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He J, Ma M, Xu Z, Guo J, Chen H, Yang X, Chen P, Liu G. Association between semen microbiome disorder and sperm DNA damage. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0075924. [PMID: 38899893 PMCID: PMC11302304 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00759-24] [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: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA fragmentation index (DFI), a new biomarker to diagnose male infertility, is closely associated with poor reproductive outcomes. Previous research reported that seminal microbiome correlated with sperm DNA integrity, suggesting that the microbiome may be one of the causes of DNA damage in sperm. However, it has not been elucidated how the microbiota exerts their effects. Here, we used a combination of 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics techniques to investigate the role of microbiota in high sperm DNA fragmentation index (HDFI). We report that increased specific microbial profiles contribute to high sperm DNA fragmentation, thus implicating the seminal microbiome as a new therapeutic target for HDFI patients. Additionally, we found that the amount of Lactobacillus species was altered: Lactobacillus iners was enriched in HDFI patients, shedding light on the potential influence of L. iners on male reproductive health. Finally, we also identified enrichment of the acetyl-CoA fermentation to butanoate II and purine nucleobase degradation I in the high sperm DNA fragmentation samples, suggesting that butanoate may be the target metabolite of sperm DNA damage. These findings provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between microbiota and sperm quality in HDFI patients, laying the foundation for further research and potential clinical interventions.IMPORTANCEThe DNA fragmentation index (DFI) is a measure of sperm DNA fragmentation. Because high sperm DNA fragmentation index (HDFI) has been strongly associated with adverse reproductive outcomes, this has been linked to the seminal microbiome. Because the number of current treatments for HDFI is limited and most of them have no clear efficacy, it is critical to understand how semen microbiome exerts their effects on sperm DNA. Here, we evaluated the semen microbiome and its metabolites in patients with high and low sperm DNA fragmentation. We found that increased specific microbial profiles contribute to high sperm DNA fragmentation. In particular, Lactobacillus iners was uniquely correlated with high sperm DNA fragmentation. Additionally, butanoate may be the target metabolite produced by the microbiome to damage sperm DNA. Our findings support the interaction between semen microbiome and sperm DNA damage and suggest that seminal microbiome should be a new therapeutic target for HDFI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junxian He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- GuangDong Engineering Technology Research Center of Fertility Preservation, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Microbiome and Chronic Diseases (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Menghui Ma
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- GuangDong Engineering Technology Research Center of Fertility Preservation, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Microbiome and Chronic Diseases (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenhan Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- GuangDong Engineering Technology Research Center of Fertility Preservation, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Microbiome and Chronic Diseases (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jintao Guo
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- GuangDong Engineering Technology Research Center of Fertility Preservation, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Microbiome and Chronic Diseases (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haicheng Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- GuangDong Engineering Technology Research Center of Fertility Preservation, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Microbiome and Chronic Diseases (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xing Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- GuangDong Engineering Technology Research Center of Fertility Preservation, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Microbiome and Chronic Diseases (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peigen Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- GuangDong Engineering Technology Research Center of Fertility Preservation, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Microbiome and Chronic Diseases (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guihua Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- GuangDong Engineering Technology Research Center of Fertility Preservation, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Microbiome and Chronic Diseases (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
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2
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Pool KR, Gajanayakage RH, Connolly C, Blache D. Ancestral lineages of dietary exposure to an endocrine disrupting chemical drive distinct forms of transgenerational subfertility in an insect model. Sci Rep 2024; 14:18153. [PMID: 39103404 PMCID: PMC11300584 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67921-x] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Across the globe, many species of insects are facing population decline. This is largely driven by anthropogenic changes to the environment, including the widespread exposure of invertebrates to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which impair fertility. To test whether generations of Drosophila melanogaster born from parents exposed to a common dietary EDC, equol, could recover reproductive function, we quantified the reproductive capacity of the two subsequent generations. Using a novel suite of flow cytometry assays to assess sperm functionality in real time, we find that sperm function is compromised across three generations, even after non-exposed in individuals contribute to the breeding population. Though the sex ratio alters in response to EDC exposure, favouring the survival of female offspring, most lineages with ancestral EDC exposure exhibit persistent subfertility in both the male and female. Male offspring with ancestral EDC exposure present with reduced fertility and dysfunctional spermatozoa, whereby spermatozoa are metabolically stressed, lack DNA integrity and present with permanent epigenetic alterations. Across generations, male and female offspring demonstrate distinct patterns of reproductive characteristics, depending upon the specific lineage of EDC exposure. Our results illustrate how dietary EDCs present in agricultural plants could promote transgenerational subfertility and contribute to declining insect populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey R Pool
- UWA Institute of Agriculture and UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia.
| | - Raveena Hewa Gajanayakage
- UWA Institute of Agriculture and UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Callum Connolly
- UWA Institute of Agriculture and UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Dominique Blache
- UWA Institute of Agriculture and UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
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3
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Robertson MJ, Chambers C, Spanner EA, de Graaf SP, Rickard JP. The Assessment of Sperm DNA Integrity: Implications for Assisted Reproductive Technology Fertility Outcomes across Livestock Species. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:539. [PMID: 39056730 PMCID: PMC11273975 DOI: 10.3390/biology13070539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 07/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Sperm DNA integrity is increasingly considered a useful measure of semen quality in mammalian reproduction. However, the definition of DNA integrity, the ideal means by which it should be measured, and its predictive value for fertility remain a topic of much discussion. With an emphasis on livestock species, this review discusses the assays that have been developed to measure DNA integrity as well as their correlation with in vitro and in vivo fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jessica P. Rickard
- Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (M.J.R.); (S.P.d.G.)
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Kaneko S, Okada Y. Revalidation of DNA Fragmentation Analyses for Human Sperm-Measurement Principles, Comparative Standards, Calibration Curve, Required Sensitivity, and Eligibility Criteria for Test Sperm. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:484. [PMID: 39056679 PMCID: PMC11274034 DOI: 10.3390/biology13070484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
(1) Background: Double-strand breaks (DSBs) in a single nucleus are usually measured using the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA), sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test, and comet assay (CA). Mono-dimensional single-cell pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (1D-SCPFGE) and angle-modulated two- dimensional single-cell pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (2D-SCPFGE) were developed to observe DNA fragmentation in separated motile sperm. (2) Methods: Comparative standards, calibration curves, required sensitivity levels, and eligibility criteria for test sperm were set up to validate the measurement principles of these tests. (3) Results: The conventional methods overlooked the interference of nucleoproteins in their measurements. In-gel proteolysis improves the measurement accuracies of 1D- and 2D-SCPFGE. Naked DNA is suitable for comparative standards and test specimens. Moreover, several dysfunctions that might induce DNA damage are observed in the separated motile sperm. Overall, the discussion highlights the need to revisit the conventional univariable analyses based on the SCSA, SCD test, and CA. (4) Conclusions: Human infertility is a complex syndrome, and the aim of quality control in intracytoplasmic sperm injection is to identify the underlying dysfunctions remaining in the separated motile sperm that render them ineligible for injection. Multivariable analyses with special consideration to confounding factors are necessary in future cohort studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Kaneko
- Laboratory of Pathology and Development, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan;
- Sperm-Semen-Epididymis-Testis (SSET) Clinic, 1-5 Kanda-Iwamoto, Chiyoda, Tokyo 101-0033, Japan
| | - Yuki Okada
- Laboratory of Pathology and Development, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan;
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Peña FJ, Martín-Cano FE, Becerro-Rey L, Ortega-Ferrusola C, Gaitskell-Phillips G, da Silva-Álvarez E, Gil MC. The future of equine semen analysis. Reprod Fertil Dev 2024; 36:RD23212. [PMID: 38467450 DOI: 10.1071/rd23212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
We are currently experiencing a period of rapid advancement in various areas of science and technology. The integration of high throughput 'omics' techniques with advanced biostatistics, and the help of artificial intelligence, is significantly impacting our understanding of sperm biology. These advances will have an appreciable impact on the practice of reproductive medicine in horses. This article provides a brief overview of recent advances in the field of spermatology and how they are changing assessment of sperm quality. This article is written from the authors' perspective, using the stallion as a model. We aim to portray a brief overview of the changes occurring in the assessment of sperm motility and kinematics, advances in flow cytometry, implementation of 'omics' technologies, and the use of artificial intelligence/self-learning in data analysis. We also briefly discuss how some of the advances can be readily available to the practitioner, through the implementation of 'on-farm' devices and telemedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando J Peña
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Francisco Eduardo Martín-Cano
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Laura Becerro-Rey
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Cristina Ortega-Ferrusola
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Gemma Gaitskell-Phillips
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Eva da Silva-Álvarez
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - María Cruz Gil
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
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Koziol JH. Ancillary Methods for Semen Evaluation. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2024; 40:41-49. [PMID: 37442678 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2023.06.002] [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] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The cause of subfertility or poor fertility in naturally mated bulls should be differentiated from impotentia coeundi, generandi, or erigendi prior to ancillary semen evaluation. Bulls used for artificial insemination may undergo ancillary semen evaluation following low fertility rates as judged by poor conception or low pregnancy rates. Morphologically abnormal sperm have long been associated with bull subfertility and infertility. Some morphological defects such as improper sperm chromatin condensation are not visible using traditional light microscopy and require specialized staining. Ancillary semen evaluation is useful in cases where the reason for low or absence of fertility needs to be identified. As compared to SEM, TEM can be extremely useful for identifying minuscule acrosome defects, issues with chromatin, and centrosome defects and is considered the gold standard method for the identification of midpiece and tail defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer H Koziol
- Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine, 7671 Evans Drive, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA.
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Panner Selvam MK, Moharana AK, Baskaran S, Finelli R, Hudnall MC, Sikka SC. Current Updates on Involvement of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Semen Analysis. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:279. [PMID: 38399566 PMCID: PMC10890589 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60020279] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Infertility rates and the number of couples undergoing reproductive care have both increased substantially during the last few decades. Semen analysis is a crucial step in both the diagnosis and the treatment of male infertility. The accuracy of semen analysis results remains quite poor despite years of practice and advancements. Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, which can analyze and synthesize large amounts of data, can address the unique challenges involved in semen analysis due to the high objectivity of current methodologies. This review addresses recent AI advancements in semen analysis. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature search was performed in the PubMed database. Non-English articles and studies not related to humans were excluded. We extracted data related to AI algorithms or models used to evaluate semen parameters from the original studies, excluding abstracts, case reports, and meeting reports. Results: Of the 306 articles identified, 225 articles were rejected in the preliminary screening. The evaluation of the full texts of the remaining 81 publications resulted in the exclusion of another 48 articles, with a final inclusion of 33 original articles in this review. Conclusions: AI and machine learning are becoming increasingly popular in biomedical applications. The examination and selection of sperm by andrologists and embryologists may benefit greatly from using these algorithms. Furthermore, when bigger and more reliable datasets become accessible for training, these algorithms may improve over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manesh Kumar Panner Selvam
- Department of Urology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (A.K.M.); (S.B.); (S.C.S.)
| | - Ajaya Kumar Moharana
- Department of Urology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (A.K.M.); (S.B.); (S.C.S.)
- Redox Biology & Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack 753003, Odisha, India
| | - Saradha Baskaran
- Department of Urology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (A.K.M.); (S.B.); (S.C.S.)
| | | | | | - Suresh C. Sikka
- Department of Urology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (A.K.M.); (S.B.); (S.C.S.)
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Zhou W, Zhang J, Cheng Z, Wang C, Feng Y. Mean number of DNA breakpoints: illuminating sperm DNA integrity and in vitro fertilization outcomes. Fertil Steril 2024; 121:264-270. [PMID: 38042397 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.11.026] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To verify the capacity of the mean number of DNA breakpoints (MDB) for evaluating sperm integrity and its relationship with in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Reproductive center in a tertiary hospital. PATIENT(S) All men whose female partners underwent IVF from March to October 2022 in the reproductive center. INTERVENTION(S) The MDB and DNA fragmentation index (DFI) were used to assess sperm DNA integrity. The patients were stratified into two groups according to MDB and DFI cutoffs: sperm DNA-normal and sperm DNA-impaired. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Semen parameters: concentration, progressive motility (PR), MDB, and the DFI; IVF outcome measures: two pronuclei (2-PN), fertilization rate, fertilization cleavage rate, high-quality embryo rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and implantation rate. RESULTS Sperm MDB had a higher negative correlation with PR compared with the DFI (r = -0.43; r = -0.37, respectively). Sperm MDB did not have a statistical correlation with sperm concentration, whereas the DFI correlated significantly with concentration (r = -0.17; r = -0.27, respectively). Logistic regression analysis controlling for age and semen concentration demonstrated that an increase in MDB increased the risk of asthenospermia (odds ratio = 1.018, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.003-1.034). An increasing DFI also increased the risk of asthenospermia (odds ratio = 1.044, 95% CI 1.002-1.087). The MDB showed a stronger clinical relevance with sperm PR than the DFI, as indicated using the area under the curve values (0.754, 95% CI 0.649-0.859 vs. 0.691, 95% CI 0.556-0.825). A threshold of the MDB >0.37 nM was calculated to define sperm DNA-impaired. Comparison of IVF results showed that the high-quality embryo rate (χ2 = 13.00) was significantly lower in the DNA-impaired group than in the DNA-normal group stratified using the MDB, although there were no significant differences in IVF outcomes in DFI-stratified groups. CONCLUSION The MDB has been verified to correlate closely with semen PR and may serve as a predictive parameter for IVF outcomes. Rigorous prospective studies are required to explore MDB performance and to further validate and reinforce the potential application of MDB as a parameter for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Hangzhou Women's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianeng Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Hangzhou Women's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhaojun Cheng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Hangzhou Women's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Chong Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Hangzhou Women's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Feng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Hangzhou Women's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
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Kaneko S, Takamatsu K. Angle modulated two-dimensional single cell pulsed-field gel electrophoresis for detecting early symptoms of DNA fragmentation in human sperm nuclei. Sci Rep 2024; 14:840. [PMID: 38191596 PMCID: PMC10774298 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51509-6] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
We here developed a novel angle-modulated two-dimensional single cell pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (2D-SCPFGE). Variations in current-application-time and rotation angle generated different alignments of DNA fibers and segments. After the first run, the specimen was turned by 150° (2D-SCPFGE-0-150) to detect naturally occurring the earliest stage of DNA fragmentation or 75° (2D-SCPFGE-0-75) to analyze artificially induced cleavage. The former revealed that a part of long chain fibers remained at the origin and long segments were still tangled in the bundle of elongated fibers after the first run. The latter visualized the dose-dependent cleavage of DNA by EcoR1. Multicycle 2D-SCPFGE was useful for generating 2D-alignments of single nuclear DNA fibers, which is the first step for visualization of single-strand breaks on stretched fibers. To date, many articles have accepted the pathogenetic significances of DNA fragmentation in human sperm for male infertility and congenital anomaly. It is necessary to perform multivariate analyses of not only earliest-stage DNA fragmentation but also other types of damage, including single-strand breaks, in sequential DNA fibers. 2D-SCPFGE is the fundamental tool for understanding single nuclear DNA damages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Kaneko
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ichikawa General Hospital, Tokyo Dental College, 5-11-13 Sugano, Ichikawa, Chiba, 272-8513, Japan.
| | - Kiyoshi Takamatsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ichikawa General Hospital, Tokyo Dental College, 5-11-13 Sugano, Ichikawa, Chiba, 272-8513, Japan
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AmirJannati N, Mohazzab A, Fathalian M, Akhavizadegan H. Comparison of Embryological Results of Microinjection in Two Groups of Men with and without Requesting Sperm DNA Fragmentation Index Measurement. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 2024:6769510. [PMID: 38213385 PMCID: PMC10783986 DOI: 10.1155/2024/6769510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Introduction The sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) is considered a valuable measure to assess male fertility, but the predictive value of DFI for the outcomes in assisted reproductive technology (ART) is still controversial. Therefore, this study is aimed at investigating the effect of requesting a DFI test or performing ART without DFI on the results observed in the embryology laboratory (number of embryos, fertilization rate, and embryo quality) after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Methods This retrospective study was conducted on infertile men who underwent ICSI and were referred to the Avicenna Infertility and Recurrent Abortion Treatment Center in Tehran from 2019 to 2022. The samples were categorized into two groups: a case group with DFI measurement and a control group without DFI measurement. We conducted a comparative analysis of the embryology results between the two groups, focusing on parameters such as fertilization rate, number of embryos, and embryo quality. t-tests and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to conduct single variable analysis. Potential confounding effects were adjusted to use the multivariate linear and logistic regression. Results Data analysis showed no significant statistical difference between the case group and the control group in terms of the number of embryos (95% confidence interval for the regression coefficient (β) = -0.257-0.123), and embryo quality (95% confidence interval for β = -0.199-0.114). There was no significant statistical difference between the two groups due to the fertilization rate (95% confidence interval for β = -3.42-3.42), except for the variables of woman's age and sperm count after ICSI, as determined by adjusted linear regression. Conclusions Although DFI measurement is used to assess male infertility, its importance as a predictor for the embryology outcomes after ICSI requires further evaluation and the determination of a cut-off point for predicting results. This study was based on retrospectively collected DFI data, and prospective studies confirming the superiority of ICSI outcomes are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naser AmirJannati
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
| | - Arash Mohazzab
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Manizheh Fathalian
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
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Zhang C, Wang Z, Ma S, Chen R, Wang S, Zhang H, Hua Z, Sun Z. Repair mechanism of Yishen Tongluo formula on mouse sperm DNA fragmentation caused by polystyrene microplastics. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2023; 61:488-498. [PMID: 36895195 PMCID: PMC10013351 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2023.2168705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Plastics can break down into millions of microplastic (MPs, < 5 mm) particles in the soil and ocean. These MPs can then affect the function of the reproductive system. There is currently no effective solution to this problem aside from traditional Chinese medicine. We have previously used Yishen Tongluo formula (YSTL) to treat sperm DNA damage caused by some toxic substances. OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism underlying the repair of mouse sperm DNA fragmentation caused by polystyrene microplastics by YSTL. MATERIALS AND METHODS An animal model of polystyrene microplastic (PS-MP)-induced sperm DNA damage was replicated by gavage of SPF ICR (CD1) mice PS-MPs at 1 mg/d and treated with YSTL at 11.89, 23.78 and 47.56 g/kg, respectively, for 60 days. The Sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) of each group was detected and compared. The target genes of YSTL identified by transcriptomic and proteomic analyses were validated by qRT-PCR and western blotting. RESULTS The DFI of the PS group (20.66%) was significantly higher than that of the control group (4.23%). The medium and high doses of the YSTL group (12.8% and 11.31%) exhibited a significant repairing effect. The most enriched pathway was PI3K/Akt. TBL1X, SPARC, hnRNP0, Map7D1, Eps8 and Mrpl27 were screened and SPARC was validated. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The precise mechanism by which YSTL inhibits PD-MPs DNA damage may be associated with the PI3K/Akt pathway and SPARC. It provides a new direction for using traditional Chinese medicine to prevent and repair reproductive system injury caused by MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenming Zhang
- Andrology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zulong Wang
- Andrology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Sicheng Ma
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (ZHONG JING) School, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Rubing Chen
- Andrology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shiqi Wang
- Andrology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Zhong Hua
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zixue Sun
- Reproductive Medicine Department, Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
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12
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Burch FC, Leung PY, McDonald E, Jensen J, Mishler E, Piekarski N, Mendes CM, Sylwester A, Hanna CB. Establishing the normal range of sperm DNA fragmentation index (% DFI) for rhesus macaques. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20016. [PMID: 37974016 PMCID: PMC10654681 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46928-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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA) is a robust test with high repeatability and precision. It is a clinically accepted assay that defines risk for infertility in men by measuring the degree of DNA fragmentation (% DFI) in sperm. The objective of this study was to adapt and validate the SCSA for rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) and establish a range for % DFI in fertile males. Sperm samples from two different males were used to produce a % DFI validation curve before establishing a range using additional samples from n = 11 males. Sperm labeled with acridine orange were analyzed by flow cytometry to measure green fluorescence (native or intact DNA) and red fluorescence (fragmented DNA). Data were exported to FlowJo software to determine the % DFI for each sample. DNA fragmentation ranged from 0.1 to 2.4% DFI, with a mean ± SD = 1.1 ± 0.7% DFI (validation curve optimized to R2 > 0.95). In conclusion, we were able to successfully validate the SCSA in our institution and establish the first normal range for sperm DNA fragmentation in rhesus macaques. Our study provides a quantitative baseline for future evaluations to assess macaque fertility through the SCSA test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda C Burch
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA.
| | - Philberta Y Leung
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Eric McDonald
- Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Jared Jensen
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Emily Mishler
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Nadine Piekarski
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Camilla M Mendes
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Andrew Sylwester
- Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Carol B Hanna
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
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13
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Kocur OM, Xie P, Cheung S, Souness S, McKnight M, Rosenwaks Z, Palermo GD. Can a sperm selection technique improve embryo ploidy? Andrology 2023; 11:1605-1612. [PMID: 36484212 PMCID: PMC10959494 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatozoa with the highest motility retain a superior genomic integrity, and elevated sperm chromatin fragmentation (SCF) has been linked to a lower ability of the conceptus to develop and implant. Therefore, the utilization of a sperm selection method, such as microfluidic sperm selection (MFSS), is capable of reducing the SCF by yielding the most motile fraction of spermatozoa with the highest embryo developmental competence. What remains unclear, however, is the causal mechanism that links SCF to an impaired embryo development. OBJECTIVES To identify a relationship between SCF and an unexpectedly high proportion of embryo aneuploidy, while addressing treatment options. MATERIALS AND METHODS We identified couples with a high incidence of embryo aneuploidy in a previous intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycle with pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A), utilizing spermatozoa selected by density gradient (DG). Terminal deoxynucleotidyl dUTP transferase nick-end labeling (TUNEL) and neutral Comet assays were carried out on the semen specimens to assess total SCF and double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) fragmentation, respectively. These couples underwent subsequent ICSI/PGT-A cycles with MFSS. Total SCF and dsDNA fragmentation were compared between the two sperm selection methods. Embryo aneuploidy, implantation, clinical pregnancy, delivery, and pregnancy loss rates were compared between the couples' historical DG and subsequent MFSS cycles. RESULTS In 57 couples undergoing 71 ICSI/PGT-A cycles, where DG sperm selection was carried out, a high incidence of aneuploid embryos (74.7%) resulted in poor implantation and no viable pregnancies. Testing for SCF, inclusive of dsDNA breaks, evidenced a SCF of 26.2% and dsDNA break of 3.6% in the raw specimen, that decreased to 18.0% (p < 0.001) and 3.1%, respectively, in the DG processed specimen. Following MFSS, total SCF and dsDNA fragmentation decreased to 1.9% and 0.3%, respectively (p < 0.001). The embryo euploidy rate remarkable improved from 25.3% in the DG cycles to 42.9% in the MFSS cycles (p < 0.001). The 6.7% implantation rate in the DG cycles increased to 65.5% in the MFSS cycles (p < 0.001). Similarly, the clinical pregnancy rate rose from 10.5% (DG) to 64.6% (MFSS), resulting in a 62.5% delivery rate (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS In couples with a relatively young female partner with a negative infertility workup, and a male partner with semen parameters adequate for ICSI, presenting with a high rate of embryo aneuploidy, an additional subtle male factor component may be the culprit. Thus, it is crucial to assess the SCF and test for the dsDNA breaks, which can eventually contribute to embryo chromosomal abnormalities. Given the inverse relationship between SCF and motility, a selection of the most motile gamete by MFSS enhanced the proportion of spermatozoa with an intact genome, contributing to the generation of more euploid embryos that are capable of implanting and yielding increased term pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olena M Kocur
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Philip Xie
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Stephanie Cheung
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sydney Souness
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mary McKnight
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Zev Rosenwaks
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gianpiero D Palermo
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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14
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Osadchuk L, Kleshchev M, Osadchuk A. Effects of cigarette smoking on semen quality, reproductive hormone levels, metabolic profile, zinc and sperm DNA fragmentation in men: results from a population-based study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1255304. [PMID: 37920251 PMCID: PMC10619690 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1255304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cigarette smoking seems to have a negative impact on men's reproductive health, but our knowledge of its effects on the reproductive function of Russian men is still very limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of cigarette smoking on semen quality, including sperm DNA fragmentation, hormonal, zinc and metabolic status in young men from the general multi-ethnic Russian population (n=1,222, median age 23 years) and to find out the ethno-specific effects of smoking by comparing male groups of different ethnicity. Methods Each participant filled out a standardized questionnaire, provided one blood and semen sample. Semen parameters, serum reproductive hormones, lipids, glucose, uric acid and seminal zinc were analyzed. Participants were classified as smokers (n=450) and non-smokers (n=772), and smokers were stratified into moderate (≤10 cigarettes/day) and heavy (>10 cigarettes/day) smokers. Results In the entire study population, heavy smokers were characterized by a decrease in semen volume, total sperm count, sperm concentration and motility, and an increase in sperm DNA fragmentation and teratozoospermia compared with non-smokers (p<0.05). There was also a reduction in the serum and seminal zinc level as well as an impairment in metabolic health in smokers compared with non-smokers (p<0.05). No significant differences between smokers and non-smokers were found for serum levels of LH, FSH, inhibin B, testosterone and estradiol. In the second part of our study, the most numerous ethnic groups of Slavs (n=654), Buryats (n=191), and Yakuts (n=125) were selected from the entire study population. Among three ethnic groups, the smoking intensity was higher in Slavs than in Buryats or Yakuts suggesting a greater tobacco addiction in Slavs than in Asians. A decrease in semen parameters and seminal zinc levels, and an increase in sperm DNA fragmentation and teratozoospermia was observed only in smoking Slavs (p<0.05); moderate decrease in testosterone and increase in triglyceride levels were revealed in smoking Yakuts (p<0.05), but no significant changes were detected in smoking Buryats. Conclusion We concluded that cigarette smoking has an ethno-specific effect on male reproductive function, probably due to the different activity of the seminal antioxidant system, which is yet to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludmila Osadchuk
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Federal Research Center 'Institute of Cytology and Genetics', the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Maxim Kleshchev
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Federal Research Center 'Institute of Cytology and Genetics', the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Alexander Osadchuk
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Federal Research Center 'Institute of Cytology and Genetics', the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
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15
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Hernández-Avilés C, Ramírez-Agámez L, Varner DD, Love CC. Lactate-induced spontaneous acrosomal exocytosis as a method to study acrosome function in stallion sperm. Theriogenology 2023; 210:169-181. [PMID: 37517302 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.07.024] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Evaluation of acrosome function in stallion sperm is mostly based on the use of inducers of acrosomal exocytosis (AE), such as the calcium ionophore A23187 or progesterone. Recently, it has been reported that incubation of stallion sperm under presumed capacitating conditions (i.e., medium formulated with calcium, bicarbonate, and bovine serum albumin) using a lactate-only containing medium (Lac-MW) results in a high rate of spontaneous AE in viable sperm (AE/Viable). In the current study, we developed an alternative assay of acrosome function for stallion sperm following the incubation of sperm in a medium formulated only with lactate as an energy substrate (Lac-MW). In Experiment 1, freshly ejaculated stallion sperm was incubated with 10 μM A23187, Lac-MW, or Control, for up to 6 h under capacitating conditions. The percentages of motile sperm, viable sperm, total AE (Total AE), and AE in viable sperm (AE/Viable) were compared among treatment groups. Incubation in Lac-MW, but not with Control or A23187, resulted in a time-dependent increase in the percentage of AE/Viable, as determined by flow cytometry, particularly at 4 and 6 h of incubation (P < 0.05). In Experiment 2, freshly ejaculated sperm was incubated in Lac-MW for up to 6 h, and the occurrence of protein tyrosine phosphorylation and AE/Viable were determined. At 4h and 6h of incubation in Lac-MW, ∼40% of the sperm displayed a protein tyrosine phosphorylation immunofluorescence pattern that coincides with that recently associated with stallion sperm capacitation (i.e., immunofluorescence signal at the acrosome and midpiece). In Experiment 3, the rate of AE/Viable sperm was compared among freshly ejaculated, cool-stored, and frozen/thawed stallion sperm. Except at 2h incubation in Lac-MW, differences in mean AE/Viable among fresh, cool-stored, and frozen/thawed sperm were not observed (P > 0.05). In Experiment 4, the relationship between Total AE (A23187), or AE/Viable (Lac-MW), and in vivo fertility of 5 stallions was determined. A linear relationship was observed between mean AE/Viable and the per-cycle (r = 0.93; P < 0.05) and seasonal (r = 0.66; P < 0.05) pregnancy rates of five stallions used for artificial insemination with cool-stored semen. In Experiment 5, frozen/thawed sperm from subfertile Thoroughbred (TB) stallions, known to carry the susceptibility genotype for Impaired Acrosomal Exocytosis (IAE; FKBP6 A/A-A/A) was evaluated following incubation in Lac-MW. Sperm from subfertile TB stallions with IAE had lower mean AE/Viable, at both 4h and 6h incubation in Lac-MW, when compared to that of fertile control stallions (P < 0.05). Overall, the Lac-MW model validated in the current study may be a useful complementary assay to evaluate the ability of stallion sperm to physiologically undergo AE and to study stallion fertility potential. This acrosome function assay can be used to evaluate fresh, cool-stored, or frozen/thawed stallion sperm, and describes a strong linear relationship with in vivo-fertility of stallions used in artificial insemination programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilo Hernández-Avilés
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4475, USA.
| | - Luisa Ramírez-Agámez
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4475, USA
| | - Dickson D Varner
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4475, USA
| | - Charles C Love
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4475, USA
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16
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Xie P, Kocur OM, Cheung S, Ng L, Albertini DF, Rosenwaks Z, Palermo GD. Sperm centriolar factors and genetic defects that can predict pregnancy. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:720-728. [PMID: 37487819 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
The human sperm centrosome, comprising the two morphologically distinct centrioles and associated pericentriolar materials, plays a crucial role in fertilization and early embryonic development after fertilization. Once inside the oocyte, the sperm centrosome serves as a microtubule-organizing center, orchestrating mitotic spindle formation, chromosome segregation, and syngamy. Abnormalities of the sperm centrosome can lead to abnormal embryonic development and embryonic chromosomal instability, and are associated with pregnancy loss. Recent research has shed light on the molecular composition, regulation, and function of this vital organelle. Understanding the intricacies of the sperm centrosome is crucial for elucidating the mechanisms underlying successful fertilization and early embryonic development, as well as addressing infertility and developmental disorders associated with centrosomal defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Xie
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | | | - Stephanie Cheung
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Lily Ng
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | | | - Zev Rosenwaks
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Gianpiero D Palermo
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York.
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17
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Herbicht R, Neufeld G, Klein C, Henning H. Evaluation of a novel microfluidic chip-like device for purifying bovine frozen-thawed semen for in vitro fertilization. Theriogenology 2023; 209:50-59. [PMID: 37356279 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.06.019] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to validate a novel sperm purification device, the VetCount™ Harvester, for use in bovine in vitro fertilization (IVF). The device's performance was compared to BoviPure™ gradient centrifugation, a commercially available and accepted routine technique. Semen quality parameters were assessed for frozen-thawed semen from six different bulls (n = 6) following sperm purification. For each bull two semen subsamples were purified utilizing BoviPure™ gradient centrifugation and the VetCount™ Harvester, including a third subsample as untreated control. Both treatments significantly increased the proportion of progressively motile sperm cells (84.4 ± 14.1% and 85.1 ± 7.8%, respectively) compared to the untreated semen (41.9 ± 18.8%). BoviPure™ gradient and VetCount™ Harvester selected predominantly viable acrosome intact (VAI) sperm cells with low membrane fluidity and low free intracellular calcium concentration [Ca2+]i (76.5 ± 4.4% and 78.6 ± 6.0%). Normalizing [Ca2+]i of VAI sperm cells (non-treated semen: [Ca2+]i = 1) VetCount™ Harvester purified spermatozoa (0.67 ± 0.10) showed significantly lower [Ca2+]i than BoviPure™ treated sperm (0.84 ± 0.14; P < 0.05). Subsequently, the fertilizing ability of the spermatozoa was evaluated performing a competitive fertilization assay. Sperm cells from both treatment groups were fluorescently labelled using different dyes and added in equal amounts to in vitro matured oocytes. After 18 h co-incubation, the origin of the fertilizing sperm cell was evaluated via fluorescence microscopy. In two bulls, VetCount™ Harvester selected sperm that fertilized significantly more oocytes then BoviPure™ treated sperm, in another bull it was the opposite. For three bulls no difference was observed. We conclude that the VetCount™ Harvester selects a high-quality, fertile sperm fraction from frozen-thawed bull semen. However, some considerations have to be kept in mind for the direct use of the isolated sperm fraction in IVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Herbicht
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Neustadt, Germany.
| | - Gregor Neufeld
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Neustadt, Germany
| | - Claudia Klein
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Neustadt, Germany
| | - Heiko Henning
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Neustadt, Germany
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18
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Jurado-Campos A, Soria-Meneses PJ, Arenas-Moreira M, Alonso-Moreno C, Rodríguez-Robledo V, Soler AJ, Garde JJ, Del Rocío Fernández-Santos M. Minimizing sperm oxidative stress using nanotechnology for breeding programs in rams. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2023; 14:106. [PMID: 37559077 PMCID: PMC10413538 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-023-00907-3] [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: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Artificial insemination (AI) is a routine breeding technology in animal reproduction. Nevertheless, the temperature-sensitive nature and short fertile lifespan of ram sperm samples hamper its use in AI. In this sense, nanotechnology is an interesting tool to improve sperm protection due to the development of nanomaterials for AI, which could be used as delivery vehicles. In this work, we explored the feasibility of vitamin E nanoemulsion (NE) for improving sperm quality during transport. RESULTS With the aim of evaluating this proposal, ejaculates of 7 mature rams of Manchega breed were collected by artificial vagina and extended to 60 × 106 spz/mL in Andromed®. Samples containing control and NE (12 mmol/L) with and without exogenous oxidative stress (100 µmol/L Fe2+/ascorbate) were stored at 22 and 15 ºC and motility (CASA), viability (YO-PRO/PI), acrosomal integrity (PNA-FITC/PI), mitochondrial membrane potential (Mitotracker Deep Red 633), lipoperoxidation (C11 BODIPY 581/591), intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and DNA status (SCSA®) monitored during 96 h. Our results show that NE could be used to maintain ram spermatozoa during transport at 15 and 22 ºC for up to 96 h, with no appreciable loss of kinematic and physiological characteristics of freshly collected samples. CONCLUSIONS The storage of ram spermatozoa in liquid form for 2-5 d with vitamin E nanoemulsions may lead more flexibility to breeders in AI programs. In view of the potential and high versatility of these nanodevices, further studies are being carried out to assess the proposed sperm preservation medium on fertility after artificial insemination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - María Arenas-Moreira
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Orgánica Y Bioquímica-Centro de Innovación en Química Avanzada (ORFEO-CINQA), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008, Albacete, Spain
- Centro Regional de Investigación Biomédicas, Unidad nanoDrug, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008, Albacete, Spain
| | - Carlos Alonso-Moreno
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Orgánica Y Bioquímica-Centro de Innovación en Química Avanzada (ORFEO-CINQA), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008, Albacete, Spain
- Centro Regional de Investigación Biomédicas, Unidad nanoDrug, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008, Albacete, Spain
| | - Virginia Rodríguez-Robledo
- SaBio IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Campus Universitario, S/N, 02071, Albacete, Spain
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Castilla La Mancha, 02071, Albacete, Spain
| | - Ana Josefa Soler
- SaBio IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Campus Universitario, S/N, 02071, Albacete, Spain
| | - José Julián Garde
- SaBio IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Campus Universitario, S/N, 02071, Albacete, Spain
| | - María Del Rocío Fernández-Santos
- SaBio IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Campus Universitario, S/N, 02071, Albacete, Spain.
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Castilla La Mancha, 02071, Albacete, Spain.
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Akbari H, Elyasi L, Khaleghi AA, Mohammadi M. The effect of zinc supplementation on improving sperm parameters in infertile diabetic men. J Obstet Gynaecol India 2023; 73:316-321. [PMID: 37701089 PMCID: PMC10492728 DOI: 10.1007/s13224-023-01767-7] [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: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aims Diabetes mellitus (DM) may have different adverse effects on the male reproductive system. Zinc (Zn) is one of the necessary elements in the human and mammalian diet that plays an important role in scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) by providing antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties. The aim of this study was to determine the protective effects of zinc supplements on sperm chromatin and the evaluation of sperm deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) integrity in diabetic men. Methods In this interventional study, 43 infertile Iranian men in diabetic and non-diabetic groups were included. They were then randomly divided into two subgroups: normal saline intake and zinc sulfate intake (25 mg orally for 64 days each). Different indices of sperm analysis (number, morphology and motility) and testosterone levels were evaluated in four groups. Protamine deficiency and DNA fragmentation were assessed using chromomycin A3 (CMA3) and sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) methods, respectively. Results Zinc supplementation reduced the deformity of neck and head of sperms (p < 0.05), as well as deformity of sperm tail in infertile diabetic men. Zinc administration ameliorated sperm motility types A, B and C (p < 0.05). Moreover, zinc administration reduced abnormal morphology and DNA fragmentation of sperms, which increased the SCD1 and SCD2 and reduced the SCD3 and SCD4 in both treated groups. Conclusion Zinc supplementation, as a powerful complement, is able to balance the effect of diabetes on sperm parameters, sperm chromatin and DNA integrity. Consequently, zinc supplementation can probably be considered a supportive compound in the diet of diabetic infertile men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hakimeh Akbari
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Gerash University of Medical Sciences, Gerash, Iran
| | - Leila Elyasi
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Ali Asghar Khaleghi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Gerash University of Medical Sciences, Gerash, Iran
| | - Masoud Mohammadi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Gerash University of Medical Sciences, Gerash, Iran
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Kusumawati A, Satrio FA, Indriastuti R, Rosyada ZNA, Pardede BP, Agil M, Purwantara B. Sperm Head Morphology Alterations Associated with Chromatin Instability and Lack of Protamine Abundance in Frozen-Thawed Sperm of Indonesian Local Bulls. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2433. [PMID: 37570242 PMCID: PMC10417310 DOI: 10.3390/ani13152433] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to analyze various alterations in the morphology of the sperm head and its association with nucleus instability and insufficient sperm protamine. Frozen-thawed semen from twenty local Indonesian bulls was used for all stages in this study. The results of sperm head defect assessments are used for bull grouping, high (HD) and low (LD). Sperm DNA damage was assessed using Acridine Orange and Halomax. The PRM1 protein abundance was carried out using an enzyme immunoassay, while PRM1 gene expression was carried out using the RT-qPCR. PRM deficiency was performed using CMA3. Several kinds of sperm head defects in the HD were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in the LD bulls. Sperm DNA damage showed a significant (p < 0.05) difference between the HD and LD bulls. PRM1 abundance was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in HD bulls. PRM deficiency was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in HD bulls than in LD bulls. PRM deficiency in bulls correlated significantly (p < 0.01) with sperm head defects, DNA damage, and PRM1 abundance. The lack of sperm protamine might affect the sperm nucleus's stability and induce morphological alterations in the sperm head.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmarani Kusumawati
- Department of Reproduction and Obstetric, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia
| | - Faisal Amri Satrio
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia; (F.A.S.); (M.A.); (B.P.)
| | - Rhesti Indriastuti
- Tuah Sakato Technology and Resource Development Center, Department of Animal Husbandry and Animal Health of West Sumatra, Payakumbuh 26229, Indonesia;
| | - Zulfi Nur Amrina Rosyada
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor 16911, Indonesia;
| | - Berlin Pandapotan Pardede
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia; (F.A.S.); (M.A.); (B.P.)
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor 16911, Indonesia;
| | - Muhammad Agil
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia; (F.A.S.); (M.A.); (B.P.)
| | - Bambang Purwantara
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia; (F.A.S.); (M.A.); (B.P.)
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Chatzimeletiou K, Fleva A, Nikolopoulos TT, Markopoulou M, Zervakakou G, Papanikolaou K, Anifandis G, Gianakou A, Grimbizis G. Evaluation of Sperm DNA Fragmentation Using Two Different Methods: TUNEL via Fluorescence Microscopy, and Flow Cytometry. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1313. [PMID: 37512124 PMCID: PMC10384605 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59071313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Sperm DNA fragmentation refers to any break in one or both of the strands of DNA in the head of a sperm. The most widely used methodologies for assessing sperm DNA fragmentation are the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA), the sperm chromatin dispersion assay (SCD), the single-cell gel electrophoresis assay (SCGE-comet), and the terminal-deoxynucleotidyl-transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay. The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency and sensitivity of the analysis of sperm DNA fragmentation using TUNEL via fluorescence microscopy, and flow cytometry. Materials and Methods: Semen samples were collected and analyzed for standard characteristics using light microscopy, and for sperm DNA fragmentation using both TUNEL via fluorescence microscopy, and flow cytometry. Results: There were no significant differences in the values of the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) obtained when the analysis was performed using TUNEL or flow cytometry (p = 0.543). Spearman's correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between sperm motility (%) and sperm DNA fragmentation (p < 0.01), as well as between sperm concentration and sperm DNA fragmentation (p < 0.05). The Mann-Whitney U test showed no significant difference in the DFI among couples with repeated implantation failure (RIF) and miscarriages (p = 0.352). Conclusions: Both methods (TUNEL via fluorescence microscopy, and flow cytometry) have a high efficiency and sensitivity in accurately detecting sperm DNA fragmentation, and can be effectively used to assess male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Chatzimeletiou
- Unit for Human Reproduction, 1st Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 'Papageorgiou' General Hospital, Aristotle University Medical School, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexandra Fleva
- Department of Immunology and Histocompatibility, 'Papageorgiou' General Hospital, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Theodoros-Thomas Nikolopoulos
- Unit for Human Reproduction, 1st Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 'Papageorgiou' General Hospital, Aristotle University Medical School, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Markopoulou
- Department of Immunology and Histocompatibility, 'Papageorgiou' General Hospital, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | | | - George Anifandis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41200 Larisa, Greece
| | - Anastasia Gianakou
- Department of Immunology and Histocompatibility, 'Papageorgiou' General Hospital, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Grigoris Grimbizis
- Unit for Human Reproduction, 1st Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 'Papageorgiou' General Hospital, Aristotle University Medical School, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece
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22
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Depuydt C, Bosmans E, Jonckheere J, Donders F, Ombelet W, Coppens A, Donders G. SARS-CoV-2 infection reduces quality of sperm parameters: prospective one year follow-up study in 93 patients. EBioMedicine 2023; 93:104640. [PMID: 37307756 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Short- and long-term implications of SARS-CoV-2 on the quality of the sperm and the results of this on fertility remain largely unknown due to lack of longitudinal studies. In this longitudinal observational cohort study, we aimed to analyse the differential effect and the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on different semen quality parameters. METHODS Sperm quality was assessed using the World Health Organization criteria, DNA damage to sperm cells by quantifying the DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and the high-density stainability (HDS), IgA- and IgG-anti-sperm antibodies (ASA) were assessed with light microscopy. FINDINGS SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with sperm parameters that were independent of spermatogenic cycle like progressive motility, morphology, DFI and HDS, as well as spermatogenic cycle dependent parameters such as sperm concentration. Detection of IgA- and IgG-ASA allowed classification of patients in three different groups according to its sequence of appearance in sperm during post-COVID-19 follow-up. The maximum progressive motility was lowest during follow-up in patients without ASA (41.9%), intermediate in patients with only IgA-ASA (46.2%) and highest inpatients who had both IgA- and IgG-ASA (54.9%). INTERPRETATION SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with changes of all analysed sperm parameters to a different degree which is also observed in their return to normality and is suggestive of individual variations in the patient's immune system performance. Firstly, sperm production is decreased through temporal immune mediated arrest of active meiosis, and secondly immune induced sperm DNA damage prevents fertilization if transferred to the oocyte. Both mechanisms are temporal, and most sperm parameters return to baseline after infection. FUNDING AML (R20-014), Femicare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Depuydt
- Department of Hormonology and Reproductive Health, Algemeen Medisch Laboratorium (AML), Sonic Healthcare, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, AML, Sonic Healthcare, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Eugene Bosmans
- Department of Hormonology and Reproductive Health, Algemeen Medisch Laboratorium (AML), Sonic Healthcare, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Clinical Microbiology, AML, Sonic Healthcare, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jef Jonckheere
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, AML, Sonic Healthcare, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Willem Ombelet
- Genk Institute for Fertility Technology, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg (ZOL) Hospitals, Genk, Belgium; Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Astrid Coppens
- Department of Hormonology and Reproductive Health, Algemeen Medisch Laboratorium (AML), Sonic Healthcare, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Clinical Microbiology, AML, Sonic Healthcare, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Gilbert Donders
- Femicare, Clinical Research for Women, Tienen, Belgium; University Hospital Antwerpen, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Regional Hospital Heilig Hart, Tienen, Belgium
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Riveros JAN, Pereira IC, Teixeira ACB, Diniz JHW, Borges AM, Díaz JFG, Beletti ME, Oliveira LZ. Sperm head morphometry and chromatin alterations in bulls with different conception rates. Anim Reprod Sci 2023; 255:107275. [PMID: 37311270 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107275] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this investigation was to analyze timed-AI conception rates (CRs) of different sires in light of their conventional semen quality parameters, sperm head morphometry, and chromatin alterations. Semen was collected in the field from six Angus bulls and used for the timed-AI of 890 suckled multiparous Nellore cows at a single farm. Semen batches were evaluated on the following in vitro parameters: sperm motility, concentration, and morphology, sperm head morphometry, and chromatin alteration types. The overall CR was 49% and Bulls 1 (43%) and 2 (40%) presented reduced (P < 0.05) pregnancies per AI compared to Bull 6 (61%), even though no differences were observed between their conventional semen quality parameters. Bull 1, however, presented higher (P = 0.0001) shape factor, smaller (P = 0.0025) antero-posterior symmetry, and elevated (P = 0.0141) Fourier 1 parameter, whereas Bull 2 exhibited a higher (P = 0.0023) percentage of chromatin alteration along the central axis of the sperm head. In conclusion, bulls with varying CRs may present sperm head morphometric differences and/or chromatin alterations while not presenting differences in conventional in vitro semen quality parameters. Although further studies are needed to elucidate the concrete implications of chromatin alterations on field fertility, sperm morphometric differences and chromatin alterations may be at least partially causative of the lower pregnancies per timed-AI of certain sires.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Andrés Nivia Riveros
- Department of Veterinary Clinics and Surgery, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Isabelle Cristina Pereira
- Department of Veterinary Clinics and Surgery, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Bahia Teixeira
- Department of Veterinary Clinics and Surgery, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Juliana Horta Wilke Diniz
- Department of Veterinary Clinics and Surgery, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Alan Maia Borges
- Department of Veterinary Clinics and Surgery, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Juan Felipe García Díaz
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, National University of Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - Marcelo Emílio Beletti
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlândia, MG 38400-902, Brazil
| | - Leticia Zoccolaro Oliveira
- Department of Veterinary Clinics and Surgery, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil.
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Trautman A, Gurumoorthy A, Hansen KA. Effects of alcohol use on sperm chromatin structure, a retrospective analysis. Basic Clin Androl 2023; 33:14. [PMID: 37286947 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-023-00189-9] [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: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The evaluation of the infertile couple is often complex as multiple factors in both the male and female can contribute, including social history. Previous studies have displayed that male ethanol consumption can disturb sperm motility, nuclear maturity, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) integrity. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of male alcohol use on sperm chromatin structure analysis (SCSA®). This study was a retrospective chart review of 209 couples that presented to a midsize infertility clinic in the Midwest and had a semen analysis and SCSA® performed. Data extracted from the electronic medical record included demographics, tobacco use, alcohol use, occupational exposures, semen analysis results, and SCSA® results (DNA Fragmentation index (DFI) and High DNA stainability (HDS)). Statistical analysis was performed on this data set to determine significance with a p-level of 0.05, with the primary input being level of alcohol use and primary outcome being the SCSA® parameters. RESULTS Overall, 11% of the cohort had heavy alcohol use (> 10 drinks/week), 27% moderate (3-10/week), 34% rare (0.5- < 3/week), and 28% none. 36% of the cohort had HDS > 10% (a marker of immature sperm chromatin). Level of alcohol use was not significantly associated with HDS > 10% or DFI. Heavier alcohol use was significantly associated with lower sperm count (p = 0.042). Increasing age was significantly associated with increasing DNA Fragmentation Index (p = 0.006), increased sperm count (p = 0.002), and lower semen volume (p = 0.022). Exposure to heat at work was significantly associated with lower semen volume (p = 0.042). Tobacco use was associated with lower sperm motility (p < 0.0001) and lower sperm count (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS There was not a significant association between the level of alcohol use and the High DNA Stainability or DNA Fragmentation Index of sperm. Increasing age was associated with semen parameters as expected, heat exposure was associated with lower semen volume, and tobacco use was associated with lower sperm motility and density. Further studies could investigate alcohol use and reactive oxidative species in sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariadne Trautman
- University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Suite 2400, 409 Summit St, Yankton, SD, USA.
| | | | - Keith A Hansen
- Fertility and Reproductive Medicine Physician at Sanford Fertility & Reproductive Medicine, 1500 W 22Nd St Suite 102, Sioux Falls, SD, 57105, USA
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25
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Lacalle E, Fernández-Alegre E, Soriano-Úbeda C, Martínez-Martínez S, Domínguez JC, González-Montaña JR, Morrell JM, Martínez-Pastor F. Single layer centrifugation (SLC) for bacterial removal with Porcicoll positively modifies chromatin structure in boar spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2023; 201:95-105. [PMID: 36857978 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
The storage of boar semen samples at 17 °C for artificial insemination (AI) doses enables the proliferation of the bacteria, making antibiotics necessary. This can contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study tested bacterial presence and sperm chromatin structure after using a low-density colloid (Porcicoll) as an antibiotic alternative to eliminate bacteria. Ejaculates (8 boars, 3 ejaculates each) were split as control and low-density colloid centrifugation (single layer centrifugation, SLC, 20%, and 30% Porcicoll) into 500 ml tubes. Analyses were carried out at days 0, 3, and 7 (17 °C) for microbial presence and sperm chromatin structure analysis: %DFI (DNA fragmentation) and %HDS (chromatin immaturity), monobromobimane (mBBr; free thiols and disulfide bridges), and chromomycin A3 (CMA3; chromatin compaction). Besides comparing bacterial presence (7 species identified) and chromatin variables between treatments, the associations between these sets of variables were described by canonical correlation analysis (CCA). Results showed a significant decrease of some bacteria or a complete removal after SLC (especially for P30). SLC also caused a decrease of %HDS and an increase of disulfide bridges and low and medium mBBr populations, suggesting the removal of immature sperm (poor chromatin compaction). CCA showed an association pattern compatible with the degradation of sperm chromatin parameters with bacterial contamination, especially Enterobacteria, P. aeuriginosa, and K. variicola. In conclusion, bacterial contamination affects sperm chromatin beyond DNA fragmentation; SLC with low-density colloid not only removes bacteria from boar semen, but also chromatin structure is enhanced after selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estíbaliz Lacalle
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), Universidad de León, León, Spain; Bianor Biotech SL, León, Spain
| | - Estela Fernández-Alegre
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), Universidad de León, León, Spain; Bianor Biotech SL, León, Spain
| | - Cristina Soriano-Úbeda
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), Universidad de León, León, Spain; Department of Animal Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy (Animal Medicine and Surgery), Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | | | - Juan Carlos Domínguez
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), Universidad de León, León, Spain; Department of Animal Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy (Animal Medicine and Surgery), Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - J Ramiro González-Montaña
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), Universidad de León, León, Spain; Department of Animal Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy (Animal Medicine and Surgery), Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - Jane M Morrell
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7054, SE-75057, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Felipe Martínez-Pastor
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), Universidad de León, León, Spain; Department of Molecular Biology (Cell Biology), Universidad de León, León, Spain.
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26
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Maside C, Recuero S, Salas-Huetos A, Ribas-Maynou J, Yeste M. Animal board invited review: An update on the methods for semen quality evaluation in swine - from farm to the lab. Animal 2023; 17:100720. [PMID: 36801527 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Pig breeding is mainly conducted through artificial insemination with liquid-stored semen. It is, therefore, crucial to ensure that sperm quality is over the standard thresholds, as reduced sperm motility, morphology or plasma membrane integrity are associated with reduced farrowing rates and litter sizes. This work aims to summarise the methods utilised in farms and research laboratories to evaluate sperm quality in pigs. The conventional spermiogram consists in the assessment of sperm concentration, motility and morphology, which are the most estimated variables in farms. Yet, while the determination of these sperm parameters is enough for farms to prepare seminal doses, other tests, usually carried out in specialised laboratories, may be required when boar studs exhibit a decreased reproductive performance. These methods include the evaluation of functional sperm parameters, such as plasma membrane integrity and fluidity, intracellular levels of calcium and reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial activity, and acrosome integrity, using fluorescent probes and flow cytometry. Furthermore, sperm chromatin condensation and DNA integrity, despite not being routinely assessed, may also help determine the causes of reduced fertilising capacity. Sperm DNA integrity can be evaluated through direct (Comet, transferase deoxynucleotide nick end labelling (TUNEL) and its in situ nick variant) or indirect tests (Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay, Sperm Chromatin Dispersion Test), whereas chromatin condensation can be determined with Chromomycin A3. Considering the high degree of chromatin packaging in pig sperm, which only have protamine 1, growing evidence suggests that complete decondensation of that chromatin is needed before DNA fragmentation through TUNEL or Comet can be examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Maside
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Sandra Recuero
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Albert Salas-Huetos
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Consorcio CIBER, M.P., Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), ES-28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Institute for Biogenesis Research, Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, United States
| | - Marc Yeste
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), ES-08010 Barcelona, Spain.
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27
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Sperm DNA Damage and Its Relevance in Fertility Treatment: A Review of Recent Literature and Current Practice Guidelines. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021446. [PMID: 36674957 PMCID: PMC9860847 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage has recently emerged as one of the most controversial topics in male reproductive medicine. While level I evidence indicates that abnormal sperm DNA damage has substantial adverse effects on reproductive outcomes (including chance of pregnancy and risk of miscarriage), there is limited consensus on how sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) testing should be performed and/or interpreted in clinical practice. In this article, we review: (1) how SDF is assessed, (2) cumulative evidence regarding its impact on reproductive outcomes, (3) methods for mitigating high SDF, and (4) the most recent practice guidelines available for clinicians regarding the use and interpretation of SDF testing.
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28
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Zhu CH, Wei Y, Chen F, Li F, Zhang SM, Dong NJ, Xue TM, Liu KF, Cui HM, Lu JC. Investigation on the mechanisms of human sperm DNA damage based on the proteomics analysis by SWATH-MS. Clin Proteomics 2023; 20:2. [PMID: 36609216 PMCID: PMC9817420 DOI: 10.1186/s12014-022-09391-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatozoa have the task of delivering an intact paternal genome to the oocyte and supporting successful embryo development. The detection of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) has been emerging as a complementary test to conventional semen analysis for male infertility evaluation, but the mechanism leading to SDF and its impact on assisted reproduction remain unclear. Therefore, the study identified and analyzed the differentially expressed proteins of sperm with high and low SDF. METHODS Semen samples from men attended the infertility clinic during June 2020 and August 2020 were analyzed, and sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was detected by the sperm chromatin structure assay. Semen samples with low DFI (< 30%, control group) and high DFI (≥ 30%, experimental group) were optimized by density gradient centrifugation (DGC), and the differentially expressed proteins of obtained sperm were identified by the Sequential Window Acquisition of All Theoretical Mass Spectra Mass Spectrometry (SWATH-MS) and performed GO and KEGG analysis. RESULTS A total of 2186 proteins were identified and 1591 proteins were quantified, of which 252 proteins were identified as differentially expressed proteins, including 124 upregulated and 128 downregulated. These differentially expressed proteins were involved in metabolic pathways, replication/recombination/repair, acrosomal vesicles, kinase regulators, fertilization, tyrosine metabolism, etc. Western blotting results showed that the expression levels of RAD23B and DFFA proteins and the levels of posttranslational ubiquitination and acetylation modifications in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group, which was consistent with the results of proteomics analysis. CONCLUSIONS Proteomic markers of sperm with high DNA fragmentation can be identified by the SWATH-MS and bioinformatic analysis, and new protein markers and posttranslational modifications related to sperm DNA damage are expected to be intensively explored. Our findings may improve our understanding of the basic molecular mechanism of sperm DNA damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Hui Zhu
- grid.268415.cCenter for Reproductive Medicine, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University/Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001 Jiangsu China ,grid.268415.cInstitute of Epigenetics and Epigenomics, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, 48 Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009 Jiangsu China
| | - Ye Wei
- grid.268415.cInstitute of Epigenetics and Epigenomics, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, 48 Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009 Jiangsu China
| | - Fang Chen
- grid.268415.cCenter for Reproductive Medicine, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University/Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001 Jiangsu China
| | - Feng Li
- grid.268415.cCenter for Reproductive Medicine, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University/Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001 Jiangsu China
| | - Sheng-Min Zhang
- grid.268415.cCenter for Reproductive Medicine, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University/Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001 Jiangsu China
| | - Nai-Jun Dong
- grid.268415.cCenter for Reproductive Medicine, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University/Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001 Jiangsu China
| | - Tong-Min Xue
- grid.268415.cCenter for Reproductive Medicine, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University/Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001 Jiangsu China
| | - Kai-Feng Liu
- grid.268415.cCenter for Reproductive Medicine, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University/Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001 Jiangsu China
| | - Heng-Mi Cui
- grid.268415.cInstitute of Epigenetics and Epigenomics, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, 48 Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009 Jiangsu China
| | - Jin-Chun Lu
- grid.452290.80000 0004 1760 6316Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, 3 Xinmofan Road, Nanjing, 210037 Jiangsu China
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29
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Kumar RS, Sharma S, Halder A, Gupta V. Deep Learning-Based Robust Automated System for Predicting Human Sperm DNA Fragmentation Index. J Hum Reprod Sci 2023; 16:16-21. [PMID: 37305775 PMCID: PMC10256941 DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_4_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Determining the DNA fragmentation index (DFI) by the sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test involves manual counting of stained sperms with halo and no halo. Aims The aim of this study is to build a robust artificial intelligence-based solution to predict the DFI. Settings and Design This is a retrospective experimental study conducted in a secondary in vitro fertilisation setup. Materials and Methods We obtained 24,415 images from 30 patients after the SCD test using a phase-contrast microscope. We classified the dataset into two, binary (halo/no halo) and multiclass (big/medium/small halo/degraded (DEG)/dust). Our approach consists of a training and prediction phase. The 30 patients' images were divided into training (24) and prediction (6) sets. A pre-processing method M was developed to automatically segment the images to detect sperm-like regions and was annotated by three embryologists. Statistical Analysis Used To interpret the findings, the precision-recall curve and F1 score were utilised. Results Binary and multiclass datasets containing 8887 and 15,528 cropped sperm image regions showed an accuracy of 80.15% versus 75.25%. A precision-recall curve was determined and the binary and multiclass datasets obtained an F1 score of 0.81 versus 0.72. A confusion matrix was applied for predicted and actuals for the multiclass approach where small halo and medium halo confusion were found to be highest. Conclusion Our proposed machine learning model can standardise and aid in arriving at accurate results without using expensive software. It provides accurate information about healthy and DEG sperms in a given sample, thereby attaining better clinical outcomes. The binary approach performed better with our model than the multiclass approach. However, the multiclass approach can highlight the distribution of fragmented and non-fragmented sperms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Swapnil Sharma
- Linkedin Technology Information Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | | | - Vipin Gupta
- Linkedin Technology Information Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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30
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Umair M, Claes A, Buijtendorp M, Cuervo-Arango J, Stout TAE, Henning H. In vitro aging of stallion spermatozoa during prolonged storage at 5°C. Cytometry A 2022. [PMID: 36519783 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.24712] [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: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Artificial insemination with chilled stallion semen is hampered by a limited period of maximum fertility maintenance (24-48 h). This study used multiparametric flow cytometry to simultaneously measure reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial function or [Ca2+ ]i and plasma membrane fluidity in viable, acrosome-intact spermatozoa, with the aim of providing insight into changes in sperm function during storage at 5°C. High proportions of viable and acrosome-intact spermatozoa (71 ± 8%) remained after 96 h of storage demonstrating that the basic integrity of the cells was well preserved (n = 17 stallions). In addition, more than 90% of viable, acrosome-intact spermatozoa had active mitochondria and low intra-cellular or mitochondrial ROS levels. By contrast, the percentage of viable, acrosome-intact sperm with low plasma membrane fluidity and low [Ca2+ ]i decreased over time (1 h: 63 ± 16%, 96 h: 29 ± 18%; p < 0.05). The [Ca2+ ]i in viable sperm rose 3.1-fold (p < 0.05) over the 4 days, and fewer spermatozoa responded to bicarbonate stimulation (1 h: 46 ± 17%, 96 h: 19 ± 12%) with an increase in plasma membrane fluidity following prolonged storage. Overall, prolonged storage of stallion semen at 5°C resulted in disturbed calcium homeostasis and increased plasma membrane fluidity. The decline in fertility of stallion semen during cooled-storage may therefore relate to aspects of in vitro aging (changes in plasma membrane fluidity and intracellular calcium) which impairs capacitation-associated cell functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Umair
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anthony Claes
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Juan Cuervo-Arango
- Equine Fertility Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, CEU Universities, Alfara del Patriarca, Valencia, Spain
| | - Tom A E Stout
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Heiko Henning
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Neustadt am Rübenberge, Germany
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Bittner-Schwerda L, Malama E, Siuda M, van Loon B, Bollwein H. The sperm chromatin structure assay does not detect alterations in sperm chromatin structure induced by hydrogen peroxide. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 247:107094. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.107094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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Zhang C, Wang S, Wang Z, Zhang Q, Chen R, Zhang H, Hua Z, Ma S. Repair mechanism of Wuwei Fuzheng Yijing formula in di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate-induced sperm DNA fragmentation in mice. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2022; 60:1286-1302. [PMID: 35797467 PMCID: PMC9272935 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2022.2089694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), a known persistent organic pollutant, can increase the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI). OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism underlying the repair of DEHP-induced sperm DNA damage in mice by Wuwei Fuzheng Yijing (WFY) formula. MATERIALS AND METHODS The potential targets of WFY and sperm DNA fragment (SDF) were obtained from the TCMSP, BATMAN-TCM, OMIM and GeneCards. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, GO and KEGG pathway analyses of WFY-SDF were constructed. An animal model of DEHP-induced sperm DNA damage was replicated by gavage of SPF ICR (CD1) mice DEHP at 1 g/kg/d and treated with WFY at 8.92, 17.84 and 35.67 g/kg, respectively, for 60 d. Sperm DFI of each group was detected and compared. The target genes of WFY identified by transcriptomic and proteomic analyses were validated by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS Network pharmacology pathway analysis indicated that PI3K/Akt was the potential target of WFY on SDF. The DFI of the DEHP group (25.48%) was significantly higher than that of the control group (4.02%). The high-dose WFY group (19.05%) exhibited the most significant repairing effect. The related pathways were PI3K/Akt and metabolic. Aass, Aldh1a7, GSTA3, betaine homocysteine S-methyltransferase (Bhmt), Mug2 and Svs1 were screened and Bhmt was validated. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS WFY can repair sperm DNA damage caused by DEHP, and the mechanism may be related to PI3K/Akt and metabolic pathways, and Bhmt. This provides a new direction for using traditional Chinese medicine to prevent and repair reproductive system injury caused by pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenming Zhang
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shiqi Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zulong Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- College of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Rubing Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- The Third Clinical Medical School, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhong Hua
- The Third Clinical Medical School, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Sicheng Ma
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
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Determination of Ram ( Ovis aries) Sperm DNA Damage Due to Oxidative Stress: 8-OHdG Immunodetection Assay vs. SCSA ®. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12233286. [PMID: 36496807 PMCID: PMC9737133 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional DNA analysis techniques can hardly detect DNA damage in ruminant spermatozoa due to high DNA compaction in these cells. Furthermore, these techniques cannot discriminate whether the damage is due to oxidative stress. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two techniques for determining DNA damage in ovine sperm when the source of that damage is oxidative stress. Semen samples from twenty Manchega rams (Ovis aries) were collected and cryopreserved. After thawing, the samples were subjected to different levels of oxidative stress, and DNA oxidation was quantified using an 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) immunodetection assay and Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA®). For this purpose, we evaluated five different concentrations of an oxidation solution (H2O2/FeSO4•7H2O) on ram sperm DNA. Our study with the 8-OHdG immunodetection assay shows that there are higher values for DNA oxidation in samples that were subjected to the highest oxidative stress (8 M H2O2/800 µM FeSO4•7H2O) and those that were not exposed to high oxidative stress, but these differences were not significant (p ≥ 0.05). The two SCSA® parameters considered, DNA fragmentation index (DFI %) and high DNA stainability (HDS %), showed significant differences between samples that were subjected to high concentrations of the oxidation agent and those that were not (p < 0.05). We can conclude that the 8-OHdG immunodetection assay and SCSA® detect DNA damage caused by oxidative stress in ovine sperm under high oxidative conditions; SCSA® is a more straightforward method with more accurate results. For these reasons, an oxidative-stress-specific assay such as 8-OHdG immunodetection is not needed to measure DNA damage caused by oxidative stress in ram sperm samples.
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Du S, Zhang Q, Guan H, Chen G, Wang S, Sun Y, Li Y, Chen R, He Y, Huang Z. Micro-Raman Analysis of Sperm Cells on Glass Slide: Potential Label-Free Assessment of Sperm DNA toward Clinical Applications. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:1051. [PMID: 36421168 PMCID: PMC9688089 DOI: 10.3390/bios12111051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Routine assessment of sperm DNA integrity involves the time-consuming and complex process of staining sperm chromatin. Here, we report a Raman spectroscopy method combined with extended multiplicative signal correction (EMSC) for the extraction of characteristic fingerprints of DNA-intact and DNA-damaged sperm cells directly on glass slides. Raman results of sperm cell DNA integrity on glass substrates were validated one-to-one with clinical sperm cell staining. Although the overall Raman spectral pattern showed considerable similarity between DNA-damaged and DNA-intact sperm cells, differences in specific Raman spectral responses were observed. We then employed and compared multivariate statistical analysis based on principal component analysis-linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA) and partial least-squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), and the classifications were validated by leave-one-out-cross-validation (LOOCV) and k-fold cross-validation methods. In comparison, the PLS-DA model showed relatively better results in terms of diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and the classification rate between the sperm DNA damaged group and the DNA intact group. Our results demonstrate the potential of Raman based label-free DNA assessment of sperm cell on glass substrates as a simple method toward clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengrong Du
- The Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology of Fujian Province, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China
- Reproductive Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Qun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Photonics Technology, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Haohao Guan
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Photonics Technology, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Guannan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Photonics Technology, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Sisi Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Reproductive Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Yuling Li
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Photonics Technology, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Rong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Photonics Technology, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Youwu He
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Photonics Technology, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Zufang Huang
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Photonics Technology, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
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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.
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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.
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Indriastuti R, Pardede BP, Gunawan A, Ulum MF, Arifiantini RI, Purwantara B. Sperm Transcriptome Analysis Accurately Reveals Male Fertility Potential in Livestock. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:2955. [PMID: 36359078 PMCID: PMC9657999 DOI: 10.3390/ani12212955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, selection of superior male candidates in livestock as a source of frozen semen based on sperm quality at the cellular level is not considered accurate enough for predicting the potential of male fertility. Sperm transcriptome analysis approaches, such as messenger RNA levels, have been shown to correlate with fertility rates. Using this technology in livestock growth has become the principal method, which can be widely applied to predict male fertility potential in the livestock industry through the analysis of the sperm transcriptome. It provides the gene expression to validate the function of sperm in spermatogenesis, fertilization, and embryo development, as the parameters of male fertility. This review proposes a transcriptomic analysis approach as a high-throughput method to predict the fertility potential of livestock more accurately in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhesti Indriastuti
- Reproductive Biology Study Program, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
- Tuah Sakato Technology and Resource Development Center, Department of Animal Husbandry and Animal Health of West Sumatra, Payakumbuh 26229, Indonesia
| | - Berlin Pandapotan Pardede
- Department of Veterinary Clinic, Reproduction, and Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
| | - Asep Gunawan
- Department of Animal Production and Technology, Faculty of Animal Science, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
| | - Mokhamad Fakhrul Ulum
- Department of Veterinary Clinic, Reproduction, and Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
| | - Raden Iis Arifiantini
- Department of Veterinary Clinic, Reproduction, and Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
| | - Bambang Purwantara
- Department of Veterinary Clinic, Reproduction, and Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
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Blaseg E, Von Wald T, Hansen KA. Vitamin D levels and human sperm DNA fragmentation: a prospective, cohort study. Basic Clin Androl 2022; 32:14. [PMID: 36096748 PMCID: PMC9469602 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-022-00166-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has revolutionized the treatment of couples with male factor infertility but results remain suboptimal and suggest the need for further investigation into the molecular biology of spermatozoa. Vitamin D has been implicated in spermatogenesis and sperm function. Hypovitaminosis D has been associated with abnormal testicular function, including elevated sperm DNA fragmentation in a murine model. This study’s objective was to evaluate if there is a correlation between Vitamin D sufficiency and human spermatozoa DNA fragmentation index % (DFI%) in infertile couples. Results A prospective cohort study using a consecutive, convenience sample of subjects with infertility. The primary endpoint was the effect of Vitamin D sufficiency on human spermatozoa DFI%, and secondary outcomes included Vitamin D’s effect on moderate DFI%, high DFI%, High DNA stainability % (HDS%), sperm density (million/mL), sperm total motility (% total) and sperm strict morphology (% total). Of the 111 participating, 9 were excluded, leaving 102subjects. The subjects were stratified by vitamin D levels: deficient (< 20 ng/mL; n = 24), insufficient (20–30 ng/mL; n = 43),, and sufficient (> 30 ng/mL; n = 35). There were no statistical difference between the categories of serum vitamin D levels and sperm DFI% as well as the secondary outcomes. An increased BMI was associated with low serum vitamin D levels (p = 0.0012). Conclusion Vitamin D deficiency was not associated with sperm DFI% or routine sperm parameters. Previous animal and human studies have demonstrated conflicting results between sperm parameters and Vitamin D levels. Redundant pathways in Vitamin D and calcium homeostasis in the human male reproductive tract may maintain essential reproductive processes during Vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency. Trial registration Trial Registration Number: MOD00002311 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
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Zhang C, Chen J, Wei X, Zhao L, Zhao P, Li X, Cui J, Ma S, Sun Z, Wang Z. Transcriptomics and proteomics analysis to explore the mechanism of Yishen Tongluo formula repairing sperm DNA damage in rats. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14582. [PMID: 36068021 DOI: 10.1111/and.14582] [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: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) is an objective indicator of male fertility. Currently, effective treatments for high sperm DFI are limited and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has certain advantages in this aspect. Yishen Tongluo formula (YSTL), a TCM formula, has been found to reduce DFI in patients. To better understand the mechanisms underlying its activity, we used transcriptomics and proteomics to analyse the potential target gene YSTL repairing tripterygium glycosides (TGs)-mediated sperm DNA damage in rats, followed by validation analyses using RT-qPCR and western blotting, which showed that relative to the control group, DFI was markedly elevated in the TGs group, but markedly lower in the YSTL group relative to the TGs group. KEGG pathway analysis of 119 differentially expressed genes and 158 DEPs identified using trend analysis revealed that they were enriched for apoptosis and base excision repair at the transcriptomic level and for microRNAs in cancer and complement and coagulation cascades at the proteomic level. Ttr and Pnpla2 were identified as potential target genes for YSTL. Our data show that YSTL can protect rat sperm DNA from TGs-induced damage, which may be related to apoptosis, DNA repair and other pathways, and the possible target genes are Ttr and Pnpla2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenming Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China.,The Second Clinical Medical School, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianshe Chen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine), Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Wei
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine), Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Lina Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine), Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Peipei Zhao
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xun Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine), Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaxin Cui
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine), Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Sicheng Ma
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zixue Sun
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine), Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zulong Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
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da Costa Nunes Gomes AC, Bellin CS, da Silva Dias S, de Queiroz de Rosa T, Araújo MP, Miraglia SM, Mendes TB, Vendramini V. Increased sperm DNA damage leads to poor embryo quality and subfertility of male rats treated with methylphenidate hydrochloride in adolescence. Andrology 2022; 10:1632-1643. [PMID: 36029003 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13277] [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: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methylphenidate hydrochloride (MPH) is a psychostimulant widely used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), as well as a performance enhancer, for at least 60 years. Despite the notable effectiveness as a psychostimulant, ADHD is a chronic disorder and has a two-third chance of accompanying the individual throughout life. Long-term use of MPH has been associated not only with an increase in the development of neurodegenerative diseases, but it also has side effects on male fertility in experimental animals. OBJECTIVES To investigate whether methylphenidate poses a risk to sperm DNA structure and to the quality of embryos conceived after treatment during adolescence in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Wistar rats at 38 days of age were treated either with 5 mg/kg body weight of MPH, in a single daily dose for 30 days, via gavage or with distilled water-only protocol. Levels of oxidative stress in testicular and epididymal tissues were evaluated. Sperm chromatin quality and acrosome integrity was assessed under flow cytometry. From 107 days of age, animals were mated with untreated females. The effects of the paternal contribution at two different embryo development moments - cleavage stage (2.5 days post coitum) and late gestation (20 days post coitum) - were analyzed. RESULTS MPH caused high levels of sperm DNA damage, which was reflected in 40% of decrease in early embryo quality and a lower number of live pups at 20 dpc. DISCUSSION The high level of fragmentation seen in the embryos sired from the MPH group is consistent with the poor chromatin structure of the sperm, and does not seem to be a result of oxidative stress in the reproductive tissues. CONCLUSIONS The results presented here suggest that the subchronic use of MPH during male prepubertal phase may cause long term subfertility and compromise embryo survival. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Clara da Costa Nunes Gomes
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology (LabReD), Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of Sao Paulo - EPM/UNIFESP, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila Souza Bellin
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology (LabReD), Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of Sao Paulo - EPM/UNIFESP, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Paulista School of Nursing, Federal University of Sao Paulo - EPE/UNIFESP, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Stephanie da Silva Dias
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology (LabReD), Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of Sao Paulo - EPM/UNIFESP, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Paulista School of Nursing, Federal University of Sao Paulo - EPE/UNIFESP, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thalita de Queiroz de Rosa
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology (LabReD), Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of Sao Paulo - EPM/UNIFESP, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Paulista School of Nursing, Federal University of Sao Paulo - EPE/UNIFESP, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marina Pereira Araújo
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology (LabReD), Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of Sao Paulo - EPM/UNIFESP, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Paulista School of Nursing, Federal University of Sao Paulo - EPE/UNIFESP, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sandra Maria Miraglia
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology (LabReD), Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of Sao Paulo - EPM/UNIFESP, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Talita Biude Mendes
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology (LabReD), Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of Sao Paulo - EPM/UNIFESP, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Vendramini
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology (LabReD), Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of Sao Paulo - EPM/UNIFESP, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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40
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Eberhardt M, Prochowska S, Duszewska AM, Van Soom A, Olech W, Niżański W. The influence of Percoll® density gradient centrifugation before cryopreservation on the quality of frozen wisent (Bison bonasus) epididymal spermatozoa. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:305. [PMID: 35945588 PMCID: PMC9364487 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03408-z] [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: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The wisent (Bison bonasus) is a species that has undergone a population bottleneck. Homozygosity is prevalent within the population and may have a negative impact on semen quality in wisent bulls. Semen samples containing a large amount of functionally and morphologically impaired or dead spermatozoa have lower tolerance for cryopreservation process. Such samples are prone to involve damage acrosomes, to produce and release reactive oxygen which negatively affects proper function of spermatozoas. It is a good practice to select intact and viable gametes before subjecting the sample to cryopreservation to improve the efficiency of this process. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of Percoll® density gradient centrifugation in order to improve the quality of wisent spermatozoa after cryopreservation. Spermatozoa samples were analysed with computer-assisted semen analysis system and flow cytometry. Results Percoll® density gradient centrifugation resulted in increased percentage of motile spermatozoa, higher proportion of spermatozoa with normal morphology and proper functionality but also in a significant reduction of the total number of gametes. Nevertheless, the concentration of frozen spermatoza was still sufficient for obtaining a few complete insemination doses suggested for cattle from each epididymis. Conclusions While creating a high-quality genetic reserve, for in vitro fertilisation purposes, eliminating detritus and improving the overall quality of samples is more important than total number of spermatozoa. For these reasons, the achievement of higher post thaw quality of spermatozoa justifies the purification of samples by centrifugation in a Percoll® density gradient prior to the cryopreservation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eberhardt
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Plac Grunwaldzki 49, 50-366, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Sylwia Prochowska
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Plac Grunwaldzki 49, 50-366, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Anna M Duszewska
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 159 St, 02-787, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Wanda Olech
- Department of Animal Genetics and Conservation, Institute of Animal Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Ciszewskiego 8 St, 02-786, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wojciech Niżański
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Plac Grunwaldzki 49, 50-366, Wrocław, Poland.
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Abstract
The Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA® ) is a federally registered protocol for simultaneous flow cytometric measures of sperm DNA integrity and chromatin structure. Fresh or frozen/thawed raw semen samples are diluted in buffer to a sperm concentration of ∼1-2×106 /ml and then treated with a pH 1.20 buffer for 30 s to open the DNA strands at sites of DNA strand breaks. The sperm are then stained with acridine orange (AO) that intercalates into double-strand DNA and fluoresces green (515-530 BP filter) and stacks on single-strand DNA that fluoresces red (630 LP filter) upon excitation from a 488 nm laser. The extent of single and double DNA strand breaks (DNA fragmentation index, %DFI) and level of excess nuclear histones (high DNA stainable sperm, %HDS) are simultaneously measured in individual sperm. From the time a fresh or frozen/thawed semen sample is received at the site of a flow cytometer (FCM) programmed for the SCSA protocol, data can be obtained within about 10 min on 5-10×103 sperm. The %DFI and %HDS can be determined by computer-gated regions on the green versus red cytogram. Alternatively, a determination is made by transforming the green versus red cytogram to a total DNA stainability (red + green fluorescence) versus red/red + green fluorescence cytogram from which a frequency histogram is produced and the %DFI calculated from it. The clinical threshold for human natural or IUI fertilization is 25% DFI at which point the ART lab should consider moving to ICSI fertilization. The clinical threshold for HDS is also 25%; values above this level may result in early embryo death due to abnormal gene readout caused by the abnormal tertiary structure of chromatin. Numerous lifestyle and environmental factors cause sperm DNA fragmentation. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a significant role in DNA breakage. © 2022 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA®) Basic Protocol 2: SCSA data analysis: Calculations of %DFI and %HDS of semen samples by one of two methods Support Protocol 1: SCSA sample collection and shipping Support Protocol 2: Flow cytometer set up Support Protocol 3: Selection and use of reference samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald P Evenson
- SCSA Diagnostics, Brookings, South Dakota
- Department of OB/GYN, Sandford Medical School, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
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42
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Lu V, Svensjö O, Axelsson J. The association between serum estradiol levels and sperm DNA integrity. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2022; 63:268-274. [PMID: 36054299 PMCID: PMC9804797 DOI: 10.1002/em.22500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In men from the general population, BMI has been associated with a lower sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI). We wondered whether this could be due to estradiol, which is associated with BMI and reported important for sperm function. Our objective was to investigate the association between estradiol and DFI. In 2008-2010, we recruited 284 young men from the general population to deliver samples of semen and blood and answer questionnaires. Serum concentrations of reproductive hormones and DFI were analyzed, the latter using the Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay. Associations were studied using general linear models. The first model utilized metric values of estradiol, whereas the second model compared men with high and low levels, dichotomized by the median value. A possible interaction between estradiol and testosterone was also examined. When investigating metric estradiol levels and DFI, an inverse association was seen without adjustments (p = .02), but the statistical significance was lost at adjustments for potential confounders (p = .08). Men with lower estradiol levels (<88 pmol/L, mean 71 pmol/L) had a statistically significantly higher DFI than men with higher levels of estradiol (≥88 pmol/L, mean 110 pmol/L). Mean ratio difference was 1.21 (p = .002) without adjustments and 1.18 (p = .01) with adjustments. A statistically significant difference in DFI was observed in men with testosterone levels below median when comparing high and low estradiol (p < .001). This study supports the idea that serum estradiol levels are protective for sperm DNA integrity, at least at lower testosterone levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Lu
- Reproductive Medicine CentreSkåne University HospitalMalmöSweden
| | - Oscar Svensjö
- Reproductive Medicine CentreSkåne University HospitalMalmöSweden
| | - Jonatan Axelsson
- Reproductive Medicine CentreSkåne University HospitalMalmöSweden
- Reproductive Medicine, Department of Translational MedicineLund UniversityMalmöSweden
- EPI@LUND, Department of Laboratory MedicineLund UniversityLundSweden
- Department of BiologyUniversity of OttawaOttawaCanada
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43
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Ausejo R, Martínez JM, Mendoza N, Bolarin A, Tejedor MT, Falceto MV. Nuclear DNA Fragmentation in Boar Spermatozoa: Measurement Methods and Reproductive Performance Implications. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:929858. [PMID: 35847654 PMCID: PMC9281558 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.929858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this research was to compare the different techniques to measure sperm nuclear DNA fragmentation (sDF) and to check its relations to boar reproductive value, classical spermiogram parameters, and reproductive results of the doses in sows. Sperm chromatin stability assay (SCSA), terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, and sperm chromatin dispersion test (SCD, Halomax®) results were compared, finding a statistically significant correlation only between SCSA and TUNEL results. The fertility direct boar effect (DBE) index, calculated from the whole productive life of the boar, was not correlated (p > 0.05) with sDF (measured by any technique). Total or progressive sperm motility was not correlated with sDF, while it found a positive correlation between TUNEL measure and abnormal acrosomes (%) and between SCD measure and total sperm morphological abnormalities (%). No significant correlations were obtained between fertility or prolificacy results and sDF results with the different techniques. However, in the case of total born and SCSA measure, the correlation was close to significance (r partial = −0.095; p = 0.066), appointing to a tendency; as SCSA increases, the number of total piglets born decreases. In conclusion, although the different techniques for the sDF seem not to target exactly the same DNA events and the relationship between their values and the reproductive results and the classical spermiogram results is still to be elucidated, the studied sDF techniques may offer extra information that could be useful for the management of AI studs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Ausejo
- Department of Animal Pathology, Obstetrics and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Biotechnology R&D, Magapor S.L., Ejea de los Caballeros, Spain
| | - Juan Manuel Martínez
- Department of Research and Development, CiencIAnova Magapor, Zaragoza, Spain
- *Correspondence: Juan Manuel Martínez
| | - Noelia Mendoza
- Department of Biotechnology R&D, Magapor S.L., Ejea de los Caballeros, Spain
| | - Alfonso Bolarin
- Department of Animal Pathology, Obstetrics and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - M. Teresa Tejedor
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Genetics, CIBERCV, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Maria Victoria Falceto
- Department of Animal Pathology, Obstetrics and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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44
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Kups M, Gill K, Rosiak-Gill A, Harasny P, Machalowski T, Grabowska M, Kurzawa R, Sipak O, Piasecka M. Evaluation of selected semen parameters and biomarkers of male infertility - preliminary study. F1000Res 2022; 11:591. [PMID: 38434001 PMCID: PMC10905134 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.121622.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Because the etiopathogenesis of male infertility is multifactorial our study was designed to clarify the relationship between standard semen parameters, testicular volume, levels of reproductive hormones and the fragmentation of sperm nuclear DNA (SDF). Methods: Patients (n = 130) were clustered as subjects: 1) with an abnormal volume (utrasonography) of at least one testis (<12 mL) or with a normal volume of testes and 2) with abnormal levels of at least one of the reproductive hormones (FSH, LH, PRL, TSH, total T - electrochemiluminescence method) or with normal hormonal profiles and 3) with high level of SDF (>30%), moderate (>15-30%) or low (≤15%) (sperm chromatin dispersion test). Results: In subjects with a decreased testicular volume and in subjects with abnormal levels of reproductive hormones, decreased basic semen parameters were found. Participants with abnormal testicular volume had a higher percentage of SDF and a higher level of FSH (Mann-Whitney U test). In turn, men with a high level of SDF had lower testicular volume and conventional sperm parameters than men with a low level of SDF (Kruskal-Wallis test). Conclusions: We showed that spermatogenesis disorders coexisted with decreased testicular volume and increased FSH levels. The disorders of spermatogenesis were manifested by reduced basic sperm characteristics and a high level of sperm nuclear DNA damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Kups
- The Fertility Partnership Vitrolive in Szczecin, Szczecin, West Pomeranian Voivodeship, 70-483, Poland
- Department of Urology and Oncological Urology, Regional Specialist Hospital in Szczecin, Szczecin, West Pomeranian Voivodeship, 71-455, Poland
| | - Kamil Gill
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, West Pomeranian Voivodeship, 71-210, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Rosiak-Gill
- The Fertility Partnership Vitrolive in Szczecin, Szczecin, West Pomeranian Voivodeship, 70-483, Poland
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, West Pomeranian Voivodeship, 71-210, Poland
| | - Patryk Harasny
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, West Pomeranian Voivodeship, 71-210, Poland
- Department of Urology and Urological Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, West Pomeranian Voivodeship, 70-111, Poland
| | - Tomasz Machalowski
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, West Pomeranian Voivodeship, 71-210, Poland
- Department of Perinatology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Police, West Pomeranian Voivodeship, 72-010, Poland
| | - Marta Grabowska
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, West Pomeranian Voivodeship, 71-210, Poland
| | - Rafal Kurzawa
- The Fertility Partnership Vitrolive in Szczecin, Szczecin, West Pomeranian Voivodeship, 70-483, Poland
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, West Pomeranian Voivodeship, 71-210, Poland
| | - Olimpia Sipak
- Department of Obstetrics and Pathology of Pregnancy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Szczecin, West Pomeranian Voivodeship, 71-210, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Piasecka
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, West Pomeranian Voivodeship, 71-210, Poland
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45
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Luo Y, Wu S, Zhang M, Zhou H, Yuan J, Yang Y, Zhong Y, Li Q, Sun X, Xu X, Zhu D. Sperm DNA integrity is critically impacted by male age but does not influence outcomes of artificial insemination by husband in the Chinese infertile couples. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:4326-4335. [PMID: 35580171 PMCID: PMC9186781 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) is crucial for assessing male fertility. However, the predictive value of the SCSA parameters, including the DNA fragment indices (DFI) and the percentages of high DNA stainability (HDS), for outcomes of artificial insemination by husband (AIH) remains controversial. This study aims to evaluate the correlations between SCSA parameters and male aging as well as other routine semen parameters, and explore their prognostic powers on AIH outcomes of the Chinese infertile couples. A total of 809 AIH cycles were retrospectively analyzed. The results showed that DFI in the age groups < 35 years were significantly lower than that in the age groups ≥ 35 years (P < 0.001). Meanwhile, there was no statistical difference in HDS between the age groups (P = 0.063). DFI and HDS are negatively correlated with most routine semen parameters (all P < 0.05). The chi-square and generalized linear model tests indicated that neither DFI nor HDS influenced the clinical pregnancy rate of AIH. In summary, this study found that aging is a critical factor leading to increased sperm DFI but not HDS. DFI and HDS are negatively correlated with most semen parameters but do not significantly influence AIH outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumei Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China
| | - Shunhong Wu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clinical Rapid Diagnosis and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, Kingmed School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China
| | - Mimi Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China
| | - Hua Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China
| | - Jingru Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China
| | - Yiying Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China
| | - Yufang Zhong
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clinical Rapid Diagnosis and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, Kingmed School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China
| | - Xiaofang Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China
| | - Xia Xu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clinical Rapid Diagnosis and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, Kingmed School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China
| | - Detu Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China
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46
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Karam ZM, Baba Salari M, Anjom Shoaa A, Dehghan Kouhestani S, Bahram Nejad A, Ashourzadeh S, Zangouyee MR, Bazrafshani MR. Impact of oxidative stress SNPs on sperm DNA damage and male infertility in a south-east Iranian population. Reprod Fertil Dev 2022; 34:633-643. [PMID: 35361312 DOI: 10.1071/rd21305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM We examined four single nucleotide polymorphisms in four antioxidant genes (PON1 , CAT , GPx1 and SOD2 ) in 100 infertility cases and 100 controls from an Iranian population-based case-control study to confirm the assumption that polymorphisms in oxidative stress genes increase the risk of sperm DNA damage and idiopathic male infertility. METHODS Restriction fragment length polymorphism and tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system PCR were used to identify genotypes. Sperm DNA damage was assessed using the Sperm Chromatin Dispersion test (Halo Sperm), and the total antioxidant capacity of seminal fluid was determined using the FRAP assay. KEY RESULTS Our findings demonstrated that alleles Arg-PON1 (rs662) and Ala-MnSOD (rs4880) variant genotypes were considerably linked with a higher risk of male infertility. CONCLUSIONS Linear regression analysis revealed that those with the PON1 Gln192Arg or SOD2 Val16Ala variants have significantly higher levels of sperm DNA fragmentation and lower levels of the total antioxidant capacity in seminal fluid. IMPLICATIONS These findings suggest that genetic differences in antioxidant genes may be linked to oxidative stress, sperm DNA damage, and idiopathic male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Miri Karam
- Department of Medical Genetics, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; and Physiology Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Milad Baba Salari
- Department of Medical Genetics, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ahmad Anjom Shoaa
- Department of Medical Genetics, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Somaye Dehghan Kouhestani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Moddares University, Tehran, Iran; and Dr. Bazrafshani's Medical Genetic Laboratory, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Sareh Ashourzadeh
- Afzalipour Clinical Center for Infertility, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Moahammad Reza Zangouyee
- Department of Medical Genetics, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Bazrafshani
- Department of Medical Genetics, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; and Centre for Integrated Genomic Medical Research (CIGMR), University of Manchester, Stopford Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
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47
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Monachesi NE, Gallelli MF, Neild DM, Carretero MI. Evaluation of DNA fragmentation in dog sperm using the sperm chromatin dispersion test. Reprod Domest Anim 2022; 57:893-901. [PMID: 35474618 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14136] [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: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The study's objective was to adapt the Sperm Chromatin Dispersion (SCD) protocol to evaluate sperm DNA fragmentation and implement a fragmentation control in dogs. Correlation between DNA status and routine sperm parameters was also analysed. To adapt the SCD, two different mercaptoethanol (ME) concentrations were assayed (2.5 and 5%) in fourteen ejaculates from seven dogs and semen incubation with 0.3 M NaOH for 15 min at room temperature was assayed as a control for sperm DNA fragmentation. Data were analysed using a Mann-Whitney test and either Pearson's or Spearman's correlation. The selected ME concentration to use in the SCD test was 5%, as it produced the largest DNA dispersion halo while preserving the core nucleus structure. Four DNA halo patterns were identified: large dispersion halos, medium halos, small halos and nuclei without halos. Semen incubated with NaOH showed 100% sperm without halos (damaged DNA). A significant positive correlation was observed between sperm with fragmented DNA and sperm with coiled tails. Thus, it was possible to adapt the SCD protocol to evaluate dog sperm DNA fragmentation in raw semen without using a commercial kit and establish incubation with NaOH as a DNA fragmentation control. Only coiled tails showed correlation with DNA fragmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norma Estela Monachesi
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal, Argentina
| | - María Florencia Gallelli
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Deborah Margarita Neild
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal, Argentina
| | - María Ignacia Carretero
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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48
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Lu JC. High DNA stainability (HDS) should not be recommended as a marker for the detection of sperm DNA damage. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14442. [PMID: 35415912 DOI: 10.1111/and.14442] [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: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
There was a marker of high DNA stainability (HDS) in the detection of sperm DNA damage, which was defined as the sperm with high green stainability (HIGRN). The sperm with normal double-stranded DNA was stained green by acridine orange (AO). However, the sperm with high green fluorescence or HDS were thought of as immature sperm or the sperm with poor chromatin condensation. Some previous literature reported that the proportion of sperm with HDS increased with age, and had a certain correlation with the poor outcome of assisted reproductive technology. Recently, several articles reported that the marker of HDS decreased linearly with age, which was obviously inconsistent with that reported by the previous literature. In this case, what kind of marker is HDS? Is it worth studying? After extensively reading the literature related to HDS and flow cytometry related books and performing a series of studies related to the detection of sperm DNA damage, we believe that the establishment of HDS in the detection of sperm DNA damage has no theoretical basis and also no support of evidence-based medicine and that using HDS as a marker in the detection of sperm DNA integrity is inappropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Chun Lu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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Srinivas S, Donthi S, Mettler AD, Tolani AD, Deenadayal M. Does Choosing Microfluidics for Sperm Sorting Offer an Advantage to Improve Clinical Pregnancies in Donor Egg Recipients? J Hum Reprod Sci 2022; 15:143-149. [PMID: 35928460 PMCID: PMC9345273 DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_15_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Microfluidics (MF), an advanced sperm sorting technology results in the extraction of spermatozoa with higher DNA integrity and lower DNA damage compared to existing conventional sperm sorting methods. Aims: The aim of the present study is to assess the efficiency of MF and to isolate the best spermatozoa for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) over the density gradient (DG) technique. Study Setting and Design: We recruited couples who choose the oocyte donation programme for this study to eliminate confounding factors associated with oocyte quality. Materials and Methods: Sperm was processed by MF (n = 180) and DG (n = 151). ICSI was performed and positive pregnancy, miscarriage and clinical pregnancy rates were compared. Statistical Analysis: All variables were analysed using Graph Pad Prism 5. The unpaired two-tailed t-test was used to assess the significance. A value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: There was no significant difference in pregnancy rates between the groups. However, a clear demarcation is seen in terms of clinical pregnancy rates, where the DG group achieved higher clinical pregnancies (91.7%) compared to the MF group (80.7%). Further, we compared miscarriage rates and biochemical pregnancies, and found a significantly higher miscarriage and biochemical pregnancy rate in the MF group (14.5% and 4%, respectively) compared to the DG group (6% and 1%, respectively). Conclusions: Based on the available literature, we anticipated a higher clinical pregnancy rate with MF compared with conventional processing. Our results show MF does not have any add-on positive effect on clinical pregnancy rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sapna Srinivas
- IVF Lab, Mamata Fertility Hospital, Secunderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Suhasini Donthi
- IVF Lab, Mamata Fertility Hospital, Secunderabad, Telangana, India
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Bibi R, Jahan S, Razak S, Hammadeh ME, Almajwal A, Amor H. Protamines and DNA integrity as a biomarkers of sperm quality and assisted conception outcome. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14418. [PMID: 35267207 DOI: 10.1111/and.14418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Present research aim was to identify functional tests in semen associated with DNA damage and chromatin maturity (protamination) which predict the outcome in assisted reproduction. Couples were grouped according to male partner semen parameters, into normozoospermia (NZs), severe male factor (SMF) and mild male factor (MMF). DNA fragmentation index (DFI) in spermatozoa was analysed by sperms chromatin dispersion (SCD), sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) and acridine orange testing (AOT). Chromomycin A3 (CMA3) and toluidine blue (TB) staining to measure sperm chromatin maturity (CM). DFI and chromatin decondensation were significantly lower in N compared to male factor categories (MMF and SMF). Aneuploidy embryos were significantly higher in couples with male factor infertility (MMF and SMF). A positive correlation was observed between fertilization rate (FR) and live birth rate (LBR) with sperm concentration, motility, vitality, normal sperm morphology and negative correlation between sperm DFI and sperm CM. No correlation was observed between embryo aneuploidy and sperm DFI or CM. Lower percentage of spermatozoa chromatin integrity are associated with low fertilization and live birth rate. Male factor infertility, due to impaired semen parameters and chromatin defects could be regarded in future as an indication of IVF/ICSI, and predictor of assisted reproductive techniques outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riffat Bibi
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sarwat Jahan
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Suhail Razak
- Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Eid Hammadeh
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Saarland University Clinic, Homburg, Germany
| | - Ali Almajwal
- Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Houda Amor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Saarland University Clinic, Homburg, Germany
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