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Rice AR, Durowaye TD, Konkle ATM, Phillips KP. Exploring online reproductive health promotion in Canada: a focus on behavioral and environmental influences from a sex and gender perspective. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1647. [PMID: 38902656 PMCID: PMC11188500 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19159-5] [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: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reproductive health promotion can enable early mitigation of behavioral and environmental risk factors associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, while optimizing health of women + (all genders that can gestate a fetus) and babies. Although the biological and social influences of partners on pregnancy are well established, it is unknown whether online Canadian government reproductive health promotion also targets men and partners throughout the reproductive lifespan. METHODS Reproductive health promotion, designed for the general public, was assessed in a multi-jurisdictional sample of Canadian government (federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal) and select non-governmental organization (NGO) websites. For each website, information related to environmental and behavioral influences on reproductive health (preconception, pregnancy, postpartum) was evaluated based on comprehensiveness, audience-specificity, and scientific quality. RESULTS Government and NGO websites provided sparse reproductive health promotion for partners which was generally limited to preconception behavior topics with little coverage of environmental hazard topics. For women + , environmental and behavioral influences on reproductive health were well promoted for pregnancy, with content gaps for preconception and postpartum stages. CONCLUSION Although it is well established that partners influence pregnancy outcomes and fetal/infant health, Canadian government website promotion of partner-specific environmental and behavioral risks was limited. Most websites across jurisdictions promoted behavioral influences on pregnancy, however gaps were apparent in the provision of health information related to environmental hazards. As all reproductive stages, including preconception and postpartum, may be susceptible to environmental and behavioral influences, online health promotion should use a sex- and gender-lens to address biological contributions to embryo, fetal and infant development, as well as contributions of partners to the physical and social environments of the home.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra R Rice
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 25 Université Private, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Toluwanimi D Durowaye
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 25 Université Private, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Anne T M Konkle
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 25 Université Private, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
- University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Karen P Phillips
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 25 Université Private, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada.
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Lahimer M, Montjean D, Cabry R, Capelle S, Lefranc E, Bach V, Ajina M, Ben Ali H, Khorsi-Cauet H, Benkhalifa M. Paternal Age Matters: Association with Sperm Criteria's- Spermatozoa DNA Integrity and Methylation Profile. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4928. [PMID: 37568329 PMCID: PMC10420110 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12154928] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Advanced age has been reported to negatively affect sperm parameters and spermatozoa DNA integrity. A decline in sperm criteria was also associated with altered epigenetic marks such as DNA methylation with a potential downstream impact on in vitro fertilization success and clinical outcomes. The aim of the present retrospective study was to clarify the association between advanced paternal age (APA) and sperm parameters, DNA integrity and DNA methylation profile. A total of 671 patients consulting for infertility underwent sperm analysis, sperm DNA integrity assessment and methylation level measurement. The principal finding was that individuals over 40 years of age exhibit a significant increase in DNA fragmentation levels compared to the younger group (15% versus 9%, respectively, p = 0.04). However, there was no significant difference in DNA decondensation and sperm parameters in association with APA. In addition, a drop in the global methylation level was also found in men over 40 years (6% in the young group versus 2% in the old group, p = 0.03). As a conclusion, men over 40 years are at higher risk of elevated sperm DNA fragmentation and lower methylation level. Based on these observations, it is recommended that the assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation should be taken into consideration particularly after the age of 40. Our findings support the idea that paternal age is a crucial factor that should not be neglected during fertility evaluation and treatment since it is associated with epigenetics changes in sperm. Although the underlying mechanism remains to be clarified, we believe that environmental and professional exposure factors are likely involved in the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Lahimer
- Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology & Genetics, University Hospital and School of Medicine, Picardie University Jules Verne, CHU Sud, 80054 Amiens, France; (M.L.); (R.C.); (S.C.); (E.L.); (M.B.)
- PERITOX—Périnatalité et Risques Toxiques—UMR-I1, Picardie University Jules Verne, CHU Sud, 80025 Amiens, France;
- Exercise Physiology and Physiopathology: From Integrated to Molecular “Biology, Medicine and Health” (Code: LR19ES09), Sousse 4002, Tunisia
| | - Debbie Montjean
- Fertilys, Centres de Fertilité, Laval and Brossard, Québec, QC H7S 1Z5, Canada;
| | - Rosalie Cabry
- Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology & Genetics, University Hospital and School of Medicine, Picardie University Jules Verne, CHU Sud, 80054 Amiens, France; (M.L.); (R.C.); (S.C.); (E.L.); (M.B.)
- PERITOX—Périnatalité et Risques Toxiques—UMR-I1, Picardie University Jules Verne, CHU Sud, 80025 Amiens, France;
| | - Severine Capelle
- Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology & Genetics, University Hospital and School of Medicine, Picardie University Jules Verne, CHU Sud, 80054 Amiens, France; (M.L.); (R.C.); (S.C.); (E.L.); (M.B.)
| | - Elodie Lefranc
- Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology & Genetics, University Hospital and School of Medicine, Picardie University Jules Verne, CHU Sud, 80054 Amiens, France; (M.L.); (R.C.); (S.C.); (E.L.); (M.B.)
| | - Véronique Bach
- PERITOX—Périnatalité et Risques Toxiques—UMR-I1, Picardie University Jules Verne, CHU Sud, 80025 Amiens, France;
| | - Mounir Ajina
- Unit of Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Farhat Hached, Sousse 4000, Tunisia;
| | - Habib Ben Ali
- Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, University of Sousse, Sousse 4000, Tunisia;
| | - Hafida Khorsi-Cauet
- Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology & Genetics, University Hospital and School of Medicine, Picardie University Jules Verne, CHU Sud, 80054 Amiens, France; (M.L.); (R.C.); (S.C.); (E.L.); (M.B.)
- PERITOX—Périnatalité et Risques Toxiques—UMR-I1, Picardie University Jules Verne, CHU Sud, 80025 Amiens, France;
| | - Moncef Benkhalifa
- Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology & Genetics, University Hospital and School of Medicine, Picardie University Jules Verne, CHU Sud, 80054 Amiens, France; (M.L.); (R.C.); (S.C.); (E.L.); (M.B.)
- PERITOX—Périnatalité et Risques Toxiques—UMR-I1, Picardie University Jules Verne, CHU Sud, 80025 Amiens, France;
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Ramírez ND, Tissera A, Molina R, Olmedo J, Molina HG, Mangeaud A, Martini AC. Fluctuations in Seminal Quality throughout the Year: How do Temperature, Humidity and Atmospheric Pressure Impact on Human Sperm Quality? J Hum Reprod Sci 2023; 16:185-194. [PMID: 38045501 PMCID: PMC10688283 DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_101_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Most studies evaluating the possible seasonal variation of semen quality have considered temperature as the only causal factor. Aims To assess possible seasonality in sperm quality and associations between semen parameters and several meteorological variables (temperature, humidity, apparent temperature and atmospheric pressure) in a large cohort of andrological patients. Settings and Design This was a retrospective, cross-sectional and correlational/descriptive study. Materials and Methods Patients (n: 15665) were categorised into four groups (summer, winter, spring and autumn) according to the date of assistance at the fertility centre. Daily values of temperature, apparent temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure were provided by the National Weather System and were calculated as the average of the 74 days previous to semen collection (spermatogenic cycle). Statistical Analysis Used As appropriate, the results were analysed by analysis of variance/Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-square test, t-test/Mann-Whitney, forward conditional regression model and Spearman/Pearson's correlations. Results We detected seasonality effects on sperm count, total sperm count and total motile sperm count, with the highest values in winter and the lowest in summer. Correlation analysis showed that temperature, apparent temperature and humidity negatively correlated with semen parameters, being humidity the most powerful predictive meteorological variable. Conclusion Sperm quality is influenced by seasons; increased environmental temperature and humidity negatively affect semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás David Ramírez
- Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba and Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas-Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Andrea Tissera
- Laboratorio de Andrología y Reproducción, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Rosa Molina
- Laboratorio de Andrología y Reproducción, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Jose Olmedo
- Fundación Urológica para la Docencia e Investigación Médica, Bartolomé de las Casas, Córdoba, Argentina
| | | | - Arnaldo Mangeaud
- Cátedra de Bioestadística, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ana Carolina Martini
- Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba and Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas-Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Córdoba, Argentina
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Rodríguez-Díaz R, Blanes-Zamora R, Vaca-Sánchez R, Gómez-Rodríguez J, Hardisson A, González-Weller D, Gutiérrez ÁJ, Paz S, Rubio C, González-Dávila E. Influence of Seminal Metals on Assisted Reproduction Outcome. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023; 201:1120-1134. [PMID: 35543968 PMCID: PMC9898355 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03256-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Increased levels of metal ions in human seminal fluid have a significant correlation with male fertility. Few publications explain the effect of metals in semen and their influence on assisted reproductive treatments. Semen parameters and the levels of twenty-two metals were measured in the seminal fluid of 102 men attended in a Reproductive Unit. Metals were determined by optical emission spectrophotometry. A statistical relationship was found between spermiogram and iron, which was lower than expected in pathological spermiograms (p = 0.032); zinc (p = 0.066), calcium (p = 0.047), and magnesium (p = 0.048) mean levels were higher in normozoospermics. More days of sexual abstinence correlates with higher seminal zinc (p = 0.001) and magnesium levels (p = 0.002). Lower vanadium values were found to be associated with higher fertilization rates (p = 0.039). Higher values of lead (p = 0.052) and vanadium (p = 0.032) were obtained in patients who did not reach 100% embryo cleavage rate. Aluminium (p = 0.042) and sodium (p = 0.002) were found in lower amounts associated with better blastocyst rates. The implantation rate shows an inverse association with women's age and iron and calcium content, compared to magnesium and sodium which presented a significant direct association with this percentage. A significant direct relationship was found between the positive evolution of pregnancy and the values of zinc (p = 0.004), calcium (p = 0.013), potassium (p = 0.002), and magnesium (p = 0.009). The study confirms that zinc, iron, calcium, sodium, aluminium, magnesium, vanadium, and lead have positive-negative effects on reproduction and support the analysis of metals in semen as a new line of study on male fertility with implications for reproductive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubí Rodríguez-Díaz
- Human Reproduction Unit, Canary Islands University Hospital, San Cristobal de La Laguna, Spain.
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of La Laguna, San Cristobal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
| | - Raquel Blanes-Zamora
- Human Reproduction Unit, Canary Islands University Hospital, San Cristobal de La Laguna, Spain
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of La Laguna, San Cristobal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Rebeca Vaca-Sánchez
- Human Reproduction Unit, Canary Islands University Hospital, San Cristobal de La Laguna, Spain
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of La Laguna, San Cristobal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Jorge Gómez-Rodríguez
- Human Reproduction Unit, Canary Islands University Hospital, San Cristobal de La Laguna, Spain
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of La Laguna, San Cristobal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Arturo Hardisson
- Toxicology, University of La Laguna, San Cristobal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | | | - Ángel J Gutiérrez
- Toxicology, University of La Laguna, San Cristobal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Soraya Paz
- Toxicology, University of La Laguna, San Cristobal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Carmen Rubio
- Toxicology, University of La Laguna, San Cristobal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - E González-Dávila
- Mathematics, Statistics and Operations Research, University of La Laguna, San Cristobal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
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Is seminal quality worsening? A 20-year experience in Córdoba, Argentina. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:1125-1134. [PMID: 35296953 PMCID: PMC9107558 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02458-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the possible variations in semen quality during the last 20 years in Córdoba, Argentina, and to identify possible causal lifestyle or genitourinary factors. METHODS Retrospective study of 23,130 patients attending an andrology laboratory. The 20-year period (2001-2020) was divided into four quinquenniums. Seminal parameters (sperm concentration, motility, morphology, viability, and membrane functional integrity) were classified as normal or abnormal according to WHO, and results were expressed as percentage of patients abnormal for each parameter per quinquennium. In addition, the percentage of patients per quinquennium exposed to the different risk factors (daily alcohol and/or tobacco consumption; occupational exposure to heat or toxics; history of parotitis or varicocele; and high body mass index, BMI) was reported. RESULTS Patients included in our study did not show impairment in seminal quality over time. Beyond a transient decrease in normozoospermia in the second and third quinquennium, possibly explained by a parallel increase in teratozoospermia, other important parameters of the spermogram did not change. In fact, abnormalities in sperm concentration (oligozoospermia), total sperm count, viability and response to hypoosmotic test showed a decreasing trend over time. On the other hand, parotitis, varicocele, morbid obesity and regular exposition to heat/toxics were the factors more frequently associated with semen abnormalities; the last two increased their frequency over the study period. CONCLUSION The population included in this study did not show a clear impairment in semen quality during the last 20 years. The decreasing patterns found were associated with high BMI and exposure to heat/toxics.
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Cai Z, Li H. Congenital Bilateral Absence of the Vas Deferens. Front Genet 2022; 13:775123. [PMID: 35222530 PMCID: PMC8873976 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.775123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD) is clinically characterized by the absence of the bilateral vas deferens; the main clinical manifestation is infertility, accounting for 1–2% of male infertility cases. CBAVD may be accompanied by congenital abnormalities in the urogenital system and cystic fibrosis (CF)-related clinical manifestations. CBAVD can develop as a mild manifestation of CF or can be isolated. The main pathogenic mechanism of CBAVD is gene mutation, and CBAVD and CF have a common genetic mutation background. CFTR mutation is the main pathogenic cause of CBAVD and CF, and ADGRG2 mutation is the second most common cause. Although lack of the vas deferens in CBAVD patients causes infertility due to the inability to release sperm, the testes of CBAVD patients have spermatogenic function. Therefore, CBAVD patients can achieve fertility through sperm retrieval surgery and assisted reproductive technology (ART). However, gene mutations in CBAVD patients can have an impact on the ART outcome, and there is a risk of passing on gene mutations to offspring. For CBAVD patients and their spouses, performing genetic counseling (which currently refers mainly to CFTR mutation screening) helps to reduce the risks of genetic mutations being passed on to offspring and of offspring having CF with concomitant CBAVD.
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