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Zhou Y, Wei Z, Gao Y, Zhang H, Schroyen M. The role of alginate oligosaccharide on boar semen quality: A research review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 277:134492. [PMID: 39106929 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
Alginate is the general term of a polysaccharide which is widely used in the area of pharmaceutics and the food industry and is known for its unique biological activities. However, due to the low water solubility and large viscosity of alginate, its development and utilization in the agricultural field are limited. Alginate oligosaccharide (AOS) is a degradable product derived from alginate and has attracted much attention in recent years because of its specific characteristics such as a low molecular weight, high water solubility, and non-toxicity. Boar semen quality, which is affected by various factors, is an important indicator for measuring reproductive performance of boars. With the development of artificial insemination technology, high quality semen has been more and more important. Therefore, increasing semen quality is an important means to improve the reproductive performance in swine industry. In this research review, we used the PubMed database and Google Scholar and web of science to search for relevant literature on the topic of AOS in relation to boar semen quality. Key words used were alginate oligosaccharide, boars, semen quality, microbiota and metabolites. The purpose of this review article was to describe the current knowledge on the relationship between AOS and boar semen quality, and provide an overview of solutions for the decline in the boar semen quality in specific conditions. Based on the existing literature, it is evident that AOS can be used as a new type of food additive. This review paper provides a theoretical basis for the production of high-quality boar sperm and, suggests that, in the future, AOS can even aid in treating human infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yexun Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, PR China; Precision Livestock and Nutrition Unit, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Zeou Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, PR China; School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfeld, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Yang Gao
- College of Life Science, Baicheng Normal University, Baicheng, Jilin 137000, China.
| | - Hongfu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, PR China.
| | - Martine Schroyen
- Precision Livestock and Nutrition Unit, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Gembloux, Belgium
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Mateu-Fabregat J, Papandreou C, Gutierrez-Tordera L, Rojas M, Novau-Ferré N, Mostafa H, Bulló M. Dietary Glycemic Index and Load and Semen Quality: A Cross-Sectional and Prospective Analysis within the FERTINUTS Trial. World J Mens Health 2024; 42:881-889. [PMID: 38772538 PMCID: PMC11439801 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.230328] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Infertility is a global health issue and nutrition plays a significant role in fertility outcomes. We aimed to investigate the cross-sectional and prospective associations of glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) with semen quality parameters in a cohort of healthy young men. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included 106 men aged 18-35 years from the FERTINUTS trial. Dietary intake was estimated through 3-day dietary records and several semen parameters were assessed. Multivariable linear regression analysis with the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) approach was employed. RESULTS The cross-sectional analysis revealed positive associations between GI and GL and total sperm count, sperm concentration, and total motility. In the prospective analysis, baseline GI was associated with increases in pH, vitality, immotile sperm or abnormal midpiece and decreases in total sperm count and motility. Conversely, GL was positively associated with changes in vitality and total sperm count. CONCLUSIONS While these findings suggest that GI may have adverse effects on several sperm quality parameters, the results were not consistently observed in the cross-sectional analysis. However, GL was consistently associated with better sperm quality in both analyses. The impact of carbohydrate quality and quantity on fertility remains uncertain and larger prospective studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Mateu-Fabregat
- Nutrition and Metabolic Health Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Rovira i Virgili University (URV), Reus, Spain
- Institute of Health Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain
- Center of Environmental, Food and Toxicological Technology (TecnATox), Rovira i Virgili University, Reus, Spain
| | - Christopher Papandreou
- Nutrition and Metabolic Health Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Rovira i Virgili University (URV), Reus, Spain
- Institute of Health Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain
- Center of Environmental, Food and Toxicological Technology (TecnATox), Rovira i Virgili University, Reus, Spain
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Siteia, Greece.
| | - Laia Gutierrez-Tordera
- Nutrition and Metabolic Health Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Rovira i Virgili University (URV), Reus, Spain
- Institute of Health Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain
- Center of Environmental, Food and Toxicological Technology (TecnATox), Rovira i Virgili University, Reus, Spain
| | - Melina Rojas
- Nutrition and Metabolic Health Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Rovira i Virgili University (URV), Reus, Spain
- Institute of Health Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain
- Center of Environmental, Food and Toxicological Technology (TecnATox), Rovira i Virgili University, Reus, Spain
| | - Nil Novau-Ferré
- Nutrition and Metabolic Health Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Rovira i Virgili University (URV), Reus, Spain
- Institute of Health Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain
- Center of Environmental, Food and Toxicological Technology (TecnATox), Rovira i Virgili University, Reus, Spain
| | - Hamza Mostafa
- Nutrition and Metabolic Health Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Rovira i Virgili University (URV), Reus, Spain
- Institute of Health Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain
- Center of Environmental, Food and Toxicological Technology (TecnATox), Rovira i Virgili University, Reus, Spain
| | - Mònica Bulló
- Nutrition and Metabolic Health Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Rovira i Virgili University (URV), Reus, Spain
- Institute of Health Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain
- Center of Environmental, Food and Toxicological Technology (TecnATox), Rovira i Virgili University, Reus, Spain
- CIBER Physiology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.
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Fan S, Chen J, Tian H, Yang X, Zhou L, Zhao Q, Qin Y, Zhang J, Tang C. Selenium maintains intestinal epithelial cells to activate M2 macrophages against deoxynivalenol injury. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 219:215-230. [PMID: 38636715 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.04.228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Selenium (Se) is indispensable in alleviating various types of intestinal injuries. Here, we thoroughly investigated the protective effect of Se on the regulation of the epithelial cell-M2 macrophages pathway in deoxynivalenol (DON)-induced intestinal damage. In the present study, Se has positive impacts on gut health by improving gut barrier function and reducing the levels of serum DON in vivo. Furthermore, our study revealed that Se supplementation increased the abundances of GPX4, p-PI3K, and AKT, decreased the levels of 4-HNE and inhibited ferroptosis. Moreover, when mice were treated with DON and Fer-1(ferroptosis inhibitor), ferroptosis was suppressed and PI3K/AKT pathway was activated. These results indicated that GPX4-PI3K/AKT-ferroptosis was a predominant pathway in DON-induced intestinal inflammation. Interestingly, we discovered that both the number of M2 anti-inflammatory macrophages and the levels of CSF-1 decreased while the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 increased in the intestine and MODE-K cells supernatant. Therefore, Se supplementation activated the CSF-1-M2 macrophages axis, resulting in a decrease in IL-6 expression and an enhancement of the intestinal anti-inflammatory capacity. This study provides novel insights into how intestinal epithelial cells regulate the CSF-1-M2 macrophage pathway, which is essential in maintaining intestinal homeostasis confer to environmental hazardous stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijie Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jiaying Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Huihui Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xinting Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Longzhu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Qingyu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yuchang Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Junmin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Chaohua Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China.
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Li XY, Zhang YX, Wang XB, Nan YX, Wang DD, Sun MH, Chen HY, Guo RH, Leng X, Du Q, Pan BC, Wu QJ, Zhao YH. Associations between dietary macronutrient quality and asthenozoospermia risk: a hospital-based case-control study. Food Funct 2024; 15:6383-6394. [PMID: 38819120 DOI: 10.1039/d4fo01234h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Background & aims: Macronutrients are the main part of the human diet and can affect multiple health outcomes. Nevertheless, associations between dietary macronutrient quality and asthenozoospermia risk have not been reported to date. Thus, this study aimed to be the first to explore the associations between macronutrient quality and asthenozoospermia risk using the novel multidimensional macronutrient quality index (MQI). Methods: A case-control study was conducted at infertility clinics of Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University during June and December 2020, including 552 asthenozoospermia cases and 585 normozoospermia controls. Data on diet were collected using a validated food frequency questionnaire. MQI was estimated according to the carbohydrate quality index (CQI), fat quality index (FQI), and protein quality index (PQI). Binary logistic regression models were performed to calculate the odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup and interaction analyses were performed based on age, body mass index, physical activity, smoking, drinking, and education level. Dose-response relationships were evaluated by restricted cubic splines. Sensitivity analyses were performed in two ways. First, participants with a dietary change were excluded to lower potential reverse causation. Then, we used the healthy plate protein source quality index instead of PQI to redefine MQI. Results: No statistically significant association was observed between dietary MQI and asthenozoospermia risk (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 0.88-1.73). The sub-indices of MQI, CQI, FQI, and PQI, failed to be identified as having a statistically significant association with asthenozoospermia risk (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 0.92-1.97 for CQI; OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 0.84-1.53 for FQI; OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 0.92-1.78 for PQI). However, CQI showed a positive association with the risk of asthenozoospermia among non-drinkers (Ptrend < 0.05) and highly educated participants (OR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.13-2.94; Ptrend < 0.05). Additionally, there was a multiplicative interaction between CQI and education level for asthenozoospermia risk (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated no association of MQI and its sub-indices with asthenozoospermia risk except for CQI. Although our findings are mostly non-significant, they contribute novel knowledge to this research field and lay the foundation for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ying Li
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Liaoning, China
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yi-Xiao Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiao-Bin Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Yu-Xin Nan
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Liaoning, China
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Dong-Dong Wang
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Liaoning, China
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ming-Hun Sun
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Liaoning, China
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hong-Yu Chen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Liaoning, China
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ren-Hao Guo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Xu Leng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Qiang Du
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Bo-Chen Pan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Qi-Jun Wu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Liaoning, China
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Advanced Reproductive Medicine and Fertility (China Medical University), National Health Commission, Shenyang, China
| | - Yu-Hong Zhao
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Liaoning, China
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Cohen N, Ben-Meir A, Harlap T, Imbar T, Karavani G. Changes in Sperm Parameters with Time in Men with Normal and Abnormal Baseline Semen Analysis. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:1712-1718. [PMID: 38424405 PMCID: PMC11111536 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01475-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The association between paternal age and sperm quality in the population level has been previously studied. Only limited data exists regarding the intra-personal variations in semen parameters among fertile and infertile men over time. We aimed to assess trends over time in semen parameters among men with normal and abnormal baseline sperm parameters and investigate potential risk factors for sperm quality deterioration. This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a university-affiliated medical center in vitro fertilization (IVF) unit. Patients with at least two semen analyses (SA) performed > 1 year apart, with the last SA done between 2017 and 2021, were included. The study consisted of two main analyses-comparison of intra-patient's sperm parameters changes in men with normal and abnormal baseline SA (BSA) and analysis of risk factors for developing abnormal semen parameters over time in men who had normal BSA parameters. This study included a total of 902 men assessed for infertility with normal and abnormal BSA. The average time interval between tests was 1015 days (range 366-7709 days). Among individuals with normal BSA, there was a mild decline in most parameters-concentration (- 6.53 M/ml), motility (- 7.74%), and total motile count (TMC) (- 21.80 M) (p < 0.05 for all parameters). In contrast, a slight improvement in most parameters, except for concentration, was noted in men with abnormal BSA-volume (+ 0.21 ml), motility (+ 8.72%), and TMC (+ 14.38 M) (p < 0.05 for all parameters). Focusing on men with normal BSA, 33.5% of individuals developed abnormality in one or more of their sperm parameters over time, within a mean time of 1013 ± 661 days. We also found that only time between tests emerged as an independent prognostic factor for the development of abnormal SA later. Interestingly, sperm deterioration in participants in their third, fourth, and fifth decades of life with normal initial semen analysis was similar. Our study provides evidence of a decline in semen quality over time in individuals with normal BSA, in contrast to men with abnormal BSA. Longer time intervals between tests independently increase the risk of sperm abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nir Cohen
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Ein-Kerem Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Ein-Kerem Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Assaf Ben-Meir
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Ein-Kerem Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Ein-Kerem Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Tzuf Harlap
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Tal Imbar
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Ein-Kerem Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Ein-Kerem Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Gilad Karavani
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital and New Women's College Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Zafar MI, Chen X. Effects of Calorie Restriction on Preserving Male Fertility Particularly in a State of Obesity. Curr Obes Rep 2024; 13:256-274. [PMID: 38489002 DOI: 10.1007/s13679-024-00557-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Highlight the importance of exploring nutritional interventions that could be applied as alternative or supplementary therapeutic strategies to enhance men's fertility. RECENT FINDINGS Lifestyle choices have prompted extensive discussions regarding its implications and applications as a complementary therapy. The growing concern over the decline in sperm quality underscores the urgency of investigating these alternative interventions. Calorie restriction (CR) has emerged as a promising strategy to improve male fertility. The efficacy of CR depends on factors like age, ethnicity and genetics. Clinical studies, such as CALERIE, have shown an improvement in serum testosterone level and sexual drive in men with or without obesity. Additionally, CR has been shown to positively impact sperm count and motility; however, its effects on sperm morphology and DNA fragmentation remain less clear, and the literature has shown discrepancies, mainly due to the nature of technically dependent assessment tools. The review advocates a personalized approach to CR, considering individual health profiles to maximize its benefits. It underscores the need for routine, accessible diagnostic techniques in male reproductive health. It suggests that future research should focus on personalized dietary interventions to improve male fertility and overall well-being in individuals with or without obesity and unravel CR's immediate and lasting effects on semen parameters in men without obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ishraq Zafar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, and International School of Medicine, International Institutes of Medicine, Zhejiang University, N1 Shangcheng Avenue, Yiwu, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xiao Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, and International School of Medicine, International Institutes of Medicine, Zhejiang University, N1 Shangcheng Avenue, Yiwu, Zhejiang, China.
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Fan S, Zhang Z, Wang H, Luo L, Xu B. Associations between tobacco inhalation and semen parameters in men with primary and secondary infertility: a cross-sectional study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1396793. [PMID: 38808116 PMCID: PMC11130400 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1396793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To examine the impact of tobacco smoking on seminal parameters in men with both primary and secondary infertility. Methods This cross-sectional study analyzed 1938 infertile men from China who were categorized as nonsmokers (n=1,067) and smokers (n=871), with the latter group further divided into moderate smokers (1-10 cigarettes per day) (n=568) and heavy smokers (>10 cigarettes per day) (n=303). We assessed semen volume, concentration, total sperm count, progressive motility, and normal morphology following World Health Organization (WHO 2010) guidelines. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationships between smoking and seminal parameters while also controlling for lifestyle factors. Results The analysis demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between smoking and adverse seminal parameters in both primary and secondary infertility patients. Specifically, primary infertile men who smoked had a lower semen concentration, with heavy smokers showing a median sperm concentration of 59.2×10^6/ml compared to 68.6×10^6/ml in nonsmokers (P=0.01). The secondary infertile men who smoked exhibited reduced forward sperm motility, with heavy smokers demonstrating a median progressive motility of 44.7%, which was significantly lower than the 48.1% observed in nonsmokers (P=0.04). Conclusion Smoking is significantly associated with detrimental effects on seminal parameters in infertile men, thus highlighting the need for cessation programs as part of fertility treatment protocols. Encouraging smoking cessation could substantially improve semen quality and fertility outcomes in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lei Luo
- Reproductive Medicine Center & Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center & Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
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Chiti H, Hosseini E, Ebrahimi V, Mousavi SN. Correlation of Dietary Macro- and Micro-Mineral Intake with Seminal Plasma Quality/Quantity and Oxidant/Antioxidant Status in Infertile Compared to the Normal Men: a Case-Control Study. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024; 202:1991-1997. [PMID: 37721681 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-03834-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Male infertility is a global public health issue, but studies on the correlation between the dietary components and sperm quality showed inconclusive results due to the heterogeneous population with different dietary habits and environmental stimuli. Herein, the correlation of dietary macro- and micro-mineral intake was evaluated with quality/quantity and oxidant/antioxidant status of seminal fluid in infertile compared to the healthy men. One hundred twenty men attending to the infertility clinic of Ayatollah Mousavi Hospital in Zanjan City were enrolled. Seminal fluid was extracted, and groups were categorized into the infertile (non-standard) and normal (standard) groups based on the WHO, 2020 criteria. Food frequency questionnaire was completed. Seminal malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured by ELISA kit based on the manufacture's instruction. An independent sample t-test was used to determine differences between the two groups, and linear regression model was used to determine the effect of each dietary macro/micro mineral intake on these parameters. Adjusting for all parameters, dietary selenium increased 3.7-folds the seminal TAC level (p=0.04) and decreased sperm with non-progressive motility by 2.4-folds (p=0.04). Higher manganese intake increased the sperm count by 7.8-folds (p=0.005). Dietary copper decreased sperm vitality and increased sperm with slow motility (OR= -1.7, 95% CI= -59.8, -9.9; p=0.007). Dietary zinc (OR=1.24, p=0.01) and iron (OR=1.5, p=0.02) showed a positive effect on sperm vitality. None of macro and micro minerals showed a significant effect on the seminal MDA level. Daily intake of adequate amounts of micro and macro minerals improves sperm quality and increases the antioxidant capacity of the seminal fluid; however, copper showed a negative correlation that must be evaluated in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Chiti
- Zanjan Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Elham Hosseini
- Zanjan Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ayatollah Mousavi Hospital, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Vahid Ebrahimi
- Zanjan Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Neda Mousavi
- Zanjan Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
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Jung SJ, Kim YG, Lee SO, Chae SW. Effects of Korean Versus Western Diets on Reproductive Function in Young Korean Men: A 12-Week Randomized Parallel Clinical Trial. J Lifestyle Med 2024; 14:20-30. [PMID: 38665320 PMCID: PMC11039441 DOI: 10.15280/jlm.2024.14.1.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Studies report that diet may have contributed to a 50-60% decrease in human sperm quality over the past few decades. Unhealthy lifestyles affect the structure of spermatozoa, affecting the male reproductive potential. This study aimed to compare the effects of Korean and Western diets on reproductive function in young male Koreans. Methods Study participants were provided either the Korean Diet (KD group) or the Western Diet (WD group) for 12 weeks. Semen quality parameters such as volume, motility, cell count, and sex hormone levels were evaluated. Sexual function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function and the Male Sexual Health Questionnaire. Efficacy and safety evaluations were conducted at baseline, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks. Results The KD group demonstrated a significantly increased sperm motility after 8 weeks relative to baseline but decreased after 12 weeks. In contrast, sperm motility in the WD group significantly decreased after 8 weeks compared with baseline and remained constant after 12 weeks. Statistically, a near-significant difference was observed between groups (p = 0.057). Similarly, free testosterone levels in the KD group increased after 12 weeks compared with baseline, whereas that in the WD group decreased. The free testosterone levels in the KD group were significantly higher than those in the WD group (p = 0.020). There were no statistically significant differences in other sex hormone and sexual function questionnaires between the groups. None of the participants reported any severe side effects, and no significant alterations in clinical diagnostic test values were detected. Conclusion The results of the study strongly reveal that KD positively affects sperm motility and male hormone levels in young men, indicating potential benefits for reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Jin Jung
- Clinical Trial Center for Functional Foods, Biomedical Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
- Clinical Trial Center for K-FOOD Microbiome, Biomedical Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Clincial Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Gon Kim
- Clinical Trial Center for Functional Foods, Biomedical Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Clincial Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
- Department of Urology, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Ok Lee
- Clinical Trial Center for Functional Foods, Biomedical Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
- Clinical Trial Center for K-FOOD Microbiome, Biomedical Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Clincial Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Wan Chae
- Clinical Trial Center for Functional Foods, Biomedical Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
- Clinical Trial Center for K-FOOD Microbiome, Biomedical Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Clincial Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
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10
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Sciorio R, Tramontano L, Adel M, Fleming S. Decrease in Sperm Parameters in the 21st Century: Obesity, Lifestyle, or Environmental Factors? An Updated Narrative Review. J Pers Med 2024; 14:198. [PMID: 38392631 PMCID: PMC10890002 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14020198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Semen quality represents a compelling factor for fertility, and delineating the normal values has proven difficult. In the last four decades, several authors have reported a noticeable decline in sperm parameters. Also, studies investigating 'time to pregnancy' have shown that fecundity begins to be reduced when sperm numbers decrease below 30 million, even though according to the 6th edition of the WHO manual, the normal value is currently 16 million/mL or 39 million per ejaculate. There exists sufficient data to suggest a decline in sperm counts over time, even though the clear reason for this adverse trend is not well established, but some associations have been hypothesised, such as maternal smoking during pregnancy. Additional potential factors have yet to be fully illustrated but involve poor diet, increased obesity, and exposure to environmental toxins. Moreover, the change in environmental conditions and more common exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as pesticides and herbicides, as well as bisphenol A, phthalates, polychlorinated biphenyls, and heavy metals, starting from prenatal life and continuing into adulthood, may exhibit probable features explaining the reduction in sperm parameters. Therefore, the main goal of this narrative review is to furnish an overview of the possible effects of exposure to EDCs on testicular function and spermatogenesis and, also, to summarise the evidence regarding a decrease in sperm quality and examine its potential consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Fertility Medicine and Gynaecological Endocrinology Unit, Department Woman-Mother-Child, Lausanne University Hospital, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Luca Tramontano
- Department of Women, Infants and Adolescents, Division of Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals, 1211 Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Mohammed Adel
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo 11651, Egypt
| | - Steven Fleming
- Discipline of Anatomy & Histology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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11
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Samimisedeh P, Afshar EJ, Ejtahed HS, Qorbani M. The impact of vegetarian diet on sperm quality, sex hormone levels and fertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Hum Nutr Diet 2024; 37:57-78. [PMID: 37581238 DOI: 10.1111/jhn.13230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increasing number of people have adhered to a vegetarian diet for several years. Nowadays, the favourable effect of this dietary pattern on metabolic diseases is well established, but its impact on fertility and reproductive health as a serious health concern is not clear yet. Therefore, we aim to summarise existing evidence regarding the possible association between a vegetarian diet and fertility as measured by key indicators such as sperm quality and sex hormone levels. METHODS We systematically searched online databases, including PubMed, ISI, Scopus and Google Scholar, up to 1 December 2022 using relevant keywords. We included observational studies that compared semen quality, sex hormone levels and infertility in people who adhered to a vegetarian diet versus an omnivore diet. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using I2 and Q tests. Standardised mean differences (SMD) using a random/fixed model were calculated to assess outcomes between vegetarians and omnivores in included articles. RESULTS Finally, out of 972 documents that were retrieved, 20 articles met our inclusion criteria, and 16 were eligible for quantitative synthesis. Results of meta-analyses showed that there were no significant differences between vegetarians and omnivores in terms of semen quality parameters, including total sperm count, total and progressive sperm motility, sperm morphology and sperm concentration. Seven studies on female sex hormone profiles were eligible for meta-analysis. The only significant difference was the lower level of plasma oestrone in vegetarians (pooled SMD: -0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.08, -0.05; p-value = 0.03) compared to omnivores. Furthermore, our meta-analysis revealed significantly higher sex-hormone-binding globulin levels in vegetarian men than in omnivores (pooled SMD: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.18, 0.86; p-value = 0.002). CONCLUSION Despite the numerous health benefits of a vegetarian diet, our review suggested that there were no conclusive positive or negative associations between vegetarian diet and semen quality, sex hormone levels and infertility. Further studies are recommended to better understand vegetarian dietary pattern effect on infertility and reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parham Samimisedeh
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Alborz, Iran
| | - Elmira Jafari Afshar
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Alborz, Iran
| | - Hanieh-Sadat Ejtahed
- Obesity and Eating Habits Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Qorbani
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
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12
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Stirland I, Soares MR, Furtado CLM, Dos Reis RM, Aston KI, Smith RP, Jenkins TG. An assessment of alterations to human sperm methylation patterns in coronavirus disease 2019 infected and healthy control males. F&S SCIENCE 2024; 5:2-15. [PMID: 38070681 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2023.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection affects male reproductive health, considering the many potential factors that contribute to declines in male fertility on a semiglobal scale. DESIGN In total, 64 human semen samples-32 treatment and 32 control-were laboratory processed and bioinformatically analyzed to assess differences in DNA methylation patterns. Implementing multiple bioinformatic tools, the analyses conducted will elicit between-group differences with respect to epigenetic age, epigenetic instability, semiglobal, and regional methylation, in addition to methylation patterns as a function of time since infection. SETTING University hospital. PATIENTS The study cohort of 64 individuals was drawn from a larger population of 94 volunteer participants recruited at the Human Reproduction Center at the Clinical Hospital of the Ribeirao Preto Medical School-University of São Paulo between June 2021 and January 2022 as well as in accordance with the ethical guidelines established by the Declaration of Helsinki. INTERVENTION Exposure to SARS-CoV-2. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Effects on male reproductive health were reported as differences in DNA methylation measured using an array. Mean β values at key regulatory loci for human spermatocytes were analyzed and compared between groups. Further analysis of β values using epigenetic age, instability, semiglobal, and regional methylation tools provided an analysis with substantial breadth and depth. RESULTS In all analyses, there were no differences between groups. Considering these results, it can be inferred that infection with SARS-CoV-2 does not alter the epigenome of human spermatocytes in significant and/or persistent ways. Tangentially, these data also suggest that human male reproductive health is minimally altered by the virus, or that it is altered in a way that is independent of epigenetic programming. CONCLUSION Infection with SARS-CoV-2 has been reportedly associated with alterations in male fertility. This study asserts that such alterations do not have an epigenetic basis but are likely a result of concomitant symptomatology, i.e., fever and inflammation. Across the multiple bioinformatic analyses conducted, the results of this test did not detect any differences in DNA methylation patterns between coronavirus disease 2019 and noncoronavirus disease semen donor groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Stirland
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
| | - Murilo Racy Soares
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristiana Libardi Miranda Furtado
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil; University of Fortaleza, Experimental Biology Center, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Rosana Maria Dos Reis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kenneth I Aston
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - R Parker Smith
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
| | - Timothy G Jenkins
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah; Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah.
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13
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Kimmins S, Anderson RA, Barratt CLR, Behre HM, Catford SR, De Jonge CJ, Delbes G, Eisenberg ML, Garrido N, Houston BJ, Jørgensen N, Krausz C, Lismer A, McLachlan RI, Minhas S, Moss T, Pacey A, Priskorn L, Schlatt S, Trasler J, Trasande L, Tüttelmann F, Vazquez-Levin MH, Veltman JA, Zhang F, O'Bryan MK. Frequency, morbidity and equity - the case for increased research on male fertility. Nat Rev Urol 2024; 21:102-124. [PMID: 37828407 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-023-00820-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Currently, most men with infertility cannot be given an aetiology, which reflects a lack of knowledge around gamete production and how it is affected by genetics and the environment. A failure to recognize the burden of male infertility and its potential as a biomarker for systemic illness exists. The absence of such knowledge results in patients generally being treated as a uniform group, for whom the strategy is to bypass the causality using medically assisted reproduction (MAR) techniques. In doing so, opportunities to prevent co-morbidity are missed and the burden of MAR is shifted to the woman. To advance understanding of men's reproductive health, longitudinal and multi-national centres for data and sample collection are essential. Such programmes must enable an integrated view of the consequences of genetics, epigenetics and environmental factors on fertility and offspring health. Definition and possible amelioration of the consequences of MAR for conceived children are needed. Inherent in this statement is the necessity to promote fertility restoration and/or use the least invasive MAR strategy available. To achieve this aim, protocols must be rigorously tested and the move towards personalized medicine encouraged. Equally, education of the public, governments and clinicians on the frequency and consequences of infertility is needed. Health options, including male contraceptives, must be expanded, and the opportunities encompassed in such investment understood. The pressing questions related to male reproductive health, spanning the spectrum of andrology are identified in the Expert Recommendation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kimmins
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- The Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- The Département de Pathologie et Biologie Cellulaire, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Christopher L R Barratt
- Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Hermann M Behre
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Sarah R Catford
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Geraldine Delbes
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre Armand-Frappier Sante Biotechnologie, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Michael L Eisenberg
- Department of Urology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nicolas Garrido
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Brendan J Houston
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Niels Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Csilla Krausz
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, University Hospital of Careggi Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ariane Lismer
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Robert I McLachlan
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Monash IVF Group, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Suks Minhas
- Department of Surgery and Cancer Imperial, London, UK
| | - Tim Moss
- Healthy Male and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Allan Pacey
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Lærke Priskorn
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jacquetta Trasler
- Departments of Paediatrics, Human Genetics and Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Leonardo Trasande
- Center for the Investigation of Environmental Hazards, Department of Paediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Mónica Hebe Vazquez-Levin
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina, Fundación IBYME, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Joris A Veltman
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Feng Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia.
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14
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Valle-Hita C, Salas-Huetos A, Fernández de la Puente M, Martínez MÁ, Canudas S, Palau-Galindo A, Mestres C, Manzanares JM, Murphy MM, Marquès M, Salas-Salvadó J, Babio N. Ultra-processed food consumption and semen quality parameters in the Led-Fertyl study. Hum Reprod Open 2024; 2024:hoae001. [PMID: 38283622 PMCID: PMC10813743 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoae001] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption associated with semen quality parameters? SUMMARY ANSWER Higher UPF consumption was inversely associated with total sperm count, sperm concentration, and total motility in men of reproductive age. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The consumption of UPF, which has been rising during the last decades, has been demonstrated to be positively associated with several chronic diseases such as diabetes or cardiovascular diseases. However, the scientific evidence on its potential impact on semen quality remains notably limited. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from 200 healthy men (mean age 28.4 ± 5.5 years) enrolled in the Led-Fertyl (Lifestyle and Environmental Determinants of Seminogram and Other Male Fertility-Related Parameters) study between February 2021 and April 2023. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS UPF consumption (% of energy from UPF) was estimated according to the NOVA classification system using a validated 143-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Total sperm count, sperm concentration, sperm vitality, total motility, progressive motility, and normal sperm forms were set as the main outcomes. Microscopic parameters were analyzed using a phase-contrast microscope and a computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system. Semen samples were collected and tested according to World Health Organization 2010 standards. Multivariable linear regression models were fitted to estimate the associations between UPF tertile and semen quality parameters. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Sperm concentration (β: -1.42 × 106 spz./ml; 95% CI: -2.72 to -0.12) and motility (β: -7.83%; 95% CI: -15.16 to -0.51) were lower in participants in the highest tertile of UPF compared to the lowest. A similar association was observed for sperm count when UPF was analyzed per 10% increment of energy from UPF consumption (β: -1.50 × 106 spz.; 95% CI: -2.83 to -0.17). Theoretically replacing 10% of energy from UPF consumption with 10% of energy from unprocessed or minimally processed food consumption was associated with a higher total sperm count, sperm concentration, total motility, progressive motility, and normal sperm forms. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION Cross-sectional studies do not permit the drawing of causal inferences. Measurement errors and reporting bias cannot be entirely ruled out. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This work suggests that consumption of UPF may have an impact on certain semen quality parameters. Furthermore, opting for unprocessed or minimally processed foods instead of UPFs could potentially benefit semen quality. If these results are replicated in future epidemiological studies with different long-term designs, these novel findings could provide valuable insights for updating or even designing preventive and interventional programs to address infertility among men of reproductive age. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This study was supported by the Spanish government's official funding agency for biomedical research, ISCIII, through the Fondo de Investigación para la Salud (FIS), the European Union ERDF/ESF, 'A way to make Europe'/'Investing in your future' [PI21/01447], and the Diputació de Tarragona (2021/11-No.Exp. 8004330008-2021-0022642). J.S.-S. gratefully acknowledges the financial support of ICREA under the ICREA Academia program. C.V.-H. received a predoctoral grant from the Generalitat de Catalunya (2022 FI_B100108). M.Á.M. was supported by the Sara Borrell postdoctoral fellowship (CD21/00045-Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII)). M.F.d.l.P. was supported by a predoctoral grant from the Rovira i Virgili University and Diputació de Tarragona (2020-PMF-PIPF-8). All authors have no conflict of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Valle-Hita
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Alimentació, Nutrició, Desenvolupament i Salut Mental (ANUT-DSM), Reus, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Albert Salas-Huetos
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Unitat de Medicina Preventiva, Alimentació, Nutrició, Desenvolupament i Salut Mental ANUT-DSM, Reus, Spain
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - María Fernández de la Puente
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Alimentació, Nutrició, Desenvolupament i Salut Mental (ANUT-DSM), Reus, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Ángeles Martínez
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Alimentació, Nutrició, Desenvolupament i Salut Mental (ANUT-DSM), Reus, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvia Canudas
- Department of Nutrition, Food Sciences and Gastronomy, School of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Food Torribera Campus, University of Barcelona, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety of the University of Barcelona, INSA-UB Maria de Maeztu Unit of Excellence, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
| | - Antoni Palau-Galindo
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Alimentació, Nutrició, Desenvolupament i Salut Mental (ANUT-DSM), Reus, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- ABS Reus V. Centre d’Assistència Primària Marià Fortuny, Salut Sant Joan de Reus—Baix Camp, Reus, Spain
| | - Cristina Mestres
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Alimentació, Nutrició, Desenvolupament i Salut Mental (ANUT-DSM), Reus, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain
- ABS Reus V. Centre d’Assistència Primària Marià Fortuny, Salut Sant Joan de Reus—Baix Camp, Reus, Spain
| | - José María Manzanares
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain
- Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, IISPV, Alimentació, Nutrició, Desenvolupament i Salut Mental ANUT-DSM, Reus, Spain
| | - Michelle M Murphy
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Unitat de Medicina Preventiva, Alimentació, Nutrició, Desenvolupament i Salut Mental ANUT-DSM, Reus, Spain
| | - Montse Marquès
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain
- Center of Environmental, Food and Toxicological Technology—TecnATox, Rovira i Virgili University, Reus, Spain
| | - Jordi Salas-Salvadó
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Alimentació, Nutrició, Desenvolupament i Salut Mental (ANUT-DSM), Reus, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nancy Babio
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Alimentació, Nutrició, Desenvolupament i Salut Mental (ANUT-DSM), Reus, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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15
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Crean AJ, Pulpitel TJ, Pini T, Rickard JP, de Graaf SP, Senior AM, Simpson SJ, Wali JA. Low-Fat, High-Carbohydrate Diets Reduce Body Weight and Sperm Count but Increase Sperm Motility in Mice. J Nutr 2024; 154:60-68. [PMID: 37984745 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.11.016] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male reproduction is impacted by both over- and under-nutrition, demonstrated by animal studies using high-fat and low-protein dietary interventions. Little is known about the impacts of low-fat, high-carb diets and types of dietary carbohydrates on sperm traits. OBJECTIVES Using a nutritional geometry approach, we investigated the effects of partially or completely substituting glucose for fructose in isocaloric diets containing either 10%, 20%, or 30% fat (by energy) on sperm traits in mice. METHODS Male C57BL/6J mice were fed 1 of 15 experimental diets for 18 wk starting from 8 wk of age. Reproductive organs were then harvested, and sperm concentration, motility, and velocity were measured using Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis. RESULTS Increasing dietary fat from 10% to 30% while maintaining energy density at 14.3 kJ/g and protein content at 20% resulted in increased body weight and sperm production but reduced the percentage of motile sperm. Body weight and seminal vesicle weight were maximized on diets containing a 50:50 mix of fructose and glucose, but carbohydrate type had few significant impacts on epididymal sperm traits. CONCLUSIONS The opposing impacts of dietary fat on mouse sperm quantity and quality observed suggest that male fertility may not be optimized by a single diet; rather, context-specific dietary guidelines targeted to specific concerns in semen quality may prove useful in treating male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela J Crean
- The University of Sydney, Charles Perkins Centre, New South Wales, Australia; The University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Tamara J Pulpitel
- The University of Sydney, Charles Perkins Centre, New South Wales, Australia; The University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Taylor Pini
- The University of Sydney, Charles Perkins Centre, New South Wales, Australia; The University of Queensland, School of Veterinary Science, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jessica P Rickard
- The University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Simon P de Graaf
- The University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alistair M Senior
- The University of Sydney, Charles Perkins Centre, New South Wales, Australia; The University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen J Simpson
- The University of Sydney, Charles Perkins Centre, New South Wales, Australia; The University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jibran A Wali
- The University of Sydney, Charles Perkins Centre, New South Wales, Australia; The University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, New South Wales, Australia
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16
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Fan S, Lin L, Li P, Tian H, Shen J, Zhou L, Zhao Q, Zhang J, Qin Y, Tang C. Selenomethionine protects the liver from dietary deoxynivalenol exposure via Nrf2/PPARγ-GPX4-ferroptosis pathway in mice. Toxicology 2024; 501:153689. [PMID: 38040082 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a significant Fusarium toxin that has gained global attention due to its high frequency of contamination in food and feed. It was reported to have hepatotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and reproduction toxicity in organs. On the other hand, Selenomethionine (SeMet) was proven to have anti-oxidation, tissue repairing, immunity improvement, and antifungal mycotoxin infection functions. However, the molecular mechanism by which SeMet alleviates DON damage is not yet clear. C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups, Se-A and Se-A+DON were fed with a diet containing 0.2 mg/kg Se whereas Se-S+DON were fed with a diet of 1.0 mg/kg Se. After feeding for four weeks, the mice were gavaged for 21 days with DON (2.0 mg/kg BW) or ultrapure water once per day. In the present study, we showed that SeMet significantly decreased the lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde, and increased activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity after DON exposure. In addition, our investigation revealed that SeMet regulated pathways related to lipid synthesis and metabolisms, and effectively mitigated DON-induced liver damage. Moreover, we have discovered that SeMet downregulation of N-acylethanolamine and HexCer accumulation induced hepatic lipotoxicity. Further study showed that SeMet supplementation increased protein levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and upregulated target proteins, indicating suppression of oxidative stress in the liver. Meanwhile, we found that SeMet significantly reduced the DON-induced protein abundances of Bcl2, Beclin1, LC3B and proteins related to ferroptosis (Lpcat3, and Slc3a2), and downregulation of Slc7a11. In conclusion, SeMet protected the liver from damage by enhancing the Nrf2/PPARγ-GPX4-ferroptosis pathway, inhibiting lipid accumulation and hepatic lipotoxicity. The findings of this study indicated that SeMet has a positive impact on liver health by improving antioxidant capacity and relieving lipotoxicity in toxin pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijie Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Luxi Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Pingyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Huihui Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jialu Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Longzhu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Qingyu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Junmin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yuchang Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Chaohua Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
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León-Ramírez YMD, Sánchez EP, Pérez AC, Sánchez-Solís CN, Rodríguez-Antolín J, Nicolás-Toledo L. Dietary intervention in adult rats exposed to a high-sugar diet early in life permanently impairs sperm quality. ANNALES D'ENDOCRINOLOGIE 2023; 84:779-789. [PMID: 37343721 DOI: 10.1016/j.ando.2023.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Childhood obesity predicts the presence of adult obesity. Obesity is associated with poor sperm quality. We hypothesized that exposure to a high-sugar diet (HSD) in early life would cause permanent histomorphology damage to the testes, resulting in reduced sperm quality in adult life. Wistar rats (aged 21days) were divided into four groups (n=6). In the first experiment, the rats received tap water (control) and a 30% sucrose diet for two months (S30). In the second experiment, the control and 30% sucrose diets were fed for two months, followed by replacement with tap water for two months (IS30). Eating and drinking were monitored. Animals were then euthanized, visceral and gonadal fat tissue and testes were collected, and epididymal spermatozoa were excised. Testicular samples were used for morphological description by H&E staining and for quantifying triacylglycerol content, caspase activity, and oxidative stress. Serum testosterone concentration was evaluated. Spermatozoa were used to assess sperm quality. Our results show that sperm quality was impaired by consuming HSD and could not be restored by dietary intervention. HSD feeding induced hyperplasia of visceral adipose tissue, increased testicular weight, and serum testosterone levels. The dietary intervention increased visceral adipose tissue, serum, and testicular triacylglycerol levels and normalized serum testosterone levels. Overall, the HSD diet caused permanent changes in seminiferous tubule cross-sectional area, caspase activity, oxidative stress, and sperm quality. Therefore, a high-sugar diet in early life causes permanent damage to sperm quality in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeimy Mar De León-Ramírez
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, México; Licenciatura en Química Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, México
| | - Eliut Pérez Sánchez
- Licenciatura en Química Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, México
| | - Adriana Corona Pérez
- Licenciatura en Nutrición, Unidad Académica Multidisciplinaria Calpulalpan, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, México
| | - Cristhian Neftaly Sánchez-Solís
- Licenciatura en Nutrición, Unidad Académica Multidisciplinaria Calpulalpan, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, México
| | - Jorge Rodríguez-Antolín
- Centro Tlaxcala de Biología de la Conducta, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, México
| | - Leticia Nicolás-Toledo
- Centro Tlaxcala de Biología de la Conducta, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, México.
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18
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LaPointe S, Mehta A, Gaskins AJ. Diet and recreational drug use in relation to male reproductive health. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:1089-1097. [PMID: 37838140 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.10.013] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Diet and lifestyle interventions present promising avenues for the improvement of male fertility. Our objective was to review and synthesize the existing observational and experimental studies among humans on the associations of diet and recreational drug use with semen quality and fertility outcomes. The available data on this topic are limited and, at times, conflicting. Nevertheless, on the basis of this review, dietary patterns that are composed of higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, low-fat dairy, and seafood, as well as lower intakes of red and processed meats, sweets, and sugar-sweetened beverages were identified as having the strongest evidence for associations with better sperm quality. However, whether these dietary patterns translate into positive associations with clinical fertility endpoints such as assisted reproductive technology success rates or time-to-pregnancy among couples trying to conceive without medical assistance remains unclear. Male caffeine and alcohol intake, within low-to-moderate ranges of intake, do not appear to be detrimental to semen quality. Yet high-quality research on this topic, focused on clinical fertility endpoints, should continue given the conflicting evidence, particularly in populations undergoing infertility treatment with assisted reproductive technology. Recreational drug use, including marijuana, electronic cigarettes, and other illicit drugs, does not appear to be beneficial for male reproductive health and should be avoided or ceased. In conclusion, men should be encouraged to consume a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, low-fat dairy, and seafood, as well as lacking in red and processed meats, sweets, and sugar-sweetened beverages, and to avoid recreational drug use for improved male reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah LaPointe
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Akanksha Mehta
- Department of Urology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Audrey J Gaskins
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia.
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19
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Petre GC, Francini-Pesenti F, Di Nisio A, De Toni L, Grande G, Mingardi A, Cusmano A, Spinella P, Ferlin A, Garolla A. Observational Cross-Sectional Study on Mediterranean Diet and Sperm Parameters. Nutrients 2023; 15:4989. [PMID: 38068847 PMCID: PMC10707842 DOI: 10.3390/nu15234989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility, affecting 15 to 25% of couples in the most developed countries, is recognized by the World Health Organization as a public health issue at a global level. Different causes are acknowledged to reduce fertility in both sexes. In particular, about 40-50% of cases recognize a male factor. Dietary habits and lifestyle are acknowledged to influence sperm quality and are therefore important modifiable factors in male reproductive health. Conditions such as overweight/obesity, impaired glucose metabolism and determinants of metabolic syndrome, together with unhealthy lifestyle behavior, i.e., smoking cigarettes and physical inactivity, are suggested to have a negative impact on male fertility. While individual elements and characteristics of the Western diet and habits are considered risk factors for male infertility, the Mediterranean diet (MD) seems to promote reproductive potential for improving sperm quality. It is also interesting to note that previous observational studies reported a positive correlation between the consumption of the single food classes of the MD pattern (i.e., vegetables and fruits, poultry, fish and seafood, whole grains, low-fat dairy products) and the quality of several sperm parameters. To evaluate the relationship between sperm parameters and MD adherence, we performed a cross-sectional study on the seminal data of 300 males (mean age 34.6 ± 9.1 years) who spontaneously referred to our center of reproductive medicine. The evaluation of adherence to MD was performed with a validated 14-point Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) questionnaire. Our findings showed that sperm parameters such as sperm count, motility, viability and normal morphology are significantly and positively correlated with MEDAS, independently of BMI and age. In addition, the application of an ROC curve on MEDAS value vs. seminal alterations identified 6.25 as the score threshold value below which altered sperm parameters were more likely to occur [AUC = 0.096 (CI: 0.059-0.133; p < 0.00)]. Therefore, adhering to the MD with at least a MEDAS score of 6.26 increases the probability of normozoospermia. Moreover, subjects who had a MEDAS value lower than 6.25 had an Odds Ratio of 6.28 (CI = 3.967-9.945) for having at least one altered sperm parameter compared to those who were more adherent to the MD. In conclusion, our findings show that a higher adherence to the MD is associated with better semen parameters, in particular in relation to sperm count, sperm concentration, typical sperm morphology, and sperm progressive motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Cosmin Petre
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (G.C.P.); (A.D.N.); (L.D.T.); (G.G.); (A.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Francesco Francini-Pesenti
- Clinical Nutrition Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (F.F.-P.); (A.C.); (P.S.)
| | - Andrea Di Nisio
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (G.C.P.); (A.D.N.); (L.D.T.); (G.G.); (A.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Luca De Toni
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (G.C.P.); (A.D.N.); (L.D.T.); (G.G.); (A.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Giuseppe Grande
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (G.C.P.); (A.D.N.); (L.D.T.); (G.G.); (A.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Asia Mingardi
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (G.C.P.); (A.D.N.); (L.D.T.); (G.G.); (A.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Arianna Cusmano
- Clinical Nutrition Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (F.F.-P.); (A.C.); (P.S.)
| | - Paolo Spinella
- Clinical Nutrition Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (F.F.-P.); (A.C.); (P.S.)
| | - Alberto Ferlin
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (G.C.P.); (A.D.N.); (L.D.T.); (G.G.); (A.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Andrea Garolla
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (G.C.P.); (A.D.N.); (L.D.T.); (G.G.); (A.M.); (A.G.)
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20
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Corsetti V, Notari T, Montano L. Effects of the low-carb organic Mediterranean diet on testosterone levels and sperm DNA fragmentation. Curr Res Food Sci 2023; 7:100636. [PMID: 38045510 PMCID: PMC10689274 DOI: 10.1016/j.crfs.2023.100636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The causes of male infertility can vary. Lifestyles, environmental factors, stressful conditions, and socio-economic conditions are significant factors. Diet plays a crucial role in improving a man's reproductive capacity. The appropriate diet should be diverse and ensure the intake of all the necessary nutrients to enhance sperm quality. The Mediterranean diet, which includes high amounts of vegetables and fruits rich in detoxifying and antioxidant substances, as well as polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, and microelements, especially when consumed with organic foods and a lower carbohydrate regimen, are the key aspects addressed in this study. The objective of this research was to modify the diets of 50 subfertile men by providing them with a specific nutritional plan. This plan included consuming 80% organic foods, introducing whole grains and low glycemic load options, eliminating refined carbohydrates, consuming green leafy vegetables and red fruits daily, reducing or eliminating dairy products, consuming primarily grass-fed meat and wild caught seafood, eliminating saturated fats in favor of healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, and nuts. After three months of adhering to the low-carb food plan, testosterone levels significantly increased, while sperm DNA fragmentation decreased in a subgroup of individuals who reduced their carbohydrate intake by 35%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Corsetti
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT)-CNR, Via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Tiziana Notari
- Check Up -Polydiagnostic and Research Laboratory, Andrology Unit, Viale Andrea De Luca 5/c, 84131, Salerno, Italy
| | - Luigi Montano
- Andrology Unit and Service of Lifestyle Medicine in UroAndrology, Local Health Authority (ASL) Salerno, Coordination Unit of the Network for Environmental and Reproductive Health (Eco-Food Fertility Project), “S. Francesco di Assisi Hospital”, 84020, Oliveto Citra, SA, Italy
- PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133, Rome, Italy
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21
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Gallagher MT, Krasauskaite I, Kirkman-Brown JC. Only the Best of the Bunch-Sperm Preparation Is Not Just about Numbers. Semin Reprod Med 2023; 41:273-278. [PMID: 38113923 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1777756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
In this Seminar, we present an overview of the current and emerging methods and technologies for optimizing the man and the sperm sample for fertility treatment. We argue that sperms are the secret to success, and that there are many avenues for improving both treatment and basic understanding of their role in outcomes. These outcomes encompass not just whether treatment is successful or not, but the wider intergenerational health of the offspring. We discuss outstanding challenges and opportunities of new technologies such as microfluidics and artificial intelligence, including potential pitfalls and advantages. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the importance of sperm in fertility treatment and suggests future directions for research and innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meurig T Gallagher
- Centre for Human Reproductive Science, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham and Birmingham Women's Fertility Centre, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
- Centre for Systems Modelling and Quantitative Biomedicine, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Ingrida Krasauskaite
- Centre for Human Reproductive Science, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham and Birmingham Women's Fertility Centre, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Jackson C Kirkman-Brown
- Centre for Human Reproductive Science, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham and Birmingham Women's Fertility Centre, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
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22
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Saugandhika S, Sapra L, Kumari K, Srivastava RK. High Salt Diet Impairs Male Fertility in Mice via Modulating the Skeletal Homeostasis. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:3339-3352. [PMID: 37322320 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01278-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Male reproductive functions and bone health are both adversely affected by the high salt diet (HSD). Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism via which it alters the sperm function remains largely unknown. This study examines the mechanism by which HSD affects male fertility by impairing bone health. For investigating the same, male BALB/c mice were categorized into three groups-HSD group (fed with 4% NaCl), a low salt diet (LSD) group (fed with 0.4% NaCl), and a control group (fed with a normal diet) for 6 weeks and thereafter assessed for various sperm parameters, bone turnover markers, and testosterone levels. Furthermore, the quantitative assessment of testosterone biosynthesis enzymes was performed. Interestingly, we observed that mice fed with HSD showed significant alterations in sperm parameters-motility, count, and vitality, including morphological changes compared to both the LSD and the control groups. In addition, serum analysis showed an increase in bone resorption markers and a decrease in bone formation markers in the HSD group (p < 0.05). Further, HSD caused a decrease in the testosterone level and mRNA expression of testosterone biosynthesis enzymes. Importantly, a significant decrease in bone formation marker osteocalcin (OC) was observed to coincide with the dip in testosterone level in the HSD group. Given that OC plays a key role in maintaining male fertility, the above findings suggest that a decrease in OC levels may affect the testosterone biosynthesis pathway, reducing testosterone hormone secretion and thereby resulting in decreased spermatogenesis. The study for the first time delineates and bridges the mechanism of HSD-mediated bone loss (results in a deficiency of OC) with decreased testosterone biosynthesis and thus impaired male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shrabani Saugandhika
- Department of Biotechnology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India.
| | - Leena Sapra
- Department of Biotechnology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Kiran Kumari
- Department of Biotechnology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Rupesh K Srivastava
- Department of Biotechnology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India.
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23
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Dabagh M, Jahangiri N, Taheri Madah A, Rostami S, Amidi F, Khodarahmian M, Tavoosian A, Shabani Nashtaei M, Vatannejad A. Association of dietary total antioxidant capacity, alternative healthy eating index, and dietary inflammatory index with semen quality in men seeking infertility treatment. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1284379. [PMID: 37885439 PMCID: PMC10598851 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1284379] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Since the association between dietary quality scores and semen quality remains unclear, we carried out a hospital-based cross-sectional study to investigate the association of Dietary Total Antioxidant Capacity (dTAC), Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), and Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) scores with semen quality in men seeking infertility treatment. Methods This study enrolled 210 men with unexplained or idiopathic infertility. Semen samples were collected and analyzed according to the WHO 2010 criteria. Dietary data was collected using a 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) developed for Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the relationship between dTAC, AHEI, and DII scores with abnormal semen in crude and adjusted models. Results There were no significant differences across quartile categories of the dTAC, AHEI, and DII scores regarding semen parameters. There was a trend toward a significant direct association between DII and abnormal semen risk (p = 0.01). Infertile men in the highest quartile of DII had a 2.84 times higher risk of abnormal semen in the crude model (OR: 3.84; 95% CI: 1.64-8.95); such that remained after adjusting for several potential confounders. There was no significant association between dTAC or AHEI and the risk of abnormal semen in infertile men, either before or after adjusting for potential confounders. Total energy (p = 0.05), fat (p = 0.02), saturated fat (p = 0.02), mono-saturated fat (p = 0.009), Thiamine (Vitamin B1) (p = 0.02), Niacin (Vitamin B3) (p = 0.03), Calcium (p = 0.01), and Selenium (p = 0.01) were inversely associated with semen normality. Discussion The study suggests that certain dietary factors may affect semen quality, and the mechanisms underlying the observed associations are likely multifactorial, involving complex interactions between diet, oxidative stress, inflammation, and hormone levels. Further research is required to confirm the results, fully elucidate the mechanisms underlying the associations, and identify specific dietary interventions that may improve male fertility outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahtab Dabagh
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nargesbano Jahangiri
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Taheri Madah
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Rostami
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Yas Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fardin Amidi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahshad Khodarahmian
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Arash Women’s Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Tavoosian
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Shabani Nashtaei
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Infertility, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Akram Vatannejad
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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Kaltsas A. Oxidative Stress and Male Infertility: The Protective Role of Antioxidants. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1769. [PMID: 37893487 PMCID: PMC10608597 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59101769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a significant factor in male infertility, compromising sperm function and overall reproductive health. As male infertility garners increasing attention, effective therapeutic interventions become paramount. This review investigates the therapeutic role of antioxidants in addressing male infertility. A detailed examination was conducted on antioxidants such as vitamin C, E, B12, D, coenzyme Q10, zinc, folic acid, selenium, l-carnitine, l-arginine, inositols, and alpha-lipoic acid. This analysis examines the methodologies, outcomes, and constraints of current clinical studies. Antioxidants show notable potential in counteracting the negative effects of oxidative stress on sperm. Based on the evidence, these antioxidants, individually or synergistically, can enhance sperm health and reproductive outcomes. However, certain limitations in the studies call for careful interpretation. Antioxidants are integral in tackling male infertility attributed to oxidative stress. The current findings underscore their therapeutic value, yet there's a pressing need for deeper, comprehensive research. Future studies should focus on refining dosage guidelines, identifying potential side effects, and discerning the most efficacious antioxidant combinations for male infertility solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aris Kaltsas
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
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25
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Akgün N, Cimşit Kemahlı MN, Pradas JB. The effect of dietary habits on oocyte/sperm quality. J Turk Ger Gynecol Assoc 2023; 24:125-137. [PMID: 37283851 PMCID: PMC10258567 DOI: 10.4274/jtgga.galenos.2023.2022-7-15] [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: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects of diet and nutritional habits on reproductive cells can be categorized in a variety of ways. In this review, the literature is divided, based on the dietary consumption effects on oocytes and sperm. Topics on dietary patterns and the intrauterine effect of maternal nutrition are covered. In general fruits, vegetables, whole greens, fish, legumes, and also dietary sources containing unsaturated fats can improve reproductive germ cell quality. In epidemiological studies, the food intake frequency questionnaire is one of the most common methods to assess diet. Due to methodological heterogeneity in dietary assessment and inadequacy in the measurement of dietary intake in the questionnaires used, several unreliable results may be reported. Thus, the quality of evidence needs to be improved, since nutritional diets may not be so simply objective and they are inadequate to explain obvious underlining mechanisms. In addition, various compounds that may be ingested can affect molecular mechanisms, influenced by other external factors (drugs, pesticides, smoking, alcohol) and changes in human nutritional parameters. Artificial Intelligence has recently gained widespread interest and may have a role in accurate analysis of dietary patterns for optimal nutritional benefit. Therefore, future prospective randomized studies and objective measurements, consisting of molecular level analysis of the impact on cells and clear-cut methods are needed for accurate assessment of the effect of dietary habits on reproductive treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilüfer Akgün
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Health Sciences Turkey, Etlik Zübeyde Hanım Training and Research Hospital, Ankara Turkey
| | - Miray Nilüfer Cimşit Kemahlı
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Health Sciences Turkey, Zeynep Kamil Women and Children’s Diseases Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - José Bellver Pradas
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
- IVI-RMA Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Huang D, Zhang Y, Wang X, Guo R, Leng X, Du Q, Wu Q, Pan B, Zhao Y. Dietary total antioxidant capacity and the risk of developing asthenozoospermia: a hospital-based case-control study in China. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:537-548. [PMID: 36728412 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead010] [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: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) associated with the odds of developing asthenozoospermia in Chinese men? SUMMARY ANSWER There is no statistically significant association between DTAC indices and the odds of developing asthenozoospermia. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Both diet and oxidative stress may be related to sperm quality; however, few studies have investigated the association between DTAC and sperm quality. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This case-control study was conducted from June 2020 to December 2020. Those diagnosed with asthenozoospermia were assigned to the case group, whereas those with normal sperm parameters were assigned to the control group. Data from a total of 553 cases and 586 controls were included in the final analysis. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Men who had been referred to the infertility clinic of Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University were enrolled. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. DTAC was based on ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), total oxygen radical absorbance capacity (T-ORAC), hydrophilic oxygen radical absorbance capacity (H-ORAC), lipophilic oxygen radical absorbance capacity (L-ORAC), total phenolics (TP), total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP), and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). Asthenozoospermia was defined according to the criteria published in the fifth edition of the World Health Organization laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE No significant association was observed between the DTAC indices and the odds of asthenozoospermia after multivariable adjustment (T3 vs T1, odds ratio (OR) = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.73-1.33 for FRAP; OR = 1.05, 95% CI: 0.77-1.42 for T-ORAC; OR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.65-1.18 for H-ORAC; OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.71-1.34 for L-ORAC; OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.76-1.39 for TP; OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.87-1.59 for TRAP; and OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 0.85-1.55 for TEAC). Both additive and multiplicative interaction analyses suggested that smoking might modify the association of T-ORAC with the odds of developing asthenozoospermia (relative excess risk due to interaction = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.07-0.83, attributable proportion due to interaction = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.07-0.84 for additive interaction; P = 0.033 for multiplicative interaction). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Recall bias and protopathic bias were inevitable in this retrospective case-control study. The estimation accuracy of the DTAC indices may have also affected the findings. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to specifically investigate whether an association exists between DTAC and the odds of developing asthenozoospermia. Although no significant association was found, this study provides novel information pertaining to the fields of nutrition and human reproduction. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the JieBangGuaShuai Project of Liaoning Province (2021JH1/10400050), the Shengjing Hospital Clinical Research Project (M0071), and the Outstanding Scientific Fund of Shengjing Hospital (M1150). All authors have no competing interests to disclose. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghui Huang
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Liaoning, China
| | - Yixiao Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaobin Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Renhao Guo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xu Leng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qiang Du
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qijun Wu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Liaoning, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive and Genetic Medicine (China Medical University), National Health Commission, Shenyang, China
| | - Bochen Pan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuhong Zhao
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Liaoning, China
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Zafar MI, Mills KE, Baird CD, Jiang H, Li H. Effectiveness of Nutritional Therapies in Male Factor Infertility Treatment: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis. Drugs 2023; 83:531-546. [PMID: 36943634 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-023-01853-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nutritional therapies are effective alternative treatments for male infertility or subfertility. These are cost-effective and easily implementable, unlike other advanced invasive treatments. Even moderate improvements in sperm quality could improve spontaneous pregnancy. OBJECTIVE We aimed to compare the effectiveness of all nutritional therapies in male infertility/subfertility treatment and ranked their efficacy based on type and etiology. We intend to aid clinicians with an evidence-based approach to affordable and safer initial infertility treatment for those who mainly do not wish to have other advanced invasive treatments or could not afford or have access to them. METHODS We included 69 studies with 94 individual study arms identified from bibliographic databases and registries. We included studies in adult men with proven infertility or subfertility that investigated nutritional or dietary supplement therapies compared with control or placebo and at least reported on a sperm parameter. We undertook a network meta-analysis and performed a pairwise meta-analysis on all sperm parameter outcomes and meta-regression. No language or date restriction was imposed. A systematic article search was concluded on August 29, 2022. RESULTS Our network meta-analysis is the first to compare all dietary interventions in a single analysis, sub-grouped by intervention type and type of infertility. L-Carnitine with micronutrients, antioxidants, and several traditional herbal supplements showed statistically and clinically significant improvement in sperm quality. Meta-regression identified that improvement in the sperm count, motility and morphology translated into increased pregnancy rates (p < 0.001; p < 0.001; p < 0.002, respectively). In particular, L-carnitine with micronutrient therapy (risk ratio [RR]: 3.60, 95% CI 1.86, 6.98, p = 0.0002), followed by zinc (RR 5.39, 95% CI 1.26, 23.04, p = 0.02), significantly improved pregnancy rates. Men with oligozoospermia (RR 4.89), followed by oligoasthenozoospermia (RR 4.20) and asthenoteratozoospermia (RR 3.53), showed a significant increase in pregnancy rates. CONCLUSION We ranked nutritional therapies for their ability to improve sperm quality in men with infertility. Nutritional therapies, particularly L-carnitine alone or combined with micronutrients, significantly improved sperm parameters and pregnancy rates even under severe conditions. We believe these affordable solutions may be valuable for people without access to or who do not wish to undergo more invasive and costly fertility treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ishraq Zafar
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hang Kong Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Fourth Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, China
| | - Kerry E Mills
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Canberra, Bruce 2617, Canberra, Australia.
- TruDataRx, White River Junction, Vermont, USA.
| | | | - Huahua Jiang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Honggang Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hang Kong Road, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Wuhan Huake Reproductive Hospital, Wuhan, China.
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The Influence of Metabolic Factors and Diet on Fertility. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15051180. [PMID: 36904180 PMCID: PMC10005661 DOI: 10.3390/nu15051180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a disease globally affecting 20-30% of the reproductive age female population. However, in up to 50% on recorded cases, problems with infertility are ascribed to men; therefore, it is important to popularize healthy eating also in this group. During the last decade, it has been observed that society's lifestyle changed drastically: reduced energy expenditure in physical activity per day, increased consumption of hypercaloric and high-glycemic-index foods with high content of trans fats, and reduced consumption of dietary fiber, which negatively affects fertility. Increasing evidence points to a link between diet and fertility. It is becoming clear that well-planned nutrition can also contribute to the effectiveness of ART. The low-GI plant-based diet appears to have a positive effect, especially when it is based on Mediterranean dietary patterns: rich in antioxidants, vegetable protein, fiber, MUFA fatty acids, omega-3, vitamins, and minerals. Importantly, this diet has been shown to protect against chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress, which also translates into pregnancy success. As lifestyle and nutrition seem to be important factors affecting fertility, it is worth expanding knowledge in this regard among couples trying to conceive a child.
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Novel Lines of Research on the Environmental and Human Health Impacts of Nut Consumption. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15040955. [PMID: 36839312 PMCID: PMC9964796 DOI: 10.3390/nu15040955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuts have formed part of human diets throughout the ages. In recent decades, research has shown they are key foods in dietary patterns associated with lower chronic disease risk. The current state of climate change, however, has introduced an imperative to review the impact of dietary patterns on the environment with a shift to plant-based diets. Nuts emerge as a significant source of protein in plant-based diets and are a minimally processed and sustainable food. Research in this area is evolving to drive better production methods in varying climate conditions. Nevertheless, nut consumption remains an important contributor to human health. The mechanisms of action can be explained in terms of the nutrients they deliver. Studies of nut consumption have linked components such as monounsaturated fatty acids, plant omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and plant sterols to improved lipoprotein profiles, lower blood pressure, and reduced cardiovascular disease risk. Preliminary research also indicates possible beneficial effects of nut consumption on reproductive health. In any case, the ultimate effects of foods on health are the results of multiple interactive factors, so where nuts fit within dietary patterns is a significant consideration for research translation. This has implications for research methodologies, including categorization within food groups and inclusion in Healthy Dietary Indices. The aim of this narrative review is to outline new focal points for investigation that examine the environmental and some novel human health impacts of nut consumption and discuss future directions for research.
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Whittaker J. Dietary trends and the decline in male reproductive health. Hormones (Athens) 2023; 22:165-197. [PMID: 36725796 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-023-00431-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Over the twentieth century, male reproductive health has suffered a substantial decline, as evidenced by decreases in sperm counts and testosterone levels and increases in reproductive pathologies. At the same time, the prevalence of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome has risen dramatically. Metabolic and reproductive health are highly interconnected, suggesting that their respective trends are intertwined and, given the timeframe of such trends, environmental and not genetic factors are most likely to be the primary causes. Industrialization, which began in Europe in the mid-eighteenth century, has resulted in profound changes to our diet, lifestyle, and environment, many of which are causal factors in the rise in chronic diseases. Industrialization results in a nutrition transition from an agricultural unprocessed to a modern processed diet, incorporating increases in sugar, vegetable oils, ultra-processed foods, linoleic acid, trans-fats, and total energy. This dietary shift has incurred numerous adverse effects on metabolic and reproductive health, characterized by chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance. Moreover, these effects appear to multiply across subsequent generations via epigenetic inheritance. Men's fertility is markedly affected by obesity and diabetes, with an increase in total energy via processed food intake arguably being the key factor driving the diabesity pandemic. In contrast, wholefoods rich in micronutrients and phytonutrients support male fertility and a healthy body weight. Therefore, men wanting to maximize their fertility should consider making positive dietary changes, such as replacing processed foods with unprocessed foods that support metabolic and reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Whittaker
- The School of Allied Health and Community, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, Worcester, WR2 6AJ, UK.
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Tania C, Tobing ERPL, Tansol C, Prasetiyo PD, Wallad CK, Hariyanto TI. Vitamin D supplementation for improving sperm parameters in infertile men: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Arab J Urol 2023; 21:204-212. [PMID: 38178948 PMCID: PMC10763592 DOI: 10.1080/2090598x.2023.2165232] [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: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Vitamin D has been hypothesized to have a potential role in altering sperm motility and metabolism. However, experimental studies have demonstrated inconsistent results between vitamin D and sperm parameters. This study aims to investigate the role of vitamin D supplementation to improve sperm parameters in infertile men. Methods This is a systematic review and meta-analysis study. We comprehensively conducted a search on ClinicalTrials.gov, IRCT.ir, Europe PMC, and PubMed and collected published studies on vitamin D supplementation and sperm parameters for infertile men. The risk of bias was assessed by using Risk of Bias version 2 (RoB v2) and the statistical analysis was performed by using Review Manager 5.4 software. Results Five trials with a total of 648 infertile men were included. Our meta-analysis showed that supplementation with vitamin D may significantly improve total sperm motility [mean difference 4.96 (95% CI 0.38, 9.54), p = 0.03, I2 = 69%], progressive sperm motility [mean difference 4.14 (95% CI 0.25, 8.02), p = 0.04, I2 = 89%], and normal sperm morphology [mean difference 0.44 (95% CI 0.30, 0.57), p < 0.00001, I2 = 0%] better than placebo in infertile men. However, total sperm count (p = 0.15), sperm concentration (p = 0.82), and semen volume (p = 0.83) did not differ significantly between two groups. Conclusions Vitamin D supplementation may improve sperm motility, progressive sperm motility, and morphology in infertile men. Vitamin D supplementation may be considered in managing male fertility issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Tania
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Pelita Harapan University, Tangerang, Indonesia
| | | | - Christiano Tansol
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Pelita Harapan University, Tangerang, Indonesia
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Garcia-Grau E, Lleberia J, Costa L, Guitart M, Yeste M, Benet J, Amengual MJ, Ribas-Maynou J. Decline of Sperm Quality over the Last Two Decades in the South of Europe: A Retrospective Study in Infertile Patients. BIOLOGY 2022; 12:biology12010070. [PMID: 36671762 PMCID: PMC9856056 DOI: 10.3390/biology12010070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Semen quality has a direct relation to male fertility. Whether sperm variables in humans have decreased over the last years is still uncertain, with some studies showing a decline and others reporting no changes. In this regard, previous research has suggested that lifestyle and environmental conditions may contribute to this variability, calling for regional studies. The present work is a retrospective, unicentric study that includes semen samples analyzed between 1997 and 2017 at the Parc Taulí Hospital (Barcelona metropolitan area). First, a multivariate analysis including the age as a confounding factor showed a statistically significant decrease in semen volume, pH, progressive motility, morphology and total motile sperm over time. Contrarily, no significant variation in sperm count or concentration was observed. Mean reductions per year were -0.02 mL for volume, -0.57% for progressively motile sperm and -0.72% for sperm with normal morphology. Interestingly, the average annual temperature registered by the Spanish Meteorology Agency negatively correlated to sperm morphology and sperm count (Rs = -0.642; p = 0.002 and Rs = -0.435; p = 0.049, respectively). In conclusion, the present study based on infertile patients from the Barcelona area found a decline in sperm motility and morphology, without effects on sperm count. Changes in temperature appeared to be associated to this decline, but further studies are needed to address the mechanisms linked to the observed variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Garcia-Grau
- Departament of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Parc Taulí Health Corporation, ES-08208 Sabadell, Spain
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, (Cerdanyola del Vallès), ES-08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Judith Lleberia
- Departament of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Parc Taulí Health Corporation, ES-08208 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Laura Costa
- Departament of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Parc Taulí Health Corporation, ES-08208 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Miriam Guitart
- UDIAT Diagnostic Center, Parc Taulí Health Corporation, ES-08208 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), ES-08010 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Jordi Benet
- Unit of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), ES-08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - María José Amengual
- UDIAT Diagnostic Center, Parc Taulí Health Corporation, ES-08208 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
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Muffone ARMC, de Oliveira Lübke PDP, Rabito EI. Mediterranean diet and infertility: a systematic review with meta-analysis of cohort studies. Nutr Rev 2022:6811792. [DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuac087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Context
The Mediterranean diet (MD) is a dietary pattern with evidence of positive health impact, and some nutrients in this diet have already been researched for their effectiveness in fertility. However, there are still questions about whether high adherence to the MD could be a factor that contributes to positive fertility outcomes in infertile men and women.
Objective
A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to determine whether a greater adherence to the MD can improve fertility markers and outcomes in infertile men and women.
Data sources
The MEDLINE, BVS, SciELO, CENTRAL, and Embase databases and gray literature were searched from their inception to May 2022.
Study selection
Data were included from cohort studies that addressed MD and outcomes.
Data extraction
Data searches, article selection, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessments were performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.
Results
A total of 11 studies met the inclusion criteria (n = 13 157 women and 1338 men). Greater adherence to the MD was associated with live births (I2 = 83.16%; odds ratio [OR], 0.652; 95%CI, 0.408–3.194), pregnancy rate (I2 = 93.83%; OR, 1.192; 95%CI, 0.349–4.325), sperm concentration >15 × 106/mL (I2 = 32.97%; OR 2.862; 95%CI, 1.583–5.174), and sperm count > 39 × 106/mL (I2 = 48.1%; OR, 2.543; 95%CI, 1.319–4.904); however, in an inconsistent scenario regarding the meta-analysis.
Conclusion
Current evidence of high adherence to MD and fertility markers is insufficient to support their clinical application, even though it indicates sperm improvement and a possibility of better pregnancy outcomes.
Systematic Review Registration
PROSPERO registration no. 169396.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Estela I Rabito
- Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Paraná , Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
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Role of p38 MAPK Signalling in Testis Development and Male Fertility. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:6891897. [PMID: 36092154 PMCID: PMC9453003 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6891897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The testis is an important male reproductive organ, which ensures reproductive function via the secretion of testosterone and the generation of spermatozoa. Testis development begins in the embryonic period, continues after birth, and generally reaches functional maturation at puberty. The stress-activated kinase, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), regulates multiple cell processes including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and cellular stress responses. p38 MAPK signalling plays a crucial role in testis development by regulating spermatogenesis, the fate determination of pre-Sertoli, and primordial germ cells during embryogenesis, the proliferation of testicular cells in the postnatal period, and the functions of mature Sertoli and Leydig cells. In addition, p38 MAPK signalling is involved in decreased male fertility when exposed to various harmful stimuli. This review will describe in detail the biological functions of p38 MAPK signalling in testis development and male reproduction, together with its pathological role in male infertility.
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Yin J, Cao Y, Liang C, Peng X, Xu X, Zhou W, Khutan R, Tao FB, Chen R. Cohort profile: Anhui Maternal-Child Health Study in China. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e060091. [PMID: 35768099 PMCID: PMC9240940 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-060091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The Anhui Maternal-Child Health Study (AMCHS) aims to examine determinants of reproduction, pregnancy and postpartum maternal and child health outcomes in Chinese women who received assisted reproductive technology (ART). STUDY DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS AMCHS is an ongoing cohort study starting from May 2017. AMCHS recruits participants from all couples who sought ART treatment in the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China. The participants are interviewed to document baseline sociodemography, lifestyles, dietary intake and environmental exposure. Their clinical characteristics are obtained from hospital records. Samples of blood, follicular fluid and semen are collected at the clinic. Participants receive a standard long pituitary downregulation or a short protocol with an antagonist for the treatment. They are followed up from preconception to delivery, or discontinuation of ART treatment. Details of their children's health are documented through a questionnaire focusing on developmental status and anthropometry measurement. FINDINGS TO DATE Until April 2021, AMCHS had recruited 2042 couples in the study. 111 women withdrew from the study and 19 failed to retrieve oocytes. Among the 1475 confirmed pregnancies, 146 had miscarriages or terminated their pregnancies, 9 had stillbirths and 263 were ongoing pregnancies. The implantation failure increased with maternal age; adjusted OR was 1.43 (95% CI 1.16 to 1.77) in the age of 31-35 years, 1.97 (95% CI 1.46 to 2.66) in 35-39 years and 6.52 (95% CI 3.35 to 12.68) in ≥40 years compared with those aged 20-30 years. Among the 1057 couples with successful ART who were followed up for delivering babies, 576 had their children examined at age 30-42 days, 459 at 6 months and 375 at 12 months. FUTURE PLANS The AMCHS will identify comprehensive risk factors for poor ART outcomes and explore potential interaction effects of multiple factors including sociopsychological aspects of environmental exposure, dietary intake and genetics on maternal and child health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqian Yin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chunmei Liang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | | | - Xiaofeng Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Weiju Zhou
- Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ranjit Khutan
- Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK
| | | | - Ruoling Chen
- Centre for Health and Social Care Improvement, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK
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Liu M, Yang Y, Li M, Cai Y, Zhao S, Wang X. Comparison study of morphology and vascular casts between plateau-type Tibetan sheep and low-altitude small-tailed Han sheep testes. Anat Histol Embryol 2022; 51:524-532. [PMID: 35674006 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12822] [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: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
We compared the differences in testicular morphology and vascular anatomy between plateau-type Tibetan sheep and low-altitude Small-tailed Han sheep to explore any adaptations of Tibetan sheep to high altitudes and hypoxia factors. Testicular artery architecture specimens of plateau-type Tibetan sheep and lowland Small-tailed Han sheep were used to compare the physical parameters of the testis, testicular artery architecture, arterial diameter, testicular leaflets and the characteristics of epididymal head arterioles. The results showed that the weight, major axis, minor axis, overall length, caput major axis and caput minor axis in Tibetan sheep were larger than those of Small-tailed Han sheep; however, the caput major axis of epididymal head in Tibetan sheep was smaller than that of Small-tailed Han sheep. Compared with Small-tailed Han sheep, the testicular knot-like arteries of Tibetan sheep had denser spiral distribution and more small arteries, and the diameters of centripetal arteries, knot-like arteries, centrifugal arteries and epididymal microarterioles were also thicker. The 'spindle' indentation on the surface of the microarteriole of the head of the testicular leaflets and the epididymis in plateau Tibetan sheep was relatively shallow. The results showed that the physical testicular characteristics, testicular artery construction and arteriole surface structure of Tibetan sheep were adapted for the plateau environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Liu
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yanan Yang
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Mingna Li
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuan Cai
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shengguo Zhao
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xinrong Wang
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
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Assidi M. Infertility in Men: Advances towards a Comprehensive and Integrative Strategy for Precision Theranostics. Cells 2022; 11:cells11101711. [PMID: 35626747 PMCID: PMC9139678 DOI: 10.3390/cells11101711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is an increasing and serious medical concern, though the mechanism remains poorly understood. Impaired male reproductive function affects approximately half of infertile couples worldwide. Multiple factors related to the environment, genetics, age, and comorbidities have been associated with impaired sperm function. Present-day clinicians rely primarily on standard semen analysis to diagnose male reproductive potential and develop treatment strategies. To address sperm quality assessment bias and enhance analysis accuracy, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended standardized sperm testing; however, conventional diagnostic and therapeutic options for male infertility, including physical examination and semen standard analysis, remain ineffective in relieving the associated social burden. Instead, assisted reproductive techniques are becoming the primary therapeutic approach. In the post-genomic era, multiomics technologies that deeply interrogate the genome, transcriptome, proteome, and/or the epigenome, even at single-cell level, besides the breakthroughs in robotic surgery, stem cell therapy, and big data, offer promises towards solving semen quality deterioration and male factor infertility. This review highlights the complex etiology of male infertility, especially the roles of lifestyle and environmental factors, and discusses advanced technologies/methodologies used in characterizing its pathophysiology. A comprehensive combination of these innovative approaches in a global and multi-centric setting and fulfilling the suitable ethical consent could ensure optimal reproductive and developmental outcomes. These combinatorial approaches should allow for the development of diagnostic markers, molecular stratification classes, and personalized treatment strategies. Since lifestyle choices and environmental factors influence male fertility, their integration in any comprehensive approach is required for safe, proactive, cost-effective, and noninvasive precision male infertility theranostics that are affordable, accessible, and facilitate couples realizing their procreation dream.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mourad Assidi
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; ; Tel.: +966-(012)-6402000 (ext. 69267)
- Medical Laboratory Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
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Effect of Paternal Diet on Spermatogenesis and Offspring Health: Focus on Epigenetics and Interventions with Food Bioactive Compounds. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14102150. [PMID: 35631291 PMCID: PMC9143121 DOI: 10.3390/nu14102150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a growing public health problem. Consumption of antioxidant bioactive food compounds (BFCs) that include micronutrients and non-nutrients has been highlighted as a potential strategy to protect against oxidative and inflammatory damage in the male reproductive system induced by obesity, alcohol, and toxicants and, thus, improve spermatogenesis and the fertility parameters. Paternal consumption of such dietary compounds could not only benefit the fathers but their offspring as well. Studies in the new field of paternal origins of health and disease show that paternal malnutrition can alter sperm epigenome, and this can alter fetal development and program an increased risk of metabolic diseases and breast cancer in adulthood. BFCs, such as ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, polyunsaturated fatty acids, trace elements, carnitines, N-acetylcysteine, and coenzyme Q10, have been shown to improve male gametogenesis, modulate epigenetics of germ cells, and the epigenetic signature of the offspring, restoring offspring metabolic health induced by stressors during early life. This indicates that, from a father’s perspective, preconception is a valuable window of opportunity to start potential nutritional interventions with these BFCs to maximize sperm epigenetic integrity and promote adequate fetal growth and development, thus preventing chronic disease in adulthood.
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Liu YS, Zhang YX, Wang XB, Wu QJ, Liu FH, Pan BC, Zhao YH. Associations between Meat and Vegetable Intake, Cooking Methods, and Asthenozoospermia: A Hospital-Based Case–Control Study in China. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14091956. [PMID: 35565922 PMCID: PMC9104795 DOI: 10.3390/nu14091956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The role of meat and vegetable intake in the development of asthenozoospermia has been controversial, and the role of cooking methods for meat and vegetables in the association has yet to be determined. The present study aimed to illuminate the relationship between the consumption and cooking methods of meat and vegetables and the risk of asthenozoospermia. Methods: In this hospital-based case–control study, we enrolled 552 patients with asthenozoospermia and 585 healthy controls. Dietary information was assessed using a validated self-administered food frequency questionnaire. Asthenozoospermia was diagnosed according to the fifth edition of the WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen. Results: Participants in the highest tertile of total meat and unprocessed meat intake had a 44% and 39% lower risk of asthenozoospermia than those in the lowest tertile (OR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.37, 0.87 and OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.40, 0.93), respectively. Participants with the highest processed meat consumption showed higher risk (OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.06). Raw vegetable consumption was negatively associated with the risk of asthenozoospermia (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.45, 0.98). The stir-frying cooking method for meat was associated with increased risk of asthenozoospermia (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.02, 2.46). Conclusions: Intake of total meat, unprocessed meat, and raw vegetable may reduce asthenozoospermia risk, while higher consumption of processed meat may increase the risk. Cooking methods may play a role in these associations. These findings need to be confirmed in large and prospective cohort studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Shu Liu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China; (Y.-S.L.); (Q.-J.W.); (F.-H.L.)
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Yi-Xiao Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China;
| | - Xiao-Bin Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China;
| | - Qi-Jun Wu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China; (Y.-S.L.); (Q.-J.W.); (F.-H.L.)
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Fang-Hua Liu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China; (Y.-S.L.); (Q.-J.W.); (F.-H.L.)
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Bo-Chen Pan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China;
- Correspondence: (B.-C.P.); (Y.-H.Z.); Tel.: +86-24-96615 (B.-C.P. & Y.-H.Z.)
| | - Yu-Hong Zhao
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China; (Y.-S.L.); (Q.-J.W.); (F.-H.L.)
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
- Correspondence: (B.-C.P.); (Y.-H.Z.); Tel.: +86-24-96615 (B.-C.P. & Y.-H.Z.)
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40
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Ma X, Wu L, Wang Y, Han S, El-Dalatony MM, Feng F, Tao Z, Yu L, Wang Y. Diet and human reproductive system: Insight of omics approaches. Food Sci Nutr 2022; 10:1368-1384. [PMID: 35592285 PMCID: PMC9094499 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.2708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nutrition and lifestyle have a great impact on reproduction and infertility in humans, as they are essential for certain processes such as implantation, placental growth, angiogenesis, and the transfer of nutrients from the mother to the fetus. The aim of this review is to provide the interconnection between nutrition and reproductive health through the insight of omics approaches (including metabolomics and nutrigenomics). The effect of various macronutrients, micronutrients, and some food‐associated components on male and female reproduction was discussed. Recent research work was collected through database search from 2010 to 2020 to identify eligible studies. Alterations of metabolic pathways in pregnant women were deliberated with an emphasis on different strategies of lifestyle and dietary interventions. Several nutritional methods, which are important for embryonic and child neurological development, nutritional supplements to lactation, and improved gestational length along with birth weight have been emphasized. Considerable advances in omics strategies show potential technological development for improving human reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Ma
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University The First School of Clinical Medicine Lanzhou University Lanzhou China.,Gansu International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Reproductive Medicine Transformation Application Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo Lanzhou China
| | - Luming Wu
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University The First School of Clinical Medicine Lanzhou University Lanzhou China
| | - Yinxue Wang
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University The First School of Clinical Medicine Lanzhou University Lanzhou China
| | - Shiqiang Han
- Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture Maternity and Childcare Hospital Linxia China
| | - Marwa M El-Dalatony
- Gansu International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Reproductive Medicine Transformation Application Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo Lanzhou China
| | - Fei Feng
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University The First School of Clinical Medicine Lanzhou University Lanzhou China
| | - Zhongbin Tao
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University The First School of Clinical Medicine Lanzhou University Lanzhou China
| | - Liulin Yu
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University The First School of Clinical Medicine Lanzhou University Lanzhou China.,Gansu International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Reproductive Medicine Transformation Application Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo Lanzhou China
| | - Yiqing Wang
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University The First School of Clinical Medicine Lanzhou University Lanzhou China.,Gansu International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Reproductive Medicine Transformation Application Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo Lanzhou China
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41
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Verderame M, Chianese T, Rosati L, Scudiero R. Molecular and Histological Effects of Glyphosate on Testicular Tissue of the Lizard Podarcis siculus. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:4850. [PMID: 35563240 PMCID: PMC9100619 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The expansion of agriculture produces a steady increase in habitat fragmentation and degradation due to the increased use of pesticides and herbicides. Habitat loss and alteration associated with crop production play an important role in reptile decline, among which lizards are particularly endangered. In this study, we evaluated testicular structure, steroidogenesis, and estrogen receptor expression/localization after three weeks of oral exposure to glyphosate at 0.05 and 0.5 μg/kg body weight every other day in the field lizard Podarcis siculus. Our results show that glyphosate affected testicular morphology, reduced spermatogenesis, altered gap junctions and changed the localization of estrogen receptors in germ cells, increasing their expression; the effects were mostly dose-dependent. The result also demonstrates that glyphosate, at least at these concentrations, did not influence steroidogenesis. Overall, the data indicate that this herbicide can disturb the morphophysiology of the male lizard's reproductive system, with obviously detrimental effects on their reproductive fitness. The effects of glyphosate must be considered biologically relevant and could endanger the reproductive capacity not only of lizards but also of other vertebrates, including humans; a more controlled and less intensive use of glyphosate in areas devoted to crop production would therefore be advisable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariailaria Verderame
- Department of Human, Philosophic and Education Sciences (DISUFF), University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy;
| | - Teresa Chianese
- Department of Biology, University Federico II, Via Cintia 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (T.C.); (L.R.)
| | - Luigi Rosati
- Department of Biology, University Federico II, Via Cintia 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (T.C.); (L.R.)
- Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology (BAT), 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Rosaria Scudiero
- Department of Biology, University Federico II, Via Cintia 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (T.C.); (L.R.)
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42
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Skakkebæk NE, Lindahl-Jacobsen R, Levine H, Andersson AM, Jørgensen N, Main KM, Lidegaard Ø, Priskorn L, Holmboe SA, Bräuner EV, Almstrup K, Franca LR, Znaor A, Kortenkamp A, Hart RJ, Juul A. Environmental factors in declining human fertility. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2022; 18:139-157. [PMID: 34912078 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-021-00598-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A severe decline in child births has occurred over the past half century, which will lead to considerable population declines, particularly in industrialized regions. A crucial question is whether this decline can be explained by economic and behavioural factors alone, as suggested by demographic reports, or to what degree biological factors are also involved. Here, we discuss data suggesting that human reproductive health is deteriorating in industrialized regions. Widespread infertility and the need for assisted reproduction due to poor semen quality and/or oocyte failure are now major health issues. Other indicators of declining reproductive health include a worldwide increasing incidence in testicular cancer among young men and alterations in twinning frequency. There is also evidence of a parallel decline in rates of legal abortions, revealing a deterioration in total conception rates. Subtle alterations in fertility rates were already visible around 1900, and most industrialized regions now have rates below levels required to sustain their populations. We hypothesize that these reproductive health problems are partially linked to increasing human exposures to chemicals originating directly or indirectly from fossil fuels. If the current infertility epidemic is indeed linked to such exposures, decisive regulatory action underpinned by unconventional, interdisciplinary research collaborations will be needed to reverse the trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels E Skakkebæk
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | | - Hagai Levine
- School of Public Health, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Anna-Maria Andersson
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katharina M Main
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Øjvind Lidegaard
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Gynecology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lærke Priskorn
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stine A Holmboe
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elvira V Bräuner
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian Almstrup
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Luiz R Franca
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ariana Znaor
- Cancer Surveillance Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Andreas Kortenkamp
- Division of Environmental Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Roger J Hart
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Fertility Specialists of Western Australia, Bethesda Hospital, Claremont, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Salas-Huetos A, Mínguez-Alarcón L, Mitsunami M, Arvizu M, Ford JB, Souter I, Yeste M, Chavarro JE. Paternal adherence to healthy dietary patterns in relation to sperm parameters and outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies. Fertil Steril 2022; 117:298-312. [PMID: 34920872 PMCID: PMC8821200 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether men's adherence to dietary patterns promoted for the prevention of cardiovascular disease is associated with semen parameters and couples' assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Fertility center at an academic medical center. PATIENT(S) A total of 245 men and their female partners who underwent 438 ART cycles between 2007 and 2020. INTERVENTION(S) Male pretreatment dietary intake was assessed with a 131-item food frequency questionnaire from which we calculated eight a priori defined scores: Trichopoulou Mediterranean, Alternate Mediterranean, Panagiotakos Mediterranean, Healthy Eating Index, Alternative Healthy Eating Index, American Heart Association, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, and Plant-based. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The primary outcome was live births per treatment cycle. The secondary outcomes were fertilization, implantation, and clinical pregnancy and seminogram parameters. RESULT(S) There was an inverse association between greater adherence by men to the Panagiotakos Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association dietary pattern and lower fertilization rate. However, there were no significant associations between men's adherence to any of the analyzed dietary patterns and the probabilities of implantation, clinical pregnancy, or live birth in multivariable-adjusted models. No significant differences in any of the semen parameters were found between participants of the lowest quartile and those of the highest quartile of the eight dietary patterns. CONCLUSION(S) These findings suggest that men's adherence to several a priori defined dietary scores with documented cardiovascular benefits is not related to major outcomes of infertility treatment with ART or semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Salas-Huetos
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Makiko Mitsunami
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mariel Arvizu
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer B. Ford
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Irene Souter
- Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Jorge E. Chavarro
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Corresponding author: Jorge E. Chavarro, Department of Nutrition and Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 655 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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Ostojic SM, Stea TH, Engeset D. Creatine as a Promising Component of Paternal Preconception Diet. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14030586. [PMID: 35276945 PMCID: PMC8839819 DOI: 10.3390/nu14030586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Male fertility has been declining globally over the past several decades, advancing from a personal issue to a public health problem. Beyond any doubt, a reduction in fertility (often characterized by low sperm count or motility) can severely threaten reproductive health and lifecourse framework in a long-term fashion. Aside from uncovering the currently unknown etiology of modern-day male infertility, the scientific and medical community faces a double burden: finding an efficient biomarker of impaired fertility and exploring any intervention that can act to enhance fertility. A plethora of nutritional compounds have been recognized as possible modulators of semen quality, and specific dietary patterns and nutrients appear to be accompanied by a lower risk of male infertility. Creatine, a conditionally essential nutrient, has caught attention as a male fertility-promoting candidate due to its role in sperm energy metabolism. This mini-review describes the creatine-related bioenergetics of spermatozoa, explores a connection between creatine levels and sperm quality in men, and critically examines available evidence for interventional studies with creatine to affect sperm viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergej M. Ostojic
- Department of Nutrition and Public Health, University of Agder, P.O. Box 422, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway;
- FSPE Applied Bioenergetics Lab, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +47-3814-1364
| | - Tonje Holte Stea
- Department of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Agder, P.O. Box 422, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway;
- Department of Child and Adolescence Mental Health, Sørlandet Hospital, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Dagrun Engeset
- Department of Nutrition and Public Health, University of Agder, P.O. Box 422, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway;
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45
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Mitsunami M, Salas-Huetos A, Mínguez-Alarcón L, Attaman JA, Ford JB, Kathrins M, Souter I, Chavarro JE. A dietary score representing the overall relation of men's diet with semen quality in relation to outcomes of infertility treatment with assisted reproduction. F S Rep 2021; 2:396-404. [PMID: 34934979 PMCID: PMC8655432 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2021.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To examine the impact of men's diet on outcomes of infertility treatment with assisted reproductive technology (ART) using an empirical score representing the relation of diet with semen quality. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting Fertility center at an academic medical center. Patients We included 296 men (688 semen samples) to identify an empirical dietary pattern and 231 couples (406 ART cycles) to investigate the association of this diet pattern with ART outcomes. Interventions Men's diet was assessed at baseline using a validated questionnaire. An empirical dietary pattern reflecting the overall relation of diet with semen quality was identified using reduced rank regression. Main Outcome Measures The primary outcome was live birth per treatment cycle. The secondary outcomes were fertilization, implantation, and clinical pregnancy. Results Men had a median baseline age and body mass index of 36.8 years and 26.9 kg/m2, respectively. Although the empirical diet pattern was significantly associated with all semen parameters, the empirical diet score was not related to any clinical outcome of infertility treatment after ART. The adjusted probabilities of relevant clinical outcomes in the lowest and highest quartiles of the empirical score were 0.62 (0.50-0.73) and 0.55 (0.45-0.66) for implantation, 0.57 (0.46-0.69) and 0.50 (0.40-0.61) for clinical pregnancy, and 0.49 (0.37-0.62) and 0.36 (0.25-0.48) for live birth. Analyses excluding couples with a diagnosis of male factor infertility and, separately, excluding intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles yielded similar results. Conclusions A dietary score representing the overall association of diet with semen quality parameters was not associated with ART outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makiko Mitsunami
- Master of Medical Sciences in Clinical Investigation Program, Harvard Medical School.,Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
| | | | - Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.,Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School
| | - Jill A Attaman
- Fertility Center, Vincent Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School
| | - Jennifer B Ford
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
| | - Martin Kathrins
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School
| | - Irene Souter
- Fertility Center, Vincent Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School
| | - Jorge E Chavarro
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.,Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School
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46
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Hieronimus B, Ensenauer R. Influence of maternal and paternal pre-conception overweight/obesity on offspring outcomes and strategies for prevention. Eur J Clin Nutr 2021; 75:1735-1744. [PMID: 34131301 PMCID: PMC8636250 DOI: 10.1038/s41430-021-00920-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Overweight, obesity, and their comorbidities remain global health challenges. When established early in life, overweight is often sustained into adulthood and contributes to the early onset of non-communicable diseases. Parental pre-conception overweight and obesity is a risk factor for overweight and obesity in childhood and beyond. This increased risk likely is based on an interplay of genetic alterations and environmental exposures already at the beginning of life, although mechanisms are still poorly defined. In this narrative review, potential routes of transmission of pre-conceptional overweight/obesity from mothers and fathers to their offspring as well as prevention strategies are discussed. Observational evidence suggests that metabolic changes due to parental overweight/obesity affect epigenetic markers in oocytes and sperms alike and may influence epigenetic programming and reprogramming processes during embryogenesis. While weight reduction in overweight/obese men and women, who plan to become pregnant, seems advisable to improve undesirable outcomes in offspring, caution might be warranted. Limited evidence suggests that weight loss in men and women in close proximity to conception might increase undesirable offspring outcomes at birth due to nutritional deficits and/or metabolic disturbances in the parent also affecting gamete quality. A change in the dietary pattern might be more advisable. The data reviewed here suggest that pre-conception intervention strategies should shift from women to couples, and future studies should address possible interactions between maternal and paternal contribution to longitudinal childhood outcomes. Randomized controlled trials focusing on effects of pre-conceptional diet quality on long-term offspring health are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Hieronimus
- Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry of Nutrition, Max Rubner-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Karlsruhe, Germany
- Institute of Child Nutrition, Max Rubner-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Regina Ensenauer
- Institute of Child Nutrition, Max Rubner-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Karlsruhe, Germany.
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Osadchuk L, Kleshchev M, Danilenko A, Osadchuk A. Impact of seminal and serum zinc on semen quality and hormonal status: A population-based cohort study of Russian young men. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2021; 68:126855. [PMID: 34547694 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2021.126855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trace elements are important factors in human reproductive health. Among them, special attention is paid to zinc, which is an essential trace element and is necessary for the normal functioning of the male reproductive system and the process of spermatogenesis. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between seminal and serum zinc concentrations and semen quality and reproductive hormone levels in population of Russian young men. METHODS The study population consisted of 626 young Russian men (median age 22.5 years), recruited from the general population, regardless of their fertility status. Each participant provided semen and blood sample, information about his lifestyle and ethnicity. Semen quality (sperm concentration, motility and morphology), reproductive hormone levels (testosterone, estradiol, LH, FSH and inhibin B), and serum and seminal zinc concentrations were evaluated. The semen samples were analyzed according to the WHO laboratory manual (WHO, 2010). Serum hormones were measured by enzyme immunoassay, zinc concentrations were determined using spectrophotometry and direct colorimetry without deproteinization. RESULTS Zinc was present in the seminal plasma in a significantly higher concentration than in the blood serum (median serum Zn concentration was 23.6 μmol/L vs seminal Zn concentration 1571.8 μmol/L). The seminal zinc concentration was positively related to the total sperm count, sperm concentration, progressive motility and normal morphology (Spearman's test: 0.221; 0.286; 0.269; 0.183, respectively, p < 0.001), while the serum Zn concentration was negatively related to serum testosterone and estradiol levels (r = -0.249 and r = -0.096, respectively, p < 0.001-0.05). It was found that the seminal Zn content in men with normal semen quality was higher compared to men with lowered semen quality (means: 6.37 and 5.03 μmol/ejaculate, respectively, p < 0.001). Similarly, the semen volume, total sperm count, sperm concentration, progressive motility, normal morphology and the serum testosterone level in men with the seminal Zn deficiency were lower than in men with the normal seminal Zn content. CONCLUSION Based on the results of our population-based study, seminal Zn levels were closely associated with semen parameters in young men, so Zn deficiency may be an important risk factor for lowered semen quality. Seminal Zn determinations should be considered as a useful tool in addition to other parameters in assessing male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludmila Osadchuk
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Federal Research Center 'Institute of Cytology and Genetics', the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Academician Lavrentyeva 10, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russian Federation.
| | - Maxim Kleshchev
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Federal Research Center 'Institute of Cytology and Genetics', the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Academician Lavrentyeva 10, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russian Federation.
| | - Anna Danilenko
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Federal Research Center 'Institute of Cytology and Genetics', the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Academician Lavrentyeva 10, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russian Federation.
| | - Alexander Osadchuk
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Federal Research Center 'Institute of Cytology and Genetics', the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Academician Lavrentyeva 10, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russian Federation.
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Tan CH, Kornfeld K. Zinc is an intracellular signal during sperm activation in Caenorhabditis elegans. Development 2021; 148:273336. [PMID: 34739028 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199836] [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: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Sperm activation is a rapid and dramatic cell differentiation event that does not involve changes in transcription, and the signaling cascades that mediate this process have not been fully defined. zipt-7.1 encodes a zinc transporter, and zipt-7.1(lf) mutants display sperm-activation defects, leading to the hypothesis that zinc signaling mediates sperm activation in Caenorhabditis elegans. Here, we describe the development of a method for dynamic imaging of labile zinc during sperm activation using the zinc-specific fluorescence probe FluoZin-3 AM and time-lapse confocal imaging. Two phases of dynamic changes in labile zinc levels were observed during sperm activation. Forced zinc entry using the zinc ionophore pyrithione activated sperm in vitro, and it suppressed the defects of zipt-7.1(lf) mutants, indicating that high levels of cytosolic zinc are sufficient for sperm activation. We compared activation by zinc pyrithione to activation by extracellular zinc, the Na+/H+ antiporter monensin and the protease cocktail pronase in multiple mutant backgrounds. These results indicate that the protease pathway does not require zinc signaling, suggesting that zinc signaling is sufficient to activate sperm but is not always necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chieh-Hsiang Tan
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Kerry Kornfeld
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Kara H, Orem A, Yulug E, Balaban Yucesan F, Kerimoglu G, Vanizor Kural B, Ozer Yaman S, Bodur A, Turedi S, Alasalvar C. Effects of hazelnut supplemented diet on doxorubicin-induced damage of reproductive system in male rats. J Food Biochem 2021; 45:e13973. [PMID: 34664725 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.13973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The present study was objected to investigate the effect of hazelnut supplemented diet on the levels of oxidative stress and fertility parameters against doxorubicin-induced testicular and epididymal tissue damage of male rats. Rats were randomly divided into four groups (each n = 8), namely control group (CG), doxorubicin group (DG), doxorubicin + hazelnut group (DHG), and doxorubicin + vitamin E group (DEG). This is the first study designed using DHG. Doxorubicin was intraperitoneally injected into all diet groups except CG at a dose of 3 mg/kg body weight on days 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28. In addition, DHG was supplemented with a hazelnut diet at a dose of 3 g/kg body weight/day and vitamin E was added to the drinking water of DEG at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight/day. DHG reversed the side effects of doxorubicin and positively improved the epididymis sperm quality, testicular and epididymal tissue injury, testosterone level, epididymis oxidative stress index, and lipid peroxidation in male rats. These findings suggest that hazelnut has positive effects against doxorubicin dependent damage on male rats and it may be a promising supplement for amelioration of testicular toxicity. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Hazelnut has numerous positive health effects due to its macronutrients, micronutrients, lipid-soluble compounds and bioactive phenolics. Studies have shown that regular consumption of hazelnut may have a positive effect on lipid parameters, oxidative stress, inflammation markers, and endothelial dysfunction in both healthy people and patients with chronic diseases. Although doxorubicin (Adriamycin, DOX) is an antibiotic that has been widely used in cancer treatment for nearly 30 years, it causes organ toxicity including testicular tissue. Hazelnut may have positive effects on the damage caused by DOX in the reproductive system. However, studies on the effect of hazelnut on male reproductive health are scarce. Therefore, this study provided a basis for the clinical evaluation of the effects of hazelnut on the reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanife Kara
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Amasya University, Amasya, Turkey.,Graduate School of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Asım Orem
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Esin Yulug
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Fulya Balaban Yucesan
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Gokcen Kerimoglu
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Birgul Vanizor Kural
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Serap Ozer Yaman
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Akın Bodur
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Sibel Turedi
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Harran University, Sanlıurfa, Turkey
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The relationship between major dietary patterns and fertility status in iranian men: a case-control study. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18861. [PMID: 34552156 PMCID: PMC8458458 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98355-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In this case-control study, we aimed to investigate the association between major dietary patterns and fertility status in Iranian men. The study population included 400 newly diagnosed infertile men and 537 healthy individuals without a history of infertility in Yazd, Iran. Infertility was confirmed clinically, based on the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Dietary intake was assessed using a 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and dietary patterns were determined based on a principal component analysis. Four major dietary patterns were found in this study, including healthy, Western, mixed, and traditional dietary patterns. After adjustments for potential confounders, men above the median of a healthy dietary pattern showed a reduced risk of infertility compared to those below the median (OR 0.52; 95% CI 0.33-0.83). In contrast, men with greater adherence to Western and mixed dietary patterns were more likely to be infertile (OR 2.66; 95% CI 1.70-4.17 and OR 2.82; 95% CI 1.75-4.56, respectively). Also, there was no significant association between the traditional dietary pattern and the odds of infertility. The present study suggests that greater adherence to a healthy dietary pattern may have an inverse association with the odds of infertility; however, Western and mixed dietary patterns may be associated with an increased risk of infertility.
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