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Sfakianoudis K, Zikopoulos A, Grigoriadis S, Seretis N, Maziotis E, Anifandis G, Xystra P, Kostoulas C, Giougli U, Pantos K, Simopoulou M, Georgiou I. The Role of One-Carbon Metabolism and Methyl Donors in Medically Assisted Reproduction: A Narrative Review of the Literature. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4977. [PMID: 38732193 PMCID: PMC11084717 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094977] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
One-carbon (1-C) metabolic deficiency impairs homeostasis, driving disease development, including infertility. It is of importance to summarize the current evidence regarding the clinical utility of 1-C metabolism-related biomolecules and methyl donors, namely, folate, betaine, choline, vitamin B12, homocysteine (Hcy), and zinc, as potential biomarkers, dietary supplements, and culture media supplements in the context of medically assisted reproduction (MAR). A narrative review of the literature was conducted in the PubMed/Medline database. Diet, ageing, and the endocrine milieu of individuals affect both 1-C metabolism and fertility status. In vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques, and culture conditions in particular, have a direct impact on 1-C metabolic activity in gametes and embryos. Critical analysis indicated that zinc supplementation in cryopreservation media may be a promising approach to reducing oxidative damage, while female serum homocysteine levels may be employed as a possible biomarker for predicting IVF outcomes. Nonetheless, the level of evidence is low, and future studies are needed to verify these data. One-carbon metabolism-related processes, including redox defense and epigenetic regulation, may be compromised in IVF-derived embryos. The study of 1-C metabolism may lead the way towards improving MAR efficiency and safety and ensuring the lifelong health of MAR infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Sfakianoudis
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, 14-16, Papanikoli, 15232 Athens, Greece; (K.S.); (K.P.)
| | - Athanasios Zikopoulos
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.Z.); (N.S.); (C.K.); (U.G.); (I.G.)
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske, Truro TR1 3LJ, UK
| | - Sokratis Grigoriadis
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.G.); (E.M.); (P.X.)
| | - Nikolaos Seretis
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.Z.); (N.S.); (C.K.); (U.G.); (I.G.)
| | - Evangelos Maziotis
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.G.); (E.M.); (P.X.)
| | - George Anifandis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larisa, Greece;
| | - Paraskevi Xystra
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.G.); (E.M.); (P.X.)
| | - Charilaos Kostoulas
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.Z.); (N.S.); (C.K.); (U.G.); (I.G.)
| | - Urania Giougli
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.Z.); (N.S.); (C.K.); (U.G.); (I.G.)
| | - Konstantinos Pantos
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, 14-16, Papanikoli, 15232 Athens, Greece; (K.S.); (K.P.)
| | - Mara Simopoulou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.G.); (E.M.); (P.X.)
| | - Ioannis Georgiou
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.Z.); (N.S.); (C.K.); (U.G.); (I.G.)
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Wdowiak N, Wójtowicz K, Wdowiak-Filip A, Pucek W, Wróbel A, Wróbel J, Wdowiak A. Environmental Factors as the Main Hormonal Disruptors of Male Fertility. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1986. [PMID: 38610751 PMCID: PMC11012640 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13071986] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE Many scientific reports confirm a systematic decline in male semen parameters over the last decades. This phenomenon has been observed in all parts of the world, and its occurrence is associated, among others, with the hazardous effects of some environmental factors. The environmental factors for which the adverse effect on male fertility has been proven include water, air, and soil pollution, as well as electromagnetic fields and ionizing radiation. The aim of this article was the evaluation of the effect of selected environmental factors on male reproductive capacity based on an analysis of the current scientific reports. REVIEW METHODS A systematic literature review was carried out using three databases: PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus. The search was limited to the period from 2015 until the end of December 2023. Brief description of the state of knowledge: Environmental factors, such as heavy metals, tobacco smoke, pesticides, dioxins, furans, phthalates, and bisphenols, are well-tested substances that exert an adverse effect on male fertility. A harmful effect of electromagnetic fields and water and air pollution on reproductive functions may be expected; however, this has not been fully proven. SUMMARY Results obtained by many researchers published to date should evoke great concern regarding the quality of the environment in which we live, as well as fears about the effect of environmental factors not only on male fertility, but also on all aspects of human health. The majority of environmental pollutants affect the male body by causing oxidative stress and through their effect on the endocrine system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Wdowiak
- Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 4-6 Street, 20-081 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Kamila Wójtowicz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Municipal Hospital, Saint Michael the Archangel in Łańcut, Parens, Infertility Clinic in Rzeszów, 35-309 Rzeszów, Poland;
| | - Anita Wdowiak-Filip
- Department of Cosmetology and Aesthetic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Weronika Pucek
- National Medical Institute of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Andrzej Wróbel
- Second Department of Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Jan Wróbel
- Medical Faculty, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Artur Wdowiak
- Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 4-6 Street, 20-081 Lublin, Poland;
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Azoulay C. [Climate and environmental crisis impacts on women's health: What specificities? What can be done?]. GYNECOLOGIE, OBSTETRIQUE, FERTILITE & SENOLOGIE 2024:S2468-7189(24)00087-4. [PMID: 38492742 DOI: 10.1016/j.gofs.2024.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pollution is one of the world's largest risk factors for disease and premature death. In Europe, it is responsible for approximately 20% of mortality. Chemicals exposure can occur by inhalation, ingestion or skin contact and begins in utero. Pollutants can be divided into three categories: endocrine disruptors (pesticides, PFAS, plastics, dioxins, etc.), heavy metals (cadmium, mercury and lead…) and nanomaterials. Climate change and air pollution are other main health threats. METHODS Literature review using PubMed and ResearchGate databases and institutional websites. RESULTS Endocrine disruptors are identified as significant risk factors for the reproductive health with negative documented impacts following prenatal or adult exposure. Climate change and air pollution can cause gender-based health disparities. Numerous scientific arguments show that chemical pollution and climate change disproportionately impact women, both on a social and biological level. Populations in precarious situations among which women are over-represented suffer the most severe social consequences including in France. There are several gender-specific domestic or occupational exposures to pollutants, most often to the disadvantage of women compared to men. Finally, although very few gendered data exist in environmental health, there are sexual-based physiological vulnerabilities concerning the metabolism of pollutants and the capacity to adapt to heat. CONCLUSION Facing this threat of gender inequity in sexual and reproductive health and rights' width, women's health professionals have a major role to play in initiating new ways to assess and reduce the environmental health burden in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Azoulay
- Collectif Femmes de Santé, chez Hkind (Les arches citoyennes), 3, avenue Victoria, 75004 Paris, France.
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Basini G, Bussolati S, Grolli S, Berni P, Grasselli F. Are the new phthalates safe? Evaluation of Diisononilphtalate (DINP) effects in porcine ovarian cell cultures. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 106:104384. [PMID: 38331371 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2024.104384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Phthalates are plasticizing chemicals, widely used in packaging materials and consumer products for several decades. These molecules have raised concerns because of their toxicity and their use have been restricted in several countries. Therefore, novel phthalates have been introduced. Among these, diisononilphtalate (DINP) is widely employed. However, its safety has not been properly addressed. Therefore, using a well validated granulosa cell model, collected from swine ovaries with a translational value, we studied potential DINP effects on important cellular functional parameters. In particular, we studied cell growth, steroidogenesis and redox status. Collected data showed that DINP stimulates (p < 0.05) cell growth, increases estrogen and inhibits progesterone production (p < 0.05), disrupts redox balance stimulating free radicals (p < 0.05) while reducing scavenger activities (p< 0.05). Taken together, DINP's impact on cultured swine granulosa cells provides cause for concern regarding its potential adverse effects on reproductive and endocrine functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Basini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Medico-Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Parma, Via del Taglio 10, Parma 43126, Italy.
| | - S Bussolati
- Dipartimento di Scienze Medico-Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Parma, Via del Taglio 10, Parma 43126, Italy
| | - S Grolli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Medico-Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Parma, Via del Taglio 10, Parma 43126, Italy
| | - P Berni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Medico-Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Parma, Via del Taglio 10, Parma 43126, Italy
| | - F Grasselli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Medico-Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Parma, Via del Taglio 10, Parma 43126, Italy
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Li J, Deng T, Rao W, Liao H, Wang Y, Guo N, Du Y, Guo Q, Zeng Q, Liu C, Li Y. Phthalate metabolites in urine and follicular fluid in relation to menstrual cycle characteristics in women seeking fertility assistance. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 183:108362. [PMID: 38064925 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phthalates have been shown to disrupt the estrous cycle in animal studies. However, epidemiological research investigating their associations with menstrual cycle characteristics is limited. OBJECTIVE To explore the relationships between phthalate exposure and menstrual cycle characteristics among women seeking fertility assistance. METHODS We determined the levels of eight phthalate metabolites in both follicular fluid (FF) and urine specimens collected from 441 women in the Tongji Reproductive and Environmental (TREE) cohort, using high-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Information about menstrual cycle parameters was obtained through a questionnaire. The impacts of individual and joint exposure to phthalates on menstrual cycle characteristics were assessed using multivariable linear regression, Poisson regression, and quantile g-computation approaches. RESULTS After adjusting for relevant covariates, we found that per log10-unit increase in mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) level in urine specimens was associated with a decrease of 0.20 days (95 % CI: -0.37, -0.03) in bleeding duration. We also observed that mono(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP) and the sum of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) metabolites (∑DEHP) concentrations in FF samples were inversely related to cycle length [β = -1.92 (95 % CI: -3.10, -0.75) and -1.87 (95 % CI: -3.56, -0.19), respectively]. However, we generally observed null associations between phthalate metabolites and irregular cycle, dysmenorrhea, hypomenorrhea, or cycle length variation. Furthermore, we also found that phthalate metabolite mixtures in FF and urine were generally unrelated to menstrual cycle characteristics. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that some DEHP metabolites in FF and urine are inversely associated with menstrual cycle length and menstrual bleeding duration in women attending a fertility center.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Taoran Deng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Wentao Rao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Hongmei Liao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Yi Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Na Guo
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Yaoyao Du
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Qingchun Guo
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Qiang Zeng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, PR China
| | - Chong Liu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, PR China.
| | - Yufeng Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China.
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Chauhan R, Archibong AE, Ramesh A. Imprinting and Reproductive Health: A Toxicological Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16559. [PMID: 38068882 PMCID: PMC10706004 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
This overview discusses the role of imprinting in the development of an organism, and how exposure to environmental chemicals during fetal development leads to the physiological and biochemical changes that can have adverse lifelong effects on the health of the offspring. There has been a recent upsurge in the use of chemical products in everyday life. These chemicals include industrial byproducts, pesticides, dietary supplements, and pharmaceutical products. They mimic the natural estrogens and bind to estradiol receptors. Consequently, they reduce the number of receptors available for ligand binding. This leads to a faulty signaling in the neuroendocrine system during the critical developmental process of 'imprinting'. Imprinting causes structural and organizational differentiation in male and female reproductive organs, sexual behavior, bone mineral density, and the metabolism of exogenous and endogenous chemical substances. Several studies conducted on animal models and epidemiological studies provide profound evidence that altered imprinting causes various developmental and reproductive abnormalities and other diseases in humans. Altered metabolism can be measured by various endpoints such as the profile of cytochrome P-450 enzymes (CYP450's), xenobiotic metabolite levels, and DNA adducts. The importance of imprinting in the potentiation or attenuation of toxic chemicals is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritu Chauhan
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA;
| | - Anthony E. Archibong
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA;
| | - Aramandla Ramesh
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA;
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Aghajanova L, Altmäe S, Sokalska A. Editorial: Uterine factors associated with fertility impairment. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1307237. [PMID: 38027173 PMCID: PMC10660800 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1307237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lusine Aghajanova
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Signe Altmäe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Sokalska
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
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