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Utigalieva E, Morozov A, Shoshany O, Suvorov A, Taratkin M, Manfredi C, Falcone M, Bezrukov E, Fajkovic H, Russo GI, Enikeev D. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the placebo effect on both semen quality and male infertility. Minerva Urol Nephrol 2024; 76:423-435. [PMID: 39051890 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-6051.24.05559-9] [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: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Placebo influence on such objective indicators, as sperm quality and infertility, has not been studied previously, but some studies report that placebo may distort even objective outcomes. The aim of current study is to assess the placebo effect on fertility in patients suffering from sperm abnormalities and/or infertility. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION We conducted a search of two databases (Scopus and MEDLINE) and identified placebo-controlled clinical trials which focused on sperm abnormalities and/or male infertility treatment. Primary outcomes included changes in semen parameters (volume, total count, sperm concentration in semen, progressive motility, morphology (normal cells)). Secondary outcomes included DNA fragmentation and change in pregnancy rate. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Seventy-seven articles published from 1983 to 2022 were included. Statistically significant changes were observed for the following values: total sperm count, mean change 0.16 (95% CI 0.05, 0.26); P=0.004, I2=75.1%; and progressive motility, mean change 0.13 (95% CI 0.02, 0.24); P=0.026, I2=84.9%. In contrast, placebo did not affect sperm concentration, sperm volume, sperm morphology or DNA fragmentation index. The publication bias for all the values measured with Egger's test and funnel plots was low. CONCLUSIONS The current meta-analysis indicated a statistically significant increase of total sperm count and progressive motility in the placebo group. In contrast, placebo did not affect sperm concentration, sperm volume, sperm morphology and DNA fragmentation index. These findings should be considered while planning or analyzing placebo-controlled clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvira Utigalieva
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey Morozov
- Institute for Urology and Reproductive Health, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ohad Shoshany
- Urology Section, Beilinson Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tiqva, Israel
| | - Aleksandr Suvorov
- Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare World-Class Research Center, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mark Taratkin
- Institute for Urology and Reproductive Health, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Celeste Manfredi
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, Luigi Vanvitelli University of Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Falcone
- Section of Urology U, Molinette Hospital, Turin, Italy
- Section of Neurourology, USU/CTO Hospital, Turin, Italy
- AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Evgeny Bezrukov
- Institute for Urology and Reproductive Health, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Harun Fajkovic
- Department of Urology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Karl Landsteiner Institute of Urology and Andrology, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Dmitry Enikeev
- Institute for Urology and Reproductive Health, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia -
- Department of Urology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Karl Landsteiner Institute of Urology and Andrology, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Urology, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tiqwa, Israel
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Rochdi C, Ouadrhiri M, Allai L, Bellajdel I, Mamri S, Taheri H, Saadi H, Mimouni A, Choukri M. Beneficial effects of oral antioxidant supplementation on semen quality parameters, reproductive hormones, and sperm DNA integrity in men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2024; 51:135-141. [PMID: 38525521 PMCID: PMC11140257 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2023.06555] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recently, oral antioxidants in combined forms have been used to treat men with idiopathic infertility. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of treatment with vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, zinc, arginine, L-carnitine, and coenzyme Q10 on sperm quality parameters, DNA integrity, reproductive hormones, and pregnancy rates in men with infertility and idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT). METHODS A prospective study was conducted on 420 men with infertility and idiopathic OAT who took an oral supplement of antioxidant SP-Power tablets twice daily for 6 months. Semen quality, reproductive hormones, and the DNA fragmentation index (DFI) were evaluated at baseline and at 3 and 6 months after supplementation, using the World Health Organization 2021 guidelines. RESULTS No significant difference was observed in volume or the percentage of typical morphology during treatment. A significant improvement in sperm concentration was observed after supplementation (8.67±1.41, 12.17±1.91, and 19.01±0.86 at baseline, 3, and 6 months respectively, p<0.01). The total motility, progressive motility, and total motile sperm count also increased significantly (p<0.01), whereas the DFI decreased after 6 months. There was an increase in normal FSH levels and testosterone levels after 6 months of supplementation of antioxidant SP-Power but these differences were not statistically significant (p=not significant and p=0.06, respectively). CONCLUSION Supplementation with SP-Power tablets improved sperm quality parameters, sperm DFI, some reproductive hormones, and pregnancy rates in men with infertility and idiopathic OAT, which could be attributed to the supplement's synergistic antioxidant action. Further studies are needed to determine the effects of supplementation on oxidative stress markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaymae Rochdi
- Maternal-Child and Mental Health Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed First University, Oujda, Morocco
- Medically Assisted Procreation Unit, Central Laboratory, Mohammed VI University Hospital Center, Oujda, Morocco
| | - Meriem Ouadrhiri
- Biomedical and Translational Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Fez, Sidi Mohammed Benabdellah University, Fez, Morocco
| | - Larbi Allai
- Laboratory of Sustainable Agriculture Management, Higher School of Technology Sidi Bennour, Chouaib Doukkali University, El Jadida, Morocco
| | - Ibtissam Bellajdel
- Medically Assisted Procreation Unit, Central Laboratory, Mohammed VI University Hospital Center, Oujda, Morocco
- Obstetrics Gynecology Service, Mohammed VI University Hospital Center, Oujda, Morocco
| | - Samira Mamri
- Medically Assisted Procreation Unit, Central Laboratory, Mohammed VI University Hospital Center, Oujda, Morocco
| | - Hafsa Taheri
- Maternal-Child and Mental Health Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed First University, Oujda, Morocco
- Medically Assisted Procreation Unit, Central Laboratory, Mohammed VI University Hospital Center, Oujda, Morocco
- Obstetrics Gynecology Service, Mohammed VI University Hospital Center, Oujda, Morocco
| | - Hanane Saadi
- Maternal-Child and Mental Health Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed First University, Oujda, Morocco
- Medically Assisted Procreation Unit, Central Laboratory, Mohammed VI University Hospital Center, Oujda, Morocco
- Obstetrics Gynecology Service, Mohammed VI University Hospital Center, Oujda, Morocco
| | - Ahmed Mimouni
- Maternal-Child and Mental Health Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed First University, Oujda, Morocco
- Medically Assisted Procreation Unit, Central Laboratory, Mohammed VI University Hospital Center, Oujda, Morocco
- Obstetrics Gynecology Service, Mohammed VI University Hospital Center, Oujda, Morocco
| | - Mohammed Choukri
- Maternal-Child and Mental Health Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed First University, Oujda, Morocco
- Medically Assisted Procreation Unit, Central Laboratory, Mohammed VI University Hospital Center, Oujda, Morocco
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Matorras R, Aspichueta F, Prieto B, Mendoza R, Malaina I, Corral B, Crisol L, Vendrell A, Exposito A. Comparison of the Administration of 150 or 75 IU of Recombinant LH in Agonist ICSI Cycles Stimulated with Recombinant FSH in Women Aged 35-39: A Comparative Study. J Reprod Infertil 2023; 24:269-278. [PMID: 38164428 PMCID: PMC10757692 DOI: 10.18502/jri.v24i4.14154] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The purpose of the study was to assess whether the coadministration of 150 IU of recombinant LH instead of 75 IU in women aged 35-39 improves the results in agonist ICSI cycles stimulated with 300 IU of recombinant FSH. Methods In this study, two ovarian stimulation protocols coexisted which were identical except in the administered dose of recombinant LH, for which some patients received 150 IU (n=231) and some received 75 IU (n=216). Both groups received 300 IU of recombinant FSH. Gonadotropins were reimbursed by the National Health System. Statistical analysis was performed by Student's t test, χ2, and ANCOVA. Significance level was established at p=0.05. Results The number of retrieved oocytes was slightly higher in the 300/150 group (9.06±5.53 vs. 8.61±5.11), but the differences were not significant. Results were similar with the number of metaphase II oocytes (7.18±4.86 vs. 6.72±4.72) and the number of fertilized oocytes (4.64±3.2 vs. 4.23±2.72). The per-transfer clinical pregnancy rates exhibited close similarity between both groups (32.84% vs. 32.46%), as did the per-transfer live birth rates (29.90% vs. 30.37%) and the implantation rate. The rate of hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) as well as the rate of cancellation due to OHHS risk was similar in both groups. There was also no difference in the miscarriage rate. When results were expressed by per started cycle or by oocyte pick-up, the results remained very similar in both groups. Conclusion In women aged 35-39 undergoing ovarian stimulation with recombinant FSH in agonist cycles, the coadministration of 75 or 150 UI of recombinant LH did not influence pregnancy rates. However, a slight increase in the number of retrieved oocytes should not be disregarded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Matorras
- Human Reproduction Unit, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, University of the Basque Country, Bizkaia, Spain
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (IVI) Bilbao, Leioa, Spain
| | - Fermin Aspichueta
- Human Reproduction Unit, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Begoña Prieto
- Human Reproduction Unit, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, University of the Basque Country, Bizkaia, Spain
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (IVI) Bilbao, Leioa, Spain
| | - Rosario Mendoza
- Human Reproduction Unit, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Iker Malaina
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Blanca Corral
- Human Reproduction Unit, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Lorena Crisol
- Human Reproduction Unit, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
| | | | - Antonia Exposito
- Human Reproduction Unit, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
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Takalani NB, Monageng EM, Mohlala K, Monsees TK, Henkel R, Opuwari CS. Role of oxidative stress in male infertility. REPRODUCTION AND FERTILITY 2023; 4:e230024. [PMID: 37276172 PMCID: PMC10388648 DOI: 10.1530/raf-23-0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract Infertility affects millions of couples worldwide. Oxidative stress (OS) causes peroxidation of lipids and damage to spermatozoa, thus, reducing the quality of seminal parameters. In addition, the differences in the levels of antioxidants and reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by intrinsic and extrinsic variables linked to lifestyle, diet, genetics, and OS also contribute to male infertility. High levels of ROS result in sperm damage of sperm parameters due to lipid peroxidation and oxidation of proteins. Other significant causes of ROS include changes in sex hormone levels, sperm DNA damage, including mutations, and immature spermatozoa. Treating the root causes of OS, by changing one's lifestyle, as well as antioxidant therapy, may be helpful strategies to fight OS-related infertility. However, the determination of male infertility induced by OS is currently a challenge in the field of reproductive health research. This review intends to describe the role of oxidative stress on male infertility and the current understanding of its management. Lay summary The inability to conceive affects many couples globally. Oxidative stress refers to imbalances between different oxygen species which can lead to male fertility problems by damaging sperm and semen. Oxidative stress may be caused by several factors, including diets high in fats, sugars and processed foods, lifestyle (including smoking, alcohol consumption and having a sedentary lifestyle), and genetics. Treatment that focuses on the root cause may help combat male infertility. However, there is currently no consensus on the best way to treat male fertility problems, particularly those associated with oxidative stress. This paper describes the role of oxidative stress on male infertility and discusses the current techniques employed in treating male fertility issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ndivhuho B Takalani
- Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Elizabeth M Monageng
- Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Kutullo Mohlala
- Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Thomas K Monsees
- Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Ralf Henkel
- Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
- LogixX Pharma, Theale, Reading, Berkshire, UK
| | - Chinyerum S Opuwari
- Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
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Arjmand K, Daneshi E, Pourmasumi S, Fathi F, Nasseri S, Sabeti P. Evaluation of the Effect of Vitamin E on Reproductive Parameters in Morphine-Treated Male Mice. ADDICTION & HEALTH 2023; 15:177-184. [PMID: 38026720 PMCID: PMC10658105 DOI: 10.34172/ahj.2023.1415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Background Morphine is a narcotic pain reliever that is prescribed to reduce postoperative pain and can produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, it can have negative effects on spermatogenesis and male fertility. Vitamin E is an effective antioxidant which plays an important role in membrane lipid peroxidation due to increased ROS. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of vitamin E and morphine on sperm parameters, level of malondialdehyde (MDA), and diameter of seminiferous tubules in morphine-treated mice. Methods In this experimental study, 80 mice were divided into ten groups (n=8) including control, normal saline, vehicle, morphine, various doses of vitamin E (100, 200, 300 mg/kg), and morphine plus vitamin E (100, 200, 300 mg/kg) groups. The groups were followed up for 30 consecutive days. Sperm parameters, testis weight, the diameter of seminiferous tubules, and the level of MDA were analyzed and compared. Findings Data analysis showed seminal parameters decreased significantly (excluding sperm count) and there was an increase in the level of MDA in morphine-treated mice compared with the normal saline group (P<0.05). Administration of E100 to morphinetreated mice did not show a significant difference in the evaluated parameters compared with the morphine group. However, E200 and E300 significantly reduced MDA and improved sperm parameters (P≤0.05). Conclusion The results showed co-administration of vitamin E in high doses (200 & 300) could prevent the deleterious effects of morphine on some reproductive parameters and decrease the level of MDA in morphine-treated mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katayoon Arjmand
- Masters student, Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Erfan Daneshi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Soheila Pourmasumi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
- Clinical Research Development Unit, Ali-Ibn Abi-Talib Hospital, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Fardin Fathi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Sherko Nasseri
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Parvin Sabeti
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
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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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Shum W, Zhang BL, Cao AS, Zhou X, Shi SM, Zhang ZY, Gu LY, Shi S. Calcium Homeostasis in the Epididymal Microenvironment: Is Extracellular Calcium a Cofactor for Matrix Gla Protein-Dependent Scavenging Regulated by Vitamins. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:827940. [PMID: 35252193 PMCID: PMC8893953 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.827940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In the male reproductive tract, the epididymis is an essential organ for sperm maturation, in which sperm cells acquire mobility and the ability to fertilize oocytes while being stored in a protective microenvironment. Epididymal function involves a specialized luminal microenvironment established by the epithelial cells of epididymal mucosa. Low-calcium concentration is a unique feature of this epididymal luminal microenvironment, its relevance and regulation are, however, incompletely understood. In the rat epididymis, the vitamin D-related calcium-dependent TRPV6-TMEM16A channel-coupler has been shown to be involved in fluid transport, and, in a spatially complementary manner, vitamin K2-related γ-glutamyl carboxylase (GGCX)-dependent carboxylation of matrix Gla protein (MGP) plays an essential role in promoting calcium-dependent protein aggregation. An SNP in the human GGCX gene has been associated with asthenozoospermia. In addition, bioinformatic analysis also suggests the involvement of a vitamin B6-axis in calcium-dependent MGP-mediated protein aggregation. These findings suggest that vitamins interact with calcium homeostasis in the epididymis to ensure proper sperm maturation and male fertility. This review article discusses the regulation mechanisms of calcium homeostasis in the epididymis, and the potential role of vitamin interactions on epididymal calcium homeostasis, especially the role of matrix calcium in the epididymal lumen as a cofactor for the carboxylated MGP-mediated scavenging function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winnie Shum
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Winnie Shum,
| | - Bao Li Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Reproduction and Development Institution, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Albert Shang Cao
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Su Meng Shi
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ze Yang Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lou Yi Gu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuo Shi
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia
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