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Robertson MJ, Chambers C, Spanner EA, de Graaf SP, Rickard JP. The Assessment of Sperm DNA Integrity: Implications for Assisted Reproductive Technology Fertility Outcomes across Livestock Species. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:539. [PMID: 39056730 PMCID: PMC11273975 DOI: 10.3390/biology13070539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 07/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Sperm DNA integrity is increasingly considered a useful measure of semen quality in mammalian reproduction. However, the definition of DNA integrity, the ideal means by which it should be measured, and its predictive value for fertility remain a topic of much discussion. With an emphasis on livestock species, this review discusses the assays that have been developed to measure DNA integrity as well as their correlation with in vitro and in vivo fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jessica P. Rickard
- Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (M.J.R.); (S.P.d.G.)
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Hallam J, Burton P, Sanders K. Poor Sperm Chromatin Condensation Is Associated with Cryopreservation-Induced DNA Fragmentation and Cell Death in Human Spermatozoa. J Clin Med 2024; 13:4156. [PMID: 39064196 PMCID: PMC11277714 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13144156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Semen cryopreservation is routinely performed in fertility clinics for a variety of reasons, including fertility preservation and storage of donor sperm, yet the freeze-thaw process leads to cellular damage via ice crystal formation, osmotic shock, and supraphysiological levels of oxidative stress. Sperm resistance to damage during the freeze-thaw process varies widely, yet the intrinsic factors associated with sperm cryotolerance are largely unknown. The study aimed to investigate whether poor chromatin condensation renders sperm vulnerable to DNA fragmentation and cell death induced by the freeze-thaw process. Methods: Participants (n = 51) from the general community who met the inclusion criteria collected a semen sample after 3-8 days of abstinence. Neat semen samples underwent traditional semen analysis, aniline blue (AB)-eosin staining for chromatin condensation, the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay for DNA fragmentation, and the Annexin V assay for apoptosis/necrosis, prior to being cryopreserved using the liquid nitrogen vapour method and stored at -196 °C. Stored samples were later thawed at room temperature and processed using density gradient centrifugation. Motile sperm concentration, DNA fragmentation and apoptosis/necrosis were analysed in post-thaw samples. Results: As indicated by a significant interaction effect in linear mixed models, an increased proportion of AB-positive sperm in the pre-freeze sample exacerbated the adverse effect of freezing on sperm DNA fragmentation (p = 0.004), late apoptosis (p = 0.007), and necrosis (p = 0.007). AB-staining was positively correlated with all three parameters in the post-thaw sample (all rs ≥ 0.424, all p < 0.01) and remained significant after adjusting for neat sperm concentration (all partial rs ≥ 0.493, all p < 0.01). Similarly, AB-staining was significantly correlated with the percentage point change in sperm DNA fragmentation (rs = 0.366, p = 0.014) and necrosis (rs = 0.403, p = 0.009), both of which remained significant after adjusting for neat sperm concentration (both partial rs ≥ 0.404, both p < 0.01), and borderline significantly correlated with percentage point change in late apoptosis (rs = 0.307, p = 0.051). Conclusions: Sperm with poorly condensed chromatin may be more susceptible to cellular damage during the freeze-thaw process, independent of pre-freeze sperm concentration. These findings may help to explain the intrinsic variation in sperm resistance to cryodamage within and between individuals that is poorly understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Hallam
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia;
| | - Peter Burton
- Concept Fertility Centre, Subiaco, WA 6008, Australia;
| | - Katherine Sanders
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia;
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Amano K, Oigawa S, Ichizawa K, Tokuda Y, Unagami M, Sekiguchi M, Furui M, Nakaoka K, Ito A, Hayashi R, Tamaki Y, Hayashi Y, Fukuda Y, Katagiri Y, Nakata M, Nagao K. Swim-up method is superior to density gradient centrifugation for preserving sperm DNA integrity during sperm processing. Reprod Med Biol 2024; 23:e12562. [PMID: 38288089 PMCID: PMC10823384 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the effects of swim-up and density gradient centrifugation methods on sperm DNA fragmentation. Methods Nineteen normozoospermic patient samples with ≥100 × 106 motile sperms were included in this study. Sperm DNA fragmentation, progressive motility, and progressive motile sperm number were measured before and after the swim-up method or density gradient centrifugation. Results Sperm DNA fragmentation was not statistically different between swim-up-(14.4 ± 2.1%, p = 0.32) and density gradient centrifugation-processed (25.0 ± 3.0%, p = 0.20) and unprocessed semen samples (19.2 ± 1.9%). Sperm DNA fragmentation was significantly lower in swim-up-than in density gradient centrifugation-processed samples (p < 0.05). Sperm progressive motility was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in swim-up-(92.9 ± 1.0%) and density gradient centrifugation-processed (81.3 ± 2.0%) samples, with the former being higher, than in unprocessed semen samples (53.1 ± 3.7%). The recovery rate of progressive motile sperms was significantly lower in swim-up-(9.7 ± 1.4%) than in density gradient centrifugation-processed samples (17.2 ± 1.8%, p < 0.05). Conclusions The swim-up method is superior to density gradient centrifugation, evidenced by less sperm DNA fragmentation and higher sperm progressive motility. The recovery rate of progressive motile sperms was better after density gradient centrifugation than after swim-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Amano
- Reproduction Center, Toho University Omori Medical CenterTokyoJapan
| | - Satoko Oigawa
- Reproduction Center, Toho University Omori Medical CenterTokyoJapan
| | | | - Yukiko Tokuda
- Reproduction Center, Toho University Omori Medical CenterTokyoJapan
| | - Mami Unagami
- Reproduction Center, Toho University Omori Medical CenterTokyoJapan
| | - Mami Sekiguchi
- Reproduction Center, Toho University Omori Medical CenterTokyoJapan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of MedicineToho UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Mayuko Furui
- Reproduction Center, Toho University Omori Medical CenterTokyoJapan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of MedicineToho UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Kentaro Nakaoka
- Reproduction Center, Toho University Omori Medical CenterTokyoJapan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of MedicineToho UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Ayumu Ito
- Reproduction Center, Toho University Omori Medical CenterTokyoJapan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of MedicineToho UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Rika Hayashi
- Reproduction Center, Toho University Omori Medical CenterTokyoJapan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of MedicineToho UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Yuko Tamaki
- Reproduction Center, Toho University Omori Medical CenterTokyoJapan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of MedicineToho UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Yuko Hayashi
- Reproduction Center, Toho University Omori Medical CenterTokyoJapan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of MedicineToho UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Yusuke Fukuda
- Reproduction Center, Toho University Omori Medical CenterTokyoJapan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of MedicineToho UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Yukiko Katagiri
- Reproduction Center, Toho University Omori Medical CenterTokyoJapan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of MedicineToho UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Masahiko Nakata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of MedicineToho UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Koichi Nagao
- Reproduction Center, Toho University Omori Medical CenterTokyoJapan
- Department of Urology, Faculty of MedicineToho UniversityTokyoJapan
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Yan B, Fan H, Ji H, Li S, Hu H, Gu X, Jia S, Liu Y, Guo J, Yang Z, Zhou L, Xiao X, Li L, Mao Z. DNA strand displacement and TdT-Mediated DNA extension for swift, convenient, and quantitative evaluation of sperm DNA integrity and its clinical implications. Anal Chim Acta 2023; 1280:341821. [PMID: 37858544 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2023.341821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
DNA integrity is crucial for the clinical pregnancy outcome and offspring health, while detection methods currently used (comet assay, TUNNEL assay, SCSA, etc.) can only provide the ratio of positive sperms at the cellular level and are unable to quantitatively detect the breakpoints at the DNA molecular level. Herein, we developed a detection system based on terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase and DNA strand displacement fluorescent probe, which could efficiently and conveniently measure the number of 3'-OH (equivalent to the number of breakpoints). We further investigated the use of this technique in assisted reproduction after completing the principle verification, system optimization, and research on analytical performance. The detection system was shown to have a good linear range from 0.01 nM to 4 nM, using single-stranded DNA with 3'-OH end as the calibrator. The system underwent thorough optimization for stability and accuracy. In comparison to the widely accepted index DFI detected by SCSA, the new system demonstrated reasonable correlation and better prediction efficiency. Its applicability was also proven through its use in assisted reproductive technology procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Yan
- Human Sperm Bank, Institute of Medical Sciences, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China; Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Hereditary Birth Defects Prevention and Control, Changsha Hospital for Maternal & Child Health Care Affiliated to Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410007, China
| | - Heng Fan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Hanxu Ji
- School of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Poly-technic University, Wuhan, 430023, China
| | - Siqi Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Poly-technic University, Wuhan, 430023, China
| | - Hao Hu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiuli Gu
- Wuhan Huake Reproductive Hospital, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Shaotong Jia
- Human Sperm Bank, Institute of Medical Sciences, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Wuhan Biobank, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Wuhan Biobank, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | | | | | - Xianjin Xiao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230031, China.
| | - Longjie Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Poly-technic University, Wuhan, 430023, China; Wuhan Huchuang United Technology Co., Ltd, Wuhan, 430070, China.
| | - Zenghui Mao
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Hereditary Birth Defects Prevention and Control, Changsha Hospital for Maternal & Child Health Care Affiliated to Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410007, China.
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Chua SC, Yovich SJ, Hinchliffe PM, Yovich JL. The Sperm DNA Fragmentation Assay with SDF Level Less Than 15% Provides a Useful Prediction for Clinical Pregnancy and Live Birth for Women Aged under 40 Years. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1079. [PMID: 37511693 PMCID: PMC10381567 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13071079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
This retrospective cohort study was conducted on 1148 males who presented along with their partners for infertility management at the PIVET Medical Centre between 2013 and 2022 and had a sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) assay performed by Halosperm, thereafter participating in 1600 assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles utilising one of three modalities, namely, IVF-Only, ICSI-Only or IVF-ICSI Split cycles. The outcomes from the ART cycles were then analysed as two groups based on SDF levels <15% and ≥15%. The study showed the unadjusted fertilization rates were not different between the groups, neither across the four female age ranges. However, when the fertilization rates were adjusted for the mature oocytes (metaphase-II oocytes), there was a highly significant difference in fertilization rates in favour of the group with SDF levels < 15% where the women were in the younger age grouping of <35 years (78.4% vs. 73.0%; p < 0.0001). Overall, there was no difference in the rates of blastocyst development nor clinical pregnancy rates between the two SDF groups, but there was a significantly higher pregnancy rate for the younger women (<35 years) with the group of SDF level < 15% (44.1% vs. 37.4%; p = 0.04). Similarly, there was no difference in the miscarriage rates overall with respect to SDF groups, and no clear picture could be deciphered among the women's age groups. With respect to cumulative live births, this reflected the pregnancy rates with no overall difference between the two SDF groups, but there was a significantly higher cumulative live birth rate for women <35 years where the SDF level was <15% (38.6% vs. 28.6%; p < 0.01). Among the three modalities, the highest cumulative live birth rate occurred within the group with SDF level < 15%, being highest with the IVF mode, particularly for women aged <40 years (43.0% vs. 37.7% for IVF-ICSI Split and 27.9% for ICSI; p = 0.0002), noting that the IVF case numbers were disproportionately low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiao Chuan Chua
- PIVET Medical Centre, Perth, WA 6007, Australia
- Hospital Shah Alam, Shah Alam 40000, Malaysia
| | | | | | - John Lui Yovich
- PIVET Medical Centre, Perth, WA 6007, Australia
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
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Riveros JAN, Pereira IC, Teixeira ACB, Diniz JHW, Borges AM, Díaz JFG, Beletti ME, Oliveira LZ. Sperm head morphometry and chromatin alterations in bulls with different conception rates. Anim Reprod Sci 2023; 255:107275. [PMID: 37311270 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this investigation was to analyze timed-AI conception rates (CRs) of different sires in light of their conventional semen quality parameters, sperm head morphometry, and chromatin alterations. Semen was collected in the field from six Angus bulls and used for the timed-AI of 890 suckled multiparous Nellore cows at a single farm. Semen batches were evaluated on the following in vitro parameters: sperm motility, concentration, and morphology, sperm head morphometry, and chromatin alteration types. The overall CR was 49% and Bulls 1 (43%) and 2 (40%) presented reduced (P < 0.05) pregnancies per AI compared to Bull 6 (61%), even though no differences were observed between their conventional semen quality parameters. Bull 1, however, presented higher (P = 0.0001) shape factor, smaller (P = 0.0025) antero-posterior symmetry, and elevated (P = 0.0141) Fourier 1 parameter, whereas Bull 2 exhibited a higher (P = 0.0023) percentage of chromatin alteration along the central axis of the sperm head. In conclusion, bulls with varying CRs may present sperm head morphometric differences and/or chromatin alterations while not presenting differences in conventional in vitro semen quality parameters. Although further studies are needed to elucidate the concrete implications of chromatin alterations on field fertility, sperm morphometric differences and chromatin alterations may be at least partially causative of the lower pregnancies per timed-AI of certain sires.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Andrés Nivia Riveros
- Department of Veterinary Clinics and Surgery, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Isabelle Cristina Pereira
- Department of Veterinary Clinics and Surgery, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Bahia Teixeira
- Department of Veterinary Clinics and Surgery, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Juliana Horta Wilke Diniz
- Department of Veterinary Clinics and Surgery, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Alan Maia Borges
- Department of Veterinary Clinics and Surgery, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Juan Felipe García Díaz
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, National University of Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - Marcelo Emílio Beletti
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlândia, MG 38400-902, Brazil
| | - Leticia Zoccolaro Oliveira
- Department of Veterinary Clinics and Surgery, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil.
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Broussard AL, Leader B, Tirado E, Russell H, Beydoun H, Colver R, Reuter L, Bopp B, Will M, Anspach Will E, Adaniya G. Sperm deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation index at the time of intracytoplasmic sperm injection and standard in vitro fertilization is correlated with lower fertilization but not with blastocyst genetic diagnosis. F S Rep 2023; 4:183-189. [PMID: 37398612 PMCID: PMC10310935 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2023.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To determine the effects of sperm deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragmentation at the time of fertilization on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes and genetic diagnosis using next generation sequencing. Design Prospective double-blinded study. Setting Private Clinic. Patients Couples (n = 150). Intervention In vitro fertilization with preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy and sperm DNA fragmentation assay, as in sperm chromatin structure assay the day of retrieval. Main Outcome Measures Laboratory outcomes are listed in the results section. Statistical analysis was performed using JMP, XYLSTAT, and STATA version 15. Results The sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) in the neat ejaculate did not predict fertilization rate, quality, blastulation, or genetic diagnosis. No statistically significant results were obtained comparing <15% with >15%, <20% with >20%, <30% with >30% except for DFI. No statistically significant differences in oocyte source age or male age were observed. No statistically significant differences comparing <15% with >15%, <20% with >20%, <30% with >30% DFI at the time of standard IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) were observed for % euploid, aneuploid, mosaic, blastulation, biopsied, or D5/total biopsied. The DFI of >15% had more good quality D3 embryos than the <15% group, as did the >20% group compared with the <20% group. The ICSI fertilization was significantly higher in all 3 lower percentage groups compared with the higher counterpart. Standard IVF had significantly more blastocysts/fertilized suitable for biopsy and more D5/total number biopsied than ICSI embryos despite no difference in DFI. Conclusions The DFI at fertilization is correlated with decreased fertilization for ICSI and IVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia L. Broussard
- Midwest Fertility Specialists, Carmel, Indiana
- ReproSource, Marlborough, Massachusetts
- Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia
| | | | | | | | - Hind Beydoun
- Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, Fort Belvoir, Virginia
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Ribas-Maynou J, Novo S, Salas-Huetos A, Rovira S, Antich M, Yeste M. Condensation and protamination of sperm chromatin affect ICSI outcomes when gametes from healthy individuals are used. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:371-386. [PMID: 36539233 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac261] [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: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do defects in sperm chromatin protamination and condensation have an impact on ICSI outcomes? SUMMARY ANSWER Sperm protamination is related to fertilization rates in healthy donors, and the in vitro capacity of sperm to condense their chromatin is linked to blastocyst rates, both associations being more apparent in women <33 years of age. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Previous data on how sperm chromatin damage affects ICSI outcomes are inconsistent. Revealing which sperm factors influence embryo development is necessary to understand the male contribution to ICSI success and to develop novel sperm selection techniques or male-based treatments. Sperm chromatin is mainly condensed in protamines, which are cross-linked through disulphide bridges. This study aimed to determine whether sperm protamination and the integrity of disulphide bonds (condensation) are related to embryo development after ICSI. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The design was a retrospective study with a blind analysis of sperm chromatin. Gametes were divided into two groups: double donation (DD) cohort and single donation (SD) cohort. Samples from 45 semen donors used in 55 ICSI cycles with oocyte donors (age range 19-33 years), generating 491 embryos, were included in the DD cohort. The SD cohort consisted of samples from 34 semen donors used in 41 ICSI cycles with oocytes from healthy females (single-parent families or lesbian couples, age range 20-44 years), generating a total of 378 embryos. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTINGS, METHODS Donor sperm samples from DD and SD cohorts were used for standard ICSI, and embryo development was observed by time-lapse imaging. The incidence of thiol reduction (dibromobimane, DBB) and the degree of chromatin protamination (chromomycin A3, CMA3, indicating non-protaminated regions) in sperm were determined by flow cytometry at 0 and 4 h post-thawing. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Percentages ± standard deviation of CMA3 were 21.08 ± 9.09 and 35.01 ± 14.68 at 0 and 4 h post-thawing, respectively, in the DD cohort and 22.57 ± 9.48 and 35.79 ± 12.58, at 0 and 4 h post-thawing, respectively, in the SD cohort. Percentages of DBB+ were 16.57 ± 11.10 and 10.51 ± 8.40 at 0 and 4 h post-thawing (P < 0.0001), respectively, in the DD cohort and 17.98 ± 10.19 and 12.72 ± 8.76 at 0 and 4 h post-thawing (P < 0.0001), respectively, in the SD cohort. Female age correlated with fertilization rates, and the relation between sperm chromatin and embryo development was determined through multiple linear regression. While CMA3 was associated with fertilization rates, with no influence of female age, in the DD cohort (β1 = -1.036, P < 0.001 for CMA3; β2 = 0.667, P = 0.304 for female age), this was not observed in the SD cohort, where female age had a significant effect, masking the effects of CMA3 (β1 = -0.066, P = 0.804 for CMA3; β 2 = -1.451, P = 0.003 for female age). The in vitro capacity of sperm to condense their chromatin after 4 h of incubation was associated with blastocyst rates, independent of female age (DD cohort: β1 = -0.238, P = 0.008 for %DBB+ variation; β2 = 0.404, P = 0.638 for female age; SD cohort: β1 = -0.278, P = 0.010 for %DBB+ variation; β2 = -0.292, P = 0.594 for female age). The in vitro capacity of sperm to condense their chromatin was also related to the time required for the embryo to reach blastocyst stage in the DD cohort (P = 0.007). Finally, multiple logistic regression showed that both chromatin protamination and condensation, together with the age of the oocyte donors and the embryo recipients, had an impact on pregnancy achievement (P < 0.01) and on live birth rates (P < 0.01). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The main limitation was the restrictive selection of couples, which led to a relatively small sample size and could influence the observed outcomes. For this reason, and to reduce Type I error, the level of significance was set at P ≤ 0.01. On the other hand, the use of cryopreserved samples could also be a limitation. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This research demonstrated that protamination and condensation of sperm chromatin are related to embryo development after ICSI, but female age could be a confounding factor when oocytes from older females are used. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation scheme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 801342 (Tecniospring INDUSTRY; TECSPR-19-1-0003); La Marató de TV3 Foundation (214/857-202039); the Ministry of Science and Innovation, Spain (IJC2019-039615-I); the Catalan Agency for Management of University and Research Grants, Regional Government of Catalonia, Spain (2017-SGR-1229); and the Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies, Spain (ICREA). The authors declare no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Sergi Novo
- Fertilab-Institut Catala de Fertilitat SL, Barcelona, Spain.,Fertibank, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Salas-Huetos
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sergi Rovira
- Fertilab-Institut Catala de Fertilitat SL, Barcelona, Spain.,Fertibank, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Antich
- Fertilab-Institut Catala de Fertilitat SL, Barcelona, Spain.,Fertibank, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
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9
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What Does Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Change in Embryonic Development? The Spermatozoon Contribution. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12020671. [PMID: 36675600 PMCID: PMC9867417 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12020671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) technique was invented to solve severe male infertility due to altered sperm parameters. Nowadays, it is applied worldwide for the treatment of couple infertility. ICSI is performed with any available spermatozoon from surgery or ejaculated samples, whatever are the sperm motility, morphology or quantity. The aim of the present review was to study if embryo development and kinetics would be modified by (1) ICSI under the technical aspects, (2) the micro-injected spermatozoa in connection with male infertility. From published data, it can be seen that ICSI anticipates the zygote kinetics Furthermore, because fertilization rate is higher in ICSI compared to conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF), more blastocysts are obtained for clinical use in ICSI. Sperm and spermatozoa characteristics, such as sperm parameters, morphology and vitality, DNA content (levels of sperm DNA fragmentation, microdeletions, and chromosomal abnormalities), RNA content, epigenetics, and sperm recovery site (testicular, epididymis, and ejaculated), have an impact on fertilization and blastocyst rates and embryo kinetics in different ways. Even though ICSI is the most common solution to solve couples' infertility, the causes of male infertility are crucial in building a competent spermatozoa that will contribute to normal embryonic development and healthy offspring.
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10
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Jumeau F, Rives N, Lechevallier P, Boniou C, Letailleur M, Réal-Lhommet A, Feraille A. Sperm Chromatin Condensation Defect Accelerates the Kinetics of Early Embryonic Development but Does Not Modify ICSI Outcome. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010393. [PMID: 36613835 PMCID: PMC9820555 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The origin and quality of gametes are likely to influence the kinetics of embryonic development. The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of sperm nuclear quality, and in particular sperm chromatin condensation, on the kinetics of early embryo development after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Our study included 157 couples who benefitted from ICSI for male factor infertility. Chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation were assessed in spermatozoa prior to ICSI. Above the 20% threshold of sperm condensation defect, patients were included in the abnormal sperm chromatin condensation (ASCC) group; below the 20% threshold, patients were included in the normal sperm chromatin condensation (NSCC) group. After ICSI, the oocytes were placed in the time-lapse incubator. The kinetics of the cohort's embryonic development have been modeled. The fading times of pronuclei and the time to two blastomeres (t2, first cleavage) and four blastomeres (t4, third cleavage) differed significantly between the NSCC and ASCC groups, with earlier events occurring in the ASCC group. On the other hand, the state of sperm chromatin condensation did not seem to have an impact on live birth rates or the occurrence of miscarriages. The kinetics of early embryonic development was accelerated in males with a sperm chromatin condensation defect without compromising the chances of pregnancy or promoting miscarriage. However, our study highlights the paternal contribution to early embryonic events and potentially to the future health of the conceptus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Jumeau
- Team Adrenal and Gonadal Pathophysiology, Reproductive Biology Laboratory—CECOS, Rouen University Hospital, University Rouen Normandie, Inserm, U1239 NorDIC, F-76000 Rouen, France
| | - Nathalie Rives
- Team Adrenal and Gonadal Pathophysiology, Reproductive Biology Laboratory—CECOS, Rouen University Hospital, University Rouen Normandie, Inserm, U1239 NorDIC, F-76000 Rouen, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-02-32-88-82-25
| | - Pauline Lechevallier
- Team Adrenal and Gonadal Pathophysiology, Reproductive Biology Laboratory—CECOS, Rouen University Hospital, University Rouen Normandie, Inserm, U1239 NorDIC, F-76000 Rouen, France
| | - Coline Boniou
- Team Adrenal and Gonadal Pathophysiology, Reproductive Biology Laboratory—CECOS, Rouen University Hospital, University Rouen Normandie, Inserm, U1239 NorDIC, F-76000 Rouen, France
| | - Maria Letailleur
- Assisted Reproductive Center, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Rouen Normandy University Hospital, F-76000 Rouen, France
| | - Audrey Réal-Lhommet
- Assisted Reproductive Center, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Rouen Normandy University Hospital, F-76000 Rouen, France
| | - Aurélie Feraille
- Team Adrenal and Gonadal Pathophysiology, Reproductive Biology Laboratory—CECOS, Rouen University Hospital, University Rouen Normandie, Inserm, U1239 NorDIC, F-76000 Rouen, France
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11
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Ribas-Maynou J, Novo S, Torres M, Salas-Huetos A, Rovira S, Antich M, Yeste M. Sperm DNA integrity does play a crucial role for embryo development after ICSI, notably when good-quality oocytes from young donors are used. Biol Res 2022; 55:41. [PMID: 36572948 PMCID: PMC9791757 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-022-00409-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on the inconsistent literature published thus far involving infertile patients, whether intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) allows overcoming total fertilization failure due to sperm DNA fragmentation is still unclear. Related to this, female factors, which may have a significant impact on assisted reproduction outcomes, can mask male infertility. In this scenario, evaluating ICSI outcomes following cycles using healthy donor gametes could shed light on this realm, as it would avoid the influence of (un)known confounding factors present in infertile individuals. The present work, therefore, aimed to address whether single- and double-stranded sperm DNA fragmentation leads to impaired ICSI outcomes in double gamete donation cycles. The study also compared these double-gamete donation cycles to cycles in which only sperm were donated and oocytes were obtained from infertile patients. Two cohorts were included: (a) the Donor-Donor (DD) cohort, which included 27 semen donor samples used in 49 ICSI cycles with young healthy oocyte donors; and (b) the Donor-Infertile (DI) cohort, which involved 34 semen donor samples used in 57 ICSI cycles with oocytes from patients. Single- and double-stranded sperm DNA breaks were determined with alkaline and neutral Comet assays, respectively; ICSI was conducted following standard protocols and embryos were monitored through time-lapse microscopy. In the DD cohort, the percentage of sperm with high overall DNA damage correlated with fertilization rates (Rs = - 0.666; P < 0.001) and with the percentage of blastocysts per injected oocyte (Rs = - 0.414; P = 0.040). In addition, sperm DNA damage delayed the first embryo division (Rs = 0.421; P = 0.036), and development from the 8-cell to the morula stage (Rs = 0.424; P = 0.034). In contrast, double-stranded DNA breaks had no effect in this cohort. As far as the DI cohort is concerned, while overall sperm DNA damage was not found to be correlated to fertilization or blastocyst rates, pronuclei formation following ICSI was delayed when the incidence of double-stranded DNA breaks was high (Rs = 0.485; P = 0.005). In conclusion, this study, which is the first involving double donation cycles (i.e., a donor-donor cohort), supports that sperm DNA damage has a detrimental impact on fertilization rates after ICSI, and delays embryo development. Moreover, the use of oocytes from infertile individuals is suggested to hide the male-factor effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- grid.5319.e0000 0001 2179 7512Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, ES-17003 Girona, Spain ,grid.5319.e0000 0001 2179 7512Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Sergi Novo
- Fertilab – Institut Catala de Fertilitat SL, Barcelona, Spain ,Fertibank, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Torres
- grid.5319.e0000 0001 2179 7512Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, ES-17003 Girona, Spain ,grid.5319.e0000 0001 2179 7512Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Albert Salas-Huetos
- grid.5319.e0000 0001 2179 7512Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, ES-17003 Girona, Spain ,grid.5319.e0000 0001 2179 7512Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
| | - Sergi Rovira
- Fertilab – Institut Catala de Fertilitat SL, Barcelona, Spain ,Fertibank, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Antich
- Fertilab – Institut Catala de Fertilitat SL, Barcelona, Spain ,Fertibank, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- grid.5319.e0000 0001 2179 7512Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, ES-17003 Girona, Spain ,grid.5319.e0000 0001 2179 7512Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain ,grid.425902.80000 0000 9601 989XCatalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
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12
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Ryu DY, Pang WK, Adegoke EO, Rahman MS, Park YJ, Pang MG. Abnormal histone replacement following BPA exposure affects spermatogenesis and fertility sequentially. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 170:107617. [PMID: 36347119 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical widely distributed in the environment. Its exposure has been linked to male infertility in animals and humans due to its ability to induce epigenetic modification. Despite extensive research confirming the impact of BPA on epigenetic regulation, fundamental concerns about how BPA causes epigenetic changes and the underlying mechanism of BPA on the male reproductive system remain unresolved. Therefore, we sought to investigate the effects of BPA on epigenetic regulation and the histone-to-protamine (PRM) transition, which is fundamental process for male fertility in testes and spermatozoa by exposing male mice to BPA for 6 weeks while giving the mice in the control group corn oil by oral gavage. Our results demonstrated that the mRNA levels of the histone family and PRMs were significantly altered by BPA exposure in testes and spermatozoa. Subsequently, core histone proteins, the PRM1/PRM2 ratio, directly linked to male fertility, and transition proteins were significantly reduced. Furthermore, we discovered that BPA significantly caused abnormal histone-to-protamine replacement during spermiogenesis by increased histone variants-related to histone-to-PRM transition. The levels of histone H3 modification in the testes and DNA methylation in spermatozoa were significantly increased. Consequently, sperm concentration/motility/hyperactivation, fertilization, and early embryonic development were adversely affected as a consequence of altered signaling proteins following BPA exposure. To our knowledge, this is the first study to indicate that BPA exposure influences the histone-to-PRM transition via altering epigenetic modification and eventually causing reduced male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Do-Yeal Ryu
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Ki Pang
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Elikanah Olusayo Adegoke
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Md Saidur Rahman
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo-Jin Park
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Geol Pang
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 17546, Republic of Korea.
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Localization Patterns of RAB3C Are Associated with Murine and Human Sperm Formation. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58101408. [PMID: 36295569 PMCID: PMC9606999 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58101408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Septins (SEPTs) are highly conserved GTP-binding proteins and the fourth component of the cytoskeleton. Polymerization of SEPTs contributes to several critical cellular processes such as cytokinesis, cytoskeletal remodeling, and vesicle transportation. In our previous study, we found that SEPT14 mutations resulted in teratozoospermia with >87% sperm morphological defects. SEPT14 interactors were also identified through proteomic assays, and one of the peptides was mapped to RAB3B and RAB3C. Most studies on the RAB3 family have focused on RAB3A, which regulates the exocytosis of neurotransmitters and acrosome reactions. However, the general expression and patterns of the RAB3 family members during human spermatogenesis, and the association between RAB3 and teratozoospermia owing to a SEPT14 mutation, are largely unknown. Materials and Methods: Human sperm and murine male germ cells were collected in this study and immunofluorescence analysis was applied on the collected sperm. Results: In this study, we observed that the RAB3C transcripts were more abundant than those of RAB3A, 3B, and 3D in human testicular tissues. During human spermatogenesis, the RAB3C protein is mainly enriched in elongated spermatids, and RAB3B is undetectable. In mature human spermatozoa, RAB3C is concentrated in the postacrosomal region, neck, and midpiece. The RAB3C signals were delocalized within human spermatozoa harboring the SEPT14 mutation, and the decreased signals were accompanied by a defective head and tail, compared with the healthy controls. To determine whether RAB3C is involved in the morphological formation of the head and tail of the sperm, we separated murine testicular tissue and isolated elongated spermatids for further study. We found that RAB3C is particularly expressed in the manchette structure, which assists sperm head shaping at the spermatid head, and is also localized at the sperm tail. Conclusions: Based on these results, we suggest that the localization of RAB3C proteins in murine and human sperm is associated with SEPT14 mutation-induced morphological defects in sperm.
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Le MT, Dang HNT, Nguyen TV, Nguyen TTT, Nguyen QHV, Cao NT. Effects of sperm preparation techniques on sperm survivability and DNA fragmentation. J Int Med Res 2022; 50:3000605221097492. [PMID: 35545843 PMCID: PMC9112774 DOI: 10.1177/03000605221097492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was performed to determine the effect of swim-up (SU) and density gradient centrifugation (DGC) on sperm survival and DNA fragmentation. METHODS Individual semen samples were analyzed before each was divided into two aliquots (half for SU and half for DGC) for calculation of sperm survival and the DNA fragmentation index (DFI). Sperm DNA fragmentation was determined using the sperm chromatin dispersion test. RESULTS The DFI of the 63 semen samples processed using both procedures was lower than that of the fresh semen samples. The DFI was significantly lower for samples processed using the SU than DGC method. In the sperm survival test, the SU technique was associated with increased sperm motility and vitality following preparation. After 24 hours, however, the concentration and percentage of surviving sperm were significantly lower in the SU than DGC group. CONCLUSIONS Both semen preparation techniques help to minimize sperm DNA fragmentation; however, when the DFI is <30%, the SU technique is more appropriate than DGC. While DGC may be superior for intrauterine insemination, the SU method may be preferable for in vitro fertilization or maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh Tam Le
- Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Vietnam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Vietnam
| | - Hong Nhan Thi Dang
- Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Vietnam
| | - Trung Van Nguyen
- Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Vietnam
| | - Thai Thanh Thi Nguyen
- Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Vietnam
| | - Quoc Huy Vu Nguyen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Vietnam
| | - Ngoc Thanh Cao
- Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Vietnam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Vietnam
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15
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Bibi R, Jahan S, Razak S, Hammadeh ME, Almajwal A, Amor H. Protamines and DNA integrity as a biomarkers of sperm quality and assisted conception outcome. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14418. [PMID: 35267207 DOI: 10.1111/and.14418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Present research aim was to identify functional tests in semen associated with DNA damage and chromatin maturity (protamination) which predict the outcome in assisted reproduction. Couples were grouped according to male partner semen parameters, into normozoospermia (NZs), severe male factor (SMF) and mild male factor (MMF). DNA fragmentation index (DFI) in spermatozoa was analysed by sperms chromatin dispersion (SCD), sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) and acridine orange testing (AOT). Chromomycin A3 (CMA3) and toluidine blue (TB) staining to measure sperm chromatin maturity (CM). DFI and chromatin decondensation were significantly lower in N compared to male factor categories (MMF and SMF). Aneuploidy embryos were significantly higher in couples with male factor infertility (MMF and SMF). A positive correlation was observed between fertilization rate (FR) and live birth rate (LBR) with sperm concentration, motility, vitality, normal sperm morphology and negative correlation between sperm DFI and sperm CM. No correlation was observed between embryo aneuploidy and sperm DFI or CM. Lower percentage of spermatozoa chromatin integrity are associated with low fertilization and live birth rate. Male factor infertility, due to impaired semen parameters and chromatin defects could be regarded in future as an indication of IVF/ICSI, and predictor of assisted reproductive techniques outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riffat Bibi
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sarwat Jahan
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Suhail Razak
- Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Eid Hammadeh
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Saarland University Clinic, Homburg, Germany
| | - Ali Almajwal
- Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Houda Amor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Saarland University Clinic, Homburg, Germany
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16
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Sabour M, Agha-Rahimi A, Dehghani Ashkezari M, Seifati SM, Anbari F, Nabi A. Prolonged exposure of human spermatozoa in polyvinylpyrrolidone has detrimental effects on sperm biological characteristics. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14402. [PMID: 35212016 DOI: 10.1111/and.14402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) has been utilized in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for immobilization and manipulation of spermatozoa. This study aims to determine the suitable time that sperm cells could be safely exposed to PVP during ICSI procedure. Twenty-five normal semen samples were prepared using the swim-up method and then were exposed to 10% PVP at different time intervals (15, 30 and 60 min). The effect of PVP on sperm parameters (viability and morphology), DNA fragmentation index (sperm chromatin dispersion test), chromatin quality (aniline blue, toluidine blue and chromomycin A3 staining), acrosome reaction, mitochondrial membrane potential and sperm ultrastructure was assessed at different time intervals. Our results showed that prolonged sperm exposure in PVP for 15, 30 and 60 min significantly affects viability and morphology with a concomitant increase in DNA fragmentation and abnormal chromatin structure, while the percentage of acrosome-reacted spermatozoa was additionally increased. In addition, the spermatozoa with high mitochondrial membrane potential were significantly decreased compared to unexposed spermatozoa to PVP. In conclusion, the detrimental effects of PVP were increased significantly following sperm exposure in PVP after 15 min. Therefore, the sperm exposure to PVP should be limited to less than 15 min during ICSI procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojdeh Sabour
- Department of Biology, Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Ashkezar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ashkezar, Yazd, Iran
| | - Azam Agha-Rahimi
- Abortion Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mahmood Dehghani Ashkezari
- Department of Biology, Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Ashkezar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ashkezar, Yazd, Iran
| | - Seyed Morteza Seifati
- Department of Biology, Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Ashkezar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ashkezar, Yazd, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Anbari
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Ali Nabi
- Andrology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Science Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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17
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Alahmar A, Singh R, Palani A. Sperm DNA fragmentation in reproductive medicine: A review. J Hum Reprod Sci 2022; 15:206-218. [PMID: 36341018 PMCID: PMC9635374 DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_82_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 15% of the world's couples suffer from infertility during their reproductive period of which the male factor is responsible for 50% of cases. Male factor infertility is multifactorial in origin, and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) has also been linked to male infertility including idiopathic male infertility. Some degree of controlled DNA nicking is essential for adequate DNA compaction, but excessive SDF is usually associated with reduced male fertility potential, reduced fertilisation, poor embryo quality, recurrent pregnancy loss and poor assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) outcomes. Although semen analysis remains the gold standard for diagnosis of male factor infertility worldwide, its limitations motivated the search and the development of complementary tests of sperm function and integrity. SDF assay is an emerging diagnostic tool in infertile men, and several indications for SDF testing in infertile couples have also been proposed. The use of SDF in routine male infertility assessment is, however, still controversial. Furthermore, both direct and indirect SDF tests are now available. Hence, the present review was conducted to summarise the recent evidence of SDF, underlying mechanisms, clinical indications, diagnostic tests, as well as the role of SDF in male factor infertility, pregnancy and ART outcomes.
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18
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Newman H, Catt S, Vining B, Vollenhoven B, Horta F. DNA repair and response to sperm DNA damage in oocytes and embryos, and the potential consequences in ART: a systematic review. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 28:6483093. [PMID: 34954800 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm DNA damage is considered a predictive factor for the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing ART. Laboratory evidence suggests that zygotes and developing embryos have adopted specific response and repair mechanisms to repair DNA damage of paternal origin. We have conducted a systematic review in accordance with guidelines from Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) to identify and review the maternal mechanisms used to respond and repair sperm DNA damage during early embryonic development, how these mechanisms operate and their potential clinical implications. The literature search was conducted in Ovid MEDLINE and Embase databases until May 2021. Out of 6297 articles initially identified, 36 studies were found to be relevant through cross referencing and were fully extracted. The collective evidence in human and animal models indicate that the early embryo has the capacity to repair DNA damage within sperm by activating maternally driven mechanisms throughout embryonic development. However, this capacity is limited and likely declines with age. The link between age and decreased DNA repair capacity could explain decreased oocyte quality in older women, poor reproductive outcomes in idiopathic cases, and patients who present high sperm DNA damage. Ultimately, further understanding mechanisms underlying the maternal repair of sperm DNA damage could lead to the development of targeted therapies to decrease sperm DNA damage, improved oocyte quality to combat incoming DNA insults or lead to development of methodologies to identify individual spermatozoa without DNA damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Newman
- Education Program in Reproduction & Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - S Catt
- Education Program in Reproduction & Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - B Vining
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - B Vollenhoven
- Education Program in Reproduction & Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia.,Monash IVF, Melbourne, VIC, 3168, Australia.,Women's and Newborn Program, Monash Health, VIC, 3169, Australia
| | - F Horta
- Education Program in Reproduction & Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia.,Monash IVF, Melbourne, VIC, 3168, Australia
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19
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Keskin M, Pabuçcu EG, Arslanca T, Demirkıran ÖD, Pabuçcu R. Does Microfluidic Sperm Sorting Affect Embryo Euploidy Rates in Couples with High Sperm DNA Fragmentation? Reprod Sci 2021; 29:1801-1808. [PMID: 34731459 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00784-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Male infertility contributes as the main factor in 30-50% of infertility cases. Conventional methods for sperm preparation have induced questioning of sperm recovery rates. The microfluidic sperm sorting (MSS) technique selects highly motile sperm with lower levels of SDF (sperm DNA fragmentation) compared to conventional sperm sorting techniques. This study aimed to determine whether utilizing this technique will reveal better embryo quality and euploidy rates in couples with repeated implantation failure (RIF) and high SDF in a new PGT-A (preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies) cycle. This retrospective study included couples referred to PGT-A for previous repeated ART (assisted reproductive techniques) cycle failures and with high SDF. In their new cycles, couples who accepted the technique were assigned to the MSS group, and the rest were managed with DGC (density-gradient centrifugation). Two groups were compared in terms of fertilization and euploidy rates, clinical miscarriage and live birth rates, the total number of blastocysts, and top quality blastocysts. There was no difference between the groups regarding fertilization rates, euploidy rates, clinical miscarriage, and live birth rates. The total number of blastocysts and top quality blastocysts were significantly higher in the MSS group. The MSS technique provides a higher number of top-quality blastocysts than DGC; however, neither euploidy nor live birth rates improved. Studies focusing on confounding factors to embryonic genomic status in the presence of high SDF are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Müge Keskin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Ufuk University, Mevlana Bulvarı No 86-88, Konya Yolu, Balgat, Ankara, 06520, Turkey.
| | - Emre Göksan Pabuçcu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Ufuk University, Mevlana Bulvarı No 86-88, Konya Yolu, Balgat, Ankara, 06520, Turkey
| | - Tufan Arslanca
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Ufuk University, Mevlana Bulvarı No 86-88, Konya Yolu, Balgat, Ankara, 06520, Turkey
| | | | - Recai Pabuçcu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Ufuk University, Mevlana Bulvarı No 86-88, Konya Yolu, Balgat, Ankara, 06520, Turkey
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Setti AS, Braga DPDAF, Guilherme P, Provenza R, Iaconelli A, Borges E. Morphokinetic parameter comparison between embryos from couples with high or low sperm DNA fragmentation index. F&S SCIENCE 2021; 2:345-354. [PMID: 35559859 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2021.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study whether time-lapse imaging can identify morphokinetic events impacted by a high sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI). DESIGN Historical cohort study. SETTING Private university-affiliated in vitro fertilization center. PATIENT(S) A total of 978 zygotes cultured until day 5 in a time-lapse imaging incubator between March 2019 and August 2020, derived from 118 patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection as a result of idiopathic male factor infertility. INTERVENTION(S) Kinetic markers from the point of insemination were recorded. Generalized linear mixed models adjusted for potential confounders followed by the Bonferroni post hoc test were used to compare the timing of specific events in patients with a low (<30%) or high (≥30%) sperm DFI. The recorded kinetic markers were the following: timing to pronuclei appearance and fading; timing to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 cells; and timing to start blastulation and blastulation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Timing to blastulation. RESULT(S) Embryos derived from sperm samples with ≥30% DFI showed significantly slower divisions compared with those with <30% DFI (mean differences of 0.7 hours in timing to pronuclei appearance, 1.2 hours in timing to pronuclei fading, 1.5 hours in timing to 2 cells, 2.5 hours in timing to 3 cells, 1.8 hours in timing to 4 cells, 3.3 hours in timing to 5 cells, 3.1 hours in timing to 6 cells, 3.2 hours in timing to 7 cells, 2.7 hours in timing to 8 cells, 8.4 hours in timing to start blastulation, and 3.8 hours in timing to blastulation). The incidences of reverse or direct cleavages (9.3% vs. 4.4%; odds ratio [OR], 2.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32-3.77) and multinucleation at 2-cell (18.9% vs. 12.0%; OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.12-2.58) and 4-cell (14.2% vs. 6.4%; OR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.57-3.74) stages were significantly higher in embryos deriving from ≥30% DFI than from <30% DFI. The KIDScore ranked significantly different between embryos derived from samples with <30% and ≥30% DFI. Continuous DFI was positively correlated with all timings of specific events and with the incidences of abnormal cleavage patterns (OR, 1.042; 95% CI, 1.025-1.059) and multinucleation at 2-cell stage (OR, 1.053; 95% CI, 1.030-1.076) and inversely correlated with the KIDScore rank (B, -0.218; 95% CI, -0.044 to -0.007). No significant differences were observed in clinical outcomes between the groups. CONCLUSION(S) Embryo morphokinetic parameters are negatively impacted by high sperm DFI, resulting in delayed cell cleavage and blastulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Souza Setti
- Fertility Medical Group, Av. Brigadeiro Luis Antonio, São Paulo, Brazil; Sapientiae Institute - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Humana Assistida, Rua Vieira Maciel, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Daniela Paes de Almeida Ferreira Braga
- Fertility Medical Group, Av. Brigadeiro Luis Antonio, São Paulo, Brazil; Sapientiae Institute - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Humana Assistida, Rua Vieira Maciel, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Rodrigo Provenza
- Fertility Medical Group, Av. Brigadeiro Luis Antonio, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Assumpto Iaconelli
- Fertility Medical Group, Av. Brigadeiro Luis Antonio, São Paulo, Brazil; Sapientiae Institute - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Humana Assistida, Rua Vieira Maciel, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edson Borges
- Fertility Medical Group, Av. Brigadeiro Luis Antonio, São Paulo, Brazil; Sapientiae Institute - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Humana Assistida, Rua Vieira Maciel, São Paulo, Brazil
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21
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Sperm DNA fragmentation measured by sperm chromatin dispersion impacts morphokinetic parameters, fertilization rate and blastocyst quality in ICSI treatments. ZYGOTE 2021; 30:72-79. [PMID: 34034847 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199421000332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
To determine the effects of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) on embryo morphokinetic parameters, cleavage patterns and embryo quality, this retrospective study analyzed 151 intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles (1152 embryos collected) between November 2016 and June 2019. SDF was assessed using sperm chromatin dispersion. The cycles were divided into two groups based on the SDF rate: SDF < 15% (n = 114) and SDF ≥ 15% (n = 37). The embryo morphokinetic parameters, cleavage patterns, and embryo quality were compared between the two groups. The morphokinetic parameters tPNf, t2, t3, t4, t5, t6, and t8 were achieved significantly earlier in the SDF < 15% group compared with in the SDF ≥ 15% group. The fertilization and 2PN rates seemed to be significantly higher in the SDF < 15% group compared with in the SDF ≥ 15% group, while the abnormal cleavage rates were similar. However, a significantly higher rate of chaotic cleavage (CC) was observed in the SDF ≥ 15% group. The D3 high-quality embryo and available embryo rates were similar between the two groups. The blastocyst formation, high-quality blastocyst, and available blastocyst rates in the SDF < 15% group were significantly higher than those in the SDF ≥ 15% group. With an increase in SDF level, the chemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy and implantation rates tended to decrease, while the miscarriage rate increased. This study demonstrated that SDF ≥ 15% reduces the fertilization rate of ICSI cycles and affects certain morphokinetic parameters. A higher SDF level can also induce a higher rate of CC, with subsequent decreases in the blastocyst formation rate and blastocyst quality.
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22
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Horta F, Catt S, Ramachandran P, Vollenhoven B, Temple-Smith P. Female ageing affects the DNA repair capacity of oocytes in IVF using a controlled model of sperm DNA damage in mice. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:529-544. [PMID: 32108237 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does female ageing have a negative effect on the DNA repair capacity of oocytes fertilised by spermatozoa with controlled levels of DNA damage? SUMMARY ANSWER Compared to oocytes from younger females, oocytes from older females have a reduced capacity to repair damaged DNA introduced by spermatozoa. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The reproductive lifespan in women declines with age predominantly due to poor oocyte quality. This leads to decreased reproductive outcomes for older women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments, compared to young women. Ageing and oocyte quality have been clearly associated with aneuploidy, but the range of factors that influence this change in oocyte quality with age remains unclear. The DNA repair activity prior to embryonic genomic activation is considered to be of maternal origin, with maternal transcripts and proteins controlling DNA integrity. With increasing maternal age, the number of mRNAs stored in oocytes decreases. This could result in diminished efficiency of DNA repair and/or negative effects on embryo development, especially in the presence of DNA damage. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Oocytes from two age groups of 30 super-ovulated female mice (young: 5-8 weeks old, n = 15; old: 42-45 weeks old, n = 15) were inseminated with sperm from five males with three different controlled DNA damage levels; control: ≤10%, 1 Gray (Gy): 11-30%, and 30 Gy: >30%. Inseminated oocytes (young: 125, old: 78) were assessed for the formation of zygotes (per oocyte) and blastocysts (per zygote). Five replicates of five germinal vesicles (GVs) and five MII oocytes from each age group were analysed for gene expression. The DNA damage response (DDR) was assessed in a minimum of three IVF replicates in control and 1 Gy zygotes and two-cell embryos using γH2AX labelling. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Swim-up sperm samples from the cauda epididymidis of C57BL6 mice were divided into control (no irradiation) and 1- and 30-Gy groups. Treated spermatozoa were irradiated at 1 and 30 Gy, respectively, using a linear accelerator Varian 21iX. Following irradiation, samples were used for DNA damage assessment (Halomax) and for insemination. Presumed zygotes were cultured in a time-lapse incubator (MIRI, ESCO). Gene expression of 91 DNA repair genes was assessed using the Fluidigm Biomark HD system. The DNA damage response in zygotes (6-8 h post-fertilisation) and two-cell embryos (22-24 h post-fertilisation) was assessed by immunocytochemical analysis of γH2AX using confocal microscopy (Olympus FV1200) and 3D volumetric analysis using IMARIS software. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The average sperm DNA damage for the three groups was statistically different (control: 6.1%, 1 Gy: 16.1%, 30 Gy: 53.1%, P < 0.0001), but there were no significant differences in fertilisation rates after IVF within or between the two age groups [(young; control: 86.79%, 1 Gy: 82.75%, 30 Gy: 76.74%) (old; control: 93.1%, 1 Gy: 70.37%, 30 Gy: 68.18%) Fisher's exact]. However, blastocyst rates were significantly different (P < 0.0001) among the groups [(young; control: 86.95%, 1 Gy: 33.33%, 30 Gy: 0.0%) (old; control: 70.37%, 1 Gy: 0.0%, 30 Gy: 0.0%)]. Between the age groups, 1-Gy samples showed a significant decrease in the blastocyst rate in old females compared to young females (P = 0.0166). Gene expression analysis revealed a decrease in relative expression of 21 DNA repair genes in old GV oocytes compared to young GV oocytes (P < 0.05), and similarly, old MII oocytes showed 23 genes with reduced expression compared to young MII oocytes (P < 0.05). The number of genes with decreased expression in older GV and MII oocytes significantly affected pathways such as double strand break (GV: 5; MII: 6), nucleotide excision repair (GV: 8; MII: 5) and DNA damage response (GV: 4; MII: 8). There was a decreased DDR in zygotes and in two-cell embryos from old females compared to young regardless of sperm treatment (P < 0.05). The decrease in DNA repair gene expression of oocytes and decreased DDR in embryos derived from older females suggests that ageing results in a diminished DNA repair capacity. LARGE-SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Ionising radiation was used only for experimental purposes, aiming at controlled levels of sperm DNA damage; however, it can also damage spermatozoa proteins. The female age groups selected in mice were intended to model effects in young and old women, but clinical studies are required to demonstrate a similar effect. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Fertilisation can occur with sperm populations with medium and high DNA damage, but subsequent embryo growth is affected to a greater extent with aging females, supporting the theory that oocyte DNA repair capacity decreases with age. Assessment of the oocyte DNA repair capacity may be a useful diagnostic tool for infertile couples. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Funded by the Education Program in Reproduction and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University. None of the authors has any conflict of interest to report.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Horta
- Education Program in Reproduction & Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - S Catt
- Education Program in Reproduction & Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - P Ramachandran
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC 3164, Australia
| | - B Vollenhoven
- Monash IVF, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia.,Women's and Newborn Program, Monash Health, VIC 3169, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - P Temple-Smith
- Education Program in Reproduction & Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
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Migration speed of nucleolus precursor bodies in human male pronuclei: a novel parameter for predicting live birth. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:1725-1736. [PMID: 33811586 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02172-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To study the relationship between the migration speed of nucleolus precursor bodies (NPBs) in male and female pronuclei (mPN; fPN) and human embryo development during assisted reproduction. METHODS The migration speed of 263 NPBs from 47 zygotes was quantitated, and embryonic development was observed until the blastocyst stage. The central coordinates of mPN, fPN, and NPBs were noted at multiple timepoints. Then, the distance traveled by the NPBs between two sequential images was measured, and migration speed was calculated. Additionally, we investigated the relationship between NPB migration speed and ploidy status (N = 33) or live birth/ongoing pregnancy (LB/OP) (N = 60) after assisted reproduction. RESULTS The NPB migration speed in both mPN and fPN was significantly faster in the zygotes that developed into blastocysts (N = 25) than that in the zygotes that arrested (N = 22). The timing of blastulation was negatively correlated with NPB migration speed in the mPN. Faster NPB migration was significantly correlated with LB/OP. In multivariate logistic analysis, NPB migration speed in the mPN was the only morphokinetic parameter associated with LB/OP. In a receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis of LB/OP by the NPB migration speed in the mPN, the cut-off value was 4.56 μm/h. When this cut-off value was applied to blastocysts with preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy, 100% of the blastocysts faster than or equal to the cut-off value were euploid. CONCLUSION The NPBs migrated faster in zygotes having the potential to develop into a blastocyst, and eventually into a baby. This predictor could be an attractive marker for non-invasive embryo selection.
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24
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Esteves SC, Zini A, Coward RM, Evenson DP, Gosálvez J, Lewis SEM, Sharma R, Humaidan P. Sperm DNA fragmentation testing: Summary evidence and clinical practice recommendations. Andrologia 2021; 53:e13874. [PMID: 33108829 PMCID: PMC7988559 DOI: 10.1111/and.13874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We herein summarise the evidence concerning the impact of sperm DNA fragmentation in various clinical infertility scenarios and the advances on sperm DNA fragmentation tests. The collected evidence was used to formulate 41 recommendations. Of these, 13 recommendations concern technical aspects of sperm DNA fragmentation testing, including pre-analytical information, clinical thresholds and interpretation of results. The remaining 28 recommendations relate to indications for sperm DNA fragmentation testing and clinical management. Clinical scenarios like varicocele, unexplained infertility, idiopathic infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilisation/intracytoplasmic sperm injection, fertility counselling for men with infertility risk factors and sperm cryopreservation have been contemplated. The bulk evidence supporting the recommendations has increased in recent years, but it is still of moderate to low quality. This guideline provides clinicians with advice on best practices in sperm DNA fragmentation testing. Also, recommendations are provided on possible management strategies to overcome infertility related to sperm DNA fragmentation, based on the best available evidence. Lastly, we identified gaps in knowledge and opportunities for research and elaborated a list of recommendations to stimulate further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro C. Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction ClinicReferral Center for Male ReproductionCampinasSPBrazil
- Department of Surgery (Division of Urology)University of Campinas (UNICAMP)CampinasSPBrazil
- Faculty of HealthAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
| | - Armand Zini
- Division of UrologyDepartment of SurgerySt. Mary's HospitalMcGill UniversityMontrealQuébecCanada
| | - Robert Matthew Coward
- Department of UrologyUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNCUSA
- UNC FertilityRaleighNCUSA
| | - Donald P. Evenson
- SCSA DiagnosticsBrookingsSDUSA
- Sanford Medical SchoolUniversity of South DakotaSioux FallsSDUSA
| | - Jaime Gosálvez
- Unit of GeneticsDepartment of BiologyUniversidad Autónoma de MadridMadridSpain
| | | | - Rakesh Sharma
- American Center for Reproductive MedicineCleveland ClinicClevelandOHUSA
| | - Peter Humaidan
- Faculty of HealthAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
- Fertility Clinic SkiveSkive Regional HospitalSkiveDenmark
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25
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Pacheco A, Blanco A, Bronet F, Cruz M, García-Fernández J, García-Velasco JA. Magnetic-Activated Cell Sorting (MACS): A Useful Sperm-Selection Technique in Cases of High Levels of Sperm DNA Fragmentation. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9123976. [PMID: 33302575 PMCID: PMC7763893 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9123976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) can be used to separate apoptotic sperm with high proportions of fragmented DNA from the rest, thus improving the overall quality of the seminal sample. Therefore, the aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the efficiency of the MACS technique to increase reproductive outcomes in patients with high levels of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm-injection (ICSI) cycles. In this study, we analyzed a total of 724 assisted-reproduction-technique (ART) cycles that were divided into two groups: the study group (n = 366) in which the MACS selection technique was performed after density-gradient centrifugation (DGC), and the control group (n = 358) in which only DGC was used for sperm selection. Reproductive outcomes were analyzed in both groups according to three different ART procedures: preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A), and autologous and oocyte-donation cycles. The MACS group showed significantly lower miscarriage rates in autologous ICSI cycles, higher pregnancy rates in oocyte-donation cycles, and a significant increase in live-birth rates in both autologous and oocyte-donation cycles. Overall, these results suggested that the MACS technique can be effectively used to eliminate sperm with high SDF levels, and therefore may help to improve reproductive outcomes in couples undergoing ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Pacheco
- IVI Madrid, 28023 Madrid, Spain; (F.B.); (M.C.); (J.A.G.-V.)
- Science Faculty, Alfonso X “El Sabio” University, Villanueva de la Cañada, 28691 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-911-802-900
| | | | - Fernando Bronet
- IVI Madrid, 28023 Madrid, Spain; (F.B.); (M.C.); (J.A.G.-V.)
| | - María Cruz
- IVI Madrid, 28023 Madrid, Spain; (F.B.); (M.C.); (J.A.G.-V.)
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26
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Minasi MG, Greco P, Varricchio MT, Barillari P, Greco E. The clinical use of time-lapse in human-assisted reproduction. Ther Adv Reprod Health 2020; 14:2633494120976921. [PMID: 33336190 PMCID: PMC7724395 DOI: 10.1177/2633494120976921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A major challenge in the assisted reproduction laboratory is to set up
reproducible and efficient criteria to identify the embryo with the
highest developmental potential. Over the years, several methods have
been used worldwide with this purpose. Initially, standard morphology
assessment was the only available strategy. It is now universally
recognized that besides being a very subjective embryo selection
strategy, morphology evaluation alone has a very poor prognostic
value. More recently, the availability of time-lapse incubators
allowed a continuous monitoring of human embryo development. This
technology has spread quickly and many fertility clinics over the
world produced a remarkable amount of data. To date, however, a
general consensus on which variables, or combination of variables,
should play a central role in embryo selection is still lacking. Many
confounding factors, concerning both patient features and clinical and
biological procedures, have been observed to influence embryo
development. In addition, several studies have reported unexpected
positive outcomes, even in the presence of abnormal developmental
criteria. While it does not seem that time-lapse technology is ready
to entirely replace the more invasive preimplantation genetic testing
in identifying the embryo with the highest implantation potential, it
is certainly true that its application is rapidly growing, becoming
progressively more accurate. Studies involving artificial intelligence
and deep-learning models as well as combining morphokinetic with other
non-invasive markers of embryo development, are currently ongoing,
raising hopes for its successful applicability for clinical purpose in
the near future. The present review mainly focuses on data published
starting from the first decade of 2000, when time-lapse technology was
introduced as a routine clinical practice in the infertility
centers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Paolo Barillari
- Center for Reproductive Medicine,
Villa Mafalda, Rome, Italy
| | - Ermanno Greco
- Center for Reproductive Medicine,
Villa Mafalda, Rome, Italy
- Saint Camillus International
University of Health and Medical Sciences (UniCamillus), Rome,
Italy
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27
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Lin YH, Huang CY, Ke CC, Wang YY, Lai TH, Liu HC, Ku WC, Chan CC, Lin YH. ACTN4 Mediates SEPT14 Mutation-Induced Sperm Head Defects. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8110518. [PMID: 33228246 PMCID: PMC7699536 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8110518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Septins (SEPTs) are highly conserved GTP-binding proteins and the fourth component of the cytoskeleton. Polymerized SEPTs participate in the modulation of various cellular processes, such as cytokinesis, cell polarity, and membrane dynamics, through their interactions with microtubules, actin, and other cellular components. The main objective of this study was to dissect the molecular pathological mechanism of SEPT14 mutation-induced sperm head defects. To identify SEPT14 interactors, co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) and nano-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry were applied. Immunostaining showed that SEPT14 was significantly localized to the manchette structure. The SEPT14 interactors were identified and classified as (1) SEPT-, (2) microtubule-, (3) actin-, and (4) sperm structure-related proteins. One interactor, ACTN4, an actin-holding protein, was selected for further study. Co-IP experiments showed that SEPT14 interacts with ACTN4 in a male germ cell line. SEPT14 also co-localized with ACTN4 in the perinuclear and manchette regions of the sperm head in early elongating spermatids. In the cell model, mutated SEPT14 disturbed the localization pattern of ACTN4. In a clinical aspect, sperm with mutant SEPT14, SEPT14A123T (p.Ala123Thr), and SEPT14I333T (p.Ile333Thr), have mislocalized and fragmented ACTN4 signals. Sperm head defects in donors with SEPT14 mutations are caused by disruption of the functions of ACTN4 and actin during sperm head formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hua Lin
- Department of Chemistry, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan;
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Cardinal Tien Hospital, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yen Huang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan;
- Gynecologic Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei 106, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan; (T.-H.L.); (W.-C.K.)
| | - Chih-Chun Ke
- PhD Program in Nutrition & Food Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan;
- Department of Urology, En Chu Kong Hospital, New Taipei City 237, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Yun Wang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan; (Y.-Y.W.); (H.-C.L.)
| | - Tsung-Hsuan Lai
- School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan; (T.-H.L.); (W.-C.K.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Hsuan-Che Liu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan; (Y.-Y.W.); (H.-C.L.)
| | - Wei-Chi Ku
- School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan; (T.-H.L.); (W.-C.K.)
| | - Chying-Chyuan Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei City Hospital, Renai Branch, Taipei 106, Taiwan;
| | - Ying-Hung Lin
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan; (Y.-Y.W.); (H.-C.L.)
- Correspondence:
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28
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Anbari F, Khalili MA, Agha-Rahimi A, Maleki B, Nabi A, Esfandiari N. Does sperm DNA fragmentation have negative impact on embryo morphology and morphokinetics in IVF programme? Andrologia 2020; 52:e13798. [PMID: 33017474 DOI: 10.1111/and.13798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Evaluation of sperm integrity may predict the in vitro fertilisation (IVF) outcomes. The aim was to evaluate the relationship between the sperm DNA fragmentation (sDNAf) with embryo morphology and morphokinetic using time-laps monitoring (TLM) and to select the best time points for normalisation in IVF setting. After evaluating the fertilisation and pronuclei (Z) scoring, 328 normally fertilised oocytes were assessed to time of pronuclei fading, time of 2 to 8 discrete cells (t2-t8) and abnormal cleavage patterns, such as multinucleation, direct cleavage, reverse cleavage and fragmentation. Sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) assay was used for assessment of prepared sperm chromatin status. SCD was categorised into 4 groups of <6.5, 6.5-10.7, 10.7-20.1 and >20.1. The finding showed significant differences in t6 (p = .012), t7 (p = .045), t8 (p = .013) and s1 (p = .001) between 4 SCD groups. When morphokinetic variables were normalised to tPNf, this difference was observed in t2 (p = .003) and t6 (p = .017). Subsequently, the percentage of top quality embryos and Z1 scoring were dependent to the sDNAf rate. In conclusion, tPNf was the best reference time point in IVF cycles. Also, we found high sDNAf rate had no negative impact on embryo morphology and morphokinetics in conventional IVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Anbari
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.,Department of Reproductive Biology, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Khalili
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.,Department of Reproductive Biology, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Azam Agha-Rahimi
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.,Department of Reproductive Biology, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Behnam Maleki
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.,Department of Reproductive Biology, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Ali Nabi
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.,Department of Reproductive Biology, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Navid Esfandiari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA.,Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
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Agarwal A, Majzoub A, Baskaran S, Panner Selvam MK, Cho CL, Henkel R, Finelli R, Leisegang K, Sengupta P, Barbarosie C, Parekh N, Alves MG, Ko E, Arafa M, Tadros N, Ramasamy R, Kavoussi P, Ambar R, Kuchakulla M, Robert KA, Iovine C, Durairajanayagam D, Jindal S, Shah R. Sperm DNA Fragmentation: A New Guideline for Clinicians. World J Mens Health 2020; 38:412-471. [PMID: 32777871 PMCID: PMC7502318 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.200128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm DNA integrity is crucial for fertilization and development of healthy offspring. The spermatozoon undergoes extensive molecular remodeling of its nucleus during later phases of spermatogenesis, which imparts compaction and protects the genetic content. Testicular (defective maturation and abortive apoptosis) and post-testicular (oxidative stress) mechanisms are implicated in the etiology of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), which affects both natural and assisted reproduction. Several clinical and environmental factors are known to negatively impact sperm DNA integrity. An increasing number of reports emphasizes the direct relationship between sperm DNA damage and male infertility. Currently, several assays are available to assess sperm DNA damage, however, routine assessment of SDF in clinical practice is not recommended by professional organizations. This article provides an overview of SDF types, origin and comparative analysis of various SDF assays while primarily focusing on the clinical indications of SDF testing. Importantly, we report four clinical cases where SDF testing had played a significant role in improving fertility outcome. In light of these clinical case reports and recent scientific evidence, this review provides expert recommendations on SDF testing and examines the advantages and drawbacks of the clinical utility of SDF testing using Strength-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Ahmad Majzoub
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Saradha Baskaran
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Chak Lam Cho
- Department of Surgery, Union Hospital, Hong Kong
- S. H. Ho Urology Centre, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ralf Henkel
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Renata Finelli
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Kristian Leisegang
- School of Natural Medicine, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Pallav Sengupta
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing, MAHSA University, Jenjarom, Malaysia
| | - Catalina Barbarosie
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Neel Parekh
- Department of Urology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Marco G Alves
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology & Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Edmund Ko
- Department of Urology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Mohamed Arafa
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Andrology Department, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Nicholas Tadros
- Division of Urology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA
| | | | - Parviz Kavoussi
- Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Rafael Ambar
- Urology Department of Centro Universitario em Saude do ABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | | | - Kathy Amy Robert
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Concetta Iovine
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | | | - Sunil Jindal
- Department of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Jindal Hospital, Meerut, India
| | - Rupin Shah
- Department of Urology, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
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Mangoli E, Khalili MA, Talebi AR, Kalantar SM, Montazeri F, Agharahimi A, Woodward BJ. Association between early embryo morphokinetics plus transcript levels of sperm apoptotic genes and clinical outcomes in IMSI and ICSI cycles of male factor patients. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:2555-2567. [PMID: 32767204 PMCID: PMC7550545 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01910-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim was to assess the correlation of sperm apoptotic transcript levels with cleavage stage embryokinetic and pregnancy outcomes of intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI) and ICSI methods in patients with male factor infertility. MATERIAL AND METHODS Eighty male factor cases were divided into ICSI and IMSI groups. ICSI was done routinely, and for IMSI, sperm was selected at high magnification and injected. On day 3, time-lapse parameters were evaluated, and the best embryos were transferred and followed to delivery. In addition, sperm DNA fragmentation and apoptotic transcript levels were quantified using reverse transcription Q-PCR between the groups. RESULTS IMSI selected spermatozoa had lower DNA fragmentation and apoptotic transcript levels compared with ICSI (p < 0.0001). Moreover, all cytokinetic variables and cleavage abnormalities were noticeably different between groups (p < 0.0001); the rates of clinical outcomes were higher in the IMSI group. The transcript levels of Caspase 3 showed a moderate negative correlation with s2 and s3 (rs = - 0.57, P = 0.008 and rs = - 0.51, p = 0.021, respectively) in the IMSI group. However, there was no relationship between sperm apoptotic transcript levels and clinical outcomes in two groups. CONCLUSIONS Sperms selected at high magnification showed lower DNA fragmentation and apoptosis genes transcript. Also, better embryo kinetics and clinical outcomes were confirmed in IMSI than ICSI groups. Some time-lapse parameters may be associated with transcript levels of apoptosis genes. Therefore, these noninvasive techniques may be unique in assisting couples with male factor infertility. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial retrospectively registered on 4 July 2020 (IRCT20180130038561N1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmat Mangoli
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Khalili
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
| | - Ali Reza Talebi
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Seyed Mehdi Kalantar
- Abortion Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Montazeri
- Abortion Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Azam Agharahimi
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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31
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Gonzalez-Castro RA, Amoroso-Sanches F, Stokes JE, Graham JK, Carnevale EM. Localisation of phospholipase Cζ1 (PLCZ1) and postacrosomal WW-binding protein (WBP2 N-terminal like) on equine spermatozoa and flow cytometry quantification of PLCZ1 and association with cleavage in vitro. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020; 31:1778-1792. [PMID: 31597592 DOI: 10.1071/rd19217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Oocyte activation is initiated when a fertilising spermatozoon delivers sperm-borne oocyte-activating factor(s) into the oocyte cytoplasm. Candidates for oocyte activation include two proteins, phospholipase Cζ1 (PLCZ1) and postacrosomal WW-binding protein (PAWP; also known as WBP2 N-terminal like (WBP2NL)). We localised PLCZ1 and WBP2NL/PAWP in stallion spermatozoa and investigated the PLCZ1 content and sperm parameters as well as cleavage after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). PLCZ1 was identified as 71-kDa protein in the acrosomal and postacrosomal regions, midpiece and principal piece of the tail. Anti-WBP2NL antibody identified two WBP2NL bands (~28 and ~32kDa) in the postacrosomal region, midpiece and principal piece of the tail. PLCZ1 and WBP2NL expression was positively correlated (P=0.04) in sperm heads. Flow cytometry evaluation of PLCZ1 revealed large variations in fluorescence intensity and the percentage of positively labelled spermatozoa among stallions. PLCZ1 expression was significantly higher in viable than non-viable spermatozoa, and DNA fragmentation was negatively correlated with PLCZ1 expression and the percentage of positively labelled spermatozoa (P<0.05). The use of equine sperm populations considered to have high versus low PLCZ1 content resulted in significantly higher cleavage rates after ICSI of bovine and equine oocytes, supporting the importance of PLCZ1 for oocyte activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul A Gonzalez-Castro
- Equine Reproduction Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 3101 Rampart Rd, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80521, USA
| | - Fabio Amoroso-Sanches
- Equine Reproduction Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 3101 Rampart Rd, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80521, USA
| | - JoAnne E Stokes
- Equine Reproduction Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 3101 Rampart Rd, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80521, USA
| | - James K Graham
- Equine Reproduction Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 3101 Rampart Rd, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80521, USA
| | - Elaine M Carnevale
- Equine Reproduction Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 3101 Rampart Rd, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80521, USA; and Corresponding author.
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32
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Aitken RJ, Whiting S, Connaughton H, Curry B, Reinheimer T, van Duin M. A novel pathway for the induction of DNA damage in human spermatozoa involving extracellular cell-free DNA. Mutat Res 2020; 821:111722. [PMID: 32920458 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2020.111722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
DNA damage is a common feature of human spermatozoa associated with an impaired capacity to fertilize the oocyte and an increased mutational load in the offspring. However, the etiology of this damage remains poorly defined. In this study we demonstrate that a major pathway for the induction of DNA damage in mammalian spermatozoa is triggered by exposure to exogenous cell free DNA (cfDNA). Exposure of human and mouse spermatozoa to cfDNA (calf thymus, mouse liver and salmon testes) in vitro induced a dose-dependent increase in sperm DNA damage that could be effectively suppressed by the concomitant presence of DNase. The induction of such damage was not accompanied by any concomitant change in sperm motility or vitality and was not directly associated with the induction of oxidative stress. In vivo the injection of exogenous DNA again precipitated an increase in sperm DNA fragmentation that could be reversed by the prior administration of DNase. Similarly, the induction of a transient unilateral testicular ischemia induced an increase in DNA fragmentation that was evident within 24 h and sustained for at least 14 days via mechanisms that could be completely suppressed by the prior administration of DNase. We conclude that exogenous cfDNA activates a defensive response in human spermatozoa associated with the nuclease-mediated induction of DNA fragmentation, possibly involving the participation of TLR9 and CD4. These novel insights have significant implications for our understanding of DNA fragmentation in the male germ line and open up new pathways for the remediation of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Faculty of Science and Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
| | - Sara Whiting
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Faculty of Science and Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Haley Connaughton
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Faculty of Science and Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Ben Curry
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Faculty of Science and Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Ferring International PharmaScience Center, Copenhagen, Denmark; Ferring Research Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
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33
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Panner Selvam MK, Ambar RF, Agarwal A, Henkel R. Etiologies of sperm DNA damage and its impact on male infertility. Andrologia 2020; 53:e13706. [PMID: 32559347 DOI: 10.1111/and.13706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Male factor is responsible for up to 50% of infertility cases in the world. Semen analysis is considered the cornerstone of laboratory evaluation of male infertility, but it has its own drawbacks and fails to predict the male fertility potential with high sensitivity and specificity. Different etiologies have been linked with male infertility, of which sperm DNA damage has gained significant attention with extensive research on sperm function tests. The associations between sperm DNA damage and a variety of disorders such as varicocele, obesity, cancer, radiation and lifestyle factors are explored in this review. Furthermore, we discuss the mechanisms of DNA damage as well as its impact in different scenarios of male infertility, associated with spontaneous and assisted reproduction. Finally, we review the clinical applicability of sperm DNA fragmentation testing in the management of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rafael F Ambar
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Sexual and Reproductive Medicine - Department of Urology, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ralf Henkel
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
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34
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Aghazarian A, Huf W, Pflüger H, Klatte T. The 1999 and 2010 WHO reference values for human semen analysis to predict sperm DNA damage: A comparative study. Reprod Biol 2020; 20:379-383. [PMID: 32527621 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2020.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Standard semen parameters are often used to predict male fertility, but whether the 2010 World Health Organization (WHO 2010) thresholds are better predictors than the 1999 thresholds has not been investigated. In this study, we addressed this issue using sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) as a marker of male fertility in 134 subfertile male individuals. To compare the predictive value of the 1999 thresholds with the 2010 cutoffs, the Youden indices (YIs) of all possible thresholds were calculated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and compared to each other and to the respective YIs of optimal thresholds. We found that the area under the ROC curves of progressive motility and vitality was the highest among standard semen parameters, and that the YI of both parameters from the 2010 manual was comparable to the respective optimal YIs. In contrast, the threshold of sperm concentration and total sperm number from both WHO recommendations demonstrated low YIs, with substantial differences to the respective optimal YIs. The YIs of normal morphology cutoffs from both WHO manuals were slightly different from each other and from the respective optimal YIs. In conclusion, the 2010 thresholds for progressive motility and vitality are superior to the 1999 thresholds in predicting SDF, whereas the cutoff value of sperm concentration, total sperm number and normal morphology may need further revisions to increase their accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artin Aghazarian
- Department of Urology, Krankenhaus Hietzing mit Neurologischem Zentrum Rosenhügel, Vienna, Austria; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Krankenhaus Hietzing mit Neurologischem Zentrum Rosenhügel, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Wolfgang Huf
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Krankenhaus Hietzing mit Neurologischem Zentrum Rosenhügel, Vienna, Austria; Karl Landsteiner Institute for Clinical Risk Management, Vienna, Austria
| | - Heinz Pflüger
- Department of Urology, Krankenhaus Hietzing mit Neurologischem Zentrum Rosenhügel, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tobias Klatte
- Department of Urology, Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bournemouth, United Kingdom; Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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35
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Wan X, He X, Liu Q, Duan P, Li H. Frequent and mild scrotal heat stress impairs embryo development, implantation and offspring sex ratio in mice. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 40:617-626. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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36
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Apter S, Ebner T, Freour T, Guns Y, Kovacic B, Le Clef N, Marques M, Meseguer M, Montjean D, Sfontouris I, Sturmey R, Coticchio G. Good practice recommendations for the use of time-lapse technology †. Hum Reprod Open 2020; 2020:hoaa008. [PMID: 32206731 PMCID: PMC7081060 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoaa008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thomas Ebner
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Gynecological Endocrinology, Kepler Universitätsklinikum, Linz, Austria
| | - Thomas Freour
- Médecine de la Reproduction, CHU de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Yves Guns
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Borut Kovacic
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecologic Endocrinology, Univerzitetni klinicni center Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Nathalie Le Clef
- European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, Grimbergen, Belgium
| | | | - Marcos Meseguer
- IVF Laboratory, Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Valencia, Spain
| | - Debbie Montjean
- Médecine et Biologie de la Reproduction, Hopital Saint Joseph, Marseille, France
| | | | - Roger Sturmey
- Centre for Atherothrombosis and Metabolic Disease, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
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37
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Zaghi B, Barda S, Kleiman SE, Hauser R. Impact of time between repeated sperm freezing cycles on sperm quality. Reprod Biol 2019; 20:75-80. [PMID: 31879229 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2019.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Refreezing of sperm samples would provide the possibility of performing more cycles of fertility treatments. Although the effect of repeated cycles of freezing on sperm quality was studied, the effect of the length of the time interval between each freeze-thaw cycle has not been reported. Hence, we assessed the effect of incubation time on the sperm quality of thawed sperm after repeated freezing. One-hundred samples of potential sperm donations with normal sperm quality were evaluated. The fresh semen samples were analyzed and cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen until use. After thawing, the samples were divided randomly to two groups and reanalyzed for motility, vitality, and DNA fragmentation. They were incubated at room temperature and reanalyzed after either 90 min (group A) or 180 min (group B) of incubation, and once again after a repeated cycle of freezing and thawing. Our results showed that the sperm parameters of fresh samples of both groups were similar. After one freeze-thaw cycle, both groups still had comparable values. At the end of their respective incubation time periods, however, there was a significant difference in the mean values of the assessed parameters between the two groups (p < 0.01). An additional freeze-thaw cycle further exacerbated those differences, with group B undergoing an even more substantial decline (p < 0.001). Our data suggest that thawed human spermatozoa sustain a significant decline in sperm parameters in association with longer incubation time, which is further exacerbated by an additional freeze-thaw cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Zaghi
- The New York State/American Program, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Institute for the Study of Fertility, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shimi Barda
- Institute for the Study of Fertility, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Israel Academic College in Ramat Gan, Israel.
| | - Sandra Edith Kleiman
- Institute for the Study of Fertility, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ron Hauser
- Institute for the Study of Fertility, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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38
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Esteves SC, Santi D, Simoni M. An update on clinical and surgical interventions to reduce sperm DNA fragmentation in infertile men. Andrology 2019; 8:53-81. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sandro C. Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic Referral Center for Male Reproduction Campinas Brazil
- Department of Surgery (Division of Urology) University of Campinas (UNICAMP) Campinas Brazil
- Faculty of Health Aarhus University Aarhus Denmark
| | - Daniele Santi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Modena Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology Department of Medical Specialties Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Modena Italy
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Modena Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology Department of Medical Specialties Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Modena Italy
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39
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Abstract
Sperm DNA fragmentation is referred to as one of the main causes of male infertility. Failures in the protamination process, apoptosis and action of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are considered the most important causes of DNA fragmentation. Action of ROS or changes in sperm protamination would increase the susceptibility of sperm DNA to fragmentation. Routine semen analysis is unable to estimate sperm chromatin damage. Sperm DNA integrity influences sperm functional capability, therefore tests that measure sperm DNA fragmentation are important to assess fertility disorders. Actually, there is a considerable number of methods for assessing sperm DNA fragmentation and chromatin integrity, sperm chromatin stability assay (SCSA modified), sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD), comet assay, transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL); and protamine evaluation in sperm chromatin assay, such as toluidine blue, CMA3, protamine expression and evaluation of cysteine radicals. This review aims to describe the main causes of sperm DNA fragmentation and the tests commonly used to evaluate sperm DNA fragmentation.
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40
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Pan D, Feng D, Ding H, Zheng X, Ma Z, Yang B, Xie M. Effects of bisphenol A exposure on DNA integrity and protamination of mouse spermatozoa. Andrology 2019; 8:486-496. [PMID: 31489793 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bisphenol A is widely used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics and has caused increasing concern over its potential adverse impacts on spermatogenesis. However, the effect of bisphenol A on spermiogenesis is yet to be explored. OBJECTIVES To evaluate whether bisphenol A has adverse effects on DNA integrity and protamination of spermatogenic cell. MATERIALS AND METHODS Newborn male mice were subcutaneously injected with bisphenol A (0.1, 5 mg/kg body weight, n = 15) or coin oil (control group, n = 20) daily from post-natal day 1 until 35. At post-natal day 70, epididymis caudal spermatozoa and testes were collected. Sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology were analyzed. The sperm chromatin structure assay was performed to examine the sperm DNA fragmentation. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) method was used to assess apoptosis of spermatogenic cells. The ultrastructural features of testicular sections were examined under a transmission electron microscope. Western blot and RT-PCR were used to detect the expression levels of transition protein (Tnp) 1 and Tnp2, protamine (Prm) 1 and Prm2 protein, and mRNA in mice testes. RESULTS Bisphenol A significantly reduced sperm counts, impaired sperm motility, and increased the percentage of malformed spermatozoa. Poor sperm chromatin integrity and increased TUNEL-positive spermatogenic cells were also observed in mice exposed to bisphenol A. Ultrastructural analysis of testes showed that bisphenol A exposure caused incomplete chromatin condensation, retention of residual cytoplasm, and abnormal acrosome formation. In addition, the relative expression levels of Tnp2 and Prm2 in mice testes decreased significantly in bisphenol A groups. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Our findings identified that neonatal bisphenol A exposure may negatively contribute to the sperm quality in adult mice. Mechanistically, we showed that bisphenol A reduced sperm chromatin integrity along with increased DNA damage, which may be due to poor protamination of spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Pan
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - D Feng
- Department of Obstetrics, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - H Ding
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - X Zheng
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Z Ma
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - B Yang
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - M Xie
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
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41
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SEPT14 Mutations and Teratozoospermia: Genetic Effects on Sperm Head Morphology and DNA Integrity. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8091297. [PMID: 31450874 PMCID: PMC6780492 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8091297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The main objective of this study was to evaluate the potential genetic effects of SEPT14 on male infertility through sequencing the SEPT14 coding region. To address this research gap, 254 men with sperm abnormalities and 116 normozoospermic men were recruited, and the whole-coding regions of SEPT14 were sequenced. Two heterozygous mutations, p.Ala123Thr (3/254 vs. 0/116) and p.Ile333Thr (3/254 vs. 0/116), were identified in these cases. A high percentage of defective sperm heads was found in sperm with mutated SEPT14. Both mutations are highly evolutionarily conserved among vertebrates. The results of a fine morphological and chromatin structural analysis indicated severely malformed sperm heads with abnormal chromatin packaging through transmission electron microscopy and Toluidine blue staining. Compared with controls, high DNA fragmentation was demonstrated in sperm from cases carrying SEPT14 mutations using the comet assay. In addition, these two mutations in SEPT14 affected its polymerization ability in vitro. These data revels that the two SEPT14 missense mutations impaired sperm head morphology and induced DNA damage. Our study suggests that genetic variant of SEPT14 is one of the effects for human sperm formation and male fertility.
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42
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Liffner S, Pehrson I, García‐Calvo L, Nedstrand E, Zalavary S, Hammar M, Rodríguez‐Martínez H, Álvarez‐Rodríguez M. Diagnostics of DNA fragmentation in human spermatozoa: Are sperm chromatin structure analysis and sperm chromatin dispersion tests (SCD‐HaloSpermG2
®
) comparable? Andrologia 2019; 51:e13316. [DOI: 10.1111/and.13316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Liffner
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKE), Obstetrics and Gynaecology Linköping University Linköping Sweden
| | - Isabelle Pehrson
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKE), Obstetrics and Gynaecology Linköping University Linköping Sweden
| | - Laura García‐Calvo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKE), Obstetrics and Gynaecology Linköping University Linköping Sweden
| | - Elizabeth Nedstrand
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKE), Obstetrics and Gynaecology Linköping University Linköping Sweden
| | - Stefan Zalavary
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKE), Obstetrics and Gynaecology Linköping University Linköping Sweden
| | - Mats Hammar
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKE), Obstetrics and Gynaecology Linköping University Linköping Sweden
| | - Heriberto Rodríguez‐Martínez
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKE), Obstetrics and Gynaecology Linköping University Linköping Sweden
| | - Manuel Álvarez‐Rodríguez
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKE), Obstetrics and Gynaecology Linköping University Linköping Sweden
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43
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Liu Y, Sakkas D, Afnan M, Matson P. Time-lapse videography for embryo selection/de-selection: a bright future or fading star? HUM FERTIL 2019; 23:76-82. [PMID: 30963781 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2019.1598586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The recent clinical introduction of time-lapse videography into in vitro fertilization laboratories has offered a novel opportunity for embryologists to explore improved methods for embryo selection. While the concept of uninterrupted culture of embryos provided by such systems is welcomed, the current evidence does not support its full application in routine clinical practice. The issue of whether or not algorithms for embryo selection can be extrapolated between laboratories, which may represent a major hurdle to its wide application, is currently gaining increasing attention amongst embryologists worldwide. In this commentary issues identified in time-lapse embryo selection/de-selection algorithms, such as quantitative versus qualitative parameters, are discussed alongside the reference start point for the timing system, and types of datasets used for developing and validating time-lapse algorithms. Considering these factors, alternative future research directions which could potentially solve current issues are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhe Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tianjin United Family Hospital, Tianjin, China.,School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia
| | | | - Masoud Afnan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tianjin United Family Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Phillip Matson
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia.,Joondalup Private Hospital, Fertility North, Joondalup, Australia
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44
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Casanovas A, Ribas-Maynou J, Lara-Cerrillo S, Jimenez-Macedo AR, Hortal O, Benet J, Carrera J, García-Peiró A. Double-stranded sperm DNA damage is a cause of delay in embryo development and can impair implantation rates. Fertil Steril 2019; 111:699-707.e1. [PMID: 30826116 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the effect of single- and double-stranded sperm DNA fragmentation (ssSDF and dsSDF) on human embryo kinetics monitored under a time-lapse system. DESIGN Observational, double blind, prospective cohort study. SETTING University spin-off and private center. PATIENT(S) One hundred ninety-six embryos from 43 infertile couples were included prospectively. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) SsSDF and dsSDF were analyzed in the same semen sample used for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Embryo kinetics was then monitored using time-lapse technology, and the timing of each embryo division was obtained. RESULT(S) When comparing embryos obtained from semen samples with low dsSDF and high dsSDF, splitting data using a statistically significant delay in high dsSDF was observed in second polar body extrusion, T4, T8, morula, and starting blastocyst and embryo implantation rates were impaired. Embryo kinetics and implantation rates are not significantly affected when high values of ssSDF are present. Different patterns of delay in embryo kinetics were observed for these different types of DNA damage: dsSDF caused a delay along all stages of embryo development; however, its major effect was observed at the second polar body extrusion and morula stages, coinciding with embryo DNA damage checkpoint activation as described before; ssSDF had its major effect at the pronucleus stage, but embryo kinetics was then restored at all following stages. The results show that dsSDF could be the main type of DNA damage that affects embryo development in intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles, probably due to motility-based sperm selection in this assisted reproduction procedure. CONCLUSION(S) Double-stranded sperm DNA damage caused a delay in embryo development and impaired implantation, while single-stranded DNA damage did not significantly affect embryo kinetics and implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Centro de Infertilidad Masculina y Análisis de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Olga Hortal
- Unitat d'Endocrinologia Ginecològica, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Benet
- Unitat de Biologia Cellular i Genètica Mèdica, Departament de Biologia Cellular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Campus de la UAB, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Carrera
- Unitat d'Endocrinologia Ginecològica, Barcelona, Spain
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45
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Myromslien FD, Tremoen NH, Andersen-Ranberg I, Fransplass R, Stenseth EB, Zeremichael TT, van Son M, Grindflek E, Gaustad AH. Sperm DNA integrity in Landrace and Duroc boar semen and its relationship to litter size. Reprod Domest Anim 2018; 54:160-166. [PMID: 30168871 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The sperm chromatin structure assay is a method for assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation, a parameter reported to be negatively related to field fertility in several mammal species. This method calculates a DNA fragmentation index (DFI) whose high values indicate abnormal chromatin structure. In this study, running from March 2010 until June 2017, the aim was to assess sperm DFI in stored liquid extended semen from two different pig breeds, Norwegian Landrace (NL; n = 693) and Norwegian Duroc (ND; n = 655), and to evaluate the influence on total number of piglets born (TNB). There was a significantly higher median DFI (p < 0.0001) in ejaculates from the 478 ND boars compared to the 452 NL boars. Data from 19,496 NL litters and 3,877 ND litters of the same boars were retrieved. For either breed, sow herd (p < 0.0001), parity (p < 0.05) and DFI (p < 0.05) showed significant effects on TNB. The DFI was negatively correlated to TNB in both breeds. The boars with the 5% lowest TNB had a least square means DFI of 3.05% and 2.24% in NL and ND, respectively, compared to 1.67% and 1.23% for the boars with the 5% highest TNB (p < 0.01). The DFI and the motility of the same semen samples were negatively correlated (p < 0.0001), and the high and low TNB groups showed significant differences in motility. However, this difference could not be used for practical prediction of TNB group (92.1% vs. 89.7%; p = 0.0038 and 92.3% vs. 89.5%; p = 0.018; NL and ND, respectively). In conclusion, our results indicate that sperm DNA integrity in semen with good motility and morphology may be an additional prediction parameter for fertility in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frøydis D Myromslien
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | - Nina H Tremoen
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | | | - Ragnhild Fransplass
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway.,Midtbygdsvegen 518, Øyer, Norway
| | - Else-Berit Stenseth
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | - Teklu T Zeremichael
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | | | | | - Ann Helen Gaustad
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway.,Topigs Norsvin, Hamar, Norway
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46
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Esbert M, Pacheco A, Soares SR, Amorós D, Florensa M, Ballesteros A, Meseguer M. High sperm DNA fragmentation delays human embryo kinetics when oocytes from young and healthy donors are microinjected. Andrology 2018; 6:697-706. [PMID: 30259705 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Time-lapse monitoring (TLM) technology has been implemented in the clinical setting for the culture and selection of human embryos. Many studies have assessed the association between sperm DNA fragmentation (sDNAf) and clinical outcomes after ART, but little is known about the influence of sDNA on embryo morphokinetics. OBJECTIVES The objective of this retrospective study, which includes 971 embryos from 135 consecutive ICSI cycles (56 cases with own oocytes, 79 with oocytes from young and healthy donors), was to assess if sDNAf has an impact on embryo morphokinetics. MATERIALS AND METHODS Samples used to perform ICSI were analyzed by the flow cytometry TUNEL assay, and embryo development was assessed through an EmbyoScope® system. The association between sDNAf and the timings of cell cleavage was analyzed by categorizing the first variable into quartiles: ≤6.50%; 6.51-10.70%; 10.71-20.15%; >20.15%. RESULTS In cases where sDNAf was above 20.15% (the upper quartile), embryos derived from donated oocytes (n = 644) showed significantly slower divisions. Such association was not observed in embryos obtained from the patients' own oocytes (n = 327). The embryo cleavage pattern (either normal, direct from 1 to 3 blastomeres, direct from 1 to 4 blastomeres, incomplete, reversed or asynchronous) was independent of the sDNAf level. Blastocyst arrival rate was 63.0% and the rate of good quality embryos (transferred and frozen embryos divided by the number of zygotes) was 45.49%. Neither parameter was related to the levels of sDNAf. DISCUSSION According to our results, the association between high sDNAf and donated oocytes led to delayed cell division. To our knowledge, this is the first study suggesting that sDNAf can delay human embryo cleavage timings when oocytes from donors are inseminated. CONCLUSIONS This finding may indicate that, in the presence of increased DNA damage, time is needed before the first embryonic cell division for the activation of the optimal DNA repairing machinery in higher quality oocytes.
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47
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Yang SH, Wu CH, Chen YC, Yang CK, Wu TH, Chen PC, Tsai HD. Effect of morphokinetics and morphological dynamics of cleavage stage on embryo developmental potential: A time-lapse study. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2018; 57:76-82. [PMID: 29458909 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2017.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Using a non-invasive method to select the most competent embryo is essential in in vitro fertilization (IVF). Since the beginning of clinical application of time-lapse technology, several studies have proposed models using the time-lapse imaging system for predicting the IVF outcome. This study used both morphokinetic and morphological dynamic parameters to select embryos with the highest developmental potential. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 23 intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment cycles with 138 fertilized oocytes were included in this study. All embryos were cultured to the blastocyst stage, and embryo development was recorded every 10 min by using a time-lapse imaging system. Morphokinetic parameters and eight major abnormal division behaviors were studied to determine their effects on blastocyst formation. The most influential variables were used in hierarchical classification for blastocyst formation prediction. RESULTS Several parameters were significantly related to the developmental potential. Embryos with the timing of pronuclear fading (tPNF) of >26.4 h post insemination (hpi), the timing of division to two cells (t2) of >29.1 hpi, and the timing of division to four cells (t4) of >41.3 hpi showed the lowest blastocyst formation rate. The abnormal division behaviors of fragmentation >50%, direct cleavage, reverse cleavage, and delayed division or developmental arrest were found to be detrimental to blastocyst formation. On the basis of these results, we propose a hierarchical model classification, in which embryos are classified into groups A-D according to their developmental potential. The blastocyst formation rates of groups A, B, C, and D were 80.0%, 77.8%, 53.7%, and 22.2% (p < 0.001). The good blastocyst rates of groups A, B, C, and D were 60.0%, 44.4%, 14.6%, and 11.1% (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION We propose a hierarchical classification system for blastocyst formation prediction, which provides information for embryo selection by using a time-lapse imaging system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiao-Hsuan Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Cheng-Hsuan Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yu-Ching Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chueh-Ko Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Laboratory, Department of Medical Research, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Tsui-Huang Wu
- In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Pei-Chi Chen
- In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Horng-Der Tsai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan, R.O.C.
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48
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Kim GY. What should be done for men with sperm DNA fragmentation? Clin Exp Reprod Med 2018; 45:101-109. [PMID: 30202739 PMCID: PMC6125150 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2018.45.3.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In an age when a small quantity of sperm can lead to pregnancy through in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection, selecting healthy sperm is important. Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) is known to be higher in infertile men. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL) and the alkaline comet test are SDF tests that directly measure DNA damage and have shown closer correlations with assisted reproduction results than indirect tools such as the sperm chromatin structure assay or the sperm chromatic dispersion test. It is difficult; however, to endorse a single test as the best test overall; instead, it is best to select a testing method based on each patient's clinical condition and goals. In a couple struggling with infertility, if the male partner has a high level of SDF, he should aim to decrease SDF through lifestyle modifications, antioxidant treatment, and ensuring an appropriate duration of abstinence, and physicians need to treat the underlying diseases of such patients. If sperm DNA damage continues despite the patient's and physician's efforts, other methods, such as micromanipulation-based sperm selection or testicular sperm extraction, should be used to select healthy sperm with nuclear DNA integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gi Young Kim
- Department of Urology, Mizmedi Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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49
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Gunes S, Metin Mahmutoglu A, Arslan MA, Henkel R. Smoking-induced genetic and epigenetic alterations in infertile men. Andrologia 2018; 50:e13124. [DOI: 10.1111/and.13124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sezgin Gunes
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine; Ondokuz Mayis University; Samsun Turkey
- Department of Multidisciplinary Molecular Medicine, Health Sciences Institute; Ondokuz Mayis University; Samsun Turkey
| | - Asli Metin Mahmutoglu
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine; Ondokuz Mayis University; Samsun Turkey
| | - Mehmet Alper Arslan
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine; Ondokuz Mayis University; Samsun Turkey
- Department of Multidisciplinary Molecular Medicine, Health Sciences Institute; Ondokuz Mayis University; Samsun Turkey
| | - Ralf Henkel
- Department of Medical Bioscience; University of the Western Cape; Bellville South Africa
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50
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Mangoli E, Khalili MA, Talebi AR, Ghasemi‐Esmailabad S, Hosseini A. Is there any correlation between sperm parameters and chromatin quality with embryo morphokinetics in patients with male infertility? Andrologia 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- E. Mangoli
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Research and Clinical Center for Infertility Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Yazd Iran
| | - M. A. Khalili
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Research and Clinical Center for Infertility Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Yazd Iran
| | - A. R. Talebi
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Research and Clinical Center for Infertility Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Yazd Iran
| | - S. Ghasemi‐Esmailabad
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Research and Clinical Center for Infertility Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Yazd Iran
| | - A. Hosseini
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Research and Clinical Center for Infertility Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Yazd Iran
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