 230032, Hefei, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
| | - Yujie Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 214000, Wuxi, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, 230032, Hefei, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
| | - Guanjian Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, 230032, Hefei, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
| | - Zhaolian Wei
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, 230032, Hefei, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China.
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, 230032, Hefei, China.
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China.
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China.
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, 230032, Hefei, China.
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sciorio R, Esteves SC. Contemporary Use of ICSI and Epigenetic Risks to Future Generations. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11082135. [PMID: 35456226 PMCID: PMC9031244 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11082135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the birth of Louise Brown in 1978 via IVF, reproductive specialists have acquired enormous knowledge and refined several procedures, which are nowadays applied in assisted reproductive technology (ART). One of the most critical steps in this practice is the fertilization process. In the early days of IVF, a remarkable concern was the unpleasant outcomes of failed fertilization, overtaken by introducing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), delineating a real breakthrough in modern ART. ICSI became standard practice and was soon used as the most common method to fertilize oocytes. It has been used for severe male factor infertility and non-male factors, such as unexplained infertility or advanced maternal age, without robust scientific evidence. However, applying ICSI blindly is not free of potential detrimental consequences since novel studies report possible health consequences to offspring. DNA methylation and epigenetic alterations in sperm cells of infertile men might help explain some of the adverse effects reported in ICSI studies on reproductive health in future generations. Collected data concerning the health of ICSI children over the past thirty years seems to support the notion that there might be an increased risk of epigenetic disorders, congenital malformations, chromosomal alterations, and subfertility in babies born following ICSI compared to naturally conceived children. However, it is still to be elucidated to what level these data are associated with the cause of infertility or the ICSI technique. This review provides an overview of epigenetic mechanisms and possible imprinting alterations following the use of ART, in particular ICSI. It also highlights the sperm contribution to embryo epigenetic regulation and the risks of in vitro culture conditions on epigenetic dysregulation. Lastly, it summarizes the literature concerning the possible epigenetic disorders in children born after ART.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Sandro C. Esteves
- Androfert, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Campinas 13075-460, Brazil;
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-970, Brazil
- Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
AITKEN RJ, GIBB Z. Sperm oxidative stress in the context of male infertility: current evidence, links with genetic and epigenetic factors and future clinical needs. Minerva Endocrinol (Torino) 2022; 47:38-57. [DOI: 10.23736/s2724-6507.21.03630-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
9
|
Laqqan MM, Yassin MM. Influence of tobacco cigarette heavy smoking on DNA methylation patterns and transcription levels of MAPK8IP3, GAA, ANXA2, PRRC2A, and PDE11A genes in human spermatozoa. MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s43043-021-00084-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Tobacco smoking is considered as one of the lifestyles factors that influence the sperm DNA methylation and global sperm DNA methylation and that may affect the sperm phenotype. This study was performed to investigate whether tobacco cigarette heavy smoking influences sperm DNA methylation patterns and semen parameters and to determine whether there is an alteration in the transcription level of MAPK8IP3, GAA, ANXA2, PRRC2A, and PDE11A genes in heavy smokers compared to non-smokers. Thirty samples were subjected to 450K arrays as a screening study to assess the variation in sperm DNA methylation levels between heavy smokers and non-smokers. Five CpG sites have the highest difference in methylation levels (cg07869343, cg05813498, cg09785377, cg06833981, and cg02745784), which are located in the MAPK8IP3, GAA, ANXA2, PRRC2A, and PDE11A genes, respectively, and were selected for further analysis using deep bisulfite sequencing in 280 independent samples (120 proven non-smokers and 160 heavy smokers) with a mean age of 33.8 ± 8.4 years. The global sperm DNA methylation, sperm DNA fragmentation, and chromatin non-condensation were evaluated also.
Results
A significant increase was found in the methylation level at seven, three, and seventeen CpGs within the GAA, ANXA2, and MAPK8IP3 genes amplicon, respectively (P< 0.01) in heavy smokers compared to non-smokers. Additionally, a significant increase was found in the methylation levels at all CpGs within PRRC2A and PDE11A gene amplicon (P< 0.01). A significant increase was found in the level of sperm chromatin non-condensation, DNA fragmentation, and global DNA methylation (P < 0.001) in heavy smokers compared to non-smokers.
Conclusion
These results indicate that tobacco cigarette smoking can alter the DNA methylation level at several CpGs, the status of global DNA methylation, and transcription level of the following genes “MAPK8IP3, GAA, ANXA2, PRRC2A, and PDE11A” in human spermatozoa. These findings may affect negatively semen parameters and men’s fertility.
Collapse
|