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Scriffignano S, Perrotta FM, Lubrano E. Male Fertility in Spondyloarthritis: from Clinical Issues to Cytokines Milieu. A Narrative Review. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2024:10.1007/s11926-024-01153-w. [PMID: 38900205 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-024-01153-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSEOF REVIEW Male fertility is an emergent issue that should be considered in clinical practice, when dealing with chronic inflammatory diseases in young men. As it is known, the chronic inflammation is the main pathophysiologic mechanism in some rheumatological conditions such as spondyloarthritis (SpA), Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) and Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA). Therefore, it is paramount to be aware if these diseases could impair male fertility, both due to the inflammation or to the treatments needed: we reviewed the literature on the most relevant and recent evidence on male fertility in patients affected by SpA, AS and PsA. RECENT FINDINGS Rheumatological inflammatory diseases (included SpA, AS and PsA) could impair the family planning in man life, especially when diagnosed at young age. Moreover, focusing on sperm quality, it seems that a link between sperm quality impairment and a higher disease activity exist. Focusing on therapies, Tumor Necrosis Factor inhibitors showed a safety profile on human male fertility in clinical studies. Recently, a prospective study and two double-blind placebo-controlled trials assessed the impact of methotrexate and Filgotinib on semen parameters, respectively, showing a safety profile of these drugs on human semen quality. However, there are no clinical data on the impact of Interleukin (IL)17 inhibitors(i), IL12-23i and IL23i. Concerning male fertility in SpA, AS and PsA, an unmet clinical need is still present and new studies are needed to understand the association between these diseases and male fertility, and the implication of the therapies used for these diseases. This narrative review provides an overview of the available data on male fertility in patients affected by SpA, AS and PsA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Scriffignano
- Academic Rheumatology Unit, Dipartimento Di Medicina E Scienze, Della Salute "Vincenzo Tiberio", Università Degli Studi del Molise, Via Giovanni Paolo II, C/da Tappino, 86100, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Fabio Massimo Perrotta
- Academic Rheumatology Unit, Dipartimento Di Medicina E Scienze, Della Salute "Vincenzo Tiberio", Università Degli Studi del Molise, Via Giovanni Paolo II, C/da Tappino, 86100, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Ennio Lubrano
- Academic Rheumatology Unit, Dipartimento Di Medicina E Scienze, Della Salute "Vincenzo Tiberio", Università Degli Studi del Molise, Via Giovanni Paolo II, C/da Tappino, 86100, Campobasso, Italy.
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Koçak G, Yildiz C. The Effects of Ferulic Acid, Tryptophan, and L-Glutamine on the Cryopreservation of Mouse Spermatozoa. Biopreserv Biobank 2024; 22:286-293. [PMID: 38150493 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2023.0067] [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: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, the effects of ferulic acid (0.1, 1, ve 10 mM), tryptophan (5, 25, ve 50 mM), and L-glutamine (10, 50, ve 100 mM) at different doses added to 18% raffinose + 3% skimmed milk powder sperm extender on the freezing of mouse spermatozoa in liquid nitrogen were investigated. The combination of 18% raffinose + 3% skimmed milk powder without additives was used as the control group. Frozen spermatozoa were thawed in a 37°C water bath for 30 seconds. After freeze-thawing, motility, dead spermatozoa ratio, plasma membrane integrity, abnormal acrosome ratio, motility endurance (for 4 hours), and cell apoptosis tests were performed in Human Tubal Fluid (HTF). Compared with the control group after freezing and thawing, the highest motility and plasma membrane integrity were obtained in the 10 mM L-glutamine group with 56.6% ± 2.11% and 77.8% ± 0.87%, respectively (p < 0.05). In addition, when compared to the control group, the lowest rate of dead spermatozoa and abnormal acrosome was found in the 10 mM L-glutamine group as 26.0% ± 1.46% and 6.3% ± 1.09%, respectively (p < 0.05). The highest motility values for spermatozoa endurance were determined in the 10 and 50 mM L-glutamine groups up to the 4th hour compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In the evaluation of apoptosis in semen samples, there was no significant difference between the control, 0.1 mM ferulic acid, and 10 mM L-glutamine groups (p > 0.05). As a result, it was determined that the addition of 10 mM L-glutamine to the spermatozoa extender increased the motility, viable spermatozoa, functional membrane integrity, intact acrosome ratios, or motility endurance after freeze-thawing and could be used successfully in the freezing extender of mouse spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gökhan Koçak
- Laboratory and Veterinary Health Program, Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Tuzluca Vocational High School, Iğdır University, Iğdır, Turkey
| | - Cengiz Yildiz
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mustafa Kemal, Hatay, Turkey
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Li Z, Teng Z, Han Z, Zhang Y, Wang Y. Genetically predicted asthma and the risk of abnormal spermatozoa. Front Genet 2024; 15:1377770. [PMID: 38846962 PMCID: PMC11153665 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1377770] [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: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Several previous animal and human studies have found a strong association between asthma and spermatozoa quality, but whether these associations are causal or due to bias remains to be elucidated. Methods We performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to assess the causal effect of genetically predicted asthma on the risk of abnormal spermatozoa. Asthma, childhood-onset asthma (COA), and adult-onset asthma (AOA) (sample sizes ranging from 327,670 to 408,442) were included as the exposures. Genetic information for abnormal spermatozoa was obtained from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) comprising 209,921 participants. In univariable MR (UVMR) analysis, the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was conducted as the primary method, with the MR Egger and weighted median used as supplementary methods for causal inference. Sensitivity analyses, including the Cochran Q test, Egger intercept test, MR-PRESSO, and leave-one-out analysis, were performed to verify the robustness of the MR results. Multivariable MR (MVMR) was conducted to evaluate the direct causal effects of asthma on abnormal spermatozoa risk. Results UVMR detected causal associations between genetically predicted asthma and an increased risk of abnormal spermatozoa (OR: 1.270, 95% CI: 1.045-1.545, p = 0.017). Moreover, we found that AOA (OR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.051, 2.018, p = 0.024) has positive causal effects on the risk of abnormal spermatozoa rather than COA (p = 0.558). Sensitivity analysis found little evidence of bias in the current study (p > 0.05). MVMR further confirmed that asthma directly affected the risk of abnormal spermatozoa. Conclusion Our MR study suggested that genetically predicted asthma could be associated with an increased risk of abnormal spermatozoa, and similar results were obtained in AOA. Further studies are warranted to explain the underlying mechanisms of this association and may provide new avenues for prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yaxuan Wang
- Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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Okesina KB, Odetayo AF, Adeyemi WJ, Ajibare AJ, Okesina AA, Olayaki LA. Naringin from sweet orange peel improves testicular function in high fat diet-induced diabetic rats by modulating xanthine oxidase/uric acid signaling and maintaining redox balance. Lab Anim Res 2024; 40:5. [PMID: 38369526 PMCID: PMC10874537 DOI: 10.1186/s42826-024-00188-5] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder affecting many organs, including the testis. Naringin from orange peel extract (OPE) is a flavanone with fertility-enhancing properties. Hence, this study was designed to establish the effect of naringin on T2DM-induced testicular dysfunction. Thirty male (30) Wistar rats were randomized into five groups control, diabetes, diabetes + naringin, diabetes + OPE, and diabetes + metformin. The administrations were via the oral route and lasted for 28 days. RESULTS Naringin ameliorated T2DM-induced increase in FBS and decrease in serum insulin. It also abrogated T2DM-induced decrease in sperm quality, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, estradiol, prolactin, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, naringin prevented a T2DM-induced increase in malonaldehyde, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, C-reactive protein, xanthine oxidase (XO), and uric acid (UA), it was accompanied by the restoration of normal testicular histoarchitecture. CONCLUSIONS Naringin prevented T2DM-induced testicular dysfunction by modulating XO/UA and restoring redox balance. Also, while the animals treated with OPE exhibited better ameliorative effects than their counterparts treated with naringin, the findings from this study showed that naringin would be a promising supplement for treating T2DM-induced male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazeem Bidemi Okesina
- Department of Medical Physiology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Adeyemi Fatai Odetayo
- Department of Physiology, Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun, Nigeria.
| | | | | | - Akeem Ayodeji Okesina
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Community Health, School of Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
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Fan S, Zhao Y, Zhang Z, Wang H, Hou Y, Bai S, Liu R, Xu B. Effect of leukocytes on semen quality in men from primary and secondary infertile couples: A cross-sectional study. Health Sci Rep 2023; 6:e1683. [PMID: 38028702 PMCID: PMC10630749 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1683] [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: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Leukocytospermia (LCS) is a known cause of male infertility. However, the relationship between seminal leukocytes and semen quality among infertile couples remains controversial. This study aims to investigate the association between semen quality and LCS in male partners of infertile couples. Methods Semen samples were collected from 512 men who asked for a fertility evaluation in a reproductive center in China. Seminal leukocytes were counted following peroxidase staining with benzidine. Other semen parameters were compared in subfertile men with and without LCS. Results Poor semen quality (e.g., low semen volume, sperm concentration, and sperm progressive/total motility) was observed among men with LCS compared to those without LCS. Men with LCS had a higher risk of low sperm progressive motility (OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.98-0.99, p = 0.02) and total motility (OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.98-0.99, p = 0.02), even after adjustment for potential confounders (both OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.98-0.99, p = 0.03). Lower sperm viability was observed in LCS from male partners of secondary couples, while no significant difference in semen parameters was found between men with and without LCS in male partners of primary infertile couples. Low sperm motility and viability were associated with LCS in men from secondary infertile couples after adjusting for confounders (OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.95-0.99, p = 0.04; OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.89-0.99, p = 0.04, respectively). Conclusions Our findings indicate that a higher risk of abnormal semen parameters was correlated with an increased number of leukocytes in men from secondary infertile couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwei Fan
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Yuanqi Zhao
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
- Wannan Medical CollegeWuhuAnhuiChina
| | - Zeling Zhang
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Huiru Wang
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Yifu Hou
- Center for Reproductive MedicineTraditional Chinese Hospital of LuAnLu'anAnhuiChina
| | - Shun Bai
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Ran Liu
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Bo Xu
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
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Paira DA, Beltramone F, Olmedo JJ, Tissera AD, Molina RI, Fux-Otta C, Olivera C, Motrich RD. Persistent oligonecrozoospermia after asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. A case report and literature review. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20340. [PMID: 37809541 PMCID: PMC10560057 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20340] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is known to have deleterious effects on different systems such as the respiratory, cardiovascular, central nervous, and gastrointestinal. However, conflicting data about the possible implications for male reproductive health and fertility have been reported. In addition, the long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection remain unclear. Herein, we report a case of a 42-year-old man with no known co-morbidities and normal baseline semen quality, who subsequently suffered an asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Shortly after, the patient developed sudden oligoasthenozoospermia, even reaching azoospermia, which gradually evolved into persistent severe oligonecrozoospermia, accompanied by semen inflammation and oxidative stress. Remarkably, the latter occurred in the absence of urogenital infections, hormonal imbalances, tissue/organ obstruction/damage, medication or drug treatment, smoking, or exposure to toxins/pollutants, radiation, or high temperature. This case constitutes valuable clinical evidence that adds to the current knowledge in the field and highlights the need for further and longer follow-up studies to better understand the putative long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection on male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Andrea Paira
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Fernando Beltramone
- OVUM- Centro de Medicina Reproductive, Fetal y Cirugía Ambulatoria, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - José Javier Olmedo
- Fundación Urológica Córdoba para la Docencia e Investigación Médica (FUCDIM), Córdoba, Argentina
| | | | | | - Carolina Fux-Otta
- Hospital Universitario de Maternidad y Neonatología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Carolina Olivera
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ruben Dario Motrich
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
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Martinez MS, Ferreyra FN, Paira DA, Rivero VE, Olmedo JJ, Tissera AD, Molina RI, Motrich RD. COVID-19 associates with semen inflammation and sperm quality impairment that reverses in the short term after disease recovery. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1220048. [PMID: 37497433 PMCID: PMC10366368 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1220048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: COVID-19 exerts deleterious effects on the respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems, causing more severe disease in men than in women. However, cumulative reported data about the putative consequences on the male reproductive tract and fertility are controversial. Furthermore, the long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection are still uncertain. Methods: In this study, we prospectively evaluated levels of inflammatory cytokines and leukocytes in semen and sperm quality parameters in a cohort of 231 reproductive-aged male patients, unvaccinated, who had recovered from mild or severe COVID-19 and in 62 healthy control individuals. Sperm quality was assessed early (less than 3 months) and long (more than 3 and up to 6 months) after having COVID-19. Interestingly, and unlike most reported studies, available extensive background and baseline data on patients' sperm quality allowed performing a more accurate analysis of COVID-19 effects on sperm quality. Results: Significantly higher levels of IL-1β, TNF and IFNγ were detected in semen from patients recently recovered from mild and/or severe COVID-19 with respect to control individuals indicating semen inflammation. Moreover, patients recovered from mild and/or severe COVID-19 showed significantly reduced semen volume, lower total sperm counts, and impaired sperm motility and viability. Interestingly, all observed alterations returned to baseline values after 3 or more months after disease recovery. Discussion: These results indicate that COVID-19 associates with semen inflammation and impaired semen quality early after disease. However, long COVID-19 seems not to include long-term detrimental consequences on male fertility potential since the observed alterations were reversible after 1-2 spermatogenesis cycles. These data constitute compelling evidence allowing a better understanding of COVID-19 associated sequelae, fundamental for semen collection in assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Sol Martinez
- CIBICI-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | | | - Daniela Andrea Paira
- CIBICI-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Virginia Elena Rivero
- CIBICI-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - José Javier Olmedo
- Fundación Urológica Córdoba para la Docencia e Investigación Médica (FUCDIM), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Andrea Daniela Tissera
- Fundación Urológica Córdoba para la Docencia e Investigación Médica (FUCDIM), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Rosa Isabel Molina
- Fundación Urológica Córdoba para la Docencia e Investigación Médica (FUCDIM), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Rubén Darío Motrich
- CIBICI-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
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Salerno G, Borro M, Visco V, Olana S, Gargano F, Raffa S, Zamponi V, Mancini C, Faggiano A, Simmaco M, Mazzilli R. The Impact of Non-Andrological Medications on Semen Characteristics, Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Parameters. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59050903. [PMID: 37241135 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59050903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of medications on oxidative stress, inflammatory biomarkers and semen characteristics in males with idiopathic infertility. Materials and Methods: In this observational case-control clinical study, 50 men with idiopathic infertility were enrolled, of whom 38 (the study group) were on pharmacological treatment and 12 made up the control group. The study group was clustered according to the medications (Group A: anti-hypertensive, n = 10; Group B: thyroxine, n = 6; Group C: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, n = 13; Group D: miscellaneous, n = 6; Group E: lipid-lowering drugs, n = 4). Semen analyses were performed according to WHO 2010 guidelines. Interleukins (IL)-10, IL-1 beta, IL-4, IL-6, Tumor Necrosis Factor- alpha (TNF-alpha) and IL-1 alpha were determined using a solid-phase sandwich immunoassay. The diacron reactive oxygen metabolites, d-ROMs test, was performed by means of a colorimetric determination of reactive oxygen metabolites and measured with a spectrophotometer. Beta-2-microglobulin and cystatin-C were measured with an immunoturbidimetric analyzer. Results: No differences between the study and control groups for age and macroscopic and microscopic semen characteristics were found, nor were any differences found after clustering according to the drug categories. IL-1 alpha and IL-10 were significantly lower in the study group compared with the control group; IL-10 was significantly lower in groups A, B, C and D compared with the control group. Furthermore, a direct correlation between IL-1 alpha, IL-10 and TNF-alpha and leukocytes was found. Conclusions: Despite the sample size limitations, the data suggest a correlation between drug use and activation of the inflammatory response. This could clarify the pathogenic mechanism of action for several pharmacological classes on male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Salerno
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Borro
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Visco
- Medical Genetics and Advanced Cellular Diagnostics Unit, Sant'Andrea University Hospital & Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Soraya Olana
- Unit of Andrology and Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Gargano
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Raffa
- Medical Genetics and Advanced Cellular Diagnostics Unit, Sant'Andrea University Hospital & Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Virginia Zamponi
- Unit of Andrology and Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Mancini
- Unit of Andrology and Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Antongiulio Faggiano
- Unit of Andrology and Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Simmaco
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Mazzilli
- Unit of Andrology and Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
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Tvrdá E, Ďuračka M, Benko F, Kováčik A, Lovíšek D, Gálová E, Žiarovská J, Schwarzová M, Kačániová M. Ejaculatory Abstinence Affects the Sperm Quality in Normozoospermic Men-How Does the Seminal Bacteriome Respond? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043503. [PMID: 36834909 PMCID: PMC9963725 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was designed to describe bacterial profiles of ejaculates collected following a long and short ejaculatory abstinence set in the context of changes in the conventional, oxidative, and immunological characteristics of semen. Two specimens were collected in succession from normozoospermic men (n = 51) following 2 days and 2 h, respectively. Semen samples were processed and analyzed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2021 guidelines. Afterwards, sperm DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial function, levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), total antioxidant capacity, and oxidative damage to sperm lipids and proteins were evaluated in each specimen. Selected cytokine levels were quantified using the ELISA method. Bacterial identification by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry revealed that samples collected following two days of abstinence presented with a higher bacterial load and diversity, and a greater prevalence of potentially uropathogenic bacteria including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. Only staphylococci and Escherichia coli remained present in specimens obtained after 2 h of abstinence. Whilst all samples accomplished the criteria set by WHO, a significantly higher motility (p < 0.05), membrane integrity (p < 0.05), mitochondrial membrane potential (p < 0.05), and DNA integrity (p < 0.0001) were detected following 2 h of ejaculatory abstinence. On the other hand, significantly higher ROS levels (p < 0.001), protein oxidation (p < 0.001), and lipid peroxidation (p < 0.01) accompanied by significantly higher concentrations of tumor necrosis factor alpha (p < 0.05), interleukin-6 (p < 0.01), and interferon gamma (p < 0.05) were observed in specimens collected after two days of abstinence. It may be summarized that shorter ejaculatory abstinence does not compromise sperm quality in normozoospermic men, while it contributes to a decreased occurrence of bacteria in semen which is accompanied by a lower probability of damage to spermatozoa by ROS or pro-inflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Tvrdá
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +421-37-641-4918
| | - Michal Ďuračka
- AgroBioTech Research Centre, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Filip Benko
- Institute of Applied Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Anton Kováčik
- Institute of Applied Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Daniel Lovíšek
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Ilkovičova 6, Mlynská Dolina, 84215 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Eliška Gálová
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Ilkovičova 6, Mlynská Dolina, 84215 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jana Žiarovská
- Institute of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Marianna Schwarzová
- Department of Fruit Science, Viticulture and Enology, Faculty of Horticulture and Landscape Engineering, Slovak University of Agriculture, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Miroslava Kačániová
- Department of Fruit Science, Viticulture and Enology, Faculty of Horticulture and Landscape Engineering, Slovak University of Agriculture, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia
- Department of Bioenergetics, Food Analysis and Microbiology, Institute of Food Technology and Nutrition, University of Rzeszow, Cwiklinskiej 1, 35-601 Rzeszow, Poland
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Paira DA, Olivera C, Tissera AD, Molina RI, Olmedo JJ, Rivero VE, Saka HA, Motrich RD. Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis urogenital infections associate with semen inflammation and decreased sperm quality. J Leukoc Biol 2023; 113:18-26. [PMID: 36822158 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiac006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis are among the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections proposed to induce urogenital inflammation and impair sperm quality. However, the topic remains controversial since contradictory findings have been reported. Herein, we performed a comprehensive analysis of U. urealyticum and M. hominis urogenital infections and their association with urogenital inflammation (i.e., leukocyte subsets and inflammatory cytokines in semen,) and sperm quality parameters in a cohort of men with couple's primary infertility undergoing initial infertility evaluation or with lower urinary tract symptoms and no infertility-related complaints. Overall, U. urealyticum and M. hominis infection was detected in 17.0% and 23.6% of patients, respectively, whereas the coinfection was detected in 3.8% of patients only. Remarkably, similar infection frequencies were found in the different patient subpopulations analyzed. Moreover, infections were associated with elevated semen levels of TNF, IL-1β, and IL-6 and/or increased counts of total leukocytes and their subsets, including CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes and neutrophils. In addition, M. hominis infection and the coinfection with U. urealyticum were associated with impairments in sperm quality variables. Our results indicate that U. urealyticum and M. hominis male urogenital infections induce urogenital inflammation and decrease sperm quality, thus impairing male fertility potential. Screening for U. urealyticum and M. hominis infections and performing a comprehensive analysis of different leukocyte subsets and inflammatory cytokines in semen may be clinically helpful in the diagnosis and follow-up of male urogenital infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela A Paira
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Haya de la Torre esq. Medina Allende, 5016, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Carolina Olivera
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Haya de la Torre esq. Medina Allende, 5016, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Andrea D Tissera
- Laboratorio de Andrología y Reproducción (LAR), Blvd. Chacabuco 1123, 5000, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Rosa I Molina
- Laboratorio de Andrología y Reproducción (LAR), Blvd. Chacabuco 1123, 5000, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - José J Olmedo
- Servicio de Urologia y Andrologia, Fundación Urológica Córdoba para la Docencia e Investigación Médica (FUCDIM), Bartolomé de las casas 3765, 5016, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Virginia E Rivero
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Haya de la Torre esq. Medina Allende, 5016, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Héctor A Saka
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Haya de la Torre esq. Medina Allende, 5016, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ruben D Motrich
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Haya de la Torre esq. Medina Allende, 5016, Córdoba, Argentina
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