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Parvin A, Erabi G, Alemi A, Rezanezhad A, Maleksabet A, Sadeghpour S, Taheri-Anganeh M, Ghasemnejad-Berenji H. Seminal plasma proteomics as putative biomarkers for male infertility diagnosis. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 561:119757. [PMID: 38857670 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2024.119757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Male infertility represents a significant global public health issue that is currently emerging as a prominent research focus. Presently, laboratories adhere to the guidelines outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO) manuals for conducting routine semen analysis to diagnose male infertility. However, the accuracy of results in predicting sperm quality and fertility is limited because some individuals with a normal semen analysis report, an unremarkable medical history, and a physical examination may still experience infertility. As a result, the importance of employing more advanced techniques to investigate sperm function and male fertility in the treatment of male infertility and/or subfertility becomes apparent. The standard test for evaluating human semen has been improved by more complex tests that look at things like reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), sperm DNA fragmentation levels, DNA compaction, apoptosis, genetic testing, and the presence and location of anti-sperm antibodies. Recent discoveries of novel biomarkers have significantly enriched our understanding of male fertility. Moreover, the notable biological diversity among samples obtained from the same individual complicates the efficacy of routine semen analysis. Therefore, unraveling the molecular mechanisms involved in fertilization is pivotal in expanding our understanding of factors contributing to male infertility. By understanding how these proteins work and what role they play in sperm activity, we can look at the expression profile in men who can't have children to find diagnostic biomarkers. This review examines the various sperm and seminal plasma proteins associated with infertility, as well as proteins that are either deficient or exhibit aberrant expression, potentially contributing to male infertility causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Parvin
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Gisou Erabi
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Alireza Alemi
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Arman Rezanezhad
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Amir Maleksabet
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Sonia Sadeghpour
- Reproductive Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mortaza Taheri-Anganeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Hojat Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Reproductive Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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Fietz D, Sgaier R, O’Donnell L, Stanton PG, Dagley LF, Webb AI, Schuppe HC, Diemer T, Pilatz A. Proteomic biomarkers in seminal plasma as predictors of reproductive potential in azoospermic men. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1327800. [PMID: 38654926 PMCID: PMC11035875 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1327800] [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: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Azoospermia, characterized by an absence of sperm in the ejaculate, represents the most severe form of male infertility. While surgical sperm retrieval in obstructive azoospermia (OA) is successful in the majority of cases, patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) show retrieval rates of only about 50% and thus frequently have unnecessary surgery. Surgical intervention could be avoided if patients without preserved spermatogenesis are identified preoperatively. This prospective study aimed to discover biomarkers in seminal plasma that could be employed for a non-invasive differential diagnosis of OA/NOA in order to rationalize surgery recommendations and improve success rates. Methods All patients signed written informed consent, underwent comprehensive andrological evaluation, received human genetics to exclude relevant pathologies, and patients with azoospermia underwent surgical sperm retrieval. Using label-free LC-MS/MS, we compared the proteomes of seminal plasma samples from fertile men (healthy controls (HC), n=8) and infertile men diagnosed with 1) OA (n=7), 2) NOA with successful sperm retrieval (mixed testicular atrophy (MTA), n=8), and 3) NOA without sperm retrieval (Sertoli cell-only phenotype (SCO), n=7). Relative abundance changes of two candidate markers of sperm retrieval, HSPA2 and LDHC, were confirmed by Western Blot. Results We found the protein expression levels of 42 proteins to be significantly down-regulated (p ≤ 0.05) in seminal plasma from SCO NOA patients relative to HC whereas only one protein was down-regulated in seminal plasma from MTA patients. Analysis of tissue and cell expression suggested that the testis-specific proteins LDHC, PGK2, DPEP3, and germ-cell enriched heat-shock proteins HSPA2 and HSPA4L are promising biomarkers of spermatogenic function. Western blotting revealed a significantly lower abundance of LDHC and HSPA2 in the seminal plasma of men with NOA (SCO and MTA) compared to controls. Discussion The results indicate that certain testis-specific proteins when measured in seminal plasma, could serve as indicators of the presence of sperm in the testis and predict the success of sperm retrieval. Used in conjunction with conventional clinical assessments, these proteomic biomarkers may assist in the non-invasive diagnosis of idiopathic male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Fietz
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Raouda Sgaier
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Liza O’Donnell
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter G. Stanton
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Laura F. Dagley
- Advanced Technology and Biology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew I. Webb
- Advanced Technology and Biology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Hans-Christian Schuppe
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Thorsten Diemer
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Adrian Pilatz
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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Ganeva R, Parvanov D, Vidolova N, Handzhiyska M, Ruseva M, Vasileva M, Nikolova K, Ivanova I, Shaban M, Shabarkova J, Hristova R, Miladinova M, Stamenov G. Sperm selection by zona adhesion improves assisted reproductive treatment outcomes. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 38225818 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zona pellucida is one of the main selective barriers for the spermatozoa before reaching the oocyte. Using native zona in the sperm selection prior to Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) has been proven effective but inconvenient approach in In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) laboratory. The application of autologous solubilised zonae pellucidae in the sperm selection prior to ICSI has not been studied yet. OBJECTIVES To compare the assisted reproductive treatment (ART) outcomes (implantation, pregnancy, live birth, and miscarriage rates) after ICSI performed with spermatozoa selected on their ability to adhere to immobilised solubilised zonae pellucidae and conventionally selected spermatozoa. MATERIALS AND METHODS In total, 500 couples fulfilled the inclusion criteria and 368 of them were included in the study. After random allocation, 192 couples had spermatozoa selected by sperm-zona adhesion for ICSI (study group) and 176 patients underwent standard ICSI (control group). In the study group, patients' own zonae were acid solubilised and immobilised on petri dishes. The partner's motile spermatozoa were placed in the dishes and the adhered spermatozoa were used for ICSI. For the control group, the conventional sperm selection by morphological criteria was applied prior ICSI. All women underwent frozen ET with euploid embryos. Chi square test was used to compare the data. RESULTS The sperm selection by zona adhesion resulted in significantly higher implantation rate (50.4% vs. 37.0%, p = 0.003), clinical pregnancy rate (43.8% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.018) and live birth rate (38.0% vs. 25.9%, p = 0.004) and significantly lower incidence of miscarriage (11.3% vs. 22.2%, p = 0.044) in comparison to the conventional method of the sperm selection. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The application of solubilised zonae pellucidae in the sperm selection for ICSI benefits ART outcomes in couples with unexplained infertility. Moreover, sperm-zona selection significantly reduces the risk of miscarriages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rumiana Ganeva
- Research and Development Department, Nadezhda Women's Health Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Dimitar Parvanov
- Research and Development Department, Nadezhda Women's Health Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Nina Vidolova
- Research and Development Department, Nadezhda Women's Health Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Maria Handzhiyska
- Research and Development Department, Nadezhda Women's Health Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Margarita Ruseva
- Research and Development Department, Nadezhda Women's Health Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Magdaleva Vasileva
- Embryology Department, Nadezhda Women's Health Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Kristina Nikolova
- Embryology Department, Nadezhda Women's Health Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Ivka Ivanova
- Embryology Department, Nadezhda Women's Health Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Miray Shaban
- Embryology Department, Nadezhda Women's Health Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Joanna Shabarkova
- Embryology Department, Nadezhda Women's Health Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Rayna Hristova
- Embryology Department, Nadezhda Women's Health Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Milena Miladinova
- Embryology Department, Nadezhda Women's Health Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Georgi Stamenov
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Nadezhda Women's Health Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Rosyada ZNA, Pardede BP, Kaiin EM, Gunawan M, Maulana T, Said S, Tumbelaka LITA, Solihin DD, Ulum MF, Purwantara B. A proteomic approach to identifying spermatozoa proteins in Indonesian native Madura bulls. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1287676. [PMID: 38111731 PMCID: PMC10725959 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1287676] [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: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteins assist sperm mature, transit the female reproductive tract, and recognise sperm oocytes. Indigenous Indonesian bulls, Madura bulls, have not been studied for reproductive proteomics. As local Indonesian beef livestock, Madura cattle assist in achieving food security; hence, their number must be improved. Thus, the identification of molecular proteomics-based bull fertility biomarkers is needed. This study aimed to characterise the sperm fertility function of the superior Madura bull (Bos indicus × Bos Javanicus) spermatozoa proteome. Frozen semen from eight Madura superior bulls (Bos indicus × Bos javanicus) aged 4-8 years was obtained from the artificial insemination centre (AIC) in Singosari and Lembang. Madura superior bulls are those that have passed the bull breeding soundness evaluation. Frozen sperm were thawed and centrifuged at 3000 × g for 30 min. Proteins in sperm were characterised through proteomic analysis using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The resulting gene symbols for each protein were then subjected to bioinformatics tools, including UniProt, DAVID, and STRING databases. Regarding sperm fertility, the analysis revealed that 15 proteins were identified in the sperm of Madura bulls. Amongst the identified proteins, the superior Madura bull sperm contained several motilities, energy-related proteins, and chaperone proteins. A substantial portion of characterised proteins are linked to metabolic pathways and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, contributing to sperm energy production. In conclusion, the first in-depth proteome identification of sperm related to sperm quality and bull fertility of a unique indigenous Madura breed of Indonesia was performed using the LC-MS/MS proteomic method. These findings may serve as a reference point for further studies related to the functions of bovine sperm and biomarkers of fertility and sperm quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zulfi Nur Amrina Rosyada
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, Indonesia
- Division of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Berlin Pandapotan Pardede
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Ekayanti Mulyawati Kaiin
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Gunawan
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Tulus Maulana
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Syahruddin Said
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Ligaya I. T. A Tumbelaka
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | | | - Mokhamad Fakhrul Ulum
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Bambang Purwantara
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
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Baazm M, Babaei R, Fathi AN, Karami H, Bayat M. Resveratrol ameliorates spermatogenesis by increasing protamine 1, 2 and HSPA2 expression in experimental varicocele rat model. Rev Int Androl 2023; 21:100370. [PMID: 37437508 DOI: 10.1016/j.androl.2023.100370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Varicocele is a common cause of male infertility associated with an elevated testicular temperature that induces apoptosis, spermatogenesis dysfunction, and affects sperm parameters. In this study, we investigate the probable therapeutic effects of resveratrol (RES), a natural phytoalexin, against varicocele. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, 48 male Wistar rats randomly divided into 8 groups: normal, sham, normal+RES (20 and 50mg/kg), varicocele, varicocele+ethanol and varicocele+RES (20 and 50mg/kg). Incomplete closure of the left renal vein was used for varicocele induction and two months later, RES was administrated orally for 60 days. Then, sperm parameters, DNA fragmentations, chromatin density, and testis histopathology were analyzed. In addition, HSPA2, protamine 1, and 2 expression levels were evaluated using real-time PCR. RESULTS According to our results, resveratrol treatment improved sperm parameters, testis histopathology, DNA fragmentation, and chromatin maturation which damaged follow varicocele (p≤0.05). Also, it increased HSPA2, protamine 1, and 2 expression levels significantly in both doses (p≤0.05). CONCLUSION Resveratrol potentially attenuates varicocele-induced spermatogenic impairments by its antioxidant features and regulates spermatogenic gene expression undergoing DNA fragmentation, so leads histopathological properties of tissues to physiological parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Baazm
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Rasool Babaei
- Students Research Committee, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | | | - Hadi Karami
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Mohammad Bayat
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran.
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Pei S, Luo J, Weng X, Xu Y, Bai J, Li F, Li W, Yue X. iTRAQ-based proteomic analysis provides novel insight into the postnatal testicular development of Hu sheep. J Proteomics 2023; 286:104956. [PMID: 37390892 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2023.104956] [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: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Testicular development is an intricate and coordinated process in which thousands of proteins are involved in the regulation of somatic cells development and spermatogenesis. However, knowledge about the proteomic changes during postnatal testicular development in Hu sheep is still elusive. The study was conducted to characterize the protein profiles at four key stages during postnatal testicular development, including infant (0-month-old, M0), puberty (3-month-old, M3), sexual maturity (6-month-old, M6) and body maturity (12-month-old, M12), and between the large- and small-testis groups at 6 months in Hu sheep. Consequently, 5252 proteins were identified using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods, and 465, 1261, 231 and 1080 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) were found between M0_vs_M3, M3_vs_M6L, M6L_vs_M12, and M6L_vs_M6S, respectively. GO and KEGG analysis revealed that the majority of DAPs were involved in cellular process, metabolic process and immune system-related pathways. Furthermore, a protein-protein interaction network was constructed using 86 fertility-related DAPs, and five proteins with the highest degree were represented as hub proteins, including CTNNB1, ADAM2, ACR, HSPA2 and GRB2. This study provided new insights into the regulation mechanisms of postnatal testicular development and identified several potential biomarkers for selecting the high-fertility rams. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY: Testicular development is an intricate developmental process in which thousands of proteins are involved in regulating the somatic cells development and spermatogenesis. However, knowledge about the proteome changes during postnatal testicular development in Hu sheep is still elusive. This study provides comprehensive insights into the dynamic changes in the sheep testis proteome during postnatal testicular development. Additionally, testis size is positively correlated with semen quality and ejaculation volume, also for the merits of easy measurement, high heritability and selection efficiency, is an important indicator to select candidate rams with high fertility. The functional analyses of the acquired candidate proteins may help us gain a better understanding of the molecular regulatory mechanisms of testicular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengwei Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems; Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education; College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730020, China
| | - Jing Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems; Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education; College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730020, China
| | - Xiuxiu Weng
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems; Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education; College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730020, China
| | - Yanli Xu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry Quality Standards, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Science, Urumqi 830057, China
| | - Jingjing Bai
- Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Extension Station of Wuwei City, Wuwei 733000, China
| | - Fadi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems; Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education; College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730020, China
| | - Wanhong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems; Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education; College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730020, China
| | - Xiangpeng Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems; Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education; College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730020, China.
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Kang C, Bertolla R, Pagani R. The '-ics' of male reproduction: genomics, epigenetics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiomics. Curr Opin Urol 2023; 33:31-38. [PMID: 36210759 DOI: 10.1097/mou.0000000000001052] [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: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review the most current findings, from the past 2 years, in various '-ics' fields in male infertility, with a specific focus on nonobstructive azoospermia, the most severe form, and varicocele, the most common correctable cause of male infertility. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies confirm previously identified causes and identify previously unknown genetic mutations as causes for nonobstructive azoospermia and varicocele. SUMMARY Infertility is a common problem for couples with approximately half of cases attributable to male factor infertility. Although advances in assisted reproductive technology have permitted many more men with infertility to father biological children, the majority of infertile men continue to have unknown causes. The recent explosion of the '-ics' fields, including genomics, epigenetics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiomics, has shed light on previously unknown causes for various diseases. New information in these fields will not only shed light on the pathogenesis of these conditions but also may shift the paradigm in clinical testing that may allow clinicians to provide more precise counseling and prognostic information for men with infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Kang
- Department of Urology, Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ricardo Bertolla
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Nixon B, Schjenken JE, Burke ND, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Hart HM, De Iuliis GN, Martin JH, Lord T, Bromfield EG. New horizons in human sperm selection for assisted reproduction. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1145533. [PMID: 36909306 PMCID: PMC9992892 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1145533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a commonly encountered pathology that is estimated to be a contributory factor in approximately 50% of couples seeking recourse to assisted reproductive technologies. Upon clinical presentation, such males are commonly subjected to conventional diagnostic andrological practices that rely on descriptive criteria to define their fertility based on the number of morphologically normal, motile spermatozoa encountered within their ejaculate. Despite the virtual ubiquitous adoption of such diagnostic practices, they are not without their limitations and accordingly, there is now increasing awareness of the importance of assessing sperm quality in order to more accurately predict a male's fertility status. This realization raises the important question of which characteristics signify a high-quality, fertilization competent sperm cell. In this review, we reflect on recent advances in our mechanistic understanding of sperm biology and function, which are contributing to a growing armory of innovative approaches to diagnose and treat male infertility. In particular we review progress toward the implementation of precision medicine; the robust clinical adoption of which in the setting of fertility, currently lags well behind that of other fields of medicine. Despite this, research shows that the application of advanced technology platforms such as whole exome sequencing and proteomic analyses hold considerable promise in optimizing outcomes for the management of male infertility by uncovering and expanding our inventory of candidate infertility biomarkers, as well as those associated with recurrent pregnancy loss. Similarly, the development of advanced imaging technologies in tandem with machine learning artificial intelligence are poised to disrupt the fertility care paradigm by advancing our understanding of the molecular and biological causes of infertility to provide novel avenues for future diagnostics and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Brett Nixon,
| | - John E. Schjenken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Nathan D. Burke
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - David A. Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Hanah M. Hart
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Geoffry N. De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Jacinta H. Martin
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Tessa Lord
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G. Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
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Rusevski A, Plaseska-Karanfilska D, Davalieva K. Proteomics of azoospermia: Towards the discovery of reliable markers for non-invasive diagnosis. Proteomics Clin Appl 2023; 17:e2200060. [PMID: 36177695 DOI: 10.1002/prca.202200060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Azoospermia, as the most severe form of male infertility, no longer indicates sterility due to modern medical advancements. The current diagnostic procedure based on testicular biopsy has several drawbacks which urges the development of novel, non-invasive diagnostic procedures based on biomarkers. In the last two decades, there have been many proteomics studies investigating potential azoospermia biomarkers. In this review, we aimed to provide a critical evaluation of these studies. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Published articles were gathered by systematic literature search using Pubmed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases until March 2022 and were further preselected to include only studies on human samples. RESULTS A detailed review of these studies encompassed the proteomics platforms, sources of material, proposed candidate biomarkers, and their potential diagnostic specificity and sensitivity. In addition, emphasis was put on the top, most identified and validated biomarker candidates and their potential for discriminating azoospermia types and subtypes as well as predicting sperm retrieval success rate. CONCLUSIONS Proteomics research of azoospermia has laid the groundwork for the development of a more streamlined biomarker testing. The future research should be focused on well-designed studies including samples from all types/subtypes as well as further testing of the most promising biomarkers identified so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar Rusevski
- Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology "Georgi D Efremov", Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Dijana Plaseska-Karanfilska
- Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology "Georgi D Efremov", Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Katarina Davalieva
- Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology "Georgi D Efremov", Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Skopje, North Macedonia
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10
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Abu-Halima M, Becker LS, Ayesh BM, Meese E. MicroRNA-targeting in male infertility: Sperm microRNA-19a/b-3p and its spermatogenesis related transcripts content in men with oligoasthenozoospermia. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:973849. [PMID: 36211460 PMCID: PMC9533736 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.973849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To elucidate and validate the potential regulatory function of miR-19a/b-3p and its spermatogenesis-related transcripts content in sperm samples collected from men with oligoasthenozoospermia. Methods: Men presenting at an infertility clinic were enrolled. MicroRNA (miRNA) and target genes evaluation were carried out using in silico prediction analysis, Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) validation, and Western blot confirmation. Results: The expression levels of miRNA-19a/b-3p were significantly up-regulated and 51 target genes were significantly down-regulated in oligoasthenozoospermic men compared with age-matched normozoospermic men as determined by RT-qPCR. Correlation analysis highlighted that sperm count, motility, and morphology were negatively correlated with miRNA-19a/b-3p and positively correlated with the lower expression level of 51 significantly identified target genes. Furthermore, an inverse correlation between higher expression levels of miRNA-19a/b-3p and lower expression levels of 51 target genes was observed. Consistent with the results of the RT-qPCR, reduced expression levels of STK33 and DNAI1 protein levels were identified in an independent cohort of sperm samples collected from men with oligoasthenozoospermia. Conclusion: Findings suggest that the higher expression of miRNA-19a/b-3p or the lower expression of target genes are associated with oligoasthenozoospermia and male infertility, probably through influencing basic semen parameters. This study lay the groundwork for future studies focused on investigating therapies for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masood Abu-Halima
- Institute of Human Genetics, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Masood Abu-Halima,
| | | | - Basim M. Ayesh
- Department of Laboratory Medical Sciences, Alaqsa University, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Eckart Meese
- Institute of Human Genetics, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
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11
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Rosyada ZNA, Ulum MF, Tumbelaka LITA, Solihin DD, Purwantara B, Memili E. Implications of sperm heat shock protein 70-2 in bull fertility. Vet World 2022; 15:1456-1466. [PMID: 35993069 PMCID: PMC9375219 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.1456-1466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is one of the most abundant chaperone proteins. Their function is well documented in facilitating the protein synthesis, translocation, de novo folding, and ordering of multiprotein complexes. HSP70 in bovine consists of four genes: HSP70-1, HSP70-2, HSP70-3, and HSP70-4. HSP70-2 was found to be involved in fertility. Current knowledge implicates HSP70-2 in sperm quality, sperm capacitation, sperm–egg recognition, and fertilization essential for bull reproduction. HSP70-2 is also involved in the biological processes of spermatogenesis, as it protects cells from the effects of apoptosis and oxidative stress. Fertilization success is not only determined by the amount of sperm found in the female reproductive tract but also by the functional ability of the sperm. However, subfertility is more likely to be associated with changes in sperm molecular dynamics not detectable using conventional methods. As such, molecular analyses and omics methods have been developed to monitor crucial aspects of sperm molecular morphology that are important for sperm functions, which are the objectives of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zulfi Nur Amrina Rosyada
- Reproductive Biology Study Program, Postgraduate School, IPB University, 16680, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Mokhamad Fakhrul Ulum
- Reproductive Biology Study Program, Postgraduate School, IPB University, 16680, Bogor, Indonesia; Department of Veterinary Clinic, Reproduction and Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, 16680, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Ligaya I. T. A. Tumbelaka
- Reproductive Biology Study Program, Postgraduate School, IPB University, 16680, Bogor, Indonesia; Department of Veterinary Clinic, Reproduction and Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, 16680, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Dedy Duryadi Solihin
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, IPB University, 16680, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Bambang Purwantara
- Reproductive Biology Study Program, Postgraduate School, IPB University, 16680, Bogor, Indonesia; Department of Veterinary Clinic, Reproduction and Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, 16680, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Erdogan Memili
- Agricultural Research Center, College of Agriculture and Human Sciences Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX, USA
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12
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Sperm Phosphoproteome: Unraveling Male Infertility. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11050659. [PMID: 35625387 PMCID: PMC9137924 DOI: 10.3390/biology11050659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Infertility affects approximately 15% of couples worldwide of childbearing age, and in many cases the etiology of male infertility is unknown. The current standard evaluation of semen is insufficient to establish an accurate diagnosis. Proteomics techniques, such as phosphoproteomics, applied in this field are a powerful tool to understand the mechanisms that regulate sperm functions such as motility, which is essential for successful fertilization. Among the post-translational modifications of sperm proteins, this review summarizes, from a proteomic perspective, the updated knowledge of protein phosphorylation, in human spermatozoa, as a relevant molecular mechanism involved in the regulation of sperm physiology. Specifically, the role of sperm protein phosphorylation in motility and, consequently, in sperm quality is highlighted. Additionally, through the analysis of published comparative phosphoproteomic studies, some candidate human sperm phosphoproteins associated with low sperm motility are proposed. Despite the remarkable advances in phosphoproteomics technologies, the relatively low number of studies performed in human spermatozoa suggests that phosphoproteomics has not been applied to its full potential in studying male infertility yet. Therefore, further studies will improve the application of this procedure and overcome the limitations, increasing the understanding of regulatory mechanisms underlying protein phosphorylation in sperm motility and, consequently, in male fertility.
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