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Pacheco RI, Cristo MI, Anjo SI, Silva AF, Sousa MI, Tavares RS, Sousa AP, Almeida Santos T, Moura-Ramos M, Caramelo F, Manadas B, Ramalho-Santos J, Amaral SG. New Insights on Sperm Function in Male Infertility of Unknown Origin: A Multimodal Approach. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1462. [PMID: 37892144 PMCID: PMC10605211 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101462] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The global trend of rising (male) infertility is concerning, and the unidentifiable causes in half of the cases, the so-called unknown origin male infertility (UOMI), demands a better understanding and assessment of both external/internal factors and mechanisms potentially involved. In this work, it was our aim to obtain new insight on UOMI, specifically on idiopathic (ID) and Unexplained male infertility (UMI), relying on a detailed evaluation of the male gamete, including functional, metabolic and proteomic aspects. For this purpose, 1114 semen samples, from males in couples seeking infertility treatment, were collected at the Reproductive Medicine Unit from the Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), from July 2018-July 2022. Based on the couples' clinical data, seminal/hormonal analysis, and strict eligibility criteria, samples were categorized in 3 groups, control (CTRL), ID and UMI. Lifestyle factors and anxiety/depression symptoms were assessed via survey. Sperm samples were evaluated functionally, mitochondrially and using proteomics. The results of Assisted Reproduction Techniques were assessed whenever available. According to our results, ID patients presented the worst sperm functional profile, while UMI patients were similar to controls. The proteomic analysis revealed 145 differentially expressed proteins, 8 of which were specifically altered in ID and UMI samples. Acrosin (ACRO) and sperm acrosome membrane-associated protein 4 (SACA4) were downregulated in ID patients while laminin subunit beta-2 (LAMB2), mannose 6-phosphate isomerase (MPI), ATP-dependent 6-phosphofructokinase liver type (PFKAL), STAR domain-containing protein 10 (STA10), serotransferrin (TRFE) and exportin-2 (XPO2) were downregulated in UMI patients. Using random forest analysis, SACA4 and LAMB2 were identified as the sperm proteins with a higher chance of distinguishing ID and UMI patients, and their function and expression variation were in accordance with the functional results. No alterations were observed in terms of lifestyle and psychological factors among the 3 groups. These findings obtained in an experimental setting based on 3 well-defined groups of subjects, might help to validate new biomarkers for unknown origin male infertility (ID and UMI) that, in the future, can be used to improve diagnostics and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita I. Pacheco
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria I. Cristo
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- IIIUC—Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sandra I. Anjo
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- IIIUC—Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Andreia F. Silva
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- IIIUC—Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Inês Sousa
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Renata S. Tavares
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Sousa
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
- Eugin Coimbra, Rua Filipe Hodart 12, 3000-185 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Teresa Almeida Santos
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
- Eugin Coimbra, Rua Filipe Hodart 12, 3000-185 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mariana Moura-Ramos
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
- Eugin Coimbra, Rua Filipe Hodart 12, 3000-185 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-115 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Bruno Manadas
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- IIIUC—Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Ramalho-Santos
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sandra Gomes Amaral
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- IIIUC—Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
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Multiple flow cytometry analysis for assessing human sperm functional characteristics. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 117:108353. [PMID: 36804582 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108353] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Multiparametric analysis by flow cytometry solves one of the major problems in sperm evaluation, the inability to test multiple attributes simultaneously in a single cell, which would increase the precision to predict fertility potential since several sperm parameters are tested. The association of fluorochromes and compounds conjugated to fluorochromes in multiparametric sperm analysis is well-established in microscopy techniques. However, these techniques are subjective and limit the assessment in small cell numbers, thereby harming analytic accuracy. Therefore, the current study aimed to present new possibilities for assessing the integrity and stability of the sperm plasma membrane, acrosome status, mitochondrial potential, and superoxide anion production in the mitochondrial matrix in only 2 cytometric assays using cytometers equipped with 2 and 3 lasers. For this, human semen samples collected by masturbation and selected by the swim-up technique were divided into 3 treatments: T0 (flash-frozen semen), T50 (flash-frozen semen + fresh semen, V: V), and T100 (fresh semen) for the validation of the multiparametric protocols by flow cytometry. For both protocols, sperm percentage with positive stain for all fluorophores differed significantly between treatments. The determination coefficients presented values close to 1, which validated objective, sensitive, rapid, and reproducible methodologies. Therefore, we concluded that the results reflect the status of analyzed structure, enabling a more accurate diagnosis of male infertility that has become an increasingly prevalent worldwide setback due to exposure to a variety of environmental toxicants.
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Rosa JDL, Figueiredo TM, Barros JWF, Dos Santos DB, de Deus RS, Borges CS, Kempinas WDG, Klinefelter GR. SP22 sperm protein as a potential biomarker of fertility in humans: A preliminary study. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 117:108343. [PMID: 36781114 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Infertility affects approximately 15% of couples of reproductive age, and 50% of the cases are directly related to men. The evaluation of male fertility is based on analyses of routine seminal parameters and the use of more advanced techniques can help identify fertility biomarkers. SP22 sperm protein is considered a biomarker in murine species since its concentration is highly correlated with sperm fertility. As the role of this protein as a biomarker is already well-established in other species, we hypothesized that this same correlation could apply to human. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate possible correlations between SP22 concentration and sperm parameters in fertile and infertile men. For this, a study was carried out on 21 volunteers' seminal samples who were grouped according to fertility as fertile (n = 10) or infertile (n = 11). Conventional and functional sperm analyses, membrane protein extraction, quantification and immunolocalization of SP22 were performed. The infertile volunteers showed an increase in the percentage of sperm with abnormalities in head morphology and a decrease in the percentage of sperm with intact plasma membrane and damaged acrosomal membrane. Serum concentration of the hormone SHBG was also decreased in infertile volunteers. The damage to the plasma membrane was positively correlated with the superoxide anion production. Although none of the functional parameters were correlated with SP22 concentration, type D sperm motility was negatively correlated and type A+B sperm motility was positively correlated. This preliminary study opens new paths in the characterization of SP22 as a non-invasive biomarker for predicting fertility/infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josiane de Lima Rosa
- Institute of Biosciences, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Thamiris Moreira Figueiredo
- Institute of Biosciences, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jorge Willian Franco Barros
- Institute of Biosciences, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Driéle Bretone Dos Santos
- Institute of Biosciences, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ramão Souza de Deus
- Institute of Biosciences, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cibele Santos Borges
- Institute of Biosciences, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Wilma De Grava Kempinas
- Institute of Biosciences, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gary Robert Klinefelter
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
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Saitz TR, Ostrowski KA, Martinez Acevedo A, Bash JC, Klimek J, Fuchs EF, David LL, Hedges JC. The vasal fluid proteomic profile and microscopic sperm presence at time of vasectomy reversal. Transl Androl Urol 2020; 9:2000-2006. [PMID: 33209664 PMCID: PMC7658130 DOI: 10.21037/tau-20-703] [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] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The microscopic characteristics of vasal fluid at time of vasectomy reversal (VR) guide operative decision making and predict fertility outcomes. The proteomic profile of this vasal fluid has not been described or correlated with the microscopic fluid appearance. To characterize the vasal fluid proteome at time of VR and evaluate the variation of the vasal fluid proteome with respect to microscopic presence of sperm. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted enrolling twenty-five men undergoing VR for infertility and/or pain at a University-affiliated hospital. Vasal fluid samples obtained at time of VR were grouped based on presence of sperm on light microscopy at time of VR. Proteomic profiles were generated using liquid chromatography/ tandem mass spectrometry, and MS/MS protein spectral counts compared between individuals and treatment groups, controlling for less than 5% protein false discovery rate (FDR). Proteins were matched with the human swissprot database using the Comet search engine, and categorized by Gene Ontology (GO) terms. Results There was large variability between the 46 vasal fluid samples collected, with 1,692 unique proteins detected. The three most abundant proteins were Lactotransferrin, Cysteine-rich secretory protein 1, A-kinase anchor protein 4. There was no correlation between the proteome and microscopic sperm presence. Prevalent GO terms included viral process, signal transduction, innate immune response, protein folding and spermatogenesis. Conclusions We describe the proteome and the most common proteins in vasal fluid at time of VR. Numerable sperm, testis and epididymis specific proteins were present even in the absence of sperm on microscopy. Further evaluation is needed to determine if a protein biomarker may better guide operative decision making and predict VR fertility outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore R Saitz
- Department of Urology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Department of Surgery, Nellis Air Force Base Hospital, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Nellis AFB, NV, USA
| | - Kevin A Ostrowski
- Department of Urology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Health Sciences Building, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Jasper C Bash
- Department of Urology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - John Klimek
- Proteomics Shared Resource, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Eugene F Fuchs
- Department of Urology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Larry L David
- Department of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jason C Hedges
- Department of Urology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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Dutta S, Henkel R, Agarwal A. Comparative analysis of tests used to assess sperm chromatin integrity and DNA fragmentation. Andrologia 2020; 53:e13718. [PMID: 32628294 DOI: 10.1111/and.13718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Male infertility has a complex etiology, and many times, the cause is unknown. While routine semen analysis provides an overview of basic semen parameters, such as sperm concentration, motility, viability and morphology, a significant overlap of these parameters has been reported in fertile and infertile men. Moreover, conventional semen parameters do not reveal the cellular or molecular mechanisms of sperm dysfunctions leading to infertility. Therefore, sperm functional parameters, including sperm chromatin integrity, are evaluated to provide information on subtle sperm defects that are not routinely identified. Incomplete or defective sperm chromatin condensation increases the susceptibility of the sperm DNA to oxidative damage or other factors. To evaluate sperm chromatin integrity, different methods with varying degrees of diagnostic and prognostic capabilities are available. Among these assays, SCSA, TUNEL and SCD assays are most commonly used. While these assays rather evaluate the DNA directly for damages, the aniline blue and chromomycin A3 stains test for the quality of chromatin condensation. Thus, this review discusses and compares different methods used to evaluate sperm chromatin integrity and condensation, and their inclusion in the routine evaluation of the male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sulagna Dutta
- Department of Oral Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, MAHSA University, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ralf Henkel
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa.,American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Yılmaz F. Sperm function tests from past to present. JOURNAL OF HEALTH SCIENCES AND MEDICINE 2020. [DOI: 10.32322/jhsm.660649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Wu D, Huang CJ, Jiao XF, Ding ZM, Zhang SX, Miao YL, Huo LJ. Bisphenol AF compromises blood-testis barrier integrity and sperm quality in mice. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 237:124410. [PMID: 31362132 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.124410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The profound influence of environmental chemicals on human health including inducing life-threatening gene mutation has been publicly recognized. Being a substitute for the extensively used endocrine-disrupting chemical BPA, Bisphenol AF (BPAF) has been known as teratogen with developmental toxicities and therefore potentially putting human into the risk of biological hazards. Herein, we deciphered the detrimental effects of BPAF on spermatogenesis and spermiotiliosis in sexual maturity of mice exposing to BPAF (5, 20, 50 mg/kg/d) for consecutive 28 days. BPAF exposure significantly compromises blood-testis barrier integrity and sperm quantity and quality in a dose-dependent manner. Sperms from BPAF exposure mice are featured by severe DNA damage, altered SUMOylation and ubiquitination dynamics and interfered epigenetic inheritance with hypermethylation of H3K27me3 presumably due to the aggregation of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, BPAF treatment (50 μM for 24 h) compromises cytoskeleton architecture and tight junction permeability in primary cultured Sertoli cells evidenced by dysfunction of actin regulatory proteins (e.g. Arp3 and Palladin) via activation of ERK signaling, thereby perturbing the privilege microenvironment created by Sertoli cells for spermatogenesis. Overall, our study determines BPAF is deleterious for male fertility, leading to a better appreciation of its toxicological features in our life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Chun-Jie Huang
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
| | - Xiao-Fei Jiao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Ding
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Shou-Xin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China; Biochip Laboratory, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 264000, Shandong, China
| | - Yi-Liang Miao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Li-Jun Huo
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.
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Identification and characterization of RSIY-11, a novel seminal peptide derived from semenogelin-1, which acts as a neutral endopeptidase inhibitor modulating sperm motility. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:1891-1900. [PMID: 31346917 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01524-8] [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: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Based on prior reports demonstrating that neutral endopeptidase (NEP) inhibitors increase sperm motility, the goal of our studies was to identify endogenous seminal peptides that inhibit NEP and investigate their potential effect on sperm motility. METHODS Peptidomic analysis was performed on human seminal fluid, identifying 22 novel peptides. One peptide, named RSIY-11, derived from semenogelin-1, was predicted through sequence analysis to be a substrate and/or potential inhibitor of NEP. Enzymatic analysis was conducted to determine the inhibitory constant (Ki) of RSIY-11 as an inhibitor of NEP. Total and progressive sperm motility was determined at baseline and 30 and 60 min following addition of RSIY-11 to seminal fluid in 59 patients undergoing an infertility workup at an urban medical center. Additionally, the effects of RSIY-11 on sperm motility were evaluated in 15 of the 59 patients that met criteria for asthenospermia. RESULTS RSIY-11 was shown to act as a competitive inhibitor of NEP with a Ki of 18.4 ± 1.6 μM. Addition of RSIY-11 at concentrations of 0.75 μM, 7.5 μM, and 75 μM significantly increased sperm motility at all time points investigated, with increases of 6.1%, 6.9%, and 9.2% at 60 min, respectively. Additionally, within the subgroup of patients with asthenospermia, RSIY-11 at concentrations of 0.75 μM, 7.5 μM, and 75 μM significantly increased sperm motility at all time points investigated, with increases of 7.6%, 8.8%, and 10.6% at 60 min, respectively. CONCLUSIONS RSIY-11 is a newly identified semenogelin-1-derived peptide present in seminal fluid. RSIY-11 acts as a potent competitive inhibitor of NEP, which when added to seminal fluid significantly increases sperm motility. RSIY-11 could play a potential role in the treatment for male factor infertility related to asthenospermia and improve intrauterine insemination outcomes.
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Ley D, Jones J, Parrish J, Salih S, Caldera F, Tirado E, Leader B, Saha S. Methotrexate Reduces DNA Integrity in Sperm From Men With Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Gastroenterology 2018; 154:2064-2067.e3. [PMID: 29481778 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2018.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
There are few data on the effects of methotrexate on reproductive capacity in men with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). We performed a case-control study to determine the effects of methotrexate on sperm quality and genetic integrity. We compared sperm samples from 7 men with IBD who had been exposed to methotrexate for at least 3 months with sperm samples collected from 1912 age-matched men at fertility centers (controls) where sperm parameters would be expected to be worse than those of the general population. Sperm were evaluated by basic semen analysis and advanced sperm integrity testing. In samples from men with IBD, all basic semen analysis parameters were within normal limits. However, these samples had reduced sperm integrity, based on significant increases in levels of DNA fragmentation and damage from oxidative stress compared with controls. Our findings indicate that methotrexate can reduce DNA integrity in sperm and cause damage via oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Ley
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Jeffrey Jones
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin; UW Health Generations Fertility Care, Middleton, Wisconsin
| | - John Parrish
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Sana Salih
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Freddy Caldera
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Edna Tirado
- Clinical Research Division, ReproSource, Inc., Woburn, Massachusetts
| | - Benjamin Leader
- Clinical Research Division, ReproSource, Inc., Woburn, Massachusetts
| | - Sumona Saha
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin.
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Ortega-Ferrusola C, Gil MC, Rodríguez-Martínez H, Anel L, Peña FJ, Martín-Muñoz P. Flow cytometry in Spermatology: A bright future ahead. Reprod Domest Anim 2017; 52:921-931. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.13043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C Ortega-Ferrusola
- Reproduction and Obstetrics Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery; University of León; León Spain
| | - MC Gil
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology; Veterinary Teaching Hospital; University of Extremadura; Cáceres Spain
| | - H Rodríguez-Martínez
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine; Faculty of Health Sciences Linköping University; Linköping Sweden
| | - L Anel
- Reproduction and Obstetrics Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery; University of León; León Spain
| | - FJ Peña
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology; Veterinary Teaching Hospital; University of Extremadura; Cáceres Spain
| | - P Martín-Muñoz
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology; Veterinary Teaching Hospital; University of Extremadura; Cáceres Spain
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Majzoub A, Esteves SC, Gosálvez J, Agarwal A. Specialized sperm function tests in varicocele and the future of andrology laboratory. Asian J Androl 2016; 18:205-12. [PMID: 26780873 PMCID: PMC4770487 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.172642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Varicocele is a common medical condition entangled with many controversies. Though it is highly prevalent in men with infertility, still it marks its presence in males who do have normal fertility. Determining which patients are negatively affected by varicocele would enable clinicians to better select those men who benefitted the most from surgery. Since conventional semen analysis has been limited in its ability to evaluate the negative effects of varicocele on fertility, a multitude of specialized laboratory tests have emerged. In this review, we examine the role and significance of specialized sperm function tests with regards to varicocele. Among the various tests, analysis of sperm DNA fragmentation and measurements of oxidative stress markers provide an independent measure of fertility in men with varicocele. These diagnostic modalities have both diagnostic and prognostic information complementary to, but distinct from conventional sperm parameters. Test results can guide management and aid in monitoring intervention outcomes. Proteomics, metabolomics, and genomics are areas; though still developing, holding promise to revolutionize our understanding of reproductive physiology, including varicocele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Majzoub
- Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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13
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Cui X, Jing X, Wu X, Yan M, Li Q, Shen Y, Wang Z. DNA methylation in spermatogenesis and male infertility. Exp Ther Med 2016; 12:1973-1979. [PMID: 27698683 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2016.3569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a significant problem for human reproduction, with males and females equally affected. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying male infertility remain unclear. Spermatogenesis is a highly complex process involving mitotic cell division, meiosis cell division and spermiogenesis; during this period, unique and extensive chromatin and epigenetic modifications occur to bring about specific epigenetic profiles in spermatozoa. It has recently been suggested that the dysregulation of epigenetic modifications, in particular the methylation of sperm genomic DNA, may serve an important role in the development of numerous diseases. The present study is a comprehensive review on the topic of male infertility, aiming to elucidate the association between sperm genomic DNA methylation and poor semen quality in male infertility. In addition, the current status of the genetic and epigenetic determinants of spermatogenesis in humans is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangrong Cui
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Children's Hospital of Shanxi and Women Health Center of Shanxi, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030000, P.R. China; Division of Clinical Microbiology The Center Hospital of Linfen, Linfen, Shanxi 041000, P.R. China
| | - Xuan Jing
- Clinical Laboratory, Shanxi Province People's Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
| | - Xueqing Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Children's Hospital of Shanxi and Women Health Center of Shanxi, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030000, P.R. China
| | - Meiqin Yan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Children's Hospital of Shanxi and Women Health Center of Shanxi, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030000, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Children's Hospital of Shanxi and Women Health Center of Shanxi, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030000, P.R. China
| | - Yan Shen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Children's Hospital of Shanxi and Women Health Center of Shanxi, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030000, P.R. China
| | - Zhenqiang Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Children's Hospital of Shanxi and Women Health Center of Shanxi, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030000, P.R. China
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Agarwal A, Bertolla RP, Samanta L. Sperm proteomics: potential impact on male infertility treatment. Expert Rev Proteomics 2016; 13:285-96. [DOI: 10.1586/14789450.2016.1151357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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15
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Hu J, Song D, Luo G, Xu S, Cao Y, Sun Z. Activation of Toll like receptor 3 induces spermatogonial stem cell apoptosis. Cell Biochem Funct 2015; 33:415-20. [PMID: 26350376 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Revised: 06/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Germ cell apoptosis may be associated with the male infertility. The pathogenesis is to be further understood. Viral infection is one of the causative factors of apoptosis of the body cells. This study aims to investigate the role of activation of Toll like receptor (TLR)3 in the induction of germ cell apoptosis. In this study, spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) were isolated from C57BL/6 mouse testes. The expression of TLR3 on SSC was by RT-qPCR and Western blotting. polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C) was employed to activate TLR3 on SSCs. The results showed that re-activation by PolyI:C induced SSC apoptosis. Exposure to PolyI:C induced interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) phosphorylation in SSCs. TLR3 and IRF3 formed a complex in the SSCs. The complex of TLR3/IRF3 bound to the promoter of Fas ligand and promoted Fas ligand expression in SSC, and thus induced SSC apoptosis. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that activation of TLR3 by PolyI:C induces the SSC apoptosis, which implies that viral infection may interfere with the male germ cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxin Hu
- Department of Urology, Guizhou People's Hospital, Guiyang, China.,Department of Urology, Shanghai First People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Dalong Song
- Department of Urology, Guizhou People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Guangheng Luo
- Department of Urology, Guizhou People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Suxiong Xu
- Department of Urology, Guizhou People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Ying Cao
- Department of Urology, Guizhou People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhaolin Sun
- Department of Urology, Guizhou People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
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16
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Cohen ASA, Wilson SL, Trinh J, Ye XC. Detecting somatic mosaicism: considerations and clinical implications. Clin Genet 2014; 87:554-62. [PMID: 25223253 DOI: 10.1111/cge.12502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Revised: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Human disease is rarely a matter of all or nothing; variable expressivity is generally observed. Part of this variability is explained by somatic mosaicism, which can arise by a myriad of genetic alterations. These can take place at any stage of development, possibly leading to unusual features visible at birth, but can also occur later in life, conceivably leading to cancer. Previously, detection of somatic mosaicism was extremely challenging, as many gold standard tests lacked the necessary resolution. However, with the advances in high-throughput sequencing, mosaicism is being detected more frequently and at lower levels. This raises the issue of normal variation within each individual vs mosaicism leading to disease, and how to distinguish between the two. In this article, we will define somatic mosaicism with a brief overview of its main mechanisms in concrete clinical examples, discuss the impact of next-generation sequencing technologies in its detection, and expand on the clinical implications associated with a discovery of somatic mosaicism in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S A Cohen
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Child and Family Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
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