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Dai T, Li W, Wang L, Zhou J, Zhong K, Yao Y, Cai X, Tian L, Wu H, Xu T, Xiao L, Ni H, Song C, Li Y, Li F, Meng T, Sheng H, Lv Z, Guo P, Wang Q, Zhang X. Beneficial effect of residential greenness on sperm quality and the role of air pollution: A multicenter population-based study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:174038. [PMID: 38906295 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174038] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor sperm quality is a major cause of male infertility. However, evidence remains scarce on how greenness affects male sperm quality. OBJECTIVES To assess the associations of residential greenness with male sperm quality and the modification effect of air pollution exposure on the relationship. METHODS A total of 78,742 samples from 33,184 sperm donors from 6 regions across China during 2014-2020 were included and analyzed. Individual residential greenness exposures of study subjects were estimated using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) during the entire (0-90 lag days) and two key stages (0-37, and 34-77 lag days) of sperm development. Contemporaneous personal exposure levels to air pollutants were estimated using a spatio-temporal deep learning method. Linear mixed models were employed to assess the impact of greenspace in relation to sperm quality. The modification effect of air pollution on the greenspace-sperm quality relationship was also estimated. RESULTS Per IQR increment in NDVI exposure throughout spermatogenesis were statistically associated with increasing sperm count by 0.0122 (95 % CI: 0.0007, 0.0237), progressive motility by 0.0162 (95 % CI: 0.0045, 0.0280), and total motility by 0.0147 (95 % CI: 0.0014, 0.0281), respectively. Similar results were observed when the model added air pollutants (PM1, PM2.5 or O3) for adjustment. Additionally, specific air pollutants, including PM1, PM2.5, and O3, were found to modify this association. Notably, the protective effects of greenness exposure were more pronounced at higher concentrations of PM1 and PM2.5 and lower concentrations of O3 (all Pinteraction < 0.05). Statistically significant positive effects of NDVI were observed on sperm motility in early spermatogenesis and sperm count in late spermatogenesis. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to residential greenness may have beneficial effects on sperm quality and air pollution modifies their relationship. These findings highlight the importance of adopting adaptable urban greenspace planning and policies to safeguard male fertility against environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Dai
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Wei Li
- Longgang District Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital (Longgang Maternity and Child Institute of Shantou University Medical College), Shenzhen, China
| | - Lingxi Wang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Jiayi Zhou
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Kaixin Zhong
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangzhou, China; Department of Andrology, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), China
| | - Yunchong Yao
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Xiaoyan Cai
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Linwei Tian
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Haisheng Wu
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Ting Xu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Lina Xiao
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Haobo Ni
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Chunying Song
- Human Sperm Bank, the Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yushan Li
- Human Sperm Bank, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fuping Li
- Human Sperm Bank, the Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tianqing Meng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Human Sperm Bank, Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huiqiang Sheng
- Human Sperm Bank, the Zhejiang Provincial Maternal and Child and Reproductive Health Care Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhihai Lv
- Longgang District Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital (Longgang Maternity and Child Institute of Shantou University Medical College), Shenzhen, China
| | - Pi Guo
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China.
| | - Qiling Wang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangzhou, China; Department of Andrology, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), China.
| | - Xinzong Zhang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangzhou, China; Department of Andrology, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), China.
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Zhang X, Ji D, Zhang Y, Ge L, Xu S, Peng Y, Chen X, Ni J, Wang G, Ma Y, Pan F. Effects of environmental temperature extremes exposure on sperm quality - evidence from a prospective cohort study in Anhui Province, China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 258:119462. [PMID: 38908664 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Extreme weather is becoming more frequent due to drastic changes in the climate. Despite this, the body of research focused on the association between temperature extreme events and sperm quality remains sparse. In this study, we elucidate the impact of exposure to environmental temperature extremes on sperm quality. Data for this investigation were derived from the Anhui Prospective Assisted Reproduction Cohort, encompassing the period from 2015 to 2020. Parameters such as sperm concentration, total sperm count, total motility, progressive motility, total motile sperm count, and progressive motile sperm count were quantified from semen samples. We assessed the exposure of participants to temperature extremes during the 0-90 days prior to sampling. This investigation encompassed 15,112 participants, yielding 28,267 semen samples. Our research findings indicate that exposure to low temperature extreme for three consecutive days (at the first percentile threshold) has a detrimental correlation with sperm count parameters and concentration. Similar trends were observed with the second percentile threshold, where significant adverse effects typically manifested after a four-day exposure sequence. Analysis of high temperature extreme showed that exposure at the 98th percentile had adverse effects on all six sperm quality parameters, and the sperm count parameter was particularly sensitive to high temperature, showing significant results immediately after three days of exposure. When considering even more temperature extreme (99th percentile), the negative consequences were more pronounced on the sperm count parameter. Additionally, progressive motility showed a stronger negative response. In summary, parameters associated with sperm count are particularly vulnerable to temperature extremes exposure. Exposure to high temperature extremes environments may also be associated with a decrease in sperm concentration and vitality. The findings of this study suggest that male population should pay attention to avoid exposure to temperature extreme environment, which has important significance for improving the quality of human fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China;; The Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Dongmei Ji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Liru Ge
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China;; The Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Siwen Xu
- School of Medicine, Tongji University, 500 Zhennan Road, Shanghai, 200333, China
| | - Yongzhen Peng
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China;; The Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Xuyang Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China;; The Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Jianping Ni
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China;; The Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Guosheng Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China;; The Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Yubo Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China;; The Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China;.
| | - Faming Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China;; The Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China;.
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Al-Madhagi H, Tarabishi AA. Nutritional aphrodisiacs: Biochemistry and Pharmacology. Curr Res Food Sci 2024; 9:100783. [PMID: 38974844 PMCID: PMC11225857 DOI: 10.1016/j.crfs.2024.100783] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
In 2022, the global prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) was estimated to be at least 150 million cases. This number is greatly suspected to be underestimate as most men withhold information about ED. Also, about 15% of world population have infertility troubles, and male factors are responsible for almost half of these cases. Studies have shown that the quality of semen has decreased in the past several decades owing to various health factors and environmental toxicants. The current medical interventions involve the inhibition of phosphodiesterase 5 which suffer from serious side effects and costly. One of the popular and most sought interventions are the natural and nutritional remedies as they are foods in essence and potentially with no harm to the body. Therefore, the goal of this paper is to provide a review of the most common nutritional aphrodisiacs with increasing libido and fertility highlighting the potential active constituents as well as the underlying mechanisms.
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Lassen E, Pacey A, Skytte AB, Montgomerie R. Recent decline in sperm motility among donor candidates at a sperm bank in Denmark. Hum Reprod 2024:deae115. [PMID: 38834185 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae115] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Has there been variation in semen quality among men applying to be sperm donors (i.e. donor candidates) in Denmark in recent years (2017-2022)? SUMMARY ANSWER The motile sperm concentration and total motile sperm count (TMSC) in ejaculates-both measures of sperm quality-declined by as much as 22% from 2019 to 2022. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Questions remain about whether human semen quality has declined in recent years. Whilst some studies provide evidence for a decline in human semen quality, these findings have been disputed owing to potential biases in the populations studied or in the methods used to measure semen quality. Resolution of this issue has important implications for human fertility, as well as for those involved in the recruitment of sperm donors for use in medically assisted reproduction. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We obtained data on the semen quality of ejaculates previously collected from 2017 to 2022 at sperm bank locations in four cities in Denmark: Aarhus, Aalborg, Copenhagen, and Odense. Our study focuses on the single semen samples provided by 6758 donor candidates aged between 18 and 45 years old to determine whether their sperm quality met a minimum criterion for them to be accepted as sperm donors. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS All ejaculates were analyzed within 1 hour of production. Semen volume (ml) was estimated by weight and both the concentration (106/ml) of sperm as well as the concentration of motile sperm (World Health Organization grades a and b) were measured using the same protocols and computer-assisted semen analysis system across all years at each site. Statistical analyses of the semen variables were controlled for age and donation site, as well as the average monthly high temperature when the ejaculate was produced. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE From 2017 to 2019, semen volume, sperm concentration, and total sperm count in the ejaculates of donor candidates increased by 2-12%. Then, from 2019 to 2022, sperm concentration and total sperm count changed by 0.1-5% from year to year, but none of those changes were statistically significant. In contrast, both motile sperm concentration and TMSC declined significantly, by 16% and 22%, respectively, between 2019 and 2022. Thus, the concentration of motile sperm in donor candidates declined from 18.4 [95% CL: 17.0, 20.0] million/ml in 2019 to 15.5 [14.4, 16.7] million/ml in 2022, and TMSC declined from 61.4 [55.8, 67.5] million per ejaculate in 2019 to 48.1 [44.1, 52.4] million in 2022. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION We cannot determine from the available data the causes of the decline in semen quality of donor candidates from 2019 to 2022. However, as this period coincides with lockdowns and changes in work patterns during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, it is possible that changes in motile sperm concentration and TMSC were the result of changes in the lifestyles of the men whose semen was analyzed. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Men providing initial semen samples at sperm banks, when applying to be sperm donors, are a useful population in which to monitor changes in human semen quality over time. Our results have implications for human fertility and the recruitment of sperm donors for medically assisted reproduction, where motile sperm concentration is an essential selection criterion because it influences fertility. We suggest that gathering health and lifestyle data on donor candidates at sperm banks might help to identify causal factors for the decline of sperm quality that could be addressed and intervention, if desired, could be personalized for each accepted donor. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) No external funding was obtained for this study. E.L. and A.-B.S. are employees of Cryos International. AP reports paid consultancy for Cryos International, Cytoswim Ltd, Exceed Health, and Merck Serono in the last 2 years of this study, but all monies were paid to the University of Sheffield (former employer). AP is also an unpaid trustee of the Progress Educational Trust (Charity Number 1139856). RM declares support from Cryos International to present results of this research at ESHRE 2023. None of the authors were directly involved in the collection or physical analysis of semen samples. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Lassen
- Cryos International Sperm and Egg Bank, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Allan Pacey
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Core Technology Facility, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Fu X, Han H, Yang H, Xu B, Dai W, Liu L, He T, DU X, Pei X. Nrf2-mediated ferroptosis of spermatogenic cells involved in male reproductive toxicity induced by polystyrene nanoplastics in mice. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2024; 25:307-323. [PMID: 38584093 PMCID: PMC11009441 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b2300138] [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: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have become hazardous materials due to the massive amount of plastic waste and disposable masks, but their specific health effects remain uncertain. In this study, fluorescence-labeled polystyrene NPs (PS-NPs) were injected into the circulatory systems of mice to determine the distribution and potential toxic effects of NPs in vivo. Interestingly, whole-body imaging found that PS-NPs accumulated in the testes of mice. Therefore, the toxic effects of PS-NPs on the reproduction systems and the spermatocytes cell line of male mice, and their mechanisms, were investigated. After oral exposure to PS-NPs, their spermatogenesis was affected and the spermatogenic cells were damaged. The spermatocyte cell line GC-2 was exposed to PS-NPs and analyzed using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to determine the toxic mechanisms; a ferroptosis pathway was found after PS-NP exposure. The phenomena and indicators of ferroptosis were then determined and verified by ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1), and it was also found that nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) played an important role in spermatogenic cell ferroptosis induced by PS-NPs. Finally, it was confirmed in vivo that this mechanism of Nrf2 played a protective role in PS-NPs-induced male reproductive toxicity. This study demonstrated that PS-NPs induce male reproductive dysfunction in mice by causing spermatogenic cell ferroptosis dependent on Nrf2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xufeng Fu
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics in Ningxia, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Hang Han
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Hong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Wenjie Dai
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Ling Liu
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Tiantian He
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Xing DU
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China.
| | - Xiuying Pei
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China. ,
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics in Ningxia, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China. ,
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Pérez Casasús S, Luongo FP, Haxhiu A, Orini M, Scupoli G, Governini L, Piomboni P, Buratini J, Dal Canto M, Luddi A. Paternal Age Amplifies Cryopreservation-Induced Stress in Human Spermatozoa. Cells 2024; 13:625. [PMID: 38607064 PMCID: PMC11011712 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070625] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The global fall in male fertility is a complicated process driven by a variety of factors, including environmental exposure, lifestyle, obesity, stress, and aging. The availability of assisted reproductive technology (ART) has allowed older couples to conceive, increasing the average paternal age at first childbirth. Advanced paternal age (APA), most often considered male age ≥40, has been described to impact several aspects of male reproductive physiology. In this prospective cohort study including 200 normozoospermic patients, 105 of whom were ≤35 years (non-APA), and 95 of whom were ≥42 years (APA), we assessed the impact of paternal age on different endpoints representative of sperm quality and cryopreservation tolerance. Non-APA patients had superior fresh semen quality; DNA fragmentation was notably increased in APA as compared to non-APA individuals (21.7% vs. 15.4%). Cryopreservation further increased the DNA fragmentation index in APA (26.7%) but not in non-APA patients. Additionally, APA was associated with increased mtDNAcn in both fresh and frozen/thawed sperm, which is indicative of poorer mitochondrial quality. Cryopreservation negatively impacted acrosome integrity in both age groups, as indicated by reduced incidences of unreacted acrosome in relation to fresh counterparts in non-APA (from 71.5% to 57.7%) and APA patients (from 75% to 63%). Finally, cryopreservation significantly reduced the phosphorylation status of proteins containing tyrosine residues in sperm from young males. Therefore, the present findings shed light on the effects of paternal age and cryopreservation on sperm quality and serve as valuable new parameters to improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying sperm developmental competence that are under threat in current ART practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pérez Casasús
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.P.C.); (F.P.L.); (A.H.); (M.O.); (G.S.); (L.G.); (A.L.)
| | - Francesca Paola Luongo
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.P.C.); (F.P.L.); (A.H.); (M.O.); (G.S.); (L.G.); (A.L.)
| | - Alesandro Haxhiu
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.P.C.); (F.P.L.); (A.H.); (M.O.); (G.S.); (L.G.); (A.L.)
| | - Martina Orini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.P.C.); (F.P.L.); (A.H.); (M.O.); (G.S.); (L.G.); (A.L.)
| | - Giorgia Scupoli
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.P.C.); (F.P.L.); (A.H.); (M.O.); (G.S.); (L.G.); (A.L.)
| | - Laura Governini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.P.C.); (F.P.L.); (A.H.); (M.O.); (G.S.); (L.G.); (A.L.)
| | - Paola Piomboni
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.P.C.); (F.P.L.); (A.H.); (M.O.); (G.S.); (L.G.); (A.L.)
| | - Jose Buratini
- Biogenesi Reproductive Medicine Center, Istituti Clinici Zucchi, 20900 Monza, Italy; (J.B.); (M.D.C.)
| | - Mariabeatrice Dal Canto
- Biogenesi Reproductive Medicine Center, Istituti Clinici Zucchi, 20900 Monza, Italy; (J.B.); (M.D.C.)
| | - Alice Luddi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.P.C.); (F.P.L.); (A.H.); (M.O.); (G.S.); (L.G.); (A.L.)
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Xiao L, Wang Q, Ni H, Xu T, Cai X, Dai T, Wang L, Song C, Li Y, Li F, Meng T, Sheng H, Yu X, Zeng Q, Guo P, Zhang X. Effects of temperature anomaly on sperm quality: A multi-center study of 33,234 men. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26765. [PMID: 38434420 PMCID: PMC10907732 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26765] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Backgrounds Global fertility rates continue to decline and sperm quality is a prime factor affecting male fertility. Both extreme cold and heat have been demonstrated to be associated with decreased sperm quality, but no epidemiological studies have considered human adaptation to long-term temperature. Our aim was to conduct a multi-center retrospective cohort study to investigate exposure-response relationship between temperature anomaly (TA) that deviate from long-term climate patterns and sperm quality. Methods A total of 78,952 semen samples measured in 33,234 donors from 6 provincial human sperm banks in China were collected. This study considered heat and cold acclimatization to prolonged exposure in humans and explored the exposure-response relationship between TAs and sperm quality parameters (sperm concentrations, sperm count, progressive motility, progressive sperm count, total motility and total motile sperm count) during the hot and cold seasons, respectively. Linear mixed models and generalized linear models were built separately for specific centers to pool in a meta-analysis to obtain the pooled effect of TA on sperm quality, considering repeated measurements data structure and spatial heterogeneity. Results We identified an inverted U-shaped exposure-response relationship between TA and sperm quality during the hot season. Significant negative effect of anomalous cold on sperm quality during the hot season was found after additional adjustment for Body mass index, marital status and childbearing history. The heat-related TA in hot season was significantly negatively associated with sperm concentration, progressive sperm count and total motile sperm count (all P-values<0.05). After adjusting the relative humidity, the cold-related TA in cold season was negatively associated with the sperm total motility (P-values<0.05). Conclusions Our results suggest both heat-related and cold-related TAs are associated with decreased sperm quality. The findings highlight the importance of reducing exposure to anomalous temperatures to protect male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Xiao
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Qiling Wang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Andrology, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), China
| | - Haobo Ni
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Xiaoyan Cai
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Tingting Dai
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Lingxi Wang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Chunying Song
- Human Sperm Bank, The Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yushan Li
- Human Sperm Bank, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fuping Li
- Human Sperm Bank, The Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tianqing Meng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Human Sperm Bank, Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huiqiang Sheng
- Human Sperm Bank, The Zhejiang Provincial Maternal and Child and Reproductive Health Care Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolin Yu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Qinghui Zeng
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Pi Guo
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Xinzong Zhang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Andrology, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), China
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Ma Y, Hu C, Cai G, Xia Q, Fan D, Cao Y, Pan F. Associations of exposure to ambient fine particulate matter constituents from different pollution sources with semen quality: Evidence from a prospective cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123200. [PMID: 38135136 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123200] [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: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The association between ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure and semen quality remains inconclusive, possibly due to variations in pollution sources and PM2.5 compositions. Studies investigating the constituents of PM2.5 have been hindered by small sample sizes, and research exploring the relationships between PM2.5 pollution sources and semen quality is lacking. To address this gap, we conducted a comprehensive study based on the Anhui prospective assisted reproduction cohort to evaluate the associations between semen quality and the constituents and pollution sources of PM2.5. This study included 9013 semen samples from 4417 males in the urban districts of Hefei. The median concentrations of PM2.5 constituents, including eight metals and four water-soluble ions (WSIs), were measured for seven days per month at two monitoring stations during the 0-90-day exposure window. A linear mixed-effects model, weighted quantile sum regression, and positive matrix factorisation were used to evaluate the associations of the constituents and pollution sources of PM2.5 with semen quality. The results showed that exposure to PM2.5-bound metals (antimony, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and thallium) and WSIs (sulphate and chloride) were negatively associated with semen quality parameters. Moreover, mixtures of PM2.5-bound metals and WSIs were negatively associated with semen quality. Additionally, PM2.5 derived from traffic emissions was negatively associated with semen quality. In summary, our study revealed that ambient PM2.5 and its constituents, especially metals, were negatively associated with semen quality. Antimony, lead, and thallium emerged as the primary contributors to toxicity, and PM2.5 from traffic emissions was associated with decreased semen quality. These findings have important public health implications for the management of PM2.5 pollution in the context of male reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubo Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China; The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, 81 Meishan Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chengyang Hu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China; Department of Humanistic Medicine, School of Humanistic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Guoqi Cai
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China; The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, 81 Meishan Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qing Xia
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Dazhi Fan
- Foshan Institute of Fetal Medicine, Southern Medical University Affiliated Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Faming Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China; The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, 81 Meishan Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
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Sciorio R, Tramontano L, Adel M, Fleming S. Decrease in Sperm Parameters in the 21st Century: Obesity, Lifestyle, or Environmental Factors? An Updated Narrative Review. J Pers Med 2024; 14:198. [PMID: 38392631 PMCID: PMC10890002 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14020198] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Semen quality represents a compelling factor for fertility, and delineating the normal values has proven difficult. In the last four decades, several authors have reported a noticeable decline in sperm parameters. Also, studies investigating 'time to pregnancy' have shown that fecundity begins to be reduced when sperm numbers decrease below 30 million, even though according to the 6th edition of the WHO manual, the normal value is currently 16 million/mL or 39 million per ejaculate. There exists sufficient data to suggest a decline in sperm counts over time, even though the clear reason for this adverse trend is not well established, but some associations have been hypothesised, such as maternal smoking during pregnancy. Additional potential factors have yet to be fully illustrated but involve poor diet, increased obesity, and exposure to environmental toxins. Moreover, the change in environmental conditions and more common exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as pesticides and herbicides, as well as bisphenol A, phthalates, polychlorinated biphenyls, and heavy metals, starting from prenatal life and continuing into adulthood, may exhibit probable features explaining the reduction in sperm parameters. Therefore, the main goal of this narrative review is to furnish an overview of the possible effects of exposure to EDCs on testicular function and spermatogenesis and, also, to summarise the evidence regarding a decrease in sperm quality and examine its potential consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Fertility Medicine and Gynaecological Endocrinology Unit, Department Woman-Mother-Child, Lausanne University Hospital, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Luca Tramontano
- Department of Women, Infants and Adolescents, Division of Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals, 1211 Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Mohammed Adel
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo 11651, Egypt
| | - Steven Fleming
- Discipline of Anatomy & Histology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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Kimmins S, Anderson RA, Barratt CLR, Behre HM, Catford SR, De Jonge CJ, Delbes G, Eisenberg ML, Garrido N, Houston BJ, Jørgensen N, Krausz C, Lismer A, McLachlan RI, Minhas S, Moss T, Pacey A, Priskorn L, Schlatt S, Trasler J, Trasande L, Tüttelmann F, Vazquez-Levin MH, Veltman JA, Zhang F, O'Bryan MK. Frequency, morbidity and equity - the case for increased research on male fertility. Nat Rev Urol 2024; 21:102-124. [PMID: 37828407 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-023-00820-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Currently, most men with infertility cannot be given an aetiology, which reflects a lack of knowledge around gamete production and how it is affected by genetics and the environment. A failure to recognize the burden of male infertility and its potential as a biomarker for systemic illness exists. The absence of such knowledge results in patients generally being treated as a uniform group, for whom the strategy is to bypass the causality using medically assisted reproduction (MAR) techniques. In doing so, opportunities to prevent co-morbidity are missed and the burden of MAR is shifted to the woman. To advance understanding of men's reproductive health, longitudinal and multi-national centres for data and sample collection are essential. Such programmes must enable an integrated view of the consequences of genetics, epigenetics and environmental factors on fertility and offspring health. Definition and possible amelioration of the consequences of MAR for conceived children are needed. Inherent in this statement is the necessity to promote fertility restoration and/or use the least invasive MAR strategy available. To achieve this aim, protocols must be rigorously tested and the move towards personalized medicine encouraged. Equally, education of the public, governments and clinicians on the frequency and consequences of infertility is needed. Health options, including male contraceptives, must be expanded, and the opportunities encompassed in such investment understood. The pressing questions related to male reproductive health, spanning the spectrum of andrology are identified in the Expert Recommendation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kimmins
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- The Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- The Département de Pathologie et Biologie Cellulaire, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Christopher L R Barratt
- Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Hermann M Behre
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Sarah R Catford
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Geraldine Delbes
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre Armand-Frappier Sante Biotechnologie, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Michael L Eisenberg
- Department of Urology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nicolas Garrido
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Brendan J Houston
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Niels Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Csilla Krausz
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, University Hospital of Careggi Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ariane Lismer
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Robert I McLachlan
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Monash IVF Group, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Suks Minhas
- Department of Surgery and Cancer Imperial, London, UK
| | - Tim Moss
- Healthy Male and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Allan Pacey
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Lærke Priskorn
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jacquetta Trasler
- Departments of Paediatrics, Human Genetics and Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Leonardo Trasande
- Center for the Investigation of Environmental Hazards, Department of Paediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Mónica Hebe Vazquez-Levin
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina, Fundación IBYME, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Joris A Veltman
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Feng Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia.
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Tian R, Yang T, Xiao C, Li F, Fu L, Zhang L, Cai J, Zeng S, Liao J, Song G, Yu C, Zhang B, Liu Z. Outdoor artificial light at night and male sperm quality: A retrospective cohort study in China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 341:122927. [PMID: 37977357 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122927] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Due to the worldwide increased rate of infertility among reproductive-age couples, there is a growing interest in the relationship between environmental stimuli and human sperm quality. While animal studies have demonstrated the detrimental effects of outdoor artificial light at night (ALAN) on sperm quality, investigations based on human data are lacking. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective cohort study involving 1991 sperm donor candidates and employed multivariate linear regression and restricted cubic spline models to quantify the association between outdoor ALAN and sperm quality. The aim was to determine whether there exists an association between exposure to outdoor ALAN and sperm quality. The study included 1991 sperm donor candidates with the following characteristics: mean [SD] age, 24.98 [4.78] years; mean [SD] BMI, 22.13 [2.60] kg/m2; mean [SD] sleep duration, 7.66 [1.07] hours/day. Outdoor ALAN exposure of study participants ranged from 0 to 100 nW/cm2/sr. Multiple regression analysis on chronic exposure (0-90 days before sperm donation) and human sperm quality revealed the following associations: for CASA primary motion parameters, every 100-unit (nW/cm2/sr) increase in chronic outdoor ALAN was associated with a change of -0.043 [95%CI: 0.073, -0.014] in Linearity (LIN), and -5.523 [95%CI: 9.100, -1.946] in Curvilinear velocity (VCL). For CASA secondary motion parameters, every 100-unit (nW/cm2/sr) increase in chronic outdoor ALAN was associated with a change of -3.873 [95%CI: 4.926, -2.748] in non-progressive motility rate (NP). Furthermore, the primary sperm quality parameter exhibited a decline of -4.740 [95%CI: 8.853, -0.628] in sperm motility rate per 100-unit (nW/cm2/sr) increase in chronic outdoor ALAN. Similar associations were also observed for acute exposure (0-9 days before sperm donation). This retrospective study suggests that poorer sperm quality is more prevalent among adult males residing in areas with higher levels of outdoor ALAN, with a particularly pronounced impact observed in males below the age of 25 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Run Tian
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China; Institute of Systems Epidemiology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Tingting Yang
- Department of Andrology/Sichuan Human Sperm Bank, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Chenghan Xiao
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China; Institute of Systems Epidemiology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Fuping Li
- Department of Andrology/Sichuan Human Sperm Bank, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Leyao Fu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China; Institute of Systems Epidemiology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China; Institute of Systems Epidemiology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Jiarui Cai
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China; Institute of Systems Epidemiology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Sixuan Zeng
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China; Institute of Systems Epidemiology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Junhao Liao
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China; Institute of Systems Epidemiology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Guishuang Song
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China; Institute of Systems Epidemiology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Chuan Yu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China; Institute of Systems Epidemiology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Ben Zhang
- Institute of Systems Epidemiology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Zhenmi Liu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China; Institute of Systems Epidemiology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China.
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12
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Miller D, Weber A, Loloi J, Reddy R, Ramasamy R. Temporal Trends of Semen Quality and Fertility Rates Over the Course of a Decade: Data From King County, Washington. Urology 2024; 183:93-99. [PMID: 37716452 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2023.07.042] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There has been a widely reported decline in both semen quality and fertility rate, however to date these studies have not looked at a decline of both in the same time period within the same geographical area. The objective of this study was to determine if there existed a temporal trend in both semen parameters and fertility rates for the same geographic area (King County, WA) over time. MATERIALS AND METHODS Semen parameters from sperm donors at Seattle sperm bank were obtained from 2008 to 2021. Sperm donations occurred in King County, WA. Donors were from within 50 miles of the donation site. Fertility rates were calculated for King County, WA using census data from SEER to find number of women aged 15-49 and the number of births were found using CDC Wonder data from 2006 to 2017. RESULTS There were a total of 76,622 sperm donor semen analyses from King County, WA included in our study from 2008 to 2021. The fertility rate for King County, WA was calculated from 2006 to 2017. From 2008 to 2021, there was a statistically significant decline in semen quality over time for both sperm count (P < .01), total motile sperm count (P < .01), sperm concentration (P < .01), and progressive motility (P < .01). Additionally, from 2006 to 2017 there was a statistically significant decline in fertility rate (P < .01). CONCLUSION We report a statistically significant decline in sperm parameters among donors and a corresponding decline in fertility rates from the same geographic area that warrants further investigation given the serious societal and economic impacts a shrinking population presents. While certainly not the sole contributing factor, declining sperm parameters likely need to be accounted for when accounting for declining fertility rates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alex Weber
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL
| | - Justin Loloi
- Department of Urology, Montefiore Health System, New York City, NY
| | - Rohit Reddy
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL
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Ding J, Lu B, Liu L, Zhong Z, Wang N, Li B, Sheng W, He Q. Guilu-Erxian-Glue alleviates Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside-induced oligoasthenospermia in rats by resisting ferroptosis via the Keap1/Nrf2/GPX4 signaling pathway. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2023; 61:213-227. [PMID: 36688426 PMCID: PMC9873281 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2023.2165114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Guilu-Erxian-Glue (GLEXG) is a traditional Chinese formula used to improve male reproductive dysfunction. OBJECTIVE To investigate the ferroptosis resistance of GLEXG in the improvement of semen quality in the oligoasthenospermia (OAS) rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were administered Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside, a compound extracted from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F. (Celastraceae), at a dose of 40 mg/kg/day, to establish an OAS model. Fifty-four SD rats were randomly divided into six groups: sham, model, low-dose GLEXG (GLEXGL, 0.25 g/kg/day), moderate-dose GLEXG (GLEXGM, 0.50 g/kg/day), high-dose GLEXG (GLEXGH, 1.00 g/kg/day) and vitamin E (0.01 g/kg/day) group. The semen quality, structure and function of sperm mitochondria, histopathology, levels of oxidative stress and iron, and mRNA levels and protein expression in the Keap1/Nrf2/GPX4 pathway, were analyzed. RESULTS Compared with the model group, GLEXGH significantly improved sperm concentration (35.73 ± 15.42 vs. 17.40 ± 4.12, p < 0.05) and motility (58.59 ± 11.06 vs. 28.59 ± 9.42, p < 0.001), and mitigated testicular histopathology. Moreover, GLEXGH markedly reduced the ROS level (5684.28 ± 1345.47 vs. 15500.44 ± 2307.39, p < 0.001) and increased the GPX4 level (48.53 ± 10.78 vs. 23.14 ± 11.04, p < 0.01), decreased the ferrous iron level (36.31 ± 3.66 vs. 48.64 ± 7.74, p < 0.05), and rescued sperm mitochondrial morphology and potential via activating the Keap1/Nrf2/GPX4 pathway. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Ferroptosis resistance from GLEXG might be driven by activation of the Keap1/Nrf2/GPX4 pathway. Targeting ferroptosis is a novel approach for OAS therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Ding
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
- Department of Andrology Clinic, Affiliated Bao’an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Seventh Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
- Andrology Laboratory, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Baowei Lu
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
- Andrology Laboratory, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Lumei Liu
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
- Andrology Laboratory, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Zixuan Zhong
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
- Andrology Laboratory, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Neng Wang
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
- Andrology Laboratory, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Bonan Li
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
- Andrology Laboratory, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Wen Sheng
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
- Andrology Laboratory, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Qinghu He
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
- Andrology Laboratory, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
- Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, China
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14
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Lien HT, Tsai NC, Lin YJ, Lan KC. The effect of various air pollution and participants' age on semen quality in southern Taiwan. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 62:838-844. [PMID: 38008502 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2023.08.002] [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] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the association between semen quality and air pollution in southern Taiwan. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this retrospective study, 4338 males aged 21-70 years were recruited between 2001 and 2018 from a reproductive medical center. Semen quality was assessed according to standardized methods outlined in the World Health Organization (WHO) Laboratory Manual 1999 and 2010, including total sperm count, progressive sperm motility (%), rapid progressive sperm motility (%), and sperm with normal morphology (%). All designated national air quality automatic continuous monitoring stations measured the levels of air pollution [particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3)], and was documented by Environmental Protection Administration in Taiwan. We collected data on the levels of air pollution based on the participants' residential addresses. RESULTS In our study, we found that progressive and rapid progressive sperm motility significantly decreased annually (p < 0.05). In addition, increasing age influenced total sperm count, progressive sperm motility, rapid progressive sperm motility, and sperm with normal morphology (p < 0.05). Among different air pollution, we observed SO2 was associated with lower rapid progressive sperm motility and lower sperm with normal morphology (β = -0.103, p = 0.043; β = 0.118, p = 0.001, respectively). However, NO2 was associated with higher rapid progressive sperm motility and a high number of sperm with normal morphology (β = 0.129, p = 0.002; β = 0.127, p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The semen quality in southern Taiwan appears to have declined in recent years. The participant's age for semen analysis was most strongly associated with semen parameters, Moreover, a significant association between SO2 and NO2 levels and semen motility was observed, even after adjusting for multiple comparisons. Further study is required to analyze the dose-dependent effect of SO2 and NO2 on semen parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Ting Lien
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ni-Chin Tsai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ju Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Chung Lan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Center for Menopause and Reproductive Medicine Research, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jen-Ai Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
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15
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Ellis LB, Molina K, Robbins CR, Freisthler M, Sgargi D, Mandrioli D, Perry MJ. Adult Organophosphate and Carbamate Insecticide Exposure and Sperm Concentration: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Epidemiological Evidence. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:116001. [PMID: 37966213 PMCID: PMC10648769 DOI: 10.1289/ehp12678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence of the negative impacts of contemporary use insecticides on sperm concentration has increased over the last few decades; however, meta-analyses on this topic are rare. OBJECTIVES This investigation assessed the qualitative and quantitative strength of epidemiological evidence regarding adult exposure to two classes of contemporary use insecticides-organophosphates (OPs) and N -methyl carbamates (NMCs)-and sperm concentration using robust and reproducible systematic review and meta-analysis methods. METHODS Three scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science), two U.S. government databases (NIOSHTIC-2 and Science.gov), and five nongovernmental organization websites were searched for relevant primary epidemiological studies published in any language through 11 August 2022. Risk of bias and strength of evidence were evaluated according to Navigation Guide systematic review methodology. Bias-adjusted standardized mean difference effect sizes were calculated and pooled using a three-level, multivariate random-effect meta-analysis model with cluster-robust variance estimation. RESULTS Across 20 studies, 21 study populations, 42 effect sizes, and 1,774 adult men, the pooled bias-adjusted standardized mean difference in sperm concentration between adult men more- and less-exposed to OP and NMC insecticides was - 0.30 (95% CI: - 0.49 , - 0.10 ; P Satt < 0.01 ). Sensitivity and subgroup analyses explored statistical heterogeneity and validated the model robustness. Although the pooled effect estimate was modified by risk of bias, insecticide class, exposure setting, and recruitment setting, it remained negative in direction across all meta-analyses. The body of evidence was rated to be of moderate quality, with sufficient evidence of an association between higher adult OP and NMC insecticide exposure and lower sperm concentration. DISCUSSION This comprehensive investigation found sufficient evidence of an association between higher OP and NMC insecticide exposure and lower sperm concentration in adults. Although additional cohort studies can be beneficial to fill data gaps, the strength of evidence warrants reducing exposure to OP and NMC insecticides now to prevent continued male reproductive harm. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12678.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren B. Ellis
- Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Karen Molina
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - C. Rebecca Robbins
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Marlaina Freisthler
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Daria Sgargi
- Cesare Maltoni Cancer Research Center, Ramazzini Institute, Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniele Mandrioli
- Cesare Maltoni Cancer Research Center, Ramazzini Institute, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Melissa J. Perry
- College of Public Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
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Lu ZH, Sun B, Wang YX, Wu YR, Chen YJ, Sun SZ, Liang SJ, Xu S, Chang H, Chen HG, Zhang J. Ozone exposure associates with sperm quality indicators: Sperm telomere length as a potential mediating factor. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132292. [PMID: 37591176 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132292] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Evidence linking O3 exposure and human semen quality is limited and conflicting and the mechanism underlying the association remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the associations between ambient O3 exposure and sperm quality parameters and explored the mediating role of sperm mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) and sperm telomere length (STL) among 1068 potential sperm donors who provided 5002 repeated semen samples over approximately 90 days. We found that every 10 μg/m3 increase in O3 exposure was associated with a decrease in STL, sperm concentration, total count, total motile sperm number, and semen volume. However, O3 exposure was associated with increased total motility and progressive motility. The association for sperm quality parameters was stronger when exposure was measured at spermatogenesis stages I and II. For STL, the strongest association was observed when exposure was measured at spermatogenesis stage II. Additionally, we found that approximately 9% and 8% of the association between O3 exposure and sperm concentration and count was mediated by STL, respectively. In summary, our findings suggest that O3 pollution may affect sperm telomere length, eventually leading to reduced semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Hua Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases,Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics,National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Bin Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Division of Birth Cohort Study, Fujian Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Yi-Xin Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Departments of Nutrition and Environmental Health, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Ya-Ru Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases,Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics,National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yu-Jie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases,Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics,National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Sheng-Zhi Sun
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shi-Jia Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases,Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics,National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Song Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases,Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics,National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Hao Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases,Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics,National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Heng-Gui Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Clinical Research and Translation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases,Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics,National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
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Lahimer M, Montjean D, Cabry R, Capelle S, Lefranc E, Bach V, Ajina M, Ben Ali H, Khorsi-Cauet H, Benkhalifa M. Paternal Age Matters: Association with Sperm Criteria's- Spermatozoa DNA Integrity and Methylation Profile. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4928. [PMID: 37568329 PMCID: PMC10420110 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12154928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Advanced age has been reported to negatively affect sperm parameters and spermatozoa DNA integrity. A decline in sperm criteria was also associated with altered epigenetic marks such as DNA methylation with a potential downstream impact on in vitro fertilization success and clinical outcomes. The aim of the present retrospective study was to clarify the association between advanced paternal age (APA) and sperm parameters, DNA integrity and DNA methylation profile. A total of 671 patients consulting for infertility underwent sperm analysis, sperm DNA integrity assessment and methylation level measurement. The principal finding was that individuals over 40 years of age exhibit a significant increase in DNA fragmentation levels compared to the younger group (15% versus 9%, respectively, p = 0.04). However, there was no significant difference in DNA decondensation and sperm parameters in association with APA. In addition, a drop in the global methylation level was also found in men over 40 years (6% in the young group versus 2% in the old group, p = 0.03). As a conclusion, men over 40 years are at higher risk of elevated sperm DNA fragmentation and lower methylation level. Based on these observations, it is recommended that the assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation should be taken into consideration particularly after the age of 40. Our findings support the idea that paternal age is a crucial factor that should not be neglected during fertility evaluation and treatment since it is associated with epigenetics changes in sperm. Although the underlying mechanism remains to be clarified, we believe that environmental and professional exposure factors are likely involved in the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Lahimer
- Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology & Genetics, University Hospital and School of Medicine, Picardie University Jules Verne, CHU Sud, 80054 Amiens, France; (M.L.); (R.C.); (S.C.); (E.L.); (M.B.)
- PERITOX—Périnatalité et Risques Toxiques—UMR-I1, Picardie University Jules Verne, CHU Sud, 80025 Amiens, France;
- Exercise Physiology and Physiopathology: From Integrated to Molecular “Biology, Medicine and Health” (Code: LR19ES09), Sousse 4002, Tunisia
| | - Debbie Montjean
- Fertilys, Centres de Fertilité, Laval and Brossard, Québec, QC H7S 1Z5, Canada;
| | - Rosalie Cabry
- Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology & Genetics, University Hospital and School of Medicine, Picardie University Jules Verne, CHU Sud, 80054 Amiens, France; (M.L.); (R.C.); (S.C.); (E.L.); (M.B.)
- PERITOX—Périnatalité et Risques Toxiques—UMR-I1, Picardie University Jules Verne, CHU Sud, 80025 Amiens, France;
| | - Severine Capelle
- Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology & Genetics, University Hospital and School of Medicine, Picardie University Jules Verne, CHU Sud, 80054 Amiens, France; (M.L.); (R.C.); (S.C.); (E.L.); (M.B.)
| | - Elodie Lefranc
- Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology & Genetics, University Hospital and School of Medicine, Picardie University Jules Verne, CHU Sud, 80054 Amiens, France; (M.L.); (R.C.); (S.C.); (E.L.); (M.B.)
| | - Véronique Bach
- PERITOX—Périnatalité et Risques Toxiques—UMR-I1, Picardie University Jules Verne, CHU Sud, 80025 Amiens, France;
| | - Mounir Ajina
- Unit of Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Farhat Hached, Sousse 4000, Tunisia;
| | - Habib Ben Ali
- Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, University of Sousse, Sousse 4000, Tunisia;
| | - Hafida Khorsi-Cauet
- Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology & Genetics, University Hospital and School of Medicine, Picardie University Jules Verne, CHU Sud, 80054 Amiens, France; (M.L.); (R.C.); (S.C.); (E.L.); (M.B.)
- PERITOX—Périnatalité et Risques Toxiques—UMR-I1, Picardie University Jules Verne, CHU Sud, 80025 Amiens, France;
| | - Moncef Benkhalifa
- Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology & Genetics, University Hospital and School of Medicine, Picardie University Jules Verne, CHU Sud, 80054 Amiens, France; (M.L.); (R.C.); (S.C.); (E.L.); (M.B.)
- PERITOX—Périnatalité et Risques Toxiques—UMR-I1, Picardie University Jules Verne, CHU Sud, 80025 Amiens, France;
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Huang C, Wang QL, Wu HL, Huang ZH, Zhang XZ, Zhu WB. Genetic testing of sperm donors in China: a survey of current practices. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1230621. [PMID: 37529594 PMCID: PMC10390298 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1230621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The National Health and Family Planning Commission of China (NHFPCC) issued the "Measures for the Management of Human Sperm Banks," which was revised in 2003 and is still in effect today. One of the standard guidelines is that potential donors undergo laboratory testing to exclude infectious and genetic diseases and karyotype analysis. However, patient demands for donor genetic testing have also increased, and only karyotype analysis to exclude genetic diseases is not sufficient to meet these demands. Objective To examine donor genetic screening practices at sperm banks in China and to evaluate the qualifications and skills of genetic counselors at the banks. Materials and methods An electronic survey was distributed to twenty-seven sperm banks to examine donor genetic screening practices at sperm banks in China and to evaluate the qualifications and skills of genetic counselors at the banks. Twenty-six human sperm banks responded to a 32-question survey about their current practices related to genetic testing of sperm donors. Results The 26 sperm banks reported that all qualified sperm donors undergo karyotype analysis; 22 banks (84.6%) collected three generations of family history from each qualified sperm donor; 10 (38.5%) reported that they attempted to accommodate special requests from donor semen recipients for particular genetic tests. Only 2 of the 26 (7.7%) sperm banks reported that they performed whole-exome sequencing. At all the sperm banks, consent for genetic testing was obtained as part of the overall contract for sperm donors. Nineteen (73.1%) sperm banks had genetic counselors on their staff, while six (23.1%) had no genetic counselors on their staff but had access to genetic counselors at the hospital. Only one (3.8%) sperm bank had no genetic counselors on their staff or at the hospital. Conclusions The need for larger scale genetic testing of donors and recipients and an extensive panel of genetic tests specific to the Chinese population. Additionally, professionally trained geneticists must be employed as genetic counsellors so that the results of genetic tests and their implications can be explained to donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Huang
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Basic Medicine College, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qi-Lin Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hui-Lan Wu
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zeng-Hui Huang
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Basic Medicine College, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xin-Zong Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wen-Bing Zhu
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Basic Medicine College, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Li Y, Lu T, Wu Z, Wang Z, Yu T, Wang H, Tang C, Zhou Y. Trends in sperm quality by computer-assisted sperm analysis of 49,189 men during 2015-2021 in a fertility center from China. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1194455. [PMID: 37529601 PMCID: PMC10390301 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1194455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sperm quality, including semen volume, sperm count, concentration, and total and progressive motility (collectively, "semen parameters"), has declined in the recent decades. Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) provides sperm kinematic parameters, and the temporal trends of which remain unclear. Our objective is to examine the temporal trend of both semen parameters and kinematic parameters in Shanghai, China, in the recent years. Methods This retrospective study analyzed semen parameters and kinematic parameters of 49,819 men attending our reproductive center by using CASA during 2015-2021. The total sample was divided into two groups: samples that surpassed the WHO guideline (2010) low reference limits ("above reference limit" group, ARL; n = 24,575) and samples that did not ("below reference limit" group, BRL; n = 24,614). One-way analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis test, independent samples t-test, and covariance analysis were used to assess the differences among groups. Year, age, and abstinence time were included in the multiple linear regression model of the ARL group to adjust the confounders and depict the trends in sperm quality. Results Among all the total sample and the ARL and BRL groups, the age of subjects increased in recent years. Semen volume and sperm count showed declined tendency with years in the total sample, the ARL and BRL groups, and the subgroup of age or abstinence time, whereas sperm velocities showed increased tendency with years on the contrary. The multiple linear regression model of the ARL group, adjusting for age and abstinence time, confirmed these trends. Semen volume (β1= -0.162; CI: -0.172, -0.152), sperm count (β1= -9.97; CI: -10.813, -9.128), sperm concentration (β1 = -0.535; CI: -0.772, -0.299), motility (β1 = -1.751; CI: -1.830, -1.672), and progressive motility (β1 = -1.12; CI: -0.201, -0.145) decreased with year, whereas curvilinear line velocity (VCL) (β1 = 3.058; CI: 2.912, 3.203), straight line velocity (VSL) (β1 = 2.075; CI: 1.990, 2.161), and average path velocity (VAP) (β1 = 2.305; CI: 2.224, 2.386) increased over time (all p < 0.001). In addition, VCL, VSL, and VAP significantly declined with age and abstinence time. Conclusion The semen parameters declined, whereas the kinematic parameters increased over the recent years. We propose that, although sperm count and motility declined over time, sperm motion velocity increased, suggesting a possible compensatory mechanism of male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanquan Li
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Tingting Lu
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengmu Wu
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengquan Wang
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Yu
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Hanshu Wang
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunhua Tang
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuchuan Zhou
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
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20
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Akang EN, Opuwari CS, Enyioma-Alozie S, Moungala LW, Amatu TE, Wada I, Ogbeche RO, Ajayi OO, Aderonmu MM, Shote OB, Akinola LA, Ashiru OA, Henkel R. Trends in semen parameters of infertile men in South Africa and Nigeria. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6819. [PMID: 37100822 PMCID: PMC10133443 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33648-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
There are conflicting reports on trends of semen parameters from different parts of the globe. However, in recent times there is dearth of information on the trend in Sub-Saharan countries. Therefore, in this study we aimed at determining the trends in semen parameters in Nigeria and South Africa between 2010 and 2019. A retrospective study of semen analyses of 17,292 men attending fertility hospitals in Nigeria and South Africa in 2010, 2015 and 2019. Patients who had undergone vasectomy and those who had a pH less than 5 or greater than 10 were excluded from this study. The following variables were assessed: ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility, total progressively motile sperm count (TPMSC), total sperm count, and normal sperm morphology. Between 2010 and 2019, significant trends of decreasing values were observed in normal sperm morphology (- 50%), and the ejaculatory volume (- 7.4%), indicating a progressive deterioration of the values in both countries. In Nigeria, there were significant decreases in progressive motility (- 87%), TPMSC (- 78%), and sperm morphology (- 55%) between 2010 and 2019 (P < 0.001). Spearman`s rank correlation revealed significant negative associations between age and morphology (ρ = - 0.24, P < 0.001), progressive motility (ρ = - 0.31. P < 0.001), and TPMSC (ρ = - 0.32, P < 0.001). Patients in South Africa were younger than those from Nigeria, with also a significantly higher sperm morphology, sperm concentration, progressive motility, total sperm count and TPMSC. Our findings provide a quantitative evidence of an alarming decreasing trend in semen parameters in Nigeria and South Africa from 2010 to 2019. It also proves that astheno- and teratozoospermia are the leading causes of male infertility in these regions. In addition to this, it also shows empirically that semen parameters decrease with advancement in age. These findings are the first report of temporal trends in semen parameters in Sub-Saharan countries, necessitating a thorough investigation on the underlying factors promoting this worrisome decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edidiong Nnamso Akang
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria.
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
| | - Chinyerum Sylvia Opuwari
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lateef Adekunle Akinola
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medison Specialist Women's Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | - Ralf Henkel
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa.
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- LogixX Pharma, Theale, Berkshire, UK.
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Xu R, Zhong Y, Li R, Li Y, Zhong Z, Liu T, Wang Q, Lv Z, Huang S, Duan YG, Zhang X, Liu Y. Association between exposure to ambient air pollution and semen quality: A systematic review and meta-analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 870:161892. [PMID: 36731563 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence has linked exposure to ambient air pollution to a reduction in semen quality; however, the exposure-response associations are yet to be synthesized. OBJECTIVE To summarize the exposure-response associations between air pollution and semen quality. METHODS We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for relevant studies published before April 20, 2022. Studies investigating the exposure-response association of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, CO, and O3 with semen quality written in English were included. Semen quality parameters included semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm number, total motility, progressive motility, and normal forms. Random-effects and fixed-effects models were performed to synthesize associations in the meta-analysis. RESULTS The search returned 850 studies, 11 of which were eligible for meta-analysis. Each 10 μg/m3 increase of exposure to PM10 and SO2 was respectively associated with a 2.18 % (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.10 %-4.21 %) and 8.61 % (1.00 %-15.63 %) reduction in sperm concentration, and a 2.76 % (0.10 %-5.35 %) and 9.52 % (5.82 %-13.93 %) reduction in total sperm number. Each 10 μg/m3 increase of exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 was respectively associated with a 1.06 % (95 % CI: 0.31 %-1.82 %) and 0.75 % (0.43 %-1.08 %) reduction in total motility, and a 0.55 % (0.09 %-1.01 %) and 0.31 % (0.06 %-0.56 %) reduction in progressive motility. No association was observed for PM2.5 or PM10 with semen volume; PM2.5, NO2, CO, or O3 with sperm concentration or total sperm number; and gaseous air pollutants with total or progressive motility. The association between air pollution and normal forms was not summarized due to insufficient number of studies. No significant publication bias was detected. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to ambient PM2.5, PM10, and SO2 was inversely associated with sperm concentration, total sperm number, total motility, and/or progressive motility. Our findings add to the evidence that air pollution may lead to adverse effects on male reproductive system and suggest that reducing exposure to air pollution may help maintain better semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijun Xu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanling Zhong
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingxin Li
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zihua Zhong
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiling Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute, Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziquan Lv
- Central laboratory of Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Suli Huang
- Department of Environment and Health, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yong-Gang Duan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Centre of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xinzong Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute, Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuewei Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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Sui A, Yao C, Chen Y, Li Y, Yu S, Qu J, Wei H, Tang J, Chen G. Polystyrene nanoplastics inhibit StAR expression by activating HIF-1α via ERK1/2 MAPK and AKT pathways in TM3 Leydig cells and testicular tissues of mice. Food Chem Toxicol 2023; 173:113634. [PMID: 36709824 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.113634] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are widely found in water, food and air, and have been found in human blood, lung and feces. Several studies in vivo have shown that MPs and NPs decrease testosterone level. However, the molecular mechanism of MPs and NPs leading to testosterone reduction remains unclear. In the present study, mice were treated with 50 μg/kg·day polystyrene (PS)-NPs by tail vein injection once daily for two consecutive days, the mRNA and protein levels of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) decreased significantly in testis. TM3 Leydig cells were treated with non-toxic doses of PS-NPs, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) mRNA translation was induced by PS-NPs through mTOR/4E-BP1 pathway, which was activated by the ERK1/2 MAPK and AKT pathways. Simultaneously, increased HIF-1α protein inhibited StAR transcription. Additionally, reactive oxygen species production induced by PS-NPs played a central role in the activation of ERK1/2 MAPK/mTOR and AKT/mTOR signaling pathways. These results suggest that PS-NPs down-regulate StAR expression by increasing HIF-1α, which is induced by activation of mTOR/4E-BP1 through the ERK1/2 MAPK and AKT signaling pathways. Our findings provide new insight into the potential molecular mechanism by which PS-NPs impair testosterone synthesis and male reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiyi Sui
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, College of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226019, China
| | - Chenjuan Yao
- Department of Molecular Oral Physiology, Institute of Health Biosciences, University of Tokushima Graduate School, Tokushima-Shi, Tokushima, 770-8504, Japan
| | - Yanhong Chen
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, College of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226019, China
| | - Yanli Li
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, College of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226019, China
| | - Shali Yu
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, College of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226019, China
| | - Jianhua Qu
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, College of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226019, China
| | - Haiyan Wei
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, College of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226019, China
| | - Juan Tang
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, College of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226019, China.
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, College of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226019, China.
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Zhang X, Fan Z, Wang Q, Deng X, Xu R, Li Y, Liu T, Wang R, Shi C, Huang S, Lv Z, Chen G, Duan YG, Liu Y. Association between ambient temperature and semen quality among sperm donation volunteers in South China. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 173:107809. [PMID: 36805156 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Potential adverse effects of non-optimum temperatures on human semen quality have drawn much concern worldwide; however, the exposure-response relationship remains less understood. OBJECTIVES To quantitatively assess the association between exposure to ambient temperature and semen quality in South China, and to identify potential critical exposure windows. METHODS We conducted a longitudinal study to investigate 11,050 volunteers who lived in Guangdong province, China and intended to donate sperm in the Guangdong provincial human sperm bank during 2016-2021. Exposure to ambient temperature during 0-90 days before semen collection was assessed by extracting daily temperatures from a validated grid dataset at each subject's residential address. Linear mixed models and linear regression models were used to perform exposure-response analyses. RESULTS During the study period, the 11,050 subjects underwent 44,564 semen analyses. Each 5 °C increase of lag 0-90 day exposure to ambient temperature was approximately linearly associated with a 3.11 (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 2.08, 4.14) × 106/ml, 9.31 (4.83, 13.80) × 106, 1.27 % (0.91 %, 1.62 %), 8.20 (5.33, 11.08) × 106, 1.37 % (1.01 %, 1.74 %), 8.29 (5.52, 11.06) × 106, 0.67 % (0.28 %, 1.05 %), and 4.50 (2.20, 6.80) × 106 reduction in sperm concentration, total sperm number, total motility, total motile sperm number, progressive motility, total progressive sperm number, normal forms, and total normal form sperm number, respectively (all p < 0.001), which was not significantly modified by age (all p for effect modification > 0.05). We identified a critical exposure period of 10-14 days before semen collection for sperm motility, and 70-90 days before semen collection for sperm count and morphology. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides consistent evidence that higher ambient temperature was significantly associated with a reduction in semen quality in South China. The findings highlight the needs to reduce high temperature exposures during 3 months before ejaculation to maintain better semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinzong Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute, Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510600, China
| | - Zhaoyu Fan
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Qiling Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute, Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510600, China
| | - Xinyi Deng
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Ruijun Xu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Yingxin Li
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Luohu District Chronic Disease Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518020, China
| | - Chunxiang Shi
- Meteorological Data Laboratory, National Meteorological Information Center, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Suli Huang
- Department of Environment and Health, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Ziquan Lv
- Central Laboratory of Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Gongbo Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Yong-Gang Duan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Centre of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518053, China
| | - Yuewei Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China.
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24
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Dai X, Chen G, Zhang M, Mei K, Liu Y, Ding C, Chang Y, Wu Z, Huang H. Exposure to ambient particulate matter affects semen quality: A case study in Wenzhou, China. Andrology 2023; 11:444-455. [PMID: 36252264 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13326] [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: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Particulate matter (PM), including PM2.5 (PM ≤ 2.5 µm in aerodynamic diameter) and PM10 (PM ≤ 10 µm in aerodynamic diameter), is a component of air pollutants, which is linked to semen quality. However, the available evidence of association needs to be strengthened, and some studies have conflicting results. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the potential impacts of PM on semen quality during the full (0-90 days before semen examination) and three key sperm development windows (0-9, 10-14, and 70-90 days before semen examination). METHODS We included 1494 infertile men in the main urban area in Wenzhou, China, who had undergone semen examinations for fertility between 2014 and 2019. The impacts were assessed by multivariable linear regression models. RESULTS Overall, during the full sperm development window, PM2.5 and PM10 exposures were associated with declined progressive sperm motility (%) (β: -0.6; 95% confidence intervals (CIs): -1.07, -0.13 and -0.46; -0.59, -0.33) and total sperm motility (%) (-1.95; -2.67, -1.23 and -1.32; -1.82, -0.82), and associated with increased sperm concentration (106 /ml) (0.02; 0.006, 0.023 and 0.007; 0.001, 0.013) and total sperm number (106 ) (0.02; 0.01, 0.03 and 0.011; 0.004, 0.017). Furthermore, only PM2.5 exposure during the 10-14 days window was significantly associated with declined progressive motility (%) (-0.207; -0.395, -0.023). CONCLUSIONS During the full sperm development window, PM exposure has an adverse impact on sperm motility and positive impacts on sperm concentration and total sperm number. The adverse impact was more severe in the 10-14 days window.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuchao Dai
- School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Gang Chen
- School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Mengqi Zhang
- School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Kun Mei
- School of Geography Science and Geomatics Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, China
| | - Yanlong Liu
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Cheng Ding
- Department of Respiratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yanxiang Chang
- School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhigang Wu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Reproductive Health Research Center, Health Assessment Center of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hong Huang
- Research Center for Healthy China, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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25
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Dai XC, Zhang MQ, Chen G, Mei K, Liu YL, Huang H, Wu ZG. Will male semen quality improve with environmental quality? Asian J Androl 2023; 25:252-258. [PMID: 35848705 PMCID: PMC10069693 DOI: 10.4103/aja202239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Wenzhou has improved its environmental quality because of comprehensive environmental remediation; nevertheless, the semen quality of infertile males remains unclear. This study determined whether better environmental quality improved semen quality in this region. We recorded semen quality data from 22 962 infertile males from January 2014 to November 2019 at the Center for Reproductive Health of The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (Wenzhou, China). Patients were predominantly 30-35 years old (33.1%) and workers (82.0%), with high school education or lower (77.6%); more than a half of the patients (52.6%) were Wenzhou household registration; and most patients (77.5%) had abnormal semen quality. Patients who were older than 40 years and workers, and those with Wenzhou household registration, had significantly worse semen quality (all P < 0.05). From 2014 to 2019, progressive sperm motility, total sperm motility, and semen volume showed increasing linear trends in all patients (P = 0.021, 0.030, and 0.005, respectively), yet normal sperm morphology showed a linearly decreasing trend (P = 0.046). Sensitivity analyses for subgroups yielded similar results. In conclusion, the improvement of environmental quality and better function of the accessory glands are associated with progressive sperm motility, total sperm motility, and semen volume. Normal sperm morphology is influenced by occupational exposures and personal lifestyle and does not improve with environmental quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Chao Dai
- School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Meng-Qi Zhang
- School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Gang Chen
- School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Kun Mei
- School of Geography Science and Geomatics Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Yan-Long Liu
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Hong Huang
- Research Center for Healthy China, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Zhi-Gang Wu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China.,Reproductive Health Research Center, Health Assessment Center of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
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26
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Whittaker J. Dietary trends and the decline in male reproductive health. Hormones (Athens) 2023; 22:165-197. [PMID: 36725796 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-023-00431-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Over the twentieth century, male reproductive health has suffered a substantial decline, as evidenced by decreases in sperm counts and testosterone levels and increases in reproductive pathologies. At the same time, the prevalence of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome has risen dramatically. Metabolic and reproductive health are highly interconnected, suggesting that their respective trends are intertwined and, given the timeframe of such trends, environmental and not genetic factors are most likely to be the primary causes. Industrialization, which began in Europe in the mid-eighteenth century, has resulted in profound changes to our diet, lifestyle, and environment, many of which are causal factors in the rise in chronic diseases. Industrialization results in a nutrition transition from an agricultural unprocessed to a modern processed diet, incorporating increases in sugar, vegetable oils, ultra-processed foods, linoleic acid, trans-fats, and total energy. This dietary shift has incurred numerous adverse effects on metabolic and reproductive health, characterized by chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance. Moreover, these effects appear to multiply across subsequent generations via epigenetic inheritance. Men's fertility is markedly affected by obesity and diabetes, with an increase in total energy via processed food intake arguably being the key factor driving the diabesity pandemic. In contrast, wholefoods rich in micronutrients and phytonutrients support male fertility and a healthy body weight. Therefore, men wanting to maximize their fertility should consider making positive dietary changes, such as replacing processed foods with unprocessed foods that support metabolic and reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Whittaker
- The School of Allied Health and Community, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, Worcester, WR2 6AJ, UK.
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27
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Cannarella R, Gül M, Rambhatla A, Agarwal A. Temporal decline of sperm concentration: role of endocrine disruptors. Endocrine 2023; 79:1-16. [PMID: 36194343 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-022-03136-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Male infertility is a widespread disease with an etiology that is not always clear. A number of studies have reported a decrease in sperm production in the last forty years. Although the reasons are still undefined, the change in environmental conditions and the higher exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), namely bisphenol A, phthalates, polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated diphenyl esters, dichlorodiphenyl-dichloroethylene, pesticides, and herbicides, organophosphates, and heavy metals, starting from prenatal life may represent a possible factor justifying the temporal decline in sperm count. AIM The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive description of the effects of the exposure to EDCs on testicular development, spermatogenesis, the prevalence of malformations of the male genital tract (cryptorchidism, testicular dysgenesis, and hypospadias), testicular tumor, and the mechanisms of testicular EDC-mediated damage. NARRATIVE REVIEW Animal studies confirm the deleterious impact of EDCs on the male reproductive apparatus. EDCs can compromise male fertility by binding to hormone receptors, dysregulating the expression of receptors, disrupting steroidogenesis and hormonal metabolism, and altering the epigenetic mechanisms. In humans, exposure to EDCs has been associated with poor semen quality, increased sperm DNA fragmentation, increased gonadotropin levels, a slightly increased risk of structural abnormalities of the genital apparatus, such as cryptorchidism and hypospadias, and development of testicular tumor. Finally, maternal exposure to EDCs seems to predispose to the risk of developing testicular tumors. CONCLUSION EDCs negatively impact the testicular function, as suggested by evidence in both experimental animals and humans. A prenatal and postnatal increase to EDC exposure compared to the past may likely represent one of the factors leading to the temporal decline in sperm counts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Cannarella
- Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Murat Gül
- Department of Urology, Selcuk University School of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
| | | | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine (Virtual Research), Global Andrology Forum, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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28
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Ma Y, Peng X, Pan Z, Hu C, Xia Q, Cai G, Cao Y, Pan F. Linear and non-linear relationships between sulfur dioxide and semen quality: A longitudinal study in Anhui, China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 216:114731. [PMID: 36368370 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Existing evidence indicates that ambient air pollutants pose a threat to human semen quality; however, these findings are sparse and controversial. Besides, their non-linear dose-response relationship has not yet been well investigated. This study aimed to explore the linear and non-linear associations of gaseous air pollutants exposure with semen quality based on a large longitudinal cohort. A total of 15,112 males (with 28,267 semen tests) from the Anhui prospective assisted reproduction cohort were analyzed. Individual air pollutants exposure before semen tests in four exposure windows (i.e., 0-9, 10-14, 70-90, and 0-90 days) were estimated by inverse distance weighting interpolation. Linear mixed-effects models, cubic spline analysis and piecewise regression were used to test the potential linear and non-linear dose-response relationships. Ambient SO2 exposure was negatively associated with all semen quality parameters (all p values < 0.05), except for the progressive motility in the 0-90 and 70-90 days exposure windows. There were 'J' or 'U' shaped dose-response relationships of ambient SO2 exposure with total sperm count, progressive motility, total motility, progressively motile sperm count, and total motile sperm count (p values for non-linearity < 0.05), but not sperm concentration. Piecewise regression analysis also indicated a negative association of SO2 exposure with semen quality only when SO2 exposure was below the cut-off points identified by cubic spline analyses, which were all smaller than 40 μg/m3, the 2021 updated WHO air quality guideline level for SO2 exposure. Overall, we found that SO2 exposure was negatively associated with semen quality. Ambient SO2 exposure could reach the maximum hazardous dose even below the WHO air quality guideline level for SO2 exposure, suggesting a refinement to the current guideline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubo Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China; The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, 81 Meishan Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoqing Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; School of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhipeng Pan
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chengyang Hu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China; Department of Humanistic Medicine, School of Humanistic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Qing Xia
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Guoqi Cai
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China; The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, 81 Meishan Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Faming Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China; The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, 81 Meishan Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
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29
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Sun Z, Wen Y, Wang B, Deng S, Zhang F, Fu Z, Yuan Y, Zhang D. Toxic effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on sperm: Epidemiological and experimental evidence. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1114463. [PMID: 36891048 PMCID: PMC9986484 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1114463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
As emerging organic contaminants, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have aroused worldwide concern due to their environmental persistence, ubiquitous presence, bioaccumulation, and potential toxicity. It has been demonstrated that PFASs can accumulate in human body and cause multiple adverse health outcomes. Notably, PFASs have been detected in the semen of human, posing a potential hazard to male fecundity. This article reviews the evidence about the toxic effects of exposure to PFASs on male reproduction, focusing on the sperm quality. Epidemiological studies showed that PFASs, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), were adversely associated with the semen parameters in humans, including sperm count, morphology and motility. Experimental results also confirmed that PFAS exposure led to testicular and epididymal damage, therefore impairing spermatogenesis and sperm quality. The mechanisms of reproductive toxicity of PFASs may be involved in blood-testosterone barrier destruction, testicular apoptosis, testosterone synthesis disorder, and membrane lipid composition alteration, oxidative stress and Ca2+ influx in sperm. In conclusion, this review highlighted the potential threat of exposure to PFASs to human spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangbei Sun
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yiqian Wen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Binhui Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Shiyi Deng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhendong Fu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yangyang Yuan
- Clinical Medical Experimental Center, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Dalei Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- *Correspondence: Dalei Zhang,
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30
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Liu C, Chen YJ, Sun B, Chen HG, Mustieles V, Messerlian C, Sun Y, Meng TQ, Lu WQ, Pan XF, Xiong CL, Hou J, Wang YX. Blood trihalomethane concentrations in relation to sperm mitochondrial DNA copy number and telomere length among 958 healthy men. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 216:114737. [PMID: 36372149 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In animal and human studies, exposure to trihalomethanes (THMs) has been associated with reduced semen quality. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. OBJECTIVE To investigate the associations of blood THM concentrations with sperm mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) and telomere length (TL) among healthy men. METHODS We recruited 958 men who volunteered as potential sperm donors. A single blood sample was collected from each participant at recruitment and measured for chloroform (TCM), bromodichloromethane (BDCM), dibromochloromethane (DBCM), and bromoform (TBM) concentrations. Within a 90-day follow-up, the last semen sample provided by each participant was quantified for sperm mtDNAcn and TL. We used multivariable linear regression models to assess the associations between blood THM concentrations and sperm mtDNAcn and TL. We also performed stratified analyses according to the time intervals between baseline blood THM determinations and semen collection (i.e., 0-9, 10-14, 15-69, or >69 days) to explore potential windows of susceptibility. RESULTS After adjusting for potential confounders, we found inverse associations between quartiles (or categories) of blood TBM, brominated THM (Br-THM, the sum of BDCM, DBCM, and TBM), and total THM (TTHM, the sum of all four THMs) concentrations and sperm mtDNAcn (all P for trend≤0.03). Besides, we found inverse associations between quartiles of blood TCM, Br-THM, chlorinated THM (Cl-THM, the sum of TCM, BDCM, and DBCM), and TTHM concentrations and sperm TL (all P for trend<0.10). Stratified analyses showed stronger associations between Br-THM concentrations and sperm mtDNAcn determined 15-69 days since baseline exposure determinations, and between blood TCM and TTHM concentrations and sperm TL determined >69 days since baseline exposure determinations. CONCLUSION Exposure to THMs may be associated with sperm mitochondrial and telomeric dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, And State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Ying-Jun Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Bin Sun
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, And State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Heng-Gui Chen
- Clinical Research and Translation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, PR China
| | - Vicente Mustieles
- University of Granada, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM); Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Messerlian
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tian-Qing Meng
- Hubei Province Human Sperm Bank, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Wen-Qing Lu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, And State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Xiong-Fei Pan
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Chen-Liang Xiong
- Hubei Province Human Sperm Bank, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Wuhan, PR China.
| | - Jian Hou
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, PR China.
| | - Yi-Xin Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
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Garcia-Grau E, Lleberia J, Costa L, Guitart M, Yeste M, Benet J, Amengual MJ, Ribas-Maynou J. Decline of Sperm Quality over the Last Two Decades in the South of Europe: A Retrospective Study in Infertile Patients. BIOLOGY 2022; 12:biology12010070. [PMID: 36671762 PMCID: PMC9856056 DOI: 10.3390/biology12010070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Semen quality has a direct relation to male fertility. Whether sperm variables in humans have decreased over the last years is still uncertain, with some studies showing a decline and others reporting no changes. In this regard, previous research has suggested that lifestyle and environmental conditions may contribute to this variability, calling for regional studies. The present work is a retrospective, unicentric study that includes semen samples analyzed between 1997 and 2017 at the Parc Taulí Hospital (Barcelona metropolitan area). First, a multivariate analysis including the age as a confounding factor showed a statistically significant decrease in semen volume, pH, progressive motility, morphology and total motile sperm over time. Contrarily, no significant variation in sperm count or concentration was observed. Mean reductions per year were -0.02 mL for volume, -0.57% for progressively motile sperm and -0.72% for sperm with normal morphology. Interestingly, the average annual temperature registered by the Spanish Meteorology Agency negatively correlated to sperm morphology and sperm count (Rs = -0.642; p = 0.002 and Rs = -0.435; p = 0.049, respectively). In conclusion, the present study based on infertile patients from the Barcelona area found a decline in sperm motility and morphology, without effects on sperm count. Changes in temperature appeared to be associated to this decline, but further studies are needed to address the mechanisms linked to the observed variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Garcia-Grau
- Departament of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Parc Taulí Health Corporation, ES-08208 Sabadell, Spain
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, (Cerdanyola del Vallès), ES-08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Judith Lleberia
- Departament of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Parc Taulí Health Corporation, ES-08208 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Laura Costa
- Departament of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Parc Taulí Health Corporation, ES-08208 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Miriam Guitart
- UDIAT Diagnostic Center, Parc Taulí Health Corporation, ES-08208 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), ES-08010 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Jordi Benet
- Unit of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), ES-08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - María José Amengual
- UDIAT Diagnostic Center, Parc Taulí Health Corporation, ES-08208 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
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Xiao L, Wang Q, Ni H, Xu T, Zeng Q, Yu X, Wu H, Guo P, Zhang Q, Zhang X. Effect of ambient temperature variability on sperm quality: A retrospective population-based cohort study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 851:158245. [PMID: 36007649 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Abnormal sperm quality in men is one of the common causes of infertility. Both ambient temperature and extreme heat exposure have been shown to be associated with sperm quality, but there is no epidemiological evidence for the effect of ambient temperature variability. Our aim was to investigate the association between ambient temperature variability exposure and a decline in sperm quality at different stages of sperm development. METHODS A total of 4912 semen samples collected from the Guangdong Human Sperm Bank between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019 were analyzed. We selected three exposure periods: the full-stage (0-90 lag days), early-stage (34-77 lag days) and late-stage (0-37 lag days) of sperm development, and then calculated the standard deviation of daily temperature (TVSD), the maximum day-to-day temperature difference (TVDmax) and the mean day-to-day temperature difference (TVDmean) for the three exposure periods. A linear mixed model was used to explore the exposure response relationship between temperature variability exposure and sperm quality indicators (including sperm concentration, sperm count and sperm motility). RESULTS There was a significant negative association of decreased sperm count with the exposure to temperature variability during 0-90 days prior to sperm collection. (TVDmax: -0.041; -0.063, -0.019; TVDmean: -0.237; -0.386, -0.088; TVSD: -0.103; -0.196, -0.011). We observed a significant association between the decline in sperm concentration, sperm count and per 1 °C increase in TVDmean during early spermatogenesis. No significant association of temperature variability with sperm motility was found. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that exposure to temperature variability during the entire period of sperm development is significantly associated with a decline in sperm counts. We found that mean day-to-day temperature differences had a detrimental effect on sperm counts in the early-stage. Our findings provide a scientific basis for public health policy and further mechanistic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Xiao
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, No. 22 Xinling Road, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Qiling Wang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangzhou, China; Department of Andrology, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), China
| | - Haobo Ni
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, No. 22 Xinling Road, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, No. 22 Xinling Road, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Qinghui Zeng
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, No. 22 Xinling Road, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Xiaolin Yu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, No. 22 Xinling Road, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Haisheng Wu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, No. 22 Xinling Road, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Pi Guo
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, No. 22 Xinling Road, Shantou 515041, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Qingying Zhang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, No. 22 Xinling Road, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Xinzong Zhang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Andrology, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), China
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Current status and reflections on fertility preservation in China. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:2835-2845. [PMID: 36322229 PMCID: PMC9790826 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02648-0] [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: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE With the progress of medical technology and renovated conception of fertility, the prospective studies and practice of fertility preservation are drawing more and more attention from medical workers. With the largest population of over 1.4 billion, China makes the experience accumulated in fertility preservation efforts even more relevant. This article summarizes China's experience and shares it with the world to promote the healthy development of fertility preservation. METHODS This study was based on multiple Chinese expert consensuses on fertility preservation issued in 2021 and the current national regulations and principles, compared with the latest advice and guidelines issued by global reproductive authorities such as the ASRM and ESHRE. Summarize the experience and reflection of Chinese scholars in the process of fertility preservation. RESULTS This study reports on the current situation of fertility preservation in China, sharing the Chinese experience gained in the process of development, and offering Chinese reflections on worrying issues. CONCLUSION Fertility preservation is a medical and social issue of reproductive health security, which is conducive to the sound development of the world population and social production.
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Huang C, Wu HL, Zhou WJ, Huang ZH, Luo XF, Tang YL, Liu Q, Fan LQ, Nie HC, Zhu WB. Genetic testing of sperm donors at a human sperm bank in China. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:942447. [PMID: 36204111 PMCID: PMC9530660 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.942447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In China, numerous human sperm banks only perform three-generation family history evaluation to exclude genetic diseases with clinical symptoms; therefore, many inherited risks cannot be detected before donor qualification even when a thorough genetic family history evaluation has been performed. Hence, the risk of recessive disease inheritance persists with the current eligibility guidelines in China regarding the donor selection process. Methods Retrospective study that reviewed the genetic test analyses and clinical outcomes of young adult men who were qualified sperm donors at the Hunan Province Human Sperm Bank of China from January 1, 2018, to May 1, 2021. We included a total of 3231 qualified sperm donors: all donors underwent primary screening for thalassemia and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Whereafter, 278 of donors underwent genetic testing for specific genes, and 43 donors underwent whole exome sequencing. Results 2.4% of 3231 qualified sperm donors might have thalassemia and 1.4% might have G6PD deficiency. Sperm donors with thalassemia and G6PD deficiency would be eliminated. Specific gene testing identified 7 of the 278 donors (2.5%) as carriers of at least one pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant in a gene, including 1.9% of 154 donors (3/154) as carrier variants in α-Like or β-Like globin genes, 17.6% of 17 donors (3/17) as carrier variants in GJB2, 12.5% of 8 donors (1/8) as carrier variants in SMN1. In addition, among the 43 sperm donors carrying the 111 pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants, eight (18.6%) were carriers of pathogenic variants of the GJB2 gene. The frequency, therefore, was approximately 1 in 5. Conclusions The data suggest that used blood routine and RDT can make a preliminary screening of sperm donors, and special gene testing should be performed for sperm donors according to the regional incidence of specific genetic diseases. Meanwhile, whole exome sequencing can be used as a supplementary application in sperm donor genetic testing, and aid a successful and healthy pregnancy. However, industry guidelines must be modified to incorporate its use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Huang
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of China International Trust and Investment Corporation (CITIC)-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Hui-Lan Wu
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of China International Trust and Investment Corporation (CITIC)-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Wen-Jun Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Basic Medicine College, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zeng-Hui Huang
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of China International Trust and Investment Corporation (CITIC)-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Basic Medicine College, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xue-Feng Luo
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Basic Medicine College, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yu-Ling Tang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Basic Medicine College, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Basic Medicine College, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Li-Qing Fan
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of China International Trust and Investment Corporation (CITIC)-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Basic Medicine College, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hong-Chuan Nie
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of China International Trust and Investment Corporation (CITIC)-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Wen-Bing Zhu
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of China International Trust and Investment Corporation (CITIC)-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Basic Medicine College, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Zhou M, Yao T, Li J, Hui H, Fan W, Guan Y, Zhang A, Xu B. Preliminary prediction of semen quality based on modifiable lifestyle factors by using the XGBoost algorithm. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:811890. [PMID: 36177329 PMCID: PMC9514383 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.811890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Semen quality has decreased gradually in recent years, and lifestyle changes are among the primary causes for this issue. Thus far, the specific lifestyle factors affecting semen quality remain to be elucidated. Materials and methods In this study, data on the following factors were collected from 5,109 men examined at our reproductive medicine center: 10 lifestyle factors that potentially affect semen quality (smoking status, alcohol consumption, staying up late, sleeplessness, consumption of pungent food, intensity of sports activity, sedentary lifestyle, working in hot conditions, sauna use in the last 3 months, and exposure to radioactivity); general factors including age, abstinence period, and season of semen examination; and comprehensive semen parameters [semen volume, sperm concentration, progressive and total sperm motility, sperm morphology, and DNA fragmentation index (DFI)]. Then, machine learning with the XGBoost algorithm was applied to establish a primary prediction model by using the collected data. Furthermore, the accuracy of the model was verified via multiple logistic regression following k-fold cross-validation analyses. Results The results indicated that for semen volume, sperm concentration, progressive and total sperm motility, and DFI, the area under the curve (AUC) values ranged from 0.648 to 0.697, while the AUC for sperm morphology was only 0.506. Among the 13 factors, smoking status was the major factor affecting semen volume, sperm concentration, and progressive and total sperm motility. Age was the most important factor affecting DFI. Logistic combined with cross-validation analysis revealed similar results. Furthermore, it showed that heavy smoking (>20 cigarettes/day) had an overall negative effect on semen volume and sperm concentration and progressive and total sperm motility (OR = 4.69, 6.97, 11.16, and 10.35, respectively), while age of >35 years was associated with increased DFI (OR = 5.47). Conclusion The preliminary lifestyle-based model developed for semen quality prediction by using the XGBoost algorithm showed potential for clinical application and further optimization with larger training datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjuan Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianci Yao
- Shanghai National Engineering Research Center of Digital Television Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Li
- Clinical Research Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Hui
- Cooperative Medianet Innovation Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weimin Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunfeng Guan
- School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Yunfeng Guan
| | - Aijun Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Aijun Zhang
| | - Bufang Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Histo-Embryology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Bufang Xu
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Pinto da Silva S, de Freitas C, Severo M, Silva S. Gamete and embryo donation for research: what might shape the willingness to donate among gamete donors and recipients? J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:2077-2087. [PMID: 35986809 PMCID: PMC9475016 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02569-y] [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: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Research using gametes and embryos donated by reproductive and third-party donors contributed to substantial, albeit contentious achievements. The views of gamete donors and recipients on donation for research and the underpinning role of attitudes towards research have been seldom explored and are yet to be incorporated into ethical, legal, and regulatory landscapes. From a cultural standpoint, this study adapts and explores psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the Research Attitudes Questionnaire (RAQ), and analyzes the willingness of gamete donors and recipients to donate gametes and embryos for research and its association with sociodemographic, reproductive characteristics, and attitudes towards research. METHODS Between July 2017 and June 2018, 71 donors and 165 recipients completed a self-administered questionnaire at the Portuguese Public Bank of Gametes. Willingness to donate and attitudes towards research were measured with a 5-point Likert scale. RAQ psychometric characteristics were explored. RESULTS Two RAQ components were identified: "trustworthiness of research" and "critical perspective". Most participants were willing to donate gametes and embryos: donors more willing to donate gametes and male recipients more willing to donate gametes and embryos. Higher RAQ scores, indicating a more positive attitude towards research, were observed on the component "trustworthiness of research" among those willing to donate gametes and embryos and on the component "critical perspective" among those willing to donate embryos. CONCLUSION These findings help foster inclusivity, diversity, and responsiveness of research and call for upstream engagement of male and female gamete donors and recipients, promoting a trustworthy, anticipatory, democratic, and people-centered approach to policies, regulations, and practices in human gamete and embryo research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Pinto da Silva
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas nº135, 4050‑600, Porto, Portugal.
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas nº135, 4050-600, Porto, Portugal.
- Departamento de Ciências da Saúde Pública e Forenses e Educação Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Cláudia de Freitas
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas nº135, 4050‑600, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas nº135, 4050-600, Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Ciências da Saúde Pública e Forenses e Educação Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
- Centre for Research and Studies in Sociology (CIES-IUL), University Institute of Lisbon (ISCTE-IUL), Avenida das Forças Armadas, 1649-026, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Milton Severo
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas nº135, 4050‑600, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas nº135, 4050-600, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira nº 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Susana Silva
- Department of Sociology, Institute of Social Sciences, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- Centre for Research in Anthropology (CRIA), Avenida das Forças Armadas, 1649-026, Lisboa, Portugal
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Miao Y, Zeng JY, Rong M, Li M, Zhang L, Liu C, Tian KM, Yang KD, Liu CJ, Zeng Q. Organochlorine pesticide exposures, metabolic enzyme genetic polymorphisms and semen quality parameters among men attending an infertility clinic. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 303:135010. [PMID: 35605733 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135010] [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: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The associations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) with semen quality from human studies are conflicting, and also it is largely unknown whether the associations are modified by genetic polymorphisms. We aimed to evaluate the associations between serum concentrations of 18 OCPs and semen quality among 387 Chinese men, and further to examine the modifying effects by genetic polymorphisms in cytochrome P450 (CYP2E1) and glutathione S-transferase (GSTT1). Multivariable linear regressions were used to evaluate the relationships between serum OCP concentrations and semen quality, and the role of CYP2E1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms in modifying the associations were assessed. Multiple testing was adjusted using the false discovery rate (FDR). We observed that men with detectable concentrations of serum ɤ-HCH had a decrease in sperm motility of 7.07% (95% CI: -10.9%, -3.24%) compared to those with undetectable concentrations (FDR-P value = 0.02). Men with TT of CYP2E1 rs 915906 genotypes had higher median concentrations of serum dieldrin compared with those with CT/CC of CYP2E1 rs 915906 genotypes. There were interactions between CYP2E1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms and certain OCPs namely ɤ-HCH, δ-HCH, dieldrin, endosulfan I, and endrin aldehyde on semen quality. For example, elevated dieldrin levels in relation to decreased sperm concentration, sperm count, and sperm motility were only observed among men with CC of CYP2E1 rs2031920 genotypes (all Pinteraction < 0.05). However, these interactions were not statistically significant after the FDR adjustment. Our results suggested that CYP2E1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms may modify the effects of OCP exposures on semen quality. Due to the relatively small size samples, further investigation is warranted to confirm the findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Miao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Jia-Yue Zeng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Mao Rong
- Hubei Provincial Institute for Food Supervision and Test, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Hubei Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center for Food Quality and Safety Test, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Min Li
- Hubei Provincial Institute for Food Supervision and Test, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Hubei Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center for Food Quality and Safety Test, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Li Zhang
- Hubei Provincial Institute for Food Supervision and Test, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Hubei Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center for Food Quality and Safety Test, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Chong Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Kun-Ming Tian
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Ke-Di Yang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Chang-Jiang Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute, Chongqing, PR China.
| | - Qiang Zeng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China.
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Auger J, Eustache F, Chevrier C, Jégou B. Spatiotemporal trends in human semen quality. Nat Rev Urol 2022; 19:597-626. [PMID: 35978007 PMCID: PMC9383660 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-022-00626-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Over the past four decades, studies of various designs have reported spatial and temporal trends in human semen quality. Several standardized-methodology studies in homogeneous populations that compare specific cities within a country or a continent provide clear evidence of geographical differences in sperm production, even over short distances within the same country. Human sperm production is widely believed to be declining over time, but evidence from the scientific literature is less clear. Studies based on repeated cross-sectional data from a single centre have shown mixed results. Among the numerous retrospective studies conducted in a single centre, only some included homogeneous groups of men and appropriate methods, and most of them suggest a temporal decrease in human sperm production in the geographical areas considered. Conclusions reporting temporal trends in sperm production that came from existing retrospective multicentre studies based on individual semen data and those using means, medians or estimates of sperm production are questionable, owing to intrinsic limitations in the studies performed. Regardless of study design, studies on the percentage of motile or morphologically normal spermatozoa are still limited by the inherent variability in assessment. Overall, available data do not enable us to conclude that human semen quality is deteriorating worldwide or in the Western world, but that a trend is observed in some specific areas. To understand these trends and contrasts in sperm and semen quality, prospective studies should be encouraged and combined with assessment of the male exposome. Several studies over the past few decades have suggested that sperm quality varies by geographical region and might be subject to a temporal decline worldwide. However, the data supporting these conclusions have come from studies of various methodologies and heterogeneous populations, making them unreliable. In this in-depth Review, Chevrier and colleagues discuss the data surrounding discussion of spatiotemporal trends in semen parameters and consider how these trends and the factors promoting them interact. The vast literature on human semen quality trends is extremely heterogeneous in terms of the populations studied and study designs, and so these studies have been unable to draw firm conclusions. Understanding the data around spatiotemporal semen trends requires a focus on the methodological choices and application of criteria to filter findings from the studies with optimal design. Numerous appropriately designed studies suggest unambiguous geographical contrasts in human sperm production; however, evidence of a decline in sperm production is reliable only in specific populations and cities in which studies with a complete set of quality criteria have been conducted. By contrast, suggestions of a worldwide drop in human semen quality on the basis of retrospective multicentre studies cannot be substantiated, owing to intrinsic limitations in the studies performed. Many and varied factors of variation, in particular the diverse modalities of assessment, do not enable us to conclude that clear temporal trends of sperm motility and normal morphology are present. Progress in our understanding of the highlighted trends and their causal factors requires prospective studies that minimize all known biases combined with the assessment of men’s exposome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Auger
- INSERM U1016-Equipe "Génomique, Epigénétique et Physiologie de la Reproduction", Institut Cochin, Université Paris Descartes-Paris, Paris, France
| | - Florence Eustache
- INSERM U1016-Equipe "Génomique, Epigénétique et Physiologie de la Reproduction", Institut Cochin, Université Paris Descartes-Paris, Paris, France.,CECOS, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Seine-Saint-Denis, Hôpital Jean Verdier and Service de Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Nord Val de Seine, Hôpital Bichat, Paris, France
| | - Cécile Chevrier
- Université Rennes, INSERM, EHESP, IRSET-UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France.
| | - Bernard Jégou
- Université Rennes, INSERM, EHESP, IRSET-UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
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Ma Y, Zhang J, Cai G, Xia Q, Xu S, Hu C, Cao Y, Pan F. Inverse association between ambient particulate matter and semen quality in Central China: Evidence from a prospective cohort study of 15,112 participants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 833:155252. [PMID: 35427605 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that ambient particulate matter (PM) is harmful to male fertility, but the associations between ambient PM exposure and semen quality were inconsistent. This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the association between ambient PM exposure and semen quality based on a large prospective cohort. Using data from the prospective assisted reproduction cohort in Anhui province, China, we included 15,112 males with 28,267 semen tests, whose partner has undergone assisted reproductive technology from September 1, 2015 to September, 22 2020. Individual ambient PM, gaseous air pollutants, and temperature exposures of the participants during 0-90, 0-9, 10-14, and 70-90 days before semen quality tests were evaluated using inverse distance weighting interpolation. Linear mixed-effects models were conducted to evaluate the relationship between PM2.5 and PM10 exposures and standardized semen quality parameters. Models were adjusted for age, body mass index, smoking, drinking, education attainment, occupation type, sampling month, temperature and the principal component of gaseous air pollutants. PM2.5 and PM10 were inversely associated with sperm concentration, total sperm count, total motility, progressive motility, total motile sperm count, and progressively motile sperm count during 0-90, 0-9, and 70-90 days period (all p < 0.05), but not 10-14 days period. The regression coefficients of PM2.5 exposure on semen quality parameters during 0-90 days period were larger than 0-9 and 70-90 days periods, and the effects of PM2.5 on semen quality parameters were stronger than PM10. Our results showed that ambient PM2.5 and PM10 exposures were associated with semen quality, during 70-90 days and 0-9 days before sampling, and the entire spermatogenesis process. The effects of PM2.5 on semen quality parameters were stronger than PM10, and the long-term effects of PM2.5 and PM10, throughout spermatogenesis, were stronger than the short-term effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubo Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China; The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, 81 Meishan Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Guoqi Cai
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China; The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, 81 Meishan Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qing Xia
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool St, Hobart 7000, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Shanshan Xu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China; The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, 81 Meishan Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chengyang Hu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China; Department of Humanistic Medicine, School of Humanistic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Faming Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China; The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, 81 Meishan Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
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Zhong O, Liao B, Wang J, Liu K, Lei X, Hu L. Effects of Sleep Disorders and Circadian Rhythm Changes on Male Reproductive Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Front Physiol 2022; 13:913369. [PMID: 35910569 PMCID: PMC9326175 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.913369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to elucidate the relationship between sleep disorders and male reproductive health, and to explore the underlying mechanisms via a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane library, Web of Science, Scopus databases were searched to collect clinical research on the effects of sleep disorders on male semen parameters from inception to February 24, 2022. RevMan 5.4 was used for meta-statistical analysis. Stata16 software was used to detect publication bias. Results: The results of meta-analysis showed that sleep disorders were associated with reduced total sperm count (mean difference (MD) = −27.91, 95% CI = (−37.82, −18.01), p < 0.001), reduced sperm concentration (MD = −5.16, 95% CI = (−9.67, −0.65), p = 0.02), reduced progressive motility (MD = −2.94, 95% CI = (−5.28, −0.59), p = 0.01), and reduced normal morphology (MD = −0.52, 95% CI = (−0.80, −0.24), p < 0.001). However, there is no significant association between sleep disorders and semen volume/reproductive hormones. Further bioinformatics mining revealed that related clock genes (PER1, PER2, CRY2, NR1D1 and NPAS2) were down-regulated in non-obstructive azoospermia patients. Conclusion: In conclusion, current evidence suggests that sleep disorders have a negative impact on male reproductive health, and its underlying mechanism may be related to circadian rhythm disorders. However, the relationship between sleep disorders and reproductive hormone levels has not been found. Due to the limited number and quality of included studies, the above findings need to be validated by more high-quality studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ou Zhong
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
- Clinical Anatomy and Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Biyun Liao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Jinyuan Wang
- Clinical Anatomy and Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Ke Liu
- Clinical Anatomy and Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Xiaocan Lei
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
- Clinical Anatomy and Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaocan Lei, ; Linlin Hu,
| | - Linlin Hu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaocan Lei, ; Linlin Hu,
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Shi F, Zhang Z, Cui H, Wang J, Wang Y, Tang Y, Yang W, Zou P, Ling X, Han F, Liu J, Chen Q, Liu C, Cao J, Ao L. Analysis by transcriptomics and metabolomics for the proliferation inhibition and dysfunction through redox imbalance-mediated DNA damage response and ferroptosis in male reproduction of mice and TM4 Sertoli cells exposed to PM 2.5. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 238:113569. [PMID: 35512470 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Sertoli cells play a pivotal role in the complex spermatogenesis process. This study aimed to investigate the effects of PM2.5 on Sertoli cells using the TM4 cell line and a real time whole-body PM2.5 exposure mouse model, and further explore the underlying mechanisms through the application of metabolomics and transcriptomics. The results in vivo and in vitro showed that PM2.5 reduced Sertoli cells number in seminiferous tubules and inhibited cell proliferation. PM2.5 exposure also induced Sertoli cell dysfunction by increasing androgen binding protein (ABP) concentration, reducing the blood-testis barrier (BTB)-related protein expression, and decreasing glycolysis capacity and lactate production. The results of transcriptomics, metabolomics, and integrative analysis of multi-omics in the TM4 Sertoli cells revealed the activation of xenobiotic metabolism, and the disturbance of glutathione and purine metabolism after PM2.5 exposure. Further tests verified the reduced GSH/GSSG ratio and the elevation of xanthine oxidase (XO) activity in the PM2.5-exposed TM4 cells, indicating that excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) was generated via metabolic disorder caused by PM2.5. Moreover, the redox imbalance was proved by the increase in the mitochondrial ROS level, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity, as well as the activation of the Nrf2 antioxidative pathway. Further study found that the redox imbalance caused by PM2.5 induced DNA damage response and cell cycle arrest. Additionally, PM2.5 induced ferroptosis through iron overload and lipid peroxidation. Taken all together, our study provided new insights for understanding proliferation inhibition and dysfunction of TM4 Sertoli cells exposed to PM2.5 via metabolic disorder and redox imbalance-mediated DNA damage response and ferroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuquan Shi
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Zhonghao Zhang
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Haonan Cui
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jiankang Wang
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yimeng Wang
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Ying Tang
- Institution of Health and Family Planning Supervision of Wei'yang District of Xi'an City, Xi'an 710016, China
| | - Wang Yang
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Peng Zou
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Xi Ling
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Fei Han
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jinyi Liu
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Qing Chen
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Cuiqing Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Public Health, Joint China-US Research Center for Environment and Pulmonary Diseases, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Jia Cao
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.
| | - Lin Ao
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.
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Li Y, Sun C, Ma H, Zhu H, Zhang F, Jiang F. Basic Phenotyping of Male Fertility from 2019 to 2020 at the Human Sperm Bank of Fudan University. PHENOMICS (CHAM, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 2:211-218. [PMID: 36939761 PMCID: PMC9590568 DOI: 10.1007/s43657-022-00047-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this cross-sectional survey was to analyze the semen parameters of volunteers from the Human Sperm Bank of Fudan University, as well as the related factors influencing these parameters. From January 2019 to December 2020, semen parameters from a total of 5214 men were included in this survey. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to detect differences associated with several independent variables. A total of 5214 volunteers were included. The volunteers were registered in 33 provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities (including Macau and Taiwan) and 294 prefecture-level cities. The average age of volunteers was 27.40 years. Overall, 76.50% of the volunteers had a college education or higher. Volunteers with BMI values of 18.5-23.9 kg/m2 accounted for 60.70% of participants. Semen parameters were significantly different according to season, education level, duration of abstinence, age group and BMI. The basic male fertility phenotypes (semen parameters) showed new trends in the study period, and accurate long-term tracking of male semen parameters will help researchers to better understand the changes in male fertility phenotypes (semen).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yadong Li
- Human Sperm Bank of Fudan University, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011 China
| | - Can Sun
- Human Sperm Bank of Fudan University, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011 China
| | - Haitao Ma
- Human Sperm Bank of Fudan University, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011 China
| | - Hong Zhu
- Human Sperm Bank of Fudan University, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011 China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011 China
| | - Feng Jiang
- Human Sperm Bank of Fudan University, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011 China
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011 China
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Zhang S, Mo F, Chang Y, Wu S, Ma Q, Jin F, Xing L. Effects of mobile phone use on semen parameters: a cross-sectional study of 1634 men in China. Reprod Fertil Dev 2022; 34:669-678. [PMID: 35436442 DOI: 10.1071/rd21234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mobile phones play an irreplaceable role in modern people's lives. However, the radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation produced by mobile phones has also caused increasing concern. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the effect of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation produced by mobile phones on semen parameters in 1634 men who underwent semen examination at the Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China. Analysis of variance and multivariate linear regression were used to explore differences among different groups. A P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The results showed significant associations among different groups of daily mobile phone use time and daily duration of phone calls in the percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa (P =0.004 and P =0.007), rapid progressively motile spermatozoa (P =0.012 and P =0.006) and total motile spermatozoa (P =0.004 and P =0.046). After adjustments for the confounding effects of age and body mass index by multiple linear regression, the results showed that the daily duration of mobile phone use had a negative effect on sperm motility. However, there was no statistically significant correlation between daily phone call duration and sperm motility. Therefore, the daily duration of mobile phone use may negatively affect sperm motility and impair male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Zhang
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012 Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China; and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006 Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengyi Mo
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006 Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yali Chang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006 Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shufang Wu
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006 Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Ma
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006 Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Fan Jin
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006 Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Lanfeng Xing
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006 Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
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Cheng Y, Tang Q, Lu Y, Li M, Zhou Y, Wu P, Li J, Pan F, Han X, Chen M, Lu C, Wang X, Wu W, Xia Y. Semen quality and sperm DNA methylation in relation to long-term exposure to air pollution in fertile men: A cross-sectional study. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 300:118994. [PMID: 35167929 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.118994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Some studies have examined the association between air pollution and semen quality. While it is less of evidence on the sperm quality after long-term air pollution exposure, especially the co-exposure of different air pollution components. Additionally, the role of DNA methylation in it hasn't been confirmed. This study aimed to investigate whether long-term exposure to air pollution was associated with semen quality, as well as to explore the effect of sperm DNA methylation in such association. From 2014 to 2016, 1607 fertile men were enrolled to evaluate 14 parameters of semen quality. Exposure window was defined as one-year before semen sampling. Multivariable linear regression and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression model were used to investigate the association between six air pollutants co-exposure and semen quality. Sensitivity analysis regarding at the normal semen quality group was also conducted. Semen samples were randomly selected from 200 participants to detect the genomic 5-methylcytosine (5 mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) levels in sperm. In the total population, PM10, PM2.5, SO2, and NO2 were negatively associated with sperm total motility (PM10: β = -2.67, P = 0.009; PM2.5: β = -2.86, P = 0.004; SO2: β = -2.32, P = 0.011; NO2: β = -2.21, P = 0.012). Results of the normal semen quality group were consistent with those from the whole population. WQS regression results indicated significant decreasing sperm total motility after the co-exposure of the six air pollutants (β = -1.64, P = 0.003) in whole participants. Wherein, PM10 accounted for largest proportion (43.4%). The 5-hmC level was positively associated with PM10 exposure (β = 0.002, P < 0.001). Long-term exposure to PM10, PM2.5, SO2, and NO2, as well as co-exposure to six air pollutants, reduced semen quality in fertile men. As the most significant contributor of air pollutant, PM10 exposure decreased sperm DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiuqin Tang
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Yiwen Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yijie Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Peihao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinhui Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Feng Pan
- Department of Urology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiumei Han
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Minjian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chuncheng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinru Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yankai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Xiao Y, Wen ZZ, Wu B, Zhu HX, Zhang AZ, Li JY, Gao JG. Deletion of Aldh4a1 Leads to Impaired Sperm Maturation in Mice. Mol Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s002689332204015x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Jeng HA, Sikdar S, Huang YL, Pan CH. Mixture analysis of associations between exposure to low levels of multiple metals and semen quality and sperm DNA integrity. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2022; 57:318-326. [PMID: 35389820 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2022.2061256] [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: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess the association of exposure to metal mixtures with semen quality and sperm DNA integrity of coke oven workers (n = 96). Urinary six metals (cadmium, lead, arsenic, zinc, selenium, and copper) were quantified using inductively coupled-mass spectrometry. Semen quality parameters included sperm concentration, sperm concentration, sperm motility, sperm morphology, and sperm viability. Sperm DNA fragmentation and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodGuo) adducts served as biomarkers for assessing sperm DNA integrity. Bayesian kernel machine regression with the hierarchical variable selection process was used for analyzing both individual and joint effects of the metal mixture on the outcomes of semen samples, while adjusting for age, smoking, alcohol consumption, job length, and body mass index. The metal mixture was associated with reduced sperm concentration, motility, viability, and normal morphology. It was novel that a dose-response relationship was observed between exposure of the metal mixture and semen quality. Among the metals tested, cadmium had a reverse relationship with sperm motility, viability, and normal morphology, and a non-linear relationship with sperm viability and sperm motility. The metal mixture and individual metals were not associated with sperm DNA fragmentation and 8-oxodGuo. In conclusion, exposure to metal mixtures and cadmium may exert an association with semen quality and had no association with sperm DNA breakages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hueiwang Anna Jeng
- School of Community and Environmental Health, College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Sinjini Sikdar
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Yeou-Lih Huang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hon Pan
- Institute of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Labor, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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47
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Jeng HA, Sikdar S, Pan CH, Chao MR, Chang-Chien GP, Lin WY. Mixture analysis on associations between semen quality and sperm DNA integrity and occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2022; 78:14-27. [PMID: 35357264 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2022.2057901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess relationships between exposure to PAHs at occupational levels and outcomes of human semen quality and sperm DNA integrity. Personal breathing zone air samples were collected to quantify exposure of 16 targeted PAHs to coke-oven workers at a steel company in southern Taiwan. Semen quality, including concentration, motility, morphology, and viability, were assessed. Sperm DNA fragmentation, 8-oxodGuo, bulky PAH adducts, and benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide-DNA adducts served as biomarkers for assessment of sperm DNA integrity. The Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression modeling was employed to estimate mixture effects of the PAH mixture on the outcomes of semen quality and sperm DNA integrity and to identify individual compounds of PAH mixtures associated with the mixture effects. Exposure to the PAH mixture was inversely associated with sperm viability, while benzo(b)fluoranthene (B[b]F) was identified as the main predictor for sperm viability. Exposure to the PAH mixture also exhibited a positive trend with sperm DNA fragmentation. B[b]F and benzo(a)anthracene (B[a]A) were identified as individual PAH compounds associated with increased sperm DNA fragmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hueiwang Anna Jeng
- School of Community and Environmental Health, College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA
| | - Sinjini Sikdar
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Sciences
| | - Chih-Hong Pan
- Institute of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Labor, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mu-Rong Chao
- Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Guo-Ping Chang-Chien
- Center for Environmental Toxin and Emerging Contaminant Research, Chung Shan University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Yi Lin
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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48
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Wang H, Xu A, Gong L, Chen Z, Zhang B, Li X. The Microbiome, an Important Factor That Is Easily Overlooked in Male Infertility. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:831272. [PMID: 35308385 PMCID: PMC8924671 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.831272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Humankind has been interested in reproduction for millennia. Infertility, in which male factors contribute to approximately 50%, is estimated to concern over 72 million people worldwide. Despite advances in the diagnosis, medical treatment, and psychosocial management of male infertility over the past few decades, approximately 30% of male infertility is still thought to be idiopathic. Despite emerging advances in the microbiome associated with male infertility have indicated that the microbiome may be a key factor to the management of male infertility, roles, and mechanisms of the microbiome remain ambiguous. Here, we mainly discussed the association between microbial infection in the genital tract and male infertility, effect of antimicrobial therapy on male reproduction, association between microbial dysbiosis and male infertility, and effect of probiotic intervention on male reproduction. This review made progress toward establishing a relationship between the microbiome and male infertility, and explored the role of the microbiome in male infertility. We call for more high-quality studies to focus on the relationship between microbes and male infertility, and strongly suggest increasing awareness among sterile males with microbial infection and/or microbial dysbiosis when they seek fertility help.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hefeng Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Anran Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Liping Gong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yicheng Street Community Health Service Center, Linyi, China
| | - Zhaowen Chen
- Department of Obstetrics, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Xiuyun Li
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Jinan, China
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49
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Skakkebæk NE, Lindahl-Jacobsen R, Levine H, Andersson AM, Jørgensen N, Main KM, Lidegaard Ø, Priskorn L, Holmboe SA, Bräuner EV, Almstrup K, Franca LR, Znaor A, Kortenkamp A, Hart RJ, Juul A. Environmental factors in declining human fertility. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2022; 18:139-157. [PMID: 34912078 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-021-00598-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A severe decline in child births has occurred over the past half century, which will lead to considerable population declines, particularly in industrialized regions. A crucial question is whether this decline can be explained by economic and behavioural factors alone, as suggested by demographic reports, or to what degree biological factors are also involved. Here, we discuss data suggesting that human reproductive health is deteriorating in industrialized regions. Widespread infertility and the need for assisted reproduction due to poor semen quality and/or oocyte failure are now major health issues. Other indicators of declining reproductive health include a worldwide increasing incidence in testicular cancer among young men and alterations in twinning frequency. There is also evidence of a parallel decline in rates of legal abortions, revealing a deterioration in total conception rates. Subtle alterations in fertility rates were already visible around 1900, and most industrialized regions now have rates below levels required to sustain their populations. We hypothesize that these reproductive health problems are partially linked to increasing human exposures to chemicals originating directly or indirectly from fossil fuels. If the current infertility epidemic is indeed linked to such exposures, decisive regulatory action underpinned by unconventional, interdisciplinary research collaborations will be needed to reverse the trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels E Skakkebæk
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | | - Hagai Levine
- School of Public Health, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Anna-Maria Andersson
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katharina M Main
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Øjvind Lidegaard
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Gynecology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lærke Priskorn
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stine A Holmboe
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elvira V Bräuner
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian Almstrup
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Luiz R Franca
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ariana Znaor
- Cancer Surveillance Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Andreas Kortenkamp
- Division of Environmental Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Roger J Hart
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Fertility Specialists of Western Australia, Bethesda Hospital, Claremont, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Luo XF, Huang C, Ji XR, Luo Q, Tang YL, Zhou WJ, Huang ZH, Liu Q, Fan LQ, Zhu WB. Micro-straw: An efficient cryopreservation carrier for rare human spermatozoa. Andrology 2022; 10:710-719. [PMID: 35179322 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many cryopreservation carriers have been introduced to freeze rare human spermatozoa, however, these carriers relative attributes and comparative effectivenesses have not yet been systematically studied. OBJECTIVES Is the Micro-straw cryopreservation carrier more effective for cryopreserving rare human spermatozoa compared with the Cryoplus and LSL carriers? MATERIALS AND METHODS This study involves ninety-three samples from healthy sperm donors and forty samples from patients diagnosed with oligospermia, asthenospermia, oligoasthenospermia, or obstructive azoospermia. we determined the optimal freeze-thaw protocol for the Micro-straw carrier. The post-thaw survival rate, normal sperm morphology, acrosome integrity, and DNA fragmentation for Micro-straw, Cryoplus, and LSL carriers were then determined. Finally, we verified the effects of freezing using these carriers by comparing the qualities of post-thaw spermatozoa from patients. RESULTS The highest total motility (TM) and progressive motility (PR) survival rates were obtained by placing the Micro-straw at 1 cm above the LN2 surface for 70 s during freezing and in a 42-°C water bath for 40 s during thawing. No differences were observed in PR survival rate, acrosome integrity, and DNA fragmentation of the post-thaw spermatozoa from the three carriers. However, the normal morphology rate of spermatozoa frozen using the Micro-straw carrier was higher than for the Cryoplus carrier (p < 0.05), and the TM survival rate of spermatozoa frozen with the Micro-straw was higher than that for the LSL carrier (p < 0.01). In verification tests, there were no significant differences in the quality of post-thaw spermatozoa cryopreserved using these carriers for both rare spermatozoa or epididymal sperm. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Micro-straw, Cryoplus, and LSL carriers are all efficient means of freezing rare human spermatozoa. However, the Micro-straw carrier is more economical, safe, and user-friendly. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Feng Luo
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Basic Medicine College, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuan Huang
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi-Ren Ji
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Basic Medicine College, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Luo
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Lin Tang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Basic Medicine College, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Jun Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Basic Medicine College, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zeng-Hui Huang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Basic Medicine College, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Liu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Basic Medicine College, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Qing Fan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Basic Medicine College, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Bing Zhu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Basic Medicine College, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
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