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Amir S, Arowolo O, Mironova E, McGaunn J, Oluwayiose O, Sergeyev O, Pilsner JR, Suvorov A. Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway in Sertoli cells regulates age-dependent changes in sperm DNA methylation. eLife 2024; 13:RP90992. [PMID: 39283662 PMCID: PMC11405012 DOI: 10.7554/elife.90992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past several decades, a trend toward delayed childbirth has led to increases in parental age at the time of conception. Sperm epigenome undergoes age-dependent changes increasing risks of adverse conditions in offspring conceived by fathers of advanced age. The mechanism(s) linking paternal age with epigenetic changes in sperm remain unknown. The sperm epigenome is shaped in a compartment protected by the blood-testes barrier (BTB) known to deteriorate with age. Permeability of the BTB is regulated by the balance of two mTOR complexes in Sertoli cells where mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) promotes the opening of the BTB and mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2) promotes its integrity. We hypothesized that this balance is also responsible for age-dependent changes in the sperm epigenome. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed reproductive outcomes, including sperm DNA methylation in transgenic mice with Sertoli cell-specific suppression of mTORC1 (Rptor KO) or mTORC2 (Rictor KO). mTORC2 suppression accelerated aging of the sperm DNA methylome and resulted in a reproductive phenotype concordant with older age, including decreased testes weight and sperm counts, and increased percent of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa and mitochondrial DNA copy number. Suppression of mTORC1 resulted in the shift of DNA methylome in sperm opposite to the shift associated with physiological aging - sperm DNA methylome rejuvenation and mild changes in sperm parameters. These results demonstrate for the first time that the balance of mTOR complexes in Sertoli cells regulates the rate of sperm epigenetic aging. Thus, mTOR pathway in Sertoli cells may be used as a novel target of therapeutic interventions to rejuvenate the sperm epigenome in advanced-age fathers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saira Amir
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of MassachusettsAmherstUnited States
| | - Olatunbosun Arowolo
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of MassachusettsAmherstUnited States
| | - Ekaterina Mironova
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State UniversityMoscowRussian Federation
| | - Joseph McGaunn
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of MassachusettsAmherstUnited States
| | - Oladele Oluwayiose
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State UniversityDetroitUnited States
| | - Oleg Sergeyev
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State UniversityMoscowRussian Federation
| | - J Richard Pilsner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State UniversityDetroitUnited States
| | - Alexander Suvorov
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of MassachusettsAmherstUnited States
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Datta AK, Campbell S, Diaz-Fernandez R, Nargund G. Livebirth rates are influenced by an interaction between male and female partners' age: analysis of 59 951 fresh IVF/ICSI cycles with and without male infertility. Hum Reprod 2024:deae198. [PMID: 39241250 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae198] [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: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/08/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does advanced male partner's age impact live birth rates (LBRs) in IVF treatment when female partner's age is factored in? SUMMARY ANSWER In fresh IVF cycles LBRs decline with male partner's age ≥40 years when the female partner is aged 35-39 years, irrespective of the presence or absence of male factor; but not when the female partner is <35 years or ≥40 years of age; this decline is not observed in ICSI cycles. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Advanced paternal age is associated with declining sperm parameters, impaired embryo development, compromised pregnancy outcomes, and abnormalities in the offspring in IVF/ICSI cycles. However, data on the interaction between maternal and paternal age on IVF outcomes are very limited and inconsistent. No significant effect of male partner's age on pregnancy outcomes has been noted in donor oocyte cycles. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Retrospective analysis of all eligible autologous IVF/ICSI cycles with oocyte retrieval and intended fresh embryo transfer (ET) from the UK's national anonymized registry, published online by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). There were 59 951 cycles that qualified the inclusion criteria in the study period: 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2018. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Couples underwent IVF (n = 27 226) or ICSI (n = 32 725) treatment with partner's sperm followed by fresh ET due to unexplained (n = 31 846), tubal (n = 6605), or male infertility (n = 22 905). Treatment cycles with endometriosis (n = 5563), ovulatory disorders (n = 9970), female partner aged >44 years (n = 636), and PGT (n = 280) were excluded. Women were stratified by age in the following groups: <35, 35-39, 40-42, and 43-44 years; male partner's age as <35 (reference group), 35-37, 38-39, 40-42, 43-44, 45-50, 51-55, 55-60, and >55 years as presented by the HFEA. Some age-groups were merged in the analysis to increase the population size. Chi-square test was used to compare binominal data; and multiple logistic regression to find any association between male and female age-groups on live birth adjusting for other confounders that had a significant effect on this outcome. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE LBRs per oocyte retrieval as well as per ET were no different across the male partners' age-groups when the female partners were aged <35 years or in 40- to 44-year age-group, whether male-factor infertility was included or excluded and whether it was IVF or ICSI cycle. However, when IVF was the method of insemination in the female partner's age-group of 35-39 years, LBRs per oocyte retrieval dropped significantly from 27.0% in the male age-group of <35 years (reference group) to 22.9% (P = 0.002), 22.0% (P = 0.006), and 18.8% (P = 0.004) in 40-44, 45-50, and >50 years age-group, respectively in population that included male-factor infertility. Likewise, LBR per retrieval declined from 27.6% in 35 years age-group to 23.5% (P = 0.002) and 22.2% (P = 002) in 40-44 years and older groups, respectively in cycles without male infertility. However, there was no impact of male age on LBR in any female partner's age-group when ICSI was performed in either the presence or the absence of male infertility. A similar decline in the LBR per retrieval and per ET was observed in female age-group of 35-39 years in the analyses with IVF and ICSI cycles combined. The inference remained unchanged when only the first treatment cycle was included (per patient analysis) or when single blastocyst transfer cycles were analysed, eliminating the impact of the number and stage of embryo transferred. After adjusting for confounders including male age, female age, number of previous treatment cycles, previous live birth, insemination method (IVF or ICSI), number of embryos transferred, and day (stage) of ET, male partner's age remained significantly associated with LBR in the female age-group of 35-39 years, but not when women were in <35 years or 40- to 44-year age-group, in population including as well as excluding male infertility. Miscarriage rates per single ET trended to rise (non-significantly) in IVF as well as ICSI cycle only when men were over 55 years and female partners aged <40 years, particularly when male infertility was excluded. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Information on ovarian reserve and stimulation protocols was not available. This probably would have had little impact, given the large size of the population studied. The ages of female and male partners were given in groups necessitating taking them as ordinal variable in the regression analysis. Cumulative LBRs could not be determined as the information on subsequent frozen-thawed ET cycles could not be traced and the severity or cause of abnormal semen parameters were not present in the HFEA database. Some age-groups with small number of patients were merged to obtain a reliable result. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This is the largest clinical data to support the laboratory evidence of the ability of oocytes from young women to reverse the age-related deterioration of sperm quality. As the ageing oocytes lose this reparatory mechanism, the ageing sperm exert a detrimental effect on the LBR. The message of this study is important in counselling of patients and planning out treatment. Further research on interaction between male and female age will increase our understanding of this matter and help to establish whether ICSI procedure is more appropriate for older male partners even when there is no apparent semen abnormality. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) No funding was required. There is no competing interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A (retrospective analysis).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - G Nargund
- Create Fertility, London, UK
- Department of Gynecology, St George's Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
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3
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Wan Y, Wen Z, Liu W, Jiang X, Wu L, Jiang H, Zhang X, Shi Q, Hua J. High risk of low birth weight in couples with advanced paternal age in in vitro fertilization treatment. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 39195011 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the development of socio-economic conditions and a shift in attitudes towards fertility, there has been a gradual increase in delayed childbearing since the 2000s. Age plays a significant role in the decline of fertility. However, we know very little about the association of paternal age with reproductive outcomes. OBJECTIVES To investigate the correlation between advanced paternal age and semen quality, embryo quality, pregnancy, and neonatal outcomes in IVF cycles. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, after excluding female partners aged ≥35 years, we analyzed data from 761 infertile couples who underwent in vitro fertilization cycles at the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC between June 2020 and March 2023. Cases were classified into three groups according to the age of the male: <35 years (530 infertile couples), 35 years ≤ paternal age <40 years (125 infertile couples), and ≥40 years (106 infertile couples). Then, we compared the general clinical data arising from in vitro fertilization cycles between the three groups, including semen parameters, embryonic parameters, and pregnancy and neonatal birth outcomes. RESULTS Data analysis showed that the duration of infertility and the incidence of secondary infertility were significantly higher in paternal age ≥35 years groups than those aged <35 years (all p < 0.05). We also observed a significant difference between ≥40 years and <35 years groups in terms of the normal fertilization rate, high-quality embryo rate, clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, live birth rate, Apgar scores, and the low birth weight neonatal rate (all p < 0.05). The group with paternal age ≥40 years showed statistically significant differences in terms of clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, live birth rate, and low birth weight on multivariable logistic regression (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The results of our study indicate that advanced paternal age (≥40 years) has a significant impact on the embryo quality, pregnancy outcome, and neonatal outcome. Paternal age over 40 years is a risk for in vitro fertilization success rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Wan
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhu Wen
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wenjing Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Limin Wu
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital Institute of Urology, Peking University Andrology Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xiansheng Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Juan Hua
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Dittrich M, Bernhardt L, Penfold CA, Boroviak TE, Drummer C, Behr R, Müller T, Haaf T. Age-related and species-specific methylation changes in the protein-coding marmoset sperm epigenome. Aging Cell 2024; 23:e14200. [PMID: 38757354 PMCID: PMC11320356 DOI: 10.1111/acel.14200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The sperm epigenome is thought to affect the developmental programming of the resulting embryo, influencing health and disease in later life. Age-related methylation changes in the sperm of old fathers may mediate the increased risks for reproductive and offspring medical problems. The impact of paternal age on sperm methylation has been extensively studied in humans and, to a lesser extent, in rodents and cattle. Here, we performed a comparative analysis of paternal age effects on protein-coding genes in the human and marmoset sperm methylomes. The marmoset has gained growing importance as a non-human primate model of aging and age-related diseases. Using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing, we identified age-related differentially methylated transcription start site (ageTSS) regions in 204 marmoset and 27 human genes. The direction of methylation changes was the opposite, increasing with age in marmosets and decreasing in humans. None of the identified ageTSS was differentially methylated in both species. Although the average methylation levels of all TSS regions were highly correlated between marmosets and humans, with the majority of TSS being hypomethylated in sperm, more than 300 protein-coding genes were endowed with species-specifically (hypo)methylated TSS. Several genes of the glycosphingolipid (GSL) biosynthesis pathway, which plays a role in embryonic stem cell differentiation and regulation of development, were hypomethylated (<5%) in human and fully methylated (>95%) in marmoset sperm. The expression levels and patterns of defined sets of GSL genes differed considerably between human and marmoset pre-implantation embryo stages and blastocyst tissues, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Dittrich
- Institute of Human GeneticsJulius Maximilians UniversityWürzburgGermany
- Department of BioinformaticsJulius Maximilians UniversityWürzburgGermany
| | - Laura Bernhardt
- Institute of Human GeneticsJulius Maximilians UniversityWürzburgGermany
| | - Christopher A. Penfold
- Department of Physiology, Development and NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- Centre for Trophoblast ResearchUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Thorsten E. Boroviak
- Department of Physiology, Development and NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- Centre for Trophoblast ResearchUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- Wellcome Trust – Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical CentreUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Charis Drummer
- Platform Degenerative DiseasesGerman Primate Center‐Leibniz Institute for Primate ResearchGöttingenGermany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research)GöttingenGermany
| | - Rüdiger Behr
- Platform Degenerative DiseasesGerman Primate Center‐Leibniz Institute for Primate ResearchGöttingenGermany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research)GöttingenGermany
| | - Tobias Müller
- Department of BioinformaticsJulius Maximilians UniversityWürzburgGermany
| | - Thomas Haaf
- Institute of Human GeneticsJulius Maximilians UniversityWürzburgGermany
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Ha AS, Scott M, Zhang CA, Li S, Langroudi AP, Glover F, Basran S, Del Giudice F, Shaw GM, Eisenberg ML. Sociodemographic Trends and Perinatal Outcomes in Fathers 50 Years and Older. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2425269. [PMID: 39088214 PMCID: PMC11294967 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.25269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance The age of fathers at childbirth is rising, with an increasing number of births attributed to older fathers. While the impact of advanced paternal age has been documented, sociodemographic data about fathers aged 50 years and older remain scarce. Objectives To explore sociodemographic and temporal trends among the oldest US fathers (age ≥50 years) and their associations with perinatal outcomes. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cross-sectional study included data from all US births from 2011 to 2022 using the National Vital Statistics System. Data were analyzed from August 2023 and May 2024. Exposures Reported paternal age at childbirth. Main Outcomes and Measures Outcomes of interest were sociodemographic factors, temporal trends in older fatherhood, and perinatal outcomes, including preterm birth, low birth weight, gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, assisted reproductive technology (ART), rates of maternal primiparity, and the infant sex ratio. Results From 2011 to 2022, the US recorded 46 195 453 births, with an overall mean (SD) paternal age of 31.5 (6.8) years and 484 507 (1.1%) involving fathers aged 50 years or older, 47 785 (0.1%) aged 60 years or older, and 3777 (0.008%) aged 70 years or older. Births to fathers aged 50 years or older increased from 1.1% in 2011 to 1.3% in 2022 (P for trend < .001). Fathers aged 50 years or older were more diverse, with variations in educational achievement and race and ethnicity. Marital status and maternal racial and ethnic and educational backgrounds also varied by paternal age and race. Despite controlling for maternal age and other sociodemographic and perinatal factors, every 10-year increase in paternal age was consistently associated with greater use of ART (eg, age 50-59 years: adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.23; 95% CI, 2.19-2.27), higher likelihood of first maternal birth (eg, age 50-59 years: aOR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.15-1.17), and increased risks of preterm birth (eg, age 50-59 years: aOR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.15-1.18) and low birth weight (eg, age 50-59 years: aOR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.13-1.15) compared with fathers aged 30 to 39 years. No significant changes in the infant sex ratio were observed, except among fathers aged 70 years or older (aOR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.86-0.99) and 75 years or older (aOR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.73-0.97), who showed a decreased likelihood of having male offspring. Conclusions and Relevance In this cross-sectional study of all US births from 2011 to 2022, the percentage attributed to older fathers, while small, increased. Notable variations in paternal and maternal race and education were identified. Older fatherhood was associated with increased ART use, first-time maternal births, adverse perinatal outcomes, and altered sex ratio. Further research of this population is crucial for improving patient counseling and family planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert S. Ha
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Michael Scott
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Chiyuan Amy Zhang
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Shufeng Li
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Ashkan P Langroudi
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Frank Glover
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Satvir Basran
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Francesco Del Giudice
- Department of Maternal Infant and Urological Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gary M. Shaw
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Michael L. Eisenberg
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
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Castellini C, Cordeschi G, Tienforti D, Barbonetti A. Relationship between male aging and semen quality: a retrospective study on over 2500 men. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 309:2843-2852. [PMID: 38551703 PMCID: PMC11147833 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-024-07448-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to evaluate whether and to what extent an association exists between male aging and worsening of semen parameters and to determine whether a threshold age can be identified above which the decline in semen quality becomes statistically significant. METHODS 2612 men (age: 16-56 years) attending an andrology outpatient clinic for semen analysis and clinical evaluation were studied. Semen analyses were performed according to the ongoing WHO-recommended procedures. Total motile count (TMC) and total progressive motile count (TPMC) were calculated by multiplying total sperm number by total motility and progressive motility, respectively. RESULTS Significant negative correlations were found between age and total motility (r = - 0.131, p < 0.0001), progressive motility (r = - 0.112, p < 0.0001), TPMC (r = - 0.042, p = 0.037), and normal sperm morphology (r = - 0.053, p = 0.007). All these associations persisted in multivariate regression models adjusted for abstinence time, smoking, history of male accessory gland infections, varicocele and the year in which semen analysis was performed. When comparisons were performed among quartiles of increasing age, the fourth quartile, corresponding to the age group > 40 years, was associated with a significant decrease in total and progressive motility. An earlier decline in the TPMC and percentage of normal forms was also observed. CONCLUSION Advancing male age exhibits an independent association with a decrease in the percentage of motile and morphologically normal spermatozoa, with greater evidence from the age of > 40 years. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the mechanisms and clinical reflections of these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Castellini
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Coppito, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Giuliana Cordeschi
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Coppito, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Daniele Tienforti
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Coppito, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Arcangelo Barbonetti
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Coppito, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
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Matorras R, Malaina I, Anibal N, Limia I, Rodríguez-Gómez L. Factors influencing natural fecundity in fertile couples: a survey of puerperae and their partners. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 48:103751. [PMID: 38657329 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103751] [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: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What is the fecundity rate among fertile couples, and which factors influence it? DESIGN Retrospective study of all puerperae attending Cruces University Hospital Human Reproduction Unit over 9 months. An anonymous questionnaire was circulated to all patients, and 2510 valid completed questionnaires were collected. The main inclusion criterion was natural conception resulting in delivery. Pregnancies resulting from ART and contraceptive method failure were excluded. Investigated parameters were time to pregnancy, age and smoking (in women and men), previous pregnancies and intercourse frequency. A mathematical formula was developed to predict the per-month fecundity rate (PMFR). RESULTS The cumulative fecundity rate was 29.08%, 54.26%, 68.61%, 89.88%, 96.95% and 98.63% (at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months); between 12 and 36 months, the average PMFR ranged from 8.53-7.48%. Only 1.68% of pregnancies occurred between 24 and 36 months, and only 1.37% thereafter. The best fecundity markers were obtained in the group who had sexual intercourse seven to eight times a week. Women and men younger than 25 years had lower fecundity markers than those aged between 25 and 40 years. CONCLUSIONS Fertile couples have a non-negligible per-month fecundity rate between 12 and 36 months, which should be considered when planning fertility studies. The lower fecundity rate observed in women and men aged younger than 25 years deserves more study. Coital frequencies of more than two or three times a week did not affect the fecundity rate and was better with frequencies of seven to eight times a week.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Matorras
- Human Reproduction Unit, Cruces University Hospital, Plaza de Cruces s/n, 48903, Baracaldo, Spain.; Faculty of Medicine, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, 48903, Bizkaia, Spain.; Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903, Barakaldo, Spain.; Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (IVI) Bilbao, 48940, Leioa, Spain
| | - Iker Malaina
- Department of Mathematics, University of the Basque Country, 48940, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Nieto Anibal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital de l'Arrixaca, 30120, Murcia, Spain.; Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, 30120, Murcia, Spain
| | - Isabel Limia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital de Basurto, 48013, Bilbao, Spain..
| | - Leire Rodríguez-Gómez
- Faculty of Medicine, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, 48903, Bizkaia, Spain.; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital de Cruces, 48903, Baracaldo, Vizcaya, Spain
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Alharbi B, Alqossayir F, Moalwi A, Alwashmi E, Alharbi AH, Aloraini A, Aljumah A, Alhomaidhi M, Almansour M. The Correlation of Paternal Age on Semen Parameters in Assisted Reproduction: A Retrospective Study in Qassim, Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2024; 16:e61632. [PMID: 38966445 PMCID: PMC11222903 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the past, fertility concerns have predominantly revolved around the effect of a woman's age on the quality of her eggs and the success of her pregnancy. While men generally retain their ability to father children throughout their lives, there is evidence suggesting a decline in natural conception rates as paternal age increases. A growing body of research indicates a potential link between advanced paternal age (APA) and various adverse outcomes, including changes in sperm genetics, reduced conception rates, higher rates of miscarriage, lower live birth rates, and even long-term health consequences in offspring. However, it remains unclear whether there is an association between APA and the effectiveness of assisted reproductive technology (ART). This study aims to shed light on the relationship between APA and semen parameters. METHODOLOGY This is a retrospective, descriptive study analyzing data from electronic medical records of men undergoing ART at a fertility clinic in Saudia Arabia (2017-2022). Men aged 21-60 with at least one semen analysis and no missing data/hormonal treatment were included. Data on age and semen parameters (count, motility, and morphology) were extracted and analyzed using Jeffreys's Amazing Statistics Program (JASP; University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands) (descriptive statistics, Spearman's rank correlation). RESULTS Analysis of 1506 men undergoing ART revealed a mean age of 37 years (SD=6.94) and a mean sperm count of 55.0 million/mL (SD=46.05). The correlation between age and sperm count indicates a minimal association (r=0.075, p<0.01); moderate positive correlations were observed between sperm count and motility (r=0.406); count and morphology (r=0.543); and motility and morphology (r=0.458). CONCLUSION Age may not be a major factor in overall sperm parameters for this population, but a strong positive correlation was observed between sperm count, motility, and normal morphology. These findings suggest that these semen parameters are interconnected, with higher sperm counts potentially indicating better overall sperm quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Badr Alharbi
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, SAU
| | - Fuhaid Alqossayir
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, SAU
| | - Adel Moalwi
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Najran University, Najran, SAU
| | - Emad Alwashmi
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, SAU
| | - Adel H Alharbi
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, SAU
| | - Abdullah Aloraini
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, SAU
| | - Arwa Aljumah
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Prince Faisal Bin Mishaal Fertility Center, Buraydah, SAU
| | - Manahil Alhomaidhi
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Prince Faisal Bin Mishaal Fertility Center, Buraydah, SAU
| | - Mohammed Almansour
- Department of Urology, Imperial College London, London, GBR
- Department of Urology, King Fahd Specialist Hospital, Buraydah, SAU
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Kaltsas A, Zikopoulos A, Vrachnis D, Skentou C, Symeonidis EN, Dimitriadis F, Stavros S, Chrisofos M, Sofikitis N, Vrachnis N, Zachariou A. Advanced Paternal Age in Focus: Unraveling Its Influence on Assisted Reproductive Technology Outcomes. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2731. [PMID: 38792276 PMCID: PMC11122544 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13102731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
As global demographics shift toward increasing paternal age, the realm of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), particularly in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), faces new challenges and opportunities. This study provides a comprehensive exploration of the implications of advanced paternal age on ART outcomes. Background research highlights the social, cultural, and economic factors driving men toward later fatherhood, with a focus on the impact of delayed paternity on reproductive outcomes. Methods involve a thorough review of existing literature, centering on changes in testicular function, semen quality, and genetic and epigenetic shifts associated with advancing age. Study results point to intricate associations between the father's age and ART outcomes, with older age being linked to diminished semen quality, potential genetic risks, and varied impacts on embryo quality, implantation rates, and birth outcomes. The conclusions drawn from the current study suggest that while advanced paternal age presents certain risks and challenges, understanding and mitigating these through strategies such as sperm cryopreservation, lifestyle modifications, and preimplantation genetic testing can optimize ART outcomes. Future research directions are identified to further comprehend the epigenetic mechanisms and long-term effects of the older father on offspring health. This study underscores the need for a comprehensive approach in navigating the intricacies of delayed fatherhood within the context of ART, aiming for the best possible outcomes for couples and their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aris Kaltsas
- Third Department of Urology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (A.K.); (M.C.)
- Laboratory of Spermatology, Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Athanasios Zikopoulos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro TR1 3LJ, UK;
| | - Dionysios Vrachnis
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece;
| | - Chara Skentou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Evangelos N. Symeonidis
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.N.S.); (F.D.)
| | - Fotios Dimitriadis
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.N.S.); (F.D.)
| | - Sofoklis Stavros
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (S.S.)
| | - Michael Chrisofos
- Third Department of Urology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (A.K.); (M.C.)
| | - Nikolaos Sofikitis
- Laboratory of Spermatology, Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Nikolaos Vrachnis
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (S.S.)
- Vascular Biology, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George’s University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Athanasios Zachariou
- Laboratory of Spermatology, Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece;
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10
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Lindahl-Jacobsen R, Tavlo Petersson M, Priskorn L, Skakkebæk NE, Juul A, Kristensen DM, Eisenberg ML, Jensen TK. Time to pregnancy and life expectancy: a cohort study of 18 796 pregnant couples. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:595-603. [PMID: 38115232 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is fecundity, measured as time to pregnancy (TTP), associated with mortality in parents? SUMMARY ANSWER Prolonged TTP is associated with increased mortality in both mothers and fathers in a dose-response manner. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Several studies have linked both male and female fecundity to mortality. In women, infertility has been linked to several diseases, but studies suggest that the underlying conditions, rather than infertility, increase mortality. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A prospective cohort study was carried out on 18 796 pregnant couples, in which the pregnant women attended prophylactic antenatal care between 1973 and 1987 at a primary and tertiary care unit. The couples were followed in Danish mortality registers from their child's birth date until death or until 2018. The follow-up period was up to 47 years, and there was complete follow-up until death, emigration or end of study. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS At the first antenatal visit, the pregnant women were asked to report the time to the current pregnancy. Inclusion was restricted to the first pregnancy, and TTP was categorised into <12 months, ≥12 months, not planned, and not available. In sub-analyses, TTP ≥12 was further categorized into 12-35, 36-60, and >60 months. Information for parents was linked to several Danish nationwide health registries. Survival analysis was used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) with a 95% CI for survival and adjusted for age at the first attempt to become pregnant, year of birth, socioeconomic status, mother's smoking during pregnancy, and mother's BMI. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Mothers and fathers with TTP >60 months survived, respectively, 3.5 (95% CI: 2.6-4.3) and 2.7 (95% CI: 1.8-3.7) years shorter than parents with a TTP <12 months. The mortality was higher for fathers (HR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.09-1.34) and mothers (HR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.12-1.49) with TTP ≥12 months compared to parents with TTP <12 months. The risk of all-cause mortality during the study period increased in a dose-response manner with the highest adjusted HR of 1.98 (95% CI: 1.62-2.41) for fathers and 2.03 (95% CI: 1.56-2.63) for mothers with TTP >60 months. Prolonged TTP was associated with several different causes of death in both fathers and mothers, indicating that the underlying causes of the relation between fecundity and survival may be multi-factorial. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION A limitation is that fecundity is measured using a pregnancy-based approach. Thus, the cohort is conditioned on fertility success and excludes sterile couples, unsuccessful attempts and spontaneous abortions. The question used to measure TTP when the pregnant woman was interviewed at her first attended prophylactic antenatal care: 'From the time you wanted a pregnancy until it occurred, how much time passed?' could potentially have led to serious misclassification if the woman did not answer on time starting unprotected intercourse but on the start of wishing to have a child. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS We found that TTP is a strong marker of survival, contributing to the still-emerging evidence that fecundity in men and women reflects their health and survival potential. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The authors acknowledge an unrestricted grant from Ferring. The funder was not involved in the study design, collection, analysis, interpretation of data, the writing of this article, or the decision to submit it for publication. M.L.E. is an advisor to Ro, VSeat, Doveras, and Next. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Lindahl-Jacobsen
- Department of Public Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Biodemography, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
- Interdisciplinary Center on Population Dynamics (CPop), University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
| | - M Tavlo Petersson
- Department of Public Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Biodemography, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
- Interdisciplinary Center on Population Dynamics (CPop), University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
| | - L Priskorn
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - N E Skakkebæk
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - A Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - D M Kristensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Inserm (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale), Irset-Inserm UMR 1085, Rennes, France
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - M L Eisenberg
- Male Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, Departments of Urology and Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - T K Jensen
- Department of Public Health, Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
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11
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Klutstein M, Gonen N. Epigenetic aging of mammalian gametes. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:785-803. [PMID: 37997675 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The process of aging refers to physiological changes that occur to an organism as time progresses and involves changes to DNA, proteins, metabolism, cells, and organs. Like the rest of the cells in the body, gametes age, and it is well established that there is a decline in reproductive capabilities in females and males with aging. One of the major pathways known to be involved in aging is epigenetic changes. The epigenome is the multitude of chemical modifications performed on DNA and chromatin that affect the ability of chromatin to be transcribed. In this review, we explore the effects of aging on female and male gametes with a focus on the epigenetic changes that occur in gametes throughout aging. Quality decline in oocytes occurs at a relatively early age. Epigenetic changes constitute an important part of oocyte aging. DNA methylation is reduced with age, along with reduced expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs). Histone deacetylases (HDAC) expression is also reduced, and a loss of heterochromatin marks occurs with age. As a consequence of heterochromatin loss, retrotransposon expression is elevated, and aged oocytes suffer from DNA damage. In sperm, aging affects sperm number, motility and fecundity, and epigenetic changes may constitute a part of this process. 5 methyl-cytosine (5mC) methylation is elevated in sperm from aged men, but methylation on Long interspersed nuclear elements (LINE) elements is reduced. Di and trimethylation of histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9me2/3) is reduced in sperm from aged men and trimethylation of histone 3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) is elevated. The protamine makeup of sperm from aged men is also changed, with reduced protamine expression and a misbalanced ratio between protamine proteins protamine P1 and protamine P2. The study of epigenetic reproductive aging is recently gaining interest. The current status of the field suggests that many aspects of gamete epigenetic aging are still open for investigation. The clinical applications of these investigations have far-reaching consequences for fertility and sociological human behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Klutstein
- Institute of Biomedical and Oral Research, Faculty of Dental Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nitzan Gonen
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
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12
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Zarén P, Turesson C, Giwercman A. Methotrexate use among men-association with fertility and the perinatal health of their children: a Swedish nationwide register study. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:661-669. [PMID: 37395690 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the effect of methotrexate on male fertility and subsequent effects on their children, for which data are scarce and contradictory. DESIGN Nationwide multiregister cohort study. SETTING Not applicable. SUBJECT(S) All children born alive in Sweden between 2006 and 2014 and their fathers. Three cohorts were defined: children to fathers with periconceptional methotrexate exposure (exposed cohort), children whose fathers stopped methotrexate intake ≥2 years before conception (previously exposed cohort), and children to fathers with no methotrexate exposure (control cohort). EXPOSURE(S) The father having at least one dispensed methotrexate prescription from pharmacies 0-3 months before conception, along with at least one more dispensed methotrexate prescription 0-12 months before conception (periconceptional exposure). Previously exposed cohort: the father having no dispensed methotrexate prescriptions in the 2 years before conception, but having at least two dispensed prescriptions before that. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Congenital anomalies (major and any; primary outcomes), preterm birth (PTB) and being small for gestational age (SGA; secondary outcomes), as well as need of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to achieve pregnancy (primary outcome in exposed cohort vs. controls, exploratory outcome in previously exposed cohort vs. controls). Outcomes were analyzed using logistic regression. RESULTS A total of 223 children to fathers with periconceptional methotrexate exposure were identified, along with 356 children whose fathers stopped methotrexate intake ≥2 years before conception and 809,706 not methotrexate-treated controls. In children with fathers periconceptionally exposed to methotrexate, the adjusted and unadjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for major congenital anomalies were 1.1 (0.4-2.6) and 1.1 (0.4-2.4), any congenital anomalies 1.3 (0.7-2.4) and 1.4 (0.7-2.3), PTB 1.0 (0.5-1.8) and 1.0 (0.5-1.8), SGA 1.1 (0.4-2.6) and 1.0 (0.4-2.2), and conception by use of ICSI 3.9 (2.2-7.1) and 4.6 (2.5-7.7). Use of ICSI was not increased among fathers who stopped methotrexate intake ≥2 years before conception, having adjusted and unadjusted odds ratios 0.9 (0.4-1.9) and 1.5 (0.6-2.9). CONCLUSION This study suggests that paternal periconceptional methotrexate use does not increase risk of congenital anomalies, PTB, or SGA in the offspring but may temporarily reduce fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Zarén
- Reproductive Medicine, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden; Reproductive Medicine Centre, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.
| | - Carl Turesson
- Rheumatology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden; Department of Rheumatology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Aleksander Giwercman
- Reproductive Medicine, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden; Reproductive Medicine Centre, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
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13
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Gourinat A, Mazeaud C, Hubert J, Eschwege P, Koscinski I. Impact of paternal age on assisted reproductive technology outcomes and offspring health: a systematic review. Andrology 2023; 11:973-986. [PMID: 36640151 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increase in paternal age and the percentage of births after assisted reproductive technologies (ART) may have consequences on offspring and society's position regarding access to ART must be questioned. Most countries recommend limiting ART to men under 60 years. What is the rationale for this threshold? OBJECTIVE This systematic review assesses scientific arguments to establish links between paternal age, male fertility, and offspring health. MATERIAL AND METHODS Using the PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review of the literature analyzed 111 articles selected after screening PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science for articles published between January 1, 1995 and December 31, 2021. RESULTS A strong correlation was highlighted between advanced paternal age and a decrease of some sperm parameters (semen volume and sperm motility) and infant morbidity (exponentially increased incidence of achondroplasia and Apert syndrome, and more moderately increased incidence of autism and schizophrenia). The impact of paternal age on pregnancy and fetal aneuploidy rates is more controversial. No association was found with spontaneous abortion rates. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The scientific parameters should be explained to older parents undergoing ART. And for countries that discuss a limit on paternal age for access to ART, the debate requires consideration of social and ethical arguments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jacques Hubert
- Department of Urology, University Hospital, Nancy, France
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14
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Bornstein M, Huber-Krum S, Norris AH, Gipson JD. Infertility and perceived chance of conception among men in Malawi. HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:504-511. [PMID: 36942485 PMCID: PMC10511657 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2023.2190042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Infertility is a common experience among individuals and couples worldwide, but few studies focus on men's reports of infertility or perceived chance of conceiving, particularly in high-fertility, pronatalist contexts where infertility is highly stigmatized. Using data from the fourth wave of the Umoyo wa Thanzi (UTHA) cohort study in rural Central Malawi (2017-2018), we examine the relationship between self-reported infertility, the perceived chance of conceiving within one year, and sociodemographic characteristics among men (N = 484). While 13% of men reported that they had experienced infertility, just 4% of men perceived that they were unlikely or there was no chance they would conceive with their partner within one year of having sex without contraception. In multivariable logistic regression models, older age was associated with experienced infertility (AOR: 1.06, p < 0.05) and higher parity was associated with lower odds of reporting that conception was unlikely or there was no chance of conception (AOR: 0.08; p < 0.05). We argue that additional research on infertility focusing on men is critical in gaining a more holistic and gender-equitable understanding of infertility. Including men in infertility research may also contribute to destigmatizing infertility among both women and men by acknowledging men's roles in infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Bornstein
- Ohio State University College of Public Health, Columbus, OH, USA
- UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Alison H. Norris
- Ohio State University College of Public Health, Columbus, OH, USA
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15
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Zhuang J, Li X, Yao J, Sun X, Liu J, Nie H, Hu Y, Tu X, Liu H, Qin W, Xie Y. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals the local cell landscape in mouse epididymal initial segment during aging. Immun Ageing 2023; 20:21. [PMID: 37170325 PMCID: PMC10173474 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-023-00345-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Morphological and functional alterations in aging reproductive organs result in decreased male fertility. The epididymis functions as the transition region for post-testicular sperm maturation. And we have previously demonstrated that the epididymal initial segment (IS), a region of the reproductive tract essential for sperm maturation and capacitation, undergoes considerable histological changes and chronic immune activation in mice during aging. However, the local aging-associated cellular and molecular changes in the aged epididymal IS are poorly understood. RESULTS We conducted single-cell RNA sequencing analysis on the epididymal IS of young (3-month-old) and old (21-month-old) mice. In total, 10,027 cells from the epididymal IS tissues of young and old mice were obtained and annotated. The cell composition, including the expansion of a principal cell subtype and Ms4a4bHiMs4a6bHi T cells, changed with age. Aged principal cells displayed multiple functional gene expression changes associated with acrosome reaction and sperm maturation, suggesting an asynchronous process of sperm activation and maturation during epididymal transit. Meanwhile, aging-related altered pathways in immune cells, especially the "cell chemotaxis" in Cx3cr1Hi epididymal dendritic cells (eDCs), were identified. The monocyte-specific expression of chemokine Ccl8 increased with age in eDCs. And the aged epididymal IS showed increased inflammatory cell infiltration and cytokine secretion. Furthermore, cell-cell communication analysis indicated that age increased inflammatory signaling in the epididymal IS. CONCLUSION Contrary to the general pattern of lower immune responses in the male proximal genital tract, we revealed an inflammaging status in mouse epididymal initial segment. These findings will allow future studies to enable the delay of male reproductive aging via immune regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jintao Zhuang
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xiangping Li
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jiahui Yao
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xiangzhou Sun
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jiumin Liu
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Hua Nie
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute, Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital, Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510600, China
| | - Yang Hu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute, Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital, Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510600, China
| | - Xiangan Tu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Huang Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute, Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital, Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510600, China.
| | - Weibing Qin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute, Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital, Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510600, China.
| | - Yun Xie
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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16
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Wang X, Wang X, Chen Z. High Social Mobility Leads to Delayed Reproduction. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:1365-1377. [PMID: 36797532 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02551-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Many important family decisions, such as when to have offspring, essentially manifest different life history strategies, ranging from slow to fast ones. The current research examined how one critical societal factor, social mobility (i.e., the shift of socioeconomic status in a society), may contribute to such slow (vs. fast) life history strategies. With four multi-method studies, including archival data at the national level, a large-sample survey (N = 6787), and experimental studies (N = 497), we found that a high level of social mobility predicted and resulted in delayed reproduction. Specifically, a high level of social mobility, indexed by both objective reality and subjective perception, predicted individuals' positive future expectations. This further leads them to focus on long-term goals and foster a slow life history strategy, i.e., preferring delayed reproduction. Theoretical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xijing Wang
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xue Wang
- The Department of Digital Economy and Management, Business School, Beijing Normal University, Haidian District, Beijing, 10086, China.
| | - Zhansheng Chen
- Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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17
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Zhang W, Wang L, Sun J, Cui L, Zhang H, Hu J. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on semen quality of uninfected men. Basic Clin Androl 2023; 33:4. [PMID: 36890443 PMCID: PMC9995173 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-022-00180-w] [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: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly worldwide since its discovery in December 2019. Research published since the COVID-19 outbreak has focused on whether semen quality and reproductive hormone levels are affected by COVID-19. However, there is limited evidence on semen quality of uninfected men. This study aimed to compare semen parameters among uninfected Chinese sperm donors before and after the COVID-19 pandemic to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic-related stress and lifestyle changes on uninfected men. RESULTS All semen parameters were non-significant except semen volume. The average age of sperm donors was higher after the COVID-19 (all P < 0.05). The average age of qualified sperm donors increased from 25.9 (SD: 5.3) to 27.6 (SD: 6.0) years. Before the COVID-19, 45.0% qualified sperm donors were students, but after the COVID-19, 52.9% were physical laborers (P < 0.05). The proportion of qualified sperm donors with a college education dropped from 80.8 to 64.4% after the COVID-19 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Although the sociodemographic characteristics of sperm donors changed after the COVID-19 pandemic, no decline in semen quality was found. There is no concern about the quality of cryopreserved semen in human sperm banks after the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Li Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jiwei Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Linlin Cui
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Haobo Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jingmei Hu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China. .,Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China. .,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China. .,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China. .,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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18
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Coban O, Serdarogullari M, Pervaiz R, Soykok A, Yarkiner Z, Bankeroglu H. Effect of paternal age on assisted reproductive outcomes in ICSI donor cycles. Andrology 2023; 11:515-522. [PMID: 36482823 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite growing evidence suggesting age-related molecular changes in gametes, the impact of paternal age on clinical outcomes during infertility treatments has not been adequately assessed. OBJECTIVES This study aims to assess the correlation of paternal age to clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in egg donation cycles undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective cohort study includes 4930 fresh oocyte donation cycles from 3995 couples between April 2005 and February 2020 in a private IVF hospital. Clinical pregnancy and live birth rates were the primary outcome measures. The results were also assessed according to the paternal age groups, donor characteristics, semen parameters, fertilization rate, and quality of the transferred embryos. RESULTS The age and body mass index of the donors, oocyte maturation, fertilization rates, and the mean number of transferred embryo quality were comparable on day-3 but not on day-5 embryo transfers between paternal age groups (p > 0.05). Paternal age was found to be negatively correlated to the number of oocytes utilized, normal semen parameters, fertilization, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates (p < 0.05). In day-5 embryo transfer cycles, only the rate of cycles with normal spermatozoa, number of allocated oocytes, and pregnancy were found to be statistically significant. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Paternal age may influence reproductive outcomes and should be considered during infertility evaluations in intracytoplasmic sperm injection donor cycles. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onder Coban
- Department of Embryology, British Cyprus IVF Hospital, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Munevver Serdarogullari
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Cyprus International University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Ruqiya Pervaiz
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Chemical and Life Sciences, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Afet Soykok
- Department of Embryology, British Cyprus IVF Hospital, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Zalihe Yarkiner
- Department of Basic Sciences and Humanities, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Cyprus International University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Hasan Bankeroglu
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, British Cyprus IVF Hospital, Nicosia, Cyprus
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19
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Bernhardt L, Dittrich M, Prell A, Potabattula R, Drummer C, Behr R, Hahn T, Schorsch M, Müller T, Haaf T. Age-related methylation changes in the human sperm epigenome. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:1257-1278. [PMID: 36849136 PMCID: PMC10042684 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Advanced paternal age is associated with increased risks for reproductive and offspring medical problems. Accumulating evidence suggests age-related changes in the sperm epigenome as one underlying mechanism. Using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing on 73 sperm samples of males attending a fertility center, we identified 1,162 (74%) regions which were significantly (FDR-adjusted) hypomethylated and 403 regions (26%) being hypermethylated with age. There were no significant correlations with paternal BMI, semen quality, or ART outcome. The majority (1,152 of 1,565; 74%) of age-related differentially methylated regions (ageDMRs) were located within genic regions, including 1,002 genes with symbols. Hypomethylated ageDMRs were closer to transcription start sites than hypermethylated DMRs, half of which reside in gene-distal regions. In this and conceptually related genome-wide studies, so far 2,355 genes have been reported with significant sperm ageDMRs, however most (90%) of them in only one study. The 241 genes which have been replicated at least once showed significant functional enrichments in 41 biological processes associated with development and the nervous system and in 10 cellular components associated with synapses and neurons. This supports the hypothesis that paternal age effects on the sperm methylome affect offspring behaviour and neurodevelopment. It is interesting to note that sperm ageDMRs were not randomly distributed throughout the human genome; chromosome 19 showed a highly significant twofold enrichment with sperm ageDMRs. Although the high gene density and CpG content have been conserved, the orthologous marmoset chromosome 22 did not appear to exhibit an increased regulatory potential by age-related DNA methylation changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bernhardt
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Dittrich
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Bioinformatics, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Prell
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ramya Potabattula
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Charis Drummer
- Platform Degenerative Diseases, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Göttingen and German Center for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Behr
- Platform Degenerative Diseases, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Göttingen and German Center for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | | | - Tobias Müller
- Department of Bioinformatics, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Haaf
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
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20
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Abstract
Compared to women, increasing male age is not accompanied by such marked changes in reproductive function but changes certainly do happen. These include alterations to the hypothalamo-pituitary-testicular axis, with resultant implications for testosterone production and bioavailability as well as spermatogenesis. There is a decline in sexual function as men age, with a dramatic increase in the prevalence of erectile dysfunction after the age of 40, which is a marker for both clinically evident as well as covert coronary artery disease. Despite a quantitative decline in spermatogenesis and reduced fecundability, the male potential for fertility persists throughout adult life, however there are also increasingly recognised alterations in sperm quality and function with significant implications for offspring health. These changes are relevant to both natural and medically assisted conception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Martins da Silva
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, DD1 9SY, Dundee, UK
| | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, EH16 4TJ, Edinburgh, UK.
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21
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Luke B, Brown MB, Wantman E, Schymura MJ, Browne ML, Fisher SC, Forestieri NE, Rao C, Nichols HB, Yazdy MM, Gershman ST, Sacha CR, Williams M, Ethen MK, Canfield MA, Doody KJ, Eisenberg ML, Baker VL, Williams C, Sutcliffe AG, Richard MA, Lupo PJ. The risks of birth defects and childhood cancer with conception by assisted reproductive technology. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:2672-2689. [PMID: 36112004 PMCID: PMC9960485 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is there an association between fertility status, method of conception and the risks of birth defects and childhood cancer? SUMMARY ANSWER The risk of childhood cancer had two independent components: (i) method of conception and (ii) presence, type and number of birth defects. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The rarity of the co-occurrence of birth defects, cancer and ART makes studying their association challenging. Prior studies have indicated that infertility and ART are associated with an increased risk of birth defects or cancer but have been limited by small sample size and inadequate statistical power, failure to adjust for or include plurality, differences in definitions and/or methods of ascertainment, lack of information on ART treatment parameters or study periods spanning decades resulting in a substantial historical bias as ART techniques have improved. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a population-based cohort study linking ART cycles reported to the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcome Reporting System (SART CORS) from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2017 that resulted in live births in 2004-2018 in Massachusetts and North Carolina and live births in 2004-2017 in Texas and New York. A 10:1 sample of non-ART births were chosen within the same time period as the ART birth. Non-ART siblings were identified through the ART mother's information. Children from non-ART births were classified as being born to women who conceived with ovulation induction or IUI (OI/IUI) when there was an indication of infertility treatment on the birth certificate, and the woman did not link to the SART CORS; all others were classified as being naturally conceived. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The study population included 165 125 ART children, 31 524 non-ART siblings, 12 451 children born to OI/IUI-treated women and 1 353 440 naturally conceived children. All study children were linked to their respective State birth defect registries to identify major defects diagnosed within the first year of life. We classified children with major defects as either chromosomal (i.e. presence of a chromosomal defect with or without any other major defect) or nonchromosomal (i.e. presence of a major defect but having no chromosomal defect), or all major defects (chromosomal and nonchromosomal), and calculated rates per 1000 children. Logistic regression models were used to generate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% CIs of the risk of birth defects by conception group (OI/IUI, non-ART sibling and ART by oocyte source and embryo state) with naturally conceived children as the reference, adjusted for paternal and maternal ages; maternal race and ethnicity, education, BMI, parity, diabetes, hypertension; and for plurality, infant sex and State and year of birth. All study children were also linked to their respective State cancer registries. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs of cancer by birth defect status (including presence of a defect, type and number of defects), and conception group. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A total of 29 571 singleton children (2.0%) and 3753 twin children (3.5%) had a major birth defect (chromosomal or nonchromosomal). Children conceived with ART from autologous oocytes had increased risks for nonchromosomal defects, including blastogenesis, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and, for males only, genitourinary defects, with AORs ranging from 1.22 to 1.85; children in the autologous-fresh group also had increased risks for musculoskeletal (AOR 1.28, 95% CI 1.13, 1.45) and orofacial defects (AOR 1.40, 95% CI 1.17, 1.68). Within the donor oocyte group, the children conceived from fresh embryos did not have increased risks in any birth defect category, whereas children conceived from thawed embryos had increased risks for nonchromosomal defects (AOR 1.20, 95% CI 1.03, 1.40) and blastogenesis defects (AOR 1.74, 95% CI 1.14, 2.65). The risk of cancer was increased among ART children in the autologous-fresh group (HR 1.31, 95% CI 1.08, 1.59) and non-ART siblings (1.34, 95% CI 1.02, 1.76). The risk of leukemia was increased among children in the OI/IUI group (HR 2.15, 95% CI 1.04, 4.47) and non-ART siblings (HR 1.63, 95% CI 1.02, 2.61). The risk of central nervous system tumors was increased among ART children in the autologous-fresh group (HR 1.68, 95% CI 1.14, 2.48), donor-fresh group (HR 2.57, 95% CI 1.04, 6.32) and non-ART siblings (HR 1.84, 95% CI 1.12, 3.03). ART children in the autologous-fresh group were also at increased risk for solid tumors (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.09, 1.77). A total of 127 children had both major birth defects and cancer, of which 53 children (42%) had leukemia. The risk of cancer had two independent components: (i) method of conception (described above) and (ii) presence, type and number of birth defects. The presence of nonchromosomal defects increased the cancer risk, greater for two or more defects versus one defect, for all cancers and each type evaluated. The presence of chromosomal defects was strongly associated with cancer risk (HR 8.70 for all cancers and HR 21.90 for leukemia), further elevated in the presence of both chromosomal and nonchromosomal defects (HR 21.29 for all cancers, HR 64.83 for leukemia and HR 4.71 for embryonal tumors). Among the 83 946 children born from ART in the USA in 2019 compared to their naturally conceived counterparts, these risks translate into an estimated excess of 761 children with major birth defects, 31 children with cancer and 11 children with both major birth defects and cancer. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION In the SART CORS database, it was not possible to differentiate method of embryo freezing (slow freezing versus vitrification), and data on ICSI were only available in the fresh embryo ART group. In the OI/IUI group, it was not possible to differentiate type of non-ART treatment utilized, and in both the ART and OI/IUI groups, data were unavailable on duration of infertility. Since OI/IUI is underreported on the birth certificate, some OI/IUI children were likely included among the naturally conceived children, which will decrease the difference between all the groups and the naturally conceived children. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The use of ART is associated with increased risks of major nonchromosomal birth defects. The presence of birth defects is associated with greater risks for cancer, which adds to the baseline risk in the ART group. Although this study does not show causality, these findings indicate that children conceived with ART, non-ART siblings, and all children with birth defects should be monitored more closely for the subsequent development of cancer. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This project was supported by grant R01 HD084377 from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, or the National Institutes of Health, nor any of the State Departments of Health which contributed data. M.L.E. reports consultancy for Ro, Hannah, Dadi, Sandstone and Underdog; presidency of SSMR; and SMRU board member. The remaining authors report no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Luke
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Morton B Brown
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Maria J Schymura
- New York State Department of Health, New York State Cancer Registry, Albany, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Albany, Rensselaer, NY, USA
| | - Marilyn L Browne
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Albany, Rensselaer, NY, USA
- New York State Department of Health, Birth Defects Registry, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Sarah C Fisher
- New York State Department of Health, Birth Defects Registry, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Nina E Forestieri
- North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Birth Defects Monitoring Program, State Center for Health Statistics, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Chandrika Rao
- North Carolina Central Cancer Registry, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Hazel B Nichols
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mahsa M Yazdy
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Massachusetts Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Susan T Gershman
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Massachusetts Cancer Registry, Office of Data Management and Outcomes Assessment, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Caitlin R Sacha
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Melanie Williams
- Texas Department of State Health Services, Cancer Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Health and Human Services, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Mary K Ethen
- Texas Department of State Health Services, Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Mark A Canfield
- Texas Department of State Health Services, Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Austin, TX, USA
| | | | - Michael L Eisenberg
- Division of Male Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Valerie L Baker
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carrie Williams
- Policy, Practice, and Population Unit, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alastair G Sutcliffe
- Policy, Practice, and Population Unit, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Melissa A Richard
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Philip J Lupo
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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22
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Dong S, Chen C, Zhang J, Gao Y, Zeng X, Zhang X. Testicular aging, male fertility and beyond. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1012119. [PMID: 36313743 PMCID: PMC9606211 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1012119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal spermatogenesis and sperm function are crucial for male fertility. The effects of healthy testicular aging and testicular premature aging on spermatogenesis, sperm function, and the spermatogenesis microenvironment cannot be ignored. Compared with younger men, the testis of older men tends to have disturbed spermatogenic processes, sperm abnormalities, sperm dysfunction, and impaired Sertoli and Leydig cells, which ultimately results in male infertility. Various exogenous and endogenous factors also contribute to pathological testicular premature aging, such as adverse environmental stressors and gene mutations. Mechanistically, Y-chromosomal microdeletions, increase in telomere length and oxidative stress, accumulation of DNA damage with decreased repair ability, alterations in epigenetic modifications, miRNA and lncRNA expression abnormalities, have been associated with impaired male fertility due to aging. In recent years, the key molecules and signaling pathways that regulate testicular aging and premature aging have been identified, thereby providing new strategies for diagnosis and treatment. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the underlying mechanisms of aging on spermatogenesis. Furthermore, potential rescue measures for reproductive aging have been discussed. Finally, the inadequacy of testicular aging research and future directions for research have been envisaged to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of testicular aging and premature aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijue Dong
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jiali Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Laboratory Animal Center, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xuhui Zeng
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xiaoning Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
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23
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Ashapkin V, Suvorov A, Pilsner JR, Krawetz SA, Sergeyev O. Age-associated epigenetic changes in mammalian sperm: implications for offspring health and development. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 29:24-44. [PMID: 36066418 PMCID: PMC9825272 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Modern reproductive behavior in most developed countries is characterized by delayed parenthood. Older gametes are generally less fertile, accumulating and compounding the effects of varied environmental exposures that are modified by lifestyle factors. Clinicians are primarily concerned with advanced maternal age, while the influence of paternal age on fertility, early development and offspring health remains underappreciated. There is a growing trend to use assisted reproductive technologies for couples of advanced reproductive age. Thus, the number of children born from older gametes is increasing. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE We review studies reporting age-associated epigenetic changes in mammals and humans in sperm, including DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs. The interplay between environment, fertility, ART and age-related epigenetic signatures is explored. We focus on the association of sperm epigenetics on epigenetic and phenotype events in embryos and offspring. SEARCH METHODS Peer-reviewed original and review articles over the last two decades were selected using PubMed and the Web of Science for this narrative review. Searches were performed by adopting the two groups of main terms. The first group included 'advanced paternal age', 'paternal age', 'postponed fatherhood', 'late fatherhood', 'old fatherhood' and the second group included 'sperm epigenetics', 'sperm', 'semen', 'epigenetic', 'inheritance', 'DNA methylation', 'chromatin', 'non-coding RNA', 'assisted reproduction', 'epigenetic clock'. OUTCOMES Age is a powerful factor in humans and rodent models associated with increased de novo mutations and a modified sperm epigenome. Age affects all known epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications and profiles of small non-coding (snc)RNA. While DNA methylation is the most investigated, there is a controversy about the direction of age-dependent changes in differentially hypo- or hypermethylated regions with advanced age. Successful development of the human sperm epigenetic clock based on cross-sectional data and four different methods for DNA methylation analysis indicates that at least some CpG exhibit a linear relationship between methylation levels and age. Rodent studies show a significant overlap between genes regulated through age-dependent differentially methylated regions and genes targeted by age-dependent sncRNA. Both age-dependent epigenetic mechanisms target gene networks enriched for embryo developmental, neurodevelopmental, growth and metabolic pathways. Thus, age-dependent changes in the sperm epigenome cannot be described as a stochastic accumulation of random epimutations and may be linked with autism spectrum disorders. Chemical and lifestyle exposures and ART techniques may affect the epigenetic aging of sperm. Although most epigenetic modifications are erased in the early mammalian embryo, there is growing evidence that an altered offspring epigenome and phenotype is linked with advanced paternal age due to the father's sperm accumulating epigenetic changes with time. It has been hypothesized that age-induced changes in the sperm epigenome are profound, physiological and dynamic over years, yet stable over days and months, and likely irreversible. WIDER IMPLICATIONS This review raises a concern about delayed fatherhood and age-associated changes in the sperm epigenome that may compromise reproductive health of fathers and transfer altered epigenetic information to subsequent generations. Prospective studies using healthy males that consider confounders are recommended. We suggest a broader discussion focused on regulation of the father's age in natural and ART conceptions is needed. The professional community should be informed and should raise awareness in the population and when counseling older men.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - J Richard Pilsner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Stephen A Krawetz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA,Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Oleg Sergeyev
- Correspondence address. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskye Gory, House 1, Building 40, Room 322, Moscow 119992, Russia. E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5745-3348
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24
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Khachadourian V, Zaks N, Lin E, Reichenberg A, Janecka M. Reprint of: Advanced paternal age and risk of schizophrenia in offspring - Review of epidemiological findings and potential mechanisms. Schizophr Res 2022; 247:84-91. [PMID: 36085274 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2022.08.023] [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: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A large number of studies have examined the association between advanced paternal age (APA) and risk of schizophrenia in offspring. Here we present an overview of epidemiological studies on this subject published since 2000, and systematically summarize their methodologies and results. Next, we discuss evidence to elucidate the potential mechanisms contributing to the association between APA and offspring schizophrenia, considering paternal psychiatric morbidity and genetic liability, maternal factors, and findings from family design studies. We propose that multiple mechanisms, including causal and non-causal pathways, contribute to the observed relationship between APA and schizophrenia in offspring, and conclude by highlighting the need for multi-disciplinary studies in disentangling these complex, non-mutually exclusive mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahe Khachadourian
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America; Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America.
| | - Nina Zaks
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Emma Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Abraham Reichenberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America; Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America; Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Magdalena Janecka
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America; Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
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25
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Paternal age impairs in vitro embryo and in vivo fetal development in murine. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13031. [PMID: 35906367 PMCID: PMC9338298 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16469-9] [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: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The association between advanced paternal age and impaired reproductive outcomes is still controversial. Several studies relate decrease in semen quality, impaired embryo/fetal development and offspring health to increased paternal age. However, some retrospective studies observed no alterations on both seminal status and reproductive outcomes in older men. Such inconsistency may be due to the influence of intrinsic and external factors, such as genetics, race, diet, social class, lifestyle and obvious ethical issues that may bias the assessment of reproductive status in humans. The use of the murine model enables prospective study and owes the establishment of homogeneous and controlled groups. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of paternal age on in vitro embryo development at 4.5 day post conception and on in vivo fetal development at 16 days of gestation. Murine females (2–4 months of age) were mated with young (4–6 months of age) or senile (18–24 months of age) males. We observed decreased in vitro cleavage, blastocyst, and embryo development rates; lighter and shorter fetuses in the senile compared to the young group. This study indicated that advanced paternal age negatively impacts subsequent embryo and fetal development.
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26
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Abstract
Paternal age at conception has been increasing. In this review, we first present the results from the major mammalian animal models used to establish that increasing paternal age does affect progeny outcome. These models provide several major advantages including the possibility to assess multi- transgenerational effects of paternal age on progeny in a relatively short time window. We then present the clinical observations relating advanced paternal age to fertility and effects on offspring with respect to perinatal health, cancer risk, genetic diseases, and neurodevelopmental effects. An overview of the potential mechanism operating in altering germ cells in advanced age is presented. This is followed by an analysis of the current state of management of reproductive risks associated with advanced paternal age. The numerous challenges associated with developing effective, practical strategies to mitigate the impact of advanced paternal age are outlined along with an approach on how to move forward with this important clinical quandary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter T. K. Chan
- Department of Urology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Bernard Robaire
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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27
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Nie X, Munyoki SK, Sukhwani M, Schmid N, Missel A, Emery BR, DonorConnect, Stukenborg JB, Mayerhofer A, Orwig KE, Aston KI, Hotaling JM, Cairns BR, Guo J. Single-cell analysis of human testis aging and correlation with elevated body mass index. Dev Cell 2022; 57:1160-1176.e5. [PMID: 35504286 PMCID: PMC9090997 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Aging men display reduced reproductive health; however, testis aging is poorly understood at the molecular and genomic levels. Here, we utilized single-cell RNA-seq to profile over 44,000 cells from both young and older men and examined age-related changes in germline development and in the testicular somatic cells. Age-related changes in spermatogonial stem cells appeared modest, whereas age-related dysregulation of spermatogenesis and somatic cells ranged from moderate to severe. Altered pathways included signaling and inflammation in multiple cell types, metabolic signaling in Sertoli cells, hedgehog signaling and testosterone production in Leydig cells, cell death and growth in testicular peritubular cells, and possible developmental regression in both Leydig and peritubular cells. Remarkably, the extent of dysregulation correlated with body mass index in older but not in younger men. Collectively, we reveal candidate molecular mechanisms underlying the complex testicular changes conferred by aging and their possible exacerbation by concurrent chronic conditions such as obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xichen Nie
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Sarah K Munyoki
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Meena Sukhwani
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Nina Schmid
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Grosshaderner Strasse 9, Planegg, Munich, 82152, Germany
| | - Annika Missel
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Grosshaderner Strasse 9, Planegg, Munich, 82152, Germany
| | - Benjamin R Emery
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | | | - Jan-Bernd Stukenborg
- NORDFERTIL Research Laboratory Stockholm, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Bioclinicum J9:30, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, and Karolinska University Hospital, Solna 17164, Sweden
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Grosshaderner Strasse 9, Planegg, Munich, 82152, Germany
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Kenneth I Aston
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - James M Hotaling
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Bradley R Cairns
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
| | - Jingtao Guo
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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28
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Does advanced paternal age affect outcomes following artificial reproductive technologies? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Reprod Biomed Online 2022; 45:283-331. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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29
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Kuhnt AK. Families formed through assisted reproductive technology: Causes, experiences, and consequences in an international context. REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE & SOCIETY ONLINE 2022; 14:289-296. [PMID: 35419497 PMCID: PMC8907601 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbms.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
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30
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Skakkebæk NE, Lindahl-Jacobsen R, Levine H, Andersson AM, Jørgensen N, Main KM, Lidegaard Ø, Priskorn L, Holmboe SA, Bräuner EV, Almstrup K, Franca LR, Znaor A, Kortenkamp A, Hart RJ, Juul A. Environmental factors in declining human fertility. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2022; 18:139-157. [PMID: 34912078 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-021-00598-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A severe decline in child births has occurred over the past half century, which will lead to considerable population declines, particularly in industrialized regions. A crucial question is whether this decline can be explained by economic and behavioural factors alone, as suggested by demographic reports, or to what degree biological factors are also involved. Here, we discuss data suggesting that human reproductive health is deteriorating in industrialized regions. Widespread infertility and the need for assisted reproduction due to poor semen quality and/or oocyte failure are now major health issues. Other indicators of declining reproductive health include a worldwide increasing incidence in testicular cancer among young men and alterations in twinning frequency. There is also evidence of a parallel decline in rates of legal abortions, revealing a deterioration in total conception rates. Subtle alterations in fertility rates were already visible around 1900, and most industrialized regions now have rates below levels required to sustain their populations. We hypothesize that these reproductive health problems are partially linked to increasing human exposures to chemicals originating directly or indirectly from fossil fuels. If the current infertility epidemic is indeed linked to such exposures, decisive regulatory action underpinned by unconventional, interdisciplinary research collaborations will be needed to reverse the trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels E Skakkebæk
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | | - Hagai Levine
- School of Public Health, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Anna-Maria Andersson
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katharina M Main
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Øjvind Lidegaard
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Gynecology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lærke Priskorn
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stine A Holmboe
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elvira V Bräuner
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian Almstrup
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Luiz R Franca
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ariana Znaor
- Cancer Surveillance Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Andreas Kortenkamp
- Division of Environmental Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Roger J Hart
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Fertility Specialists of Western Australia, Bethesda Hospital, Claremont, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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31
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OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:457-479. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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32
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Huynh M, Wang A, Ho J, Herndon CN, Aghajanova L. Fertility Preservation and Infertility Treatment in Medical Training: An Assessment of Residency and Fellowship Program Directors' Attitudes. WOMEN'S HEALTH REPORTS 2021; 2:576-585. [PMID: 35141706 PMCID: PMC8820404 DOI: 10.1089/whr.2021.0044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background: Given the concurrence of medical residency and fellowship training with typical childbearing years, trainees often must make difficult decisions regarding family planning, requiring the support of their residency and fellowship program directors (PDs) to guide them. Objective: Our hypothesis was that PDs have knowledge gaps and varying levels of support in terms of their trainees' fertility, and the goal of our study was to assess the knowledge and support of residency and fellowship PDs in the United States toward trainees' reproductive needs. Methods: Cross-sectional survey distributed to all residency and fellowship PDs providing contact information through the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education website in August 2019. Results: Of 299 respondents, the most common lengths of leave reported were 6–8 weeks of maternity leave and under 2 weeks of paternity leave. A total of 57.2% did not know their program's insurance for infertility treatment, and 68.6% did not know fertility preservation coverage. A total of 52.2% of PDs were unaware of if their trainees faced infertility. PDs supported residents' needs through moral support (68.2%) and time off for appointments (65.2%). Similarly, most PDs (66.2%) never had a trainee express interest in fertility preservation to them but offered moral support (59.2%) and time off (48.5%). Respondents felt it was important to increase resources for trainees by increasing their awareness of needs (47.5%) and establishing reproduction-related policies (34.1%). Conclusion: The study found variations regarding PDs' knowledge and support levels for trainees' fertility needs. Most were unaware of their trainees' fertility needs, and many PDs felt it would be important to improve resources by increasing personal awareness and creating policies for support to promote reproductive health equity for trainees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Huynh
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Ange Wang
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jacqueline Ho
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, USC Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Christopher N. Herndon
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lusine Aghajanova
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Sunnyvale, California, USA
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Elbardisi H, Arafa M, Singh N, Betts B, Agrawal A, Henkel R, Al-Hadi AA, Burjaq H, Alattar A, Khalafalla K, Majzoub A. The effect of paternal age on intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcome in unexplained infertility. Arab J Urol 2021; 19:274-280. [PMID: 34552779 PMCID: PMC8451663 DOI: 10.1080/2090598x.2021.1955553] [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: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective : To examine the effect of paternal age on intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes in unexplained infertility. Subjects and Methods : This retrospective study, done at the Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar screened infertile couples who underwent ICSI between 2014 and 2019 for the inclusion and exclusion criteria defining 'unexplained infertility'. Couples recruited were allocated into two groups: Group A (paternal age <35 years) and Group B (paternal age ≥35 years). Baseline characteristics, investigations including semen and advanced sperm function tests and ICSI records were compared for primary outcomes such as fertilisation, cleavage, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage and live birth; and secondary outcomes such as semen parameters and advanced sperm functions (DNA fragmentation index and oxidation reduction potential). Results : We found that final pregnancy outcomes including clinical pregnancy rate (P = 0.231), live-birth rate (P = 0.143), and miscarriage rates (P = 0.466) were not significantly different between the two age groups. Normal fertilisation (P = 0.01) and cleavage rate after ICSI (P = 0.001) were statistically significant when the age groups were compared. Also, normal sperm morphology was found to be significantly different (P = 0.041). Conclusions : Advanced paternal age affects sperm morphology, fertilisation and embryo cleavage in ICSI but does not appear to affect clinical pregnancy, miscarriage or live-birth rates. ICSI appears to be a valid fertility treatment option in advancing paternal age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitham Elbardisi
- Urology Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar
| | - Mohamed Arafa
- Urology Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar.,Andrology Department, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.,American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Neha Singh
- Obstetric & Genecology department King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Bridget Betts
- School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, Mississippi, USA
| | - Ashok Agrawal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ralf Henkel
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, LondonUK.,Department of Medical Bioscience, University of Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Alia A Al-Hadi
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hasan Burjaq
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Alia Alattar
- Urology Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Ahmad Majzoub
- Urology Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar
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Dubin JM, White J, Ory J, Ramasamy R. Vasectomy reversal vs. sperm retrieval with in vitro fertilization: a contemporary, comparative analysis. Fertil Steril 2021; 115:1377-1383. [PMID: 34053510 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.03.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the primary options available to men who desire fertility after a vasectomy. DESIGN Literature review. SETTING University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. PATIENT(S) Men with a previous vasectomy now seeking fertility. INTERVENTION(S) The two main options to achieve paternity for men following vasectomy include vasectomy reversal (VR) and surgical sperm retrieval with subsequent in vitro fertilization (IVF). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) We reviewed and compared the important considerations for men deciding between these 2 options, including: obstructive interval, female partner age, antisperm antibodies, male partner age, female infertility factors, and cost. RESULT(S) Both VR and IVF represent reasonable options for the couple seeking fertility after vasectomy. Specific circumstances may favor one modality over another, depending on obstructive interval, possible female fertility factors, female partner age, male partner age, and cost. In the absence of insurance coverage, VR is often more cost-effective than IVF. Alternatively, when a female factor may contribute to infertility in addition to vasectomy, IVF is often the better choice. Antisperm antibodies are unlikely to contribute to infertility following a successful VR. CONCLUSION(S) VR or surgical sperm retrieval with IVF are reasonable options for couples seeking children after vasectomy. Pregnancy rates for both options are overall similar, so prior to pursuing either option, a thorough discussion with a reproductive urologist who possesses microsurgical skills in VR and a reproductive endocrinologist with expertise in IVF is imperative. Making a final choice through shared decision-making while considering these points is ideal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin M Dubin
- Department of Urology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.
| | - Joshua White
- Department of Urology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia
| | - Jesse Ory
- Department of Urology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Ranjith Ramasamy
- Department of Urology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
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35
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Topuz B, Ebiloğu T, Sarıkaya S, Kaya E, Fidan U, Korkmaz C, Ceyhan ST, Bedir S, Gürdal M, Karataş ÖF. The timing of micro-TESE: what is the ideal age for male and female partner to bring a child to home? Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992) 2021; 67:958-965. [DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.20210290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Engin Kaya
- Gülhane Training and Research Hospital, Turkey
| | - Ulaş Fidan
- Gülhane Training and Research Hospital, Turkey
| | - Cem Korkmaz
- Gülhane Training and Research Hospital, Turkey
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36
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Khachadourian V, Zaks N, Lin E, Reichenberg A, Janecka M. Advanced paternal age and risk of schizophrenia in offspring - Review of epidemiological findings and potential mechanisms. Schizophr Res 2021; 233:72-79. [PMID: 34242951 PMCID: PMC8380724 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2021.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
A large number of studies have examined the association between advanced paternal age (APA) and risk of schizophrenia in offspring. Here we present an overview of epidemiological studies on this subject published since 2000, and systematically summarize their methodologies and results. Next, we discuss evidence to elucidate the potential mechanisms contributing to the association between APA and offspring schizophrenia, considering paternal psychiatric morbidity and genetic liability, maternal factors, and findings from family design studies. We propose that multiple mechanisms, including causal and non-causal pathways, contribute to the observed relationship between APA and schizophrenia in offspring, and conclude by highlighting the need for multi-disciplinary studies in disentangling these complex, non-mutually exclusive mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahe Khachadourian
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America; Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America.
| | - Nina Zaks
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Emma Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Abraham Reichenberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America; Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America; Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Magdalena Janecka
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America; Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
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37
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Nguyen-Powanda P, Robaire B. Aging and oxidative stress alter DNA repair mechanisms in male germ cells of superoxide dismutase-1 null mice. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:944-957. [PMID: 34098580 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The efficiency of antioxidant defense system decreases with aging, thus resulting in high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA damage in spermatozoa. This damage can lead to genetic disorders in the offspring. There are limited studies investigating the effects of the total loss of antioxidants, such as superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1), in male germ cells as they progress through spermatogenesis. In this study, we evaluated the effects of aging and removing SOD1 (in male germ cells of SOD1-null (Sod1-/-) mice) in order to determine the potential mechanism(s) of DNA damage in these cells. Immunohistochemical analysis showed an increase in lipid peroxidation and DNA damage in the germ cells of aged wild-type (WT) and Sod1-/- mice of all age. Immunostaining of OGG1, a marker of base excision repair (BER), increased in aged WT and young Sod1-/- mice. In contrast, immunostaining intensity of LIGIV and RAD51, markers of non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination (HR), respectively, decreased in aged and Sod1-/- mice. Gene expression analysis showed similar results with altered mRNA expression of these key DNA repair transcripts in pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids of aged and Sod1-/- mice. Our study indicates that DNA repair pathway markers of BER, NHEJ, and HR are differentially regulated as a function of aging and oxidative stress in spermatocytes and spermatids, and aging enhances the repair response to increased oxidative DNA damage, whereas impairments in other DNA repair mechanisms may contribute to the increase in DNA damage caused by aging and the loss of SOD1.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bernard Robaire
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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38
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Bizerea-Moga TO, Pitulice L, Bizerea-Spiridon O, Moga TV. Evaluation of Serum Selenium Status by Age and Gender: A Retrospective Observational Cohort Study in Western Romania. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13051497. [PMID: 33925066 PMCID: PMC8145713 DOI: 10.3390/nu13051497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Selenium, residing in a series of selenoproteins, plays an important role in both female and male reproductive function. Of particular significance for reproduction is the antioxidant glutathione peroxidase (GPx), a main selenoenzyme, whose level is regulated by the availability of Se in the body. We hypothesized that changes in Se status, closely related to GPx activity, would result in an increased risk of reproductive dysfunction in individuals. We retrospectively investigated the serum selenium (SeS) concentrations of 1264 apparently healthy people, aged 16–89 years, from Western Romania. The general analysis revealed a non-normal SeS distribution with a median SeS of 100.26 ± 18.32 μg/L and a significant difference in SeS levels between age groups. The analysis of the young group (16–35 years) revealed that up to 50% of individuals did not reach the SeS threshold corresponding to maximum GPx activity (80 μg/L), and a significant imbalance between the genders was apparent when looking at SeS values outside the range. Our results correlated with the general diminished reproductive ability registered in Romania during the last few years. Serum selenium content proves to offer a proper reflection of the fertility competence of the young population, and its monitoring is important for guiding dietary adjustments and attaining normal reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teofana Otilia Bizerea-Moga
- Department XI of Pediatrics—1st Pediatric Discipline, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Sq no 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
- 1st Pediatric Clinic, “Louis Țurcanu” Children’s Clinical and Emergency Hospital, Iosif Nemoianu 2, 300011 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Laura Pitulice
- Department of Biology-Chemistry, West University of Timişoara, Pestallozi 16, 300115 Timişoara, Romania;
- Laboratory of Advanced Researches in Environmental Protection, Oituz 4, 300086 Timişoara, Romania
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +40-744-517-275
| | - Otilia Bizerea-Spiridon
- Department of Biology-Chemistry, West University of Timişoara, Pestallozi 16, 300115 Timişoara, Romania;
- Laboratory of Advanced Researches in Environmental Protection, Oituz 4, 300086 Timişoara, Romania
| | - Tudor Voicu Moga
- Department VII of Internal Medicine—Gastroenterology Discipline, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Sq no 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Clinic, “Pius Brînzeu” County Emergency Clinical Hospital, Liviu Rebreanu 156, 300723 Timișoara, Romania
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Zhang Q, Yang C, Zhang M, Lu X, Cao W, Xie C, Li X, Wu J, Zhong C, Geng S. Protective effects of ginseng stem-leaf saponins on D-galactose-induced reproductive injury in male mice. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:8916-8928. [PMID: 33714944 PMCID: PMC8034965 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Panax ginseng is a perennial plant in the Araliaceae family. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of ginseng stem-leaf saponins (GSLS) isolated from P. ginseng against D-galactose-induced reproductive function decline, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response. Reproductive injuries were induced in mice via the subcutaneous injection of D-galactose (300 mg/kg) for six weeks. The mice were then treated with GSLS by intragastric administration. GSLS inhibited markers of oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines induced by D-galactose in serum, liver and kidney, whereas GSLS increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Compared to the mice treated only with D-galactose, GSLS treatment significantly increased the average path velocity, straight line velocity, curvilinear velocity, and amplitude of the lateral head displacement of mouse sperm. Meanwhile, GSLS significantly increased the testosterone level and reduced the cortisol, FSH, and LH levels. Histopathological examination revealed alterations in the number and the arrangement of spermatogenic cells in the seminiferous tubules of the mice in the GSLS group. GSLS treatment suppressed MAPKs pathway activation in testes. These results suggest that GSLS can attenuate D-galactose-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory response in serum, liver and kidney, and ameliorate reproductive damage by inhibiting MAPKs signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chenying Yang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaomin Lu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wanshuang Cao
- Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chunfeng Xie
- Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China.,Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoting Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China.,Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jieshu Wu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China.,Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Caiyun Zhong
- Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China.,Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shanshan Geng
- Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China.,Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
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40
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Oluwayiose OA, Wu H, Saddiki H, Whitcomb BW, Balzer LB, Brandon N, Suvorov A, Tayyab R, Sites CK, Hill L, Marcho C, Pilsner JR. Sperm DNA methylation mediates the association of male age on reproductive outcomes among couples undergoing infertility treatment. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3216. [PMID: 33547328 PMCID: PMC7864951 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80857-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Parental age at time of offspring conception is increasing in developed countries. Advanced male age is associated with decreased reproductive success and increased risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring. Mechanisms for these male age effects remain unclear, but changes in sperm DNA methylation over time is one potential explanation. We assessed genome-wide methylation of sperm DNA from 47 semen samples collected from male participants of couples seeking infertility treatment. We report that higher male age was associated with lower likelihood of fertilization and live birth, and poor embryo development (p < 0.05). Furthermore, our multivariable linear models showed male age was associated with alterations in sperm methylation at 1698 CpGs and 1146 regions (q < 0.05), which were associated with > 750 genes enriched in embryonic development, behavior and neurodevelopment among others. High dimensional mediation analyses identified four genes (DEFB126, TPI1P3, PLCH2 and DLGAP2) with age-related sperm differential methylation that accounted for 64% (95% CI 0.42-0.86%; p < 0.05) of the effect of male age on lower fertilization rate. Our findings from this modest IVF population provide evidence for sperm methylation as a mechanism of age-induced poor reproductive outcomes and identifies possible candidate genes for mediating these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oladele A Oluwayiose
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 173A Goessmann, 686 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Haotian Wu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 W 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Hachem Saddiki
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 715 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Brian W Whitcomb
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 715 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Laura B Balzer
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 715 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Nicole Brandon
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 173A Goessmann, 686 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Alexander Suvorov
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 173A Goessmann, 686 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Rahil Tayyab
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Baystate Medical Center, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA, USA
| | - Cynthia K Sites
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Baystate Medical Center, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA, USA
| | - Lisa Hill
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Baystate Medical Center, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA, USA
| | - Chelsea Marcho
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 173A Goessmann, 686 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - J Richard Pilsner
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 173A Goessmann, 686 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA.
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41
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Pavlovič O, Fiala V, Kleisner K. Environmental convergence in facial preferences: a cross-group comparison of Asian Vietnamese, Czech Vietnamese, and Czechs. Sci Rep 2021; 11:550. [PMID: 33436663 PMCID: PMC7804147 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79623-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been demonstrated that sociocultural environment has a significant impact on human behavior. This contribution focuses on differences in the perception of attractiveness of European (Czech) faces as rated by Czechs of European origin, Vietnamese persons living in the Czech Republic and Vietnamese who permanently reside in Vietnam. We investigated whether attractiveness judgments and preferences for facial sex-typicality and averageness in Vietnamese who grew up and live in the Czech Republic are closer to the judgements and preferences of Czech Europeans or to those of Vietnamese born and residing in Vietnam. We examined the relative contribution of sexual shape dimorphism and averageness to the perception of facial attractiveness across all three groups of raters. Czech Europeans, Czech Vietnamese, and Asian Vietnamese raters of both sexes rated facial portraits of 100 Czech European participants (50 women and 50 men, standardized, non-manipulated) for attractiveness. Taking Czech European ratings as a standard for Czech facial attractiveness, we showed that Czech Vietnamese assessments of attractiveness were closer to this standard than assessments by the Asian Vietnamese. Among all groups of raters, facial averageness positively correlated with perceived attractiveness, which is consistent with the "average is attractive" hypothesis. A marginal impact of sexual shape dimorphism on attractiveness rating was found only in Czech European male raters: neither Czech Vietnamese nor Asian Vietnamese raters of either sex utilized traits associated with sexual shape dimorphism as a cue of attractiveness. We thus conclude that Vietnamese people permanently living in the Czech Republic converge with Czechs of Czech origin in perceptions of facial attractiveness and that this population adopted some but not all Czech standards of beauty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondřej Pavlovič
- Department of Philosophy and History of Science, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vinicna 7, Prague, 128 44, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtěch Fiala
- Department of Philosophy and History of Science, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vinicna 7, Prague, 128 44, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Kleisner
- Department of Philosophy and History of Science, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vinicna 7, Prague, 128 44, Czech Republic.
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42
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Suvorov A, Pilsner JR, Naumov V, Shtratnikova V, Zheludkevich A, Gerasimov E, Logacheva M, Sergeyev O. Aging Induces Profound Changes in sncRNA in Rat Sperm and These Changes Are Modified by Perinatal Exposure to Environmental Flame Retardant. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8252. [PMID: 33158036 PMCID: PMC7672616 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced paternal age at fertilization is a risk factor for multiple disorders in offspring and may be linked to age-related epigenetic changes in the father's sperm. An understanding of aging-related epigenetic changes in sperm and environmental factors that modify such changes is needed. Here, we characterize changes in sperm small non-coding RNA (sncRNA) between young pubertal and mature rats. We also analyze the modification of these changes by exposure to environmental xenobiotic 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47). sncRNA libraries prepared from epididymal spermatozoa were sequenced and analyzed using DESeq 2. The distribution of small RNA fractions changed with age, with fractions mapping to rRNA and lncRNA decreasing and fractions mapping to tRNA and miRNA increasing. In total, 249 miRNA, 908 piRNA and 227 tRNA-derived RNA were differentially expressed (twofold change, false discovery rate (FDR) p ≤ 0.05) between age groups in control animals. Differentially expressed miRNA and piRNA were enriched for protein-coding targets involved in development and metabolism, while piRNA were enriched for long terminal repeat (LTR) targets. BDE-47 accelerated age-dependent changes in sncRNA in younger animals, decelerated these changes in older animals and increased the variance in expression of all sncRNA. Our results indicate that the natural aging process has profound effects on sperm sncRNA profiles and this effect may be modified by environmental exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Suvorov
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, 686 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003, USA;
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskye Gory, House 1, Building 40, 119992 Moscow, Russia; (V.S.); (M.L.); (O.S.)
| | - J. Richard Pilsner
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, 686 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003, USA;
| | - Vladimir Naumov
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Oparina 4, 117997 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Victoria Shtratnikova
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskye Gory, House 1, Building 40, 119992 Moscow, Russia; (V.S.); (M.L.); (O.S.)
| | | | - Evgeny Gerasimov
- E.I. Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 20 Malaya Pirogovskaya, 119435 Moscow, Russia;
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria Logacheva
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskye Gory, House 1, Building 40, 119992 Moscow, Russia; (V.S.); (M.L.); (O.S.)
- Center for Life Sciences, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, 143028 Moscow, Russia
| | - Oleg Sergeyev
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskye Gory, House 1, Building 40, 119992 Moscow, Russia; (V.S.); (M.L.); (O.S.)
- Chapaevsk Medical Association, Meditsinskaya Str. 3a, Samara Region, 446100 Chapaevsk, Russia
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43
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Abstract
In recent years, a new focus of the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease hypothesis has emerged examining the potential role that paternal health may play in embryo development, fetal growth and long-term offspring health. While the association between male health and sperm quality has been studied in detail, our understanding of the long-term paternal effects on offspring health remains limited. As with studies aimed at understanding maternal programming, animal models are an essential tool with which to define the underlying mechanisms linking paternal health to post-fertilisation development and offspring well-being. Here, new insights into the genetic and epigenetic nature of the sperm, as well as the role seminal plasma plays in modulating the maternal reproductive environment, are demonstrating the significant role a father's wellbeing at the time of conception has for programming the health of his offspring. In this article we will outline the current understanding of the impact of male health on semen quality, reproductive fitness and post-fertilisation offspring development and explore the mechanisms underlying the paternal programming of offspring health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Watkins
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
| | - Eleonora Rubini
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Elizabeth D Hosier
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Hannah L Morgan
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
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44
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The Effect of Male Age Over 50 Years on Vasectomy Reversal Outcomes. Urology 2020; 145:134-140. [DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2020.04.141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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45
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Oxidative Stress and Reproductive Function in the Aging Male. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:biology9090282. [PMID: 32932761 PMCID: PMC7564187 DOI: 10.3390/biology9090282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
With the delay of parenthood becoming more common, the age at which men father children is on the rise. While the effects of advanced maternal age have been well documented, only recently have studies started to focus on the impact of advanced paternal age (APA) in the context of male reproduction. As men age, the antioxidant defense system gradually becomes less efficient and elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulate in spermatozoa; this can impair their functional and structural integrity. In this review, we present an overview of how oxidative stress is implicated in male reproductive aging by providing a summary of the sources and roles of ROS, the theories of aging, and the current animal and human studies that demonstrate the impacts of APA on the male germ line, the health of progeny and fertility, and how treatment with antioxidants may reverse these effects.
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46
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Lopes AC, Oliveira PF, Pinto S, Almeida C, Pinho MJ, Sá R, Rocha E, Barros A, Sousa M. Discordance between human sperm quality and telomere length following differential gradient separation/swim-up. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:2581-2603. [PMID: 32767207 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01897-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Strong evidence has suggested an important role of telomeres in meiosis, fertilization, and embryo development. PURPOSE To determine if sperm telomere length (STL) in sperm purified by differential gradient centrifugation followed by swim-up (selected STL) is correlated with sperm quality and clinical outcomes. METHODS Relative selected STL was assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) in 78 consecutive assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments during 2017. Statistical analyses were performed in the totality of patients, and in normozoospermic and non-normozoospermic patients. These included correlations between selected STL and sperm quality parameters, embryological parameters (multivariable linear regression), and clinical parameters (multivariable logistic regression). RESULTS No significant correlations were found between selected STL and sperm quality in the total population. However, selected STL was significantly correlated with total sperm count (r = 0.361; P = 0.039) and sperm DNA fragmentation-post-acrosomal region pattern (r = - 0.464; P = 0.030) in normozoospermic patients. No relation was observed between selected STL and clinical outcomes in any clinical group. CONCLUSIONS As the correlations observed in normozoospermic patients were not representative of the whole heterogeneous population, differences in the sperm characteristics of the study population may lead to discrepant results when evaluating the association of STL with sperm quality. Since the total population selected STL was not related with sperm quality and with clinical outcomes, results do not support the use of selected STL measurement to evaluate the reproductive potential of the male patient or to predict the success rates of ART treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Catarina Lopes
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, New University of Lisbon, Campus Caparica, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Pedro Fontes Oliveira
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal.,Institute of Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - Soraia Pinto
- Centre for Reproductive Genetics Prof. Alberto Barros, 4100-009, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carolina Almeida
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria João Pinho
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rosália Sá
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.,Multidisciplinary Unit for Biomedical Research, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Eduardo Rocha
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Department of Microscopy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Alberto Barros
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal.,Institute of Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,Centre for Reproductive Genetics Prof. Alberto Barros, 4100-009, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mário Sousa
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal. .,Multidisciplinary Unit for Biomedical Research, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
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47
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Warner R, Avery JC, Neuhaus S, Davies MJ. Australian Veterans of the Middle East Conflicts 2001–2010: Select Reproductive Health Outcomes Part 1 — Maternal and Paternal Outcomes. FERTILITY & REPRODUCTION 2020. [DOI: 10.1142/s2661318220500103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Anecdotally, infertility concerns among serving female Australian Defense Force (ADF) members and veterans are perceived to be prevalent, but precise data are lacking. This is the first of two papers that identify reproductive, pregnancy, and infant outcomes in an exclusively Australian military cohort. This initial paper aims to describe maternal and paternal occupation and fertility characteristics of a group of ADF members who deployed to the Middle East during the period 2001–2010. Methods: Utilizing the Middle East Area of Operations Census Study data set, a descriptive analysis was performed on the demographic and clinical variables of the cohort, where data were reported. Descriptive statistics (means, frequencies, percentiles) were used to describe the population. Sociodemographic data and clinical data, including maternal/paternal outcomes, were reported. Results: The self-reported infertility rate was 9%, which was significantly lower than the reported infertility rate in the comparative Australian (non-military) population. All other outcomes were comparable to the Australian population and within normal limits. Conclusions: This survey presents a generally reassuring picture of reproductive health for men and women serving in the ADF with regard to the risk of infertility, pregnancy loss, and perinatal outcomes, although the basis for fertility concerns requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachelle Warner
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Jodie C. Avery
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Susan Neuhaus
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Michael J. Davies
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
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48
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Grin L, Girsh E, Harlev A. Male fertility preservation-Methods, indications and challenges. Andrologia 2020; 53:e13635. [PMID: 32390180 DOI: 10.1111/and.13635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Male fertility preservation has been steadily increasing over the past two decades. Significant improvements have been achieved in the treatment modalities of cancer and other severe chronic medical conditions, leading to an increase in patient survivorship and the resulting demand for future parenthood. Recognition and proper patient counselling before commencing therapies with a potential gonadotoxic effect are of paramount importance. Similarly, nonmedically indicated fertility preservation is on the rise. Social sperm banking, gender dysphoria prior to affirmation procedures and posthumous reproduction preservation are becoming more common. When timing and logistics are appropriate, sperm cryopreservation is considered the gold standard for fertility preservation. Testicular tissue and spermatogonial stem cell autotransplantation is considered experimental and represents a promising alternative for pre-pubertal patients. The current paper aims to review the recent trends in male fertility preservation, the common indications for sperm cryopreservation, techniques for sperm retrieval and experimental frontiers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonti Grin
- Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Barzilai University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel
| | - Eliezer Girsh
- Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Barzilai University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel
| | - Avi Harlev
- Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Barzilai University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel
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49
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Klipstein S, Fallat ME, Savelli S. Fertility Preservation for Pediatric and Adolescent Patients With Cancer: Medical and Ethical Considerations. Pediatrics 2020; 145:peds.2019-3994. [PMID: 32071259 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2019-3994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Many cancers presenting in children and adolescents are curable with surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiotherapy. Potential adverse consequences of treatment include sterility, infertility, or subfertility as a result of gonad removal, damage to germ cells as a result of adjuvant therapy, or damage to the pituitary and hypothalamus or uterus as a result of irradiation. In recent years, treatment of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies has been modified in an attempt to reduce damage to the gonadal axis. Simultaneously, advances in assisted reproductive technology have led to new possibilities for the prevention and treatment of infertility. This clinical report reviews the medical aspects and ethical considerations that arise when considering fertility preservation in pediatric and adolescent patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigal Klipstein
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; .,InVia Fertility Specialists, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Mary E Fallat
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Hiram C. Polk Jr MD Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky; and
| | - Stephanie Savelli
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, Ohio
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50
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Extra-mitochondrial citrate synthase initiates calcium oscillation and suppresses age-dependent sperm dysfunction. J Transl Med 2020; 100:583-595. [PMID: 31857692 PMCID: PMC7096335 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-019-0353-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Men and women become infertile with age, but the mechanism of declining male fertility, more specifically, the decrease in in sperm quality, is not well known. Citrate synthase (CS) is a core enzyme of the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, which directly controls cellular function. Extra-mitochondrial CS (eCS) is produced and abundant in the sperm head; however, its role in male fertility is unknown. We investigated the role of eCS in male fertility by producing eCs-deficient (eCs-KO) mice. The initiation of the first spike of Ca2+ oscillation was substantially delayed in egg fused with eCs-KO sperm, despite normal expression of sperm factor phospholipase C zeta 1. The eCs-KO male mice were initially fertile, but the fertility dropped with age. Metabolomic analysis of aged sperm revealed that the loss of eCS enhances TCA cycle in the mitochondria with age, presumably leading to depletion of extra-mitochondrial citrate. The data suggest that eCS suppresses age-dependent male infertility, providing insights into the decline of male fertility with age.
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