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Wu H, Kalia V, Manz KE, Chillrud L, Dishon NH, Jackson GL, Dye CK, Orvieto R, Aizer A, Levine H, Kioumourtzoglou MA, Pennell KD, Baccarelli AA, Machtinger R. Exposome Profiling of Environmental Pollutants in Seminal Plasma and Novel Associations with Semen Parameters. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39053901 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Indicators of male fertility are in decline globally, but the underlying causes, including the role of environmental exposures, are unclear. This study aimed to examine organic chemical pollutants in seminal plasma, including both known priority environmental chemicals and less studied chemicals, to identify uncharacterized male reproductive environmental toxicants. Semen samples were collected from 100 individuals and assessed for sperm concentration, percent motility, and total motile sperm. Targeted and nontargeted organic pollutant exposures were measured from seminal plasma using gas chromatography, which showed widespread detection of organic pollutants in seminal plasma across all exposure classes. We used principal component pursuit (PCP) on our targeted panel and derived one component (driven by etriadizole) associated with total motile sperm (p < 0.001) and concentration (p = 0.03). This was confirmed by the exposome-wide association models using individual chemicals, where etriadizole was negatively associated with total motile sperm (FDR q = 0.01) and concentration (q = 0.07). Using PCP on 814 nontargeted spectral peaks identified a component that was associated with total motile sperm (p = 0.001). Bayesian kernel machine regression identified one principal driver of this association, which was analytically confirmed to be N-nitrosodiethylamine. These findings are promising and consistent with experimental evidence showing that etridiazole and N-nitrosodiethylamine may be reproductive toxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haotian Wu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Vrinda Kalia
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Katherine E Manz
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Lawrence Chillrud
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Nathalie Hoffmann Dishon
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center (Tel Hashomer), Ramat Gan 5262000, Israel
| | - Gabriela L Jackson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Christian K Dye
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Raoul Orvieto
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center (Tel Hashomer), Ramat Gan 5262000, Israel
| | - Adva Aizer
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center (Tel Hashomer), Ramat Gan 5262000, Israel
| | - Hagai Levine
- Braun School of Public Health, Hadassah Medical Organization, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Marianthi-Anna Kioumourtzoglou
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Kurt D Pennell
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Andrea A Baccarelli
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Ronit Machtinger
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center (Tel Hashomer), Ramat Gan 5262000, Israel
- School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
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2
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Abdel-Ghani MA, Ghoneim IM, Nagano M, AlMomen HQM. Impact of papain on the treatment of raw diluted dromedary semen. Reprod Domest Anim 2024; 59:e14637. [PMID: 38864674 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14637] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
A variety of parameters, including liquefaction and semen viscosity, affect the sperm's ability to travel and reach the egg for fertilization and conception. Given that the details behind the viscosity of the semen in male camels have not yet been fully clarified, the purpose of this study was to ascertain how the addition of papain affected the viscosity of fresh diluted camel semen. The study examined semen samples derived from camels that had distinct viscosities. Sperm motility, viability, abnormal sperm percentage, concentration, viscosity, morphometry, acrosome integrity and liquefaction were among the evaluations following 0, 5, 10, 20 or 30 min of incubation at 37°C with papain (0.004 mg/mL, 0.04 mg/mL or 0.4 mg/mL; a semen sample without papain was used as a control). A statistically significant interaction between the effects of papain concentrations and incubation time was found (F = 41.68, p = .0001). Papain concentrations (p = .0001) and incubation times (p = .0001) both had a statistically significant impact on viscosity, according to a simple main effects analysis. A lower viscosity was found (p < .05) at 0.04 mg/mL (0.1 ± 0.0) after 10 min of incubation. A simple main effects analysis showed that papain concentrations and incubation time have a statistically significant effect on sperm motility (p = .0001). At 0.04 mg/mL papain, the sperm motility % was higher (p < .05) after 10 min (64.4 ± 4.8), 20 min (68.4 ± 6.2), and 30 min incubation (72.2 ± 6.6) compared to 0, 5 min (38.3 ± 4.1 and 51.6 ± 5.0, respectively). In conclusion, the fresh diluted camel semen had the lowest viscosity properties after 10 min of incubation with 0.04 mg/mL papain, without compromising sperm motility, viability, acrosome integrity and sperm morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A Abdel-Ghani
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, AL-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assuit University, Assuit, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim M Ghoneim
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, AL-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Masashi Nagano
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Japan
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Rais Y, Drabovich AP. Identification and Quantification of Human Relaxin Proteins by Immunoaffinity-Mass Spectrometry. J Proteome Res 2024. [PMID: 38739617 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.4c00027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The human relaxins belong to the Insulin/IGF/Relaxin superfamily of peptide hormones, and their physiological function is primarily associated with reproduction. In this study, we focused on a prostate tissue-specific relaxin RLN1 (REL1_HUMAN protein) and a broader tissue specificity RLN2 (REL2_HUMAN protein). Due to their structural similarity, REL1 and REL2 proteins were collectively named a 'human relaxin protein' in previous studies and were exclusively measured by immunoassays. We hypothesized that the highly selective and sensitive immunoaffinity-selected reaction monitoring (IA-SRM) assays would reveal the identity and abundance of the endogenous REL1 and REL2 in biological samples and facilitate the evaluation of these proteins for diagnostic applications. High levels of RLN1 and RLN2 transcripts were found in prostate and breast cancer cell lines by RT-PCR. However, no endogenous prorelaxin-1 or mature REL1 were detected by IA-SRM in cell lines, seminal plasma, or blood serum. The IA-SRM assay of REL2 demonstrated its undetectable levels (<9.4 pg/mL) in healthy control female and male sera and relatively high levels of REL2 in maternal sera across different gestational weeks (median 331 pg/mL; N = 120). IA-SRM assays uncovered potential cross-reactivity and nonspecific binding for relaxin immunoassays. The developed IA-SRM assays will facilitate the investigation of the physiological and pathological roles of REL1 and REL2 proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmine Rais
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Andrei P Drabovich
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G3, Canada
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Taoto C, Tangsrisakda N, Thukhammee W, Phetcharaburanin J, Iamsaard S, Tanphaichitr N. Rats Orally Administered with Ethyl Alcohol for a Prolonged Time Show Histopathology of the Epididymis and Seminal Vesicle Together with Changes in the Luminal Metabolite Composition. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1010. [PMID: 38790972 PMCID: PMC11117629 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12051010] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Prolonged ethanol (EtOH) consumption is associated with male infertility, with a decreased spermatogenesis rate as one cause. The defective maturation and development of sperm during their storage in the cauda epididymis and transit in the seminal vesicle can be another cause, possibly occurring before the drastic spermatogenesis disruption. Herein, we demonstrated that the cauda epididymis and seminal vesicle of rats, orally administered with EtOH under a regimen in which spermatogenesis was still ongoing, showed histological damage, including lesions, a decreased height of the epithelial cells and increased collagen fibers in the muscle layer, which implicated fibrosis. Lipid peroxidation (shown by malondialdehyde (MDA) levels) was observed, indicating that reactive oxygen species (ROS) were produced along with acetaldehyde during EtOH metabolism by CYP2E1. MDA, acetaldehyde and other lipid peroxidation products could further damage cellular components of the cauda epididymis and seminal vesicle, and this was supported by increased apoptosis (shown by a TUNEL assay and caspase 9/caspase 3 expression) in these two tissues of EtOH-treated rats. Consequently, the functionality of the cauda epididymis and seminal vesicle in EtOH-treated rats was impaired, as demonstrated by a decreases in 1H NMR-analyzed metabolites (e.g., carnitine, fructose), which were important for sperm development, metabolism and survival in their lumen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chayakorn Taoto
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (C.T.); (N.T.)
| | - Nareelak Tangsrisakda
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (C.T.); (N.T.)
| | - Wipawee Thukhammee
- Research Institute for Human High Performance and Health Promotion, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand;
| | - Jutarop Phetcharaburanin
- Department of Systems Biosciences and Computational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand;
- Khon Kaen University Phenome Centre, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Sitthichai Iamsaard
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (C.T.); (N.T.)
- Research Institute for Human High Performance and Health Promotion, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand;
| | - Nongnuj Tanphaichitr
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1Y 8L6, Canada
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Fietz D, Sgaier R, O’Donnell L, Stanton PG, Dagley LF, Webb AI, Schuppe HC, Diemer T, Pilatz A. Proteomic biomarkers in seminal plasma as predictors of reproductive potential in azoospermic men. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1327800. [PMID: 38654926 PMCID: PMC11035875 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1327800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Azoospermia, characterized by an absence of sperm in the ejaculate, represents the most severe form of male infertility. While surgical sperm retrieval in obstructive azoospermia (OA) is successful in the majority of cases, patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) show retrieval rates of only about 50% and thus frequently have unnecessary surgery. Surgical intervention could be avoided if patients without preserved spermatogenesis are identified preoperatively. This prospective study aimed to discover biomarkers in seminal plasma that could be employed for a non-invasive differential diagnosis of OA/NOA in order to rationalize surgery recommendations and improve success rates. Methods All patients signed written informed consent, underwent comprehensive andrological evaluation, received human genetics to exclude relevant pathologies, and patients with azoospermia underwent surgical sperm retrieval. Using label-free LC-MS/MS, we compared the proteomes of seminal plasma samples from fertile men (healthy controls (HC), n=8) and infertile men diagnosed with 1) OA (n=7), 2) NOA with successful sperm retrieval (mixed testicular atrophy (MTA), n=8), and 3) NOA without sperm retrieval (Sertoli cell-only phenotype (SCO), n=7). Relative abundance changes of two candidate markers of sperm retrieval, HSPA2 and LDHC, were confirmed by Western Blot. Results We found the protein expression levels of 42 proteins to be significantly down-regulated (p ≤ 0.05) in seminal plasma from SCO NOA patients relative to HC whereas only one protein was down-regulated in seminal plasma from MTA patients. Analysis of tissue and cell expression suggested that the testis-specific proteins LDHC, PGK2, DPEP3, and germ-cell enriched heat-shock proteins HSPA2 and HSPA4L are promising biomarkers of spermatogenic function. Western blotting revealed a significantly lower abundance of LDHC and HSPA2 in the seminal plasma of men with NOA (SCO and MTA) compared to controls. Discussion The results indicate that certain testis-specific proteins when measured in seminal plasma, could serve as indicators of the presence of sperm in the testis and predict the success of sperm retrieval. Used in conjunction with conventional clinical assessments, these proteomic biomarkers may assist in the non-invasive diagnosis of idiopathic male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Fietz
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Raouda Sgaier
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Liza O’Donnell
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter G. Stanton
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Laura F. Dagley
- Advanced Technology and Biology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew I. Webb
- Advanced Technology and Biology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Hans-Christian Schuppe
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Thorsten Diemer
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Adrian Pilatz
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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Neto FTL, Viana MC, Cariati F, Conforti A, Alviggi C, Esteves SC. Effect of environmental factors on seminal microbiome and impact on sperm quality. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1348186. [PMID: 38455659 PMCID: PMC10918436 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1348186] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This review provides a comprehensive overview of the existing research on the seminal microbiome and its association with male infertility, while also highlighting areas that warrant further investigation. Methods A narrative review was conducted, encompassing all relevant studies published between 1980-2023 on the male reproductive tract microbiome in humans. This review considered studies utilizing culture-based, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based, and next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based methodologies to analyze the microbiome. Data extraction encompassed sample types (semen or testicular tissue), study designs, participant characteristics, employed techniques, and critical findings. Results We included 37 studies comprising 9,310 participants. Among these, 16 studies used culture-based methods, 16 utilized NGS, and five employed a combination of methods for microorganism identification. Notably, none of the studies assessed fungi or viruses. All NGS-based studies identified the presence of bacteria in all semen samples. Two notable characteristics of the seminal microbiome were observed: substantial variability in species composition among individuals and the formation of microbial communities with a dominant species. Studies examining the testicular microbiome revealed that the testicular compartment is not sterile. Interestingly, sexually active couples shared 56% of predominant genera, and among couples with positive cultures in both partners, 61% of them shared at least one genital pathogen. In couples with infertility of known causes, there was an overlap in bacterial composition between the seminal and vaginal microbiomes, featuring an increased prevalence of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus genera. Furthermore, the seminal microbiome had discernible effects on reproductive outcomes. However, bacteria in IVF culture media did not seem to impact pregnancy rates. Conclusion Existing literature underscores that various genera of bacteria colonize the male reproductive tract. These organisms do not exist independently; instead, they play a pivotal role in regulating functions and maintaining hemostasis. Future research should prioritize longitudinal and prospective studies and investigations into the influence of infertility causes and commonly prescribed medication to enhance our understanding of the seminal microbiota's role in reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marina C. Viana
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Federica Cariati
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Alessandro Conforti
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples, Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Alviggi
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Sandro C. Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Campinas, Brazil
- Department of Surgery (Division of Urology), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Serrano R, Martin-Hidalgo D, Bilbao J, Bernardo-Seisdedos G, Millet O, Garcia-Marin LJ, Bragado MJ. Quantitative Analysis of the Human Semen Phosphorometabolome by 31P-NMR. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1682. [PMID: 38338962 PMCID: PMC10855173 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031682] [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: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Phosphorus-containing metabolites occupy a prominent position in cell pathways. The phosphorometabolomic approach in human sperm samples will deliver valuable information as new male fertility biomarkers could emerge. This study analyzed, by 31P-NMR, seminal plasma and whole semen from asthenozoospermic and normozoospermic samples (71% vs. 27% and 45% vs. 17%, total and progressive sperm motility, respectively), and also ejaculates from healthy donors. At least 16 phosphorus-containing metabolites involved in central energy metabolism and phospholipid, nucleotide, and nicotinamide metabolic pathways were assigned and different abundances between the samples with distinct sperm quality was detected. Specifically, higher levels of phosphocholine, glucose-1-phosphate, and to a lesser degree, acetyl phosphate were found in the asthenozoospermic seminal plasma. Notably, the phosphorometabolites implicated in lipid metabolism were highlighted in the seminal plasma, while those associated with carbohydrate metabolism were more abundant in the spermatozoa. Higher levels of phosphocholine, glucose-1-phosphate, and acetyl phosphate in the seminal plasma with poor quality suggest their crucial role in supporting sperm motility through energy metabolic pathways. In the seminal plasma, phosphorometabolites related to lipid metabolism were prominent; however, spermatozoa metabolism is more dependent on carbohydrate-related energy pathways. Understanding the presence and function of sperm phosphorylated metabolites will enhance our knowledge of the metabolic profile of healthy human sperm, improving assessment and differential diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Serrano
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Research Institute INBIO G+C, University of Extremadura, 10003 Caceres, Spain; (R.S.); (D.M.-H.)
| | - David Martin-Hidalgo
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Research Institute INBIO G+C, University of Extremadura, 10003 Caceres, Spain; (R.S.); (D.M.-H.)
| | - Jon Bilbao
- Precision Medicine and Metabolism Laboratory, CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Spain; (J.B.); (G.B.-S.); (O.M.)
| | - Ganeko Bernardo-Seisdedos
- Precision Medicine and Metabolism Laboratory, CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Spain; (J.B.); (G.B.-S.); (O.M.)
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Deusto, 48007 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Oscar Millet
- Precision Medicine and Metabolism Laboratory, CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Spain; (J.B.); (G.B.-S.); (O.M.)
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis J. Garcia-Marin
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Research Institute INBIO G+C, University of Extremadura, 10003 Caceres, Spain; (R.S.); (D.M.-H.)
| | - Maria Julia Bragado
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Research Institute INBIO G+C, University of Extremadura, 10003 Caceres, Spain; (R.S.); (D.M.-H.)
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Xu Z, Xie Y, Wu C, Gu T, Zhang X, Yang J, Yang H, Zheng E, Huang S, Xu Z, Li Z, Cai G, Liu D, Hong L, Wu Z. The effects of boar seminal plasma extracellular vesicles on sperm fertility. Theriogenology 2024; 213:79-89. [PMID: 37816296 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.09.026] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are abundant in body fluid and are critical in cell interaction. Seminal plasma contains numerous EVs which affecting sperm function via transferring regulatory cargoes to the sperm. However, the mechanism of seminal plasma extracellular vesicles (SP-EVs) is still not clear. The present study aimed to isolate the boar SP-EVs and explore its potential function, then identify the key protein involved in SP-EVs and sperms interaction, and elucidate mechanism of SP-EVs protein on sperms. Here, we successfully isolated and concentrated boar SP-EVs, the SP-EVs showed a typical vesicle structure under transmission electron microscopy, most of their diameters range between 50 and 200 nm and express EVs biomarkers CD9 and CD63. We proved that SP-EVs could inhibit sperm acrosome reaction and in vitro fertility. Through a data-independent acquisition analysis of protein profiles of noncapacitated sperms, normal capacitated sperms and SP-EVs treated capacitated sperms, we identified that EZRIN was one of the active proteins that participated in SP-EVs and sperms interaction. Furthermore, we tested that the inhibition of EZRIN could promote boar sperm fertility, which is in consistence with the function of SP-EVs. The results may facilitate future research of SP-EVs on sperm function and male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqian Xu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, Henan, China
| | - Yanshe Xie
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Changhua Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Ting Gu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Xianwei Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Wens Foodstuff Group Co., Ltd., Yunfu, 527400, Guangdong, China
| | - Jie Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Huaqiang Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Enqin Zheng
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Sixiu Huang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Zheng Xu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Zicong Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Gengyuan Cai
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Dewu Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Linjun Hong
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China.
| | - Zhenfang Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Wens Foodstuff Group Co., Ltd., Yunfu, 527400, Guangdong, China.
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9
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Davies R, Minhas S, Jayasena CN. Next-Generation Sequencing to Elucidate the Semen Microbiome in Male Reproductive Disorders. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 60:25. [PMID: 38256286 PMCID: PMC10819355 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60010025] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Mean sperm counts are declining at an accelerated rate and infertility is increasingly becoming a public health concern. It is now understood that human semen, previously considered to be sterile, harbours its own specific microbiome. Via activated leucocytes and the generation of reactive oxygen species, bacteria have the capability of evoking an immune response which may lead to sperm damage. Men with infertility have higher rates of both reactive oxygen species and sperm DNA damage. Due to the lack of sensitivity of routine culture and PCR-based methods, next-generation sequencing technology is being employed to characterise the seminal microbiome. There is a mounting body of studies that share a number of similarities but also a great range of conflicting findings. A lack of stringent decontamination procedures, small sample sizes and heterogeneity in other aspects of methodology makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions from these studies. However, various themes have emerged and evidence of highly conserved clusters of common bacteria can be seen. Depletion or over-representation of specific bacteria may be associated with aberrations in traditional and functional seminal parameters. Currently, the evidence is too limited to inform clinical practice and larger studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhianna Davies
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0HS, UK;
| | - Suks Minhas
- Department of Urology, Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College NHS Trust, London W6 8RF, UK;
| | - Channa N. Jayasena
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0HS, UK;
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10
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Ghanami Gashti N, Sadighi Gilani MA, Kabodmehri R, Nikmahzar A, Salem M, Abbasi M. Evaluation of PGK2 and ACR proteins in seminal plasma: suggestion of potential new biomarkers for prediction of sperm retrieval in non-obstructive azoospermia patients. HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:1073-1079. [PMID: 35930251 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2022.2104136] [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: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the role of testis-specific proteins, PGK2 and ACR, in the prediction of sperm retrieval results by microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) in men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). This was a case-control study including 48 semen samples of NOA patients undergoing the micro-TESE procedure, 15 semen samples from normozoospermic men as the positive control, and 12 semen samples from obstructive azoospermia/post-vasectomy (OA/PV) as negative controls. We investigated the levels of PGK2 and ACR proteins by ELISA tests in seminal plasma samples. The ELISA results revealed a significantly higher concentration of PGK2 and ACR in the NOA patients with successful sperm retrieval (NOA+) in comparison to NOA patients with failed sperm retrieval (NOA-) group (p = 0.0001 in both cases). For the first time, the data from this study suggests that a seminal PGK2 concentration of 136.3 pg/ml and ACR concentration of 21.75 mIU/ml can be used as cut-off values for the prediction of micro-TESE outcomes in NOA patients. These findings may be useful to avoid unnecessary micro-TESE operations. Overall, the seminal levels of the PGK2 and ACR proteins may be useful in predicting sperm retrieval success by micro-TESE in NOA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasrin Ghanami Gashti
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Reproductive Health Research Center, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Al-Zahra Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Sadighi Gilani
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Urology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roya Kabodmehri
- Reproductive Health Research Center, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Al-Zahra Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Aghbibi Nikmahzar
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Salem
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Abbasi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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11
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Iamsaard S, Kietinun S, Sattayasai J, Bunluepuech K, Wu ATH, Choowong-In P. Prevention of seminal vesicle damage by Mucuna pruriens var. pruriens seed extract in chronic unpredictable mild stress mice. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2023; 61:89-99. [PMID: 36565036 PMCID: PMC9793912 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2022.2157018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Thai Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. pruriens (Fabaceae) or T-MP seed extract has been shown to improve sexual performance and sperm quality. OBJECTIVE This study investigates the preventive effects of T-MP against seminal vesicle damage, apoptotic and Nrf2 protein expression in mice under chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-eight male ICR mice were divided into four groups: control, CUMS, T-MP300 + CUMS and T-MP600 + CUMS. Mice in control and CUMS groups received distilled water, while those in treated groups were pretreated with T-MP extract (300 or 600 mg/kg BW) for 14 consecutive days. The CMUS and co-treated groups were exposed to one random stressor (of 12 total) each day for 43 days. Components and histopathology of the seminal vesicle were examined, along with localization of androgen receptor (AR) and caspase 3. Expression of seminal AR, tyrosine phosphorylated (TyrPho), heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), caspases (3 and 9) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) proteins was investigated. RESULTS T-MP extract at a dose of 600 mg/kg BW improved seminal epithelial damage and secretion of fluid containing essential substances and proteins in CUMS mice. It also increased the expression of AR and TyrPho proteins. Additionally, T-MP increased expression of Nrf2 and inhibited seminal vesicular apoptosis through the suppression of Hsp70 and caspase expression. CONCLUSION T-MP seeds have an antiapoptotic property in chronic stress seminal vesicle. It is possible to apply this extract for the enhancement of seminal plasma quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sitthichai Iamsaard
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
- Research Institute for Human High Performance and Health Promotion (HHP & HP), Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Somboon Kietinun
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Jintana Sattayasai
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Kingkan Bunluepuech
- Department of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Alexander Tsang-Hsien Wu
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- The PhD Program of Translational Medicine, College of Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Clinical Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pannawat Choowong-In
- Department of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Marijuana, Hemp, and Kratom, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
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12
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Walter J, Eludin Z, Drabovich AP. Redefining serological diagnostics with immunoaffinity proteomics. Clin Proteomics 2023; 20:42. [PMID: 37821808 PMCID: PMC10568870 DOI: 10.1186/s12014-023-09431-y] [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: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Serological diagnostics is generally defined as the detection of specific human immunoglobulins developed against viral, bacterial, or parasitic diseases. Serological tests facilitate the detection of past infections, evaluate immune status, and provide prognostic information. Serological assays were traditionally implemented as indirect immunoassays, and their design has not changed for decades. The advantages of straightforward setup and manufacturing, analytical sensitivity and specificity, affordability, and high-throughput measurements were accompanied by limitations such as semi-quantitative measurements, lack of universal reference standards, potential cross-reactivity, and challenges with multiplexing the complete panel of human immunoglobulin isotypes and subclasses. Redesign of conventional serological tests to include multiplex quantification of immunoglobulin isotypes and subclasses, utilize universal reference standards, and minimize cross-reactivity and non-specific binding will facilitate the development of assays with higher diagnostic specificity. Improved serological assays with higher diagnostic specificity will enable screenings of asymptomatic populations and may provide earlier detection of infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. In this review, we present the major clinical needs for serological diagnostics, overview conventional immunoassay detection techniques, present the emerging immunoassay detection technologies, and discuss in detail the advantages and limitations of mass spectrometry and immunoaffinity proteomics for serological diagnostics. Finally, we explore the design of novel immunoaffinity-proteomic assays to evaluate cell-mediated immunity and advance the sequencing of clinically relevant immunoglobulins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Walter
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 10-102 Clinical Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Zicki Eludin
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 10-102 Clinical Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Andrei P Drabovich
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 10-102 Clinical Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G3, Canada.
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13
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Correnti S, Preianò M, Fregola A, Gamboni F, Stephenson D, Savino R, D'Alessandro A, Terracciano R. Seminal plasma untargeted metabolomic and lipidomic profiling for the identification of a novel panel of biomarkers and therapeutic targets related to male infertility. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1275832. [PMID: 37829298 PMCID: PMC10565040 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1275832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility occurs approximately in about 50% of all infertility cases and represents a serious concern worldwide. Traditional semen analysis alone is insufficient to diagnose male infertility. Over the past two decades, advances in omics technologies have led to the widespread application of metabolomics profiling as a valuable diagnostic tool for various diseases and disorders. Seminal plasma represents a rich and easily accessible source of metabolites surrounding spermatozoa, a milieu that provides several indispensable nutrients to sustain sperm motility and fertilization. Changes of metabolic profiles in seminal plasma reflect male reproductive tract disorders. Here, we performed seminal plasma metabolomics and lipidomics profiling to identify a new pattern of biomarkers of male infertility. Seminal plasma samples from unfertile subjects (n = 31) and fertile controls (n = 19) were analyzed using an untargeted metabolomics/lipidomics integrated approach, based on Ultra-High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography-tandem Mass Spectrometry. Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis showed a distinct separation between healthy fertile men and infertile subjects. Among the 15 selected candidate biomarkers based on Variable Importance in Projection scores, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) (18:1; 18:1) resulted with the highest score. In total, 40 molecular species showed statistically significant variations between fertile and infertile men. Heat-map and volcano plot analysis indicated that acylcarnitines, phosphatidylserine (PS) (40:2) and lactate were decreased, while PE (18:1; 18:1), Phosphatidic acid (PA) (O-19:2; 18:1), Lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE) (O-16:1) and Phosphatidylcholine (PC) (O-16:2; 18:1)-CH3 were increased in the infertile group. The present study is the first one to analyze the metabolomics/lipidomics dysregulation in seminal plasma between fertile and infertile individuals regardless of sub-infertility condition. Association of several metabolites/lipids dysregulation with male infertility reinforced data of previous studies performed with different approaches. In particular, we confirmed significantly decreased levels of PS and carnitines in infertile patients as well as the positive correlation with sperm motility and morphology. If validated on a larger prospective cohort, the metabolite biomarkers of infertility in seminal plasma we identified in the present study might inform novel strategies for diagnosis and interventions to overcome male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Correnti
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | | | - Fabia Gamboni
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Daniel Stephenson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Rocco Savino
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Angelo D'Alessandro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Rosa Terracciano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
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14
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Ješeta M, Pospíšilová A, Mekiňová L, Franzová K, Ventruba P, Lousová E, Kempisty B, Oždian T, Žáková J, Crha I. Non-Invasive Diagnostics of Male Spermatogenesis from Seminal Plasma: Seminal Proteins. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2468. [PMID: 37568830 PMCID: PMC10417070 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13152468] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The compounds of seminal plasma have great potential as biomarkers of male fertility and can be used as a diagnostic tool for types of azoospermia. Azoospermia occurs in approximately 1% of the male population, and for an effective therapy of this form of male infertility, it is important to distinguish between obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia. Proteins in seminal plasma can serve as biomarkers for diagnosing azoospermia. Considering the various types of obstructions, a combination of multiple proteins is advisable for diagnostic purposes. In this context, testicular and epididymal proteins are particularly significant, as they are specific to these tissues and typically absent in ejaculate during most obstructions. A combination of multiple biomarkers is more effective than the analysis of a single protein. This group of markers contains TEX101 and ECM1 proteins, combined detections of these two bring a diagnostic output with a high sensitivity and specificity. Similar results were observed for combined detection of TEX101 and SPAG1. The effective using of specific biomarkers from seminal plasma can significantly improve the existing approaches to diagnosis of the causes of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Ješeta
- Center of Assisted Reproduction, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Masaryk University Brno and University Hospital Brno, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; (L.M.); (K.F.); (P.V.); (E.L.); (J.Ž.); (I.C.)
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, 16500 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Anna Pospíšilová
- Department of Animal Physiology & Immunology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 60200 Brno, Czech Republic;
| | - Lenka Mekiňová
- Center of Assisted Reproduction, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Masaryk University Brno and University Hospital Brno, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; (L.M.); (K.F.); (P.V.); (E.L.); (J.Ž.); (I.C.)
| | - Kateřina Franzová
- Center of Assisted Reproduction, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Masaryk University Brno and University Hospital Brno, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; (L.M.); (K.F.); (P.V.); (E.L.); (J.Ž.); (I.C.)
| | - Pavel Ventruba
- Center of Assisted Reproduction, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Masaryk University Brno and University Hospital Brno, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; (L.M.); (K.F.); (P.V.); (E.L.); (J.Ž.); (I.C.)
| | - Eva Lousová
- Center of Assisted Reproduction, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Masaryk University Brno and University Hospital Brno, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; (L.M.); (K.F.); (P.V.); (E.L.); (J.Ž.); (I.C.)
| | - Bartosz Kempisty
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland;
- Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Division of Anatomy, Wrocław Medical University, 50-368 Wrocław, Poland
- Physiology Graduate Faculty, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Tomáš Oždian
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, Hněvotínská 5, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic;
| | - Jana Žáková
- Center of Assisted Reproduction, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Masaryk University Brno and University Hospital Brno, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; (L.M.); (K.F.); (P.V.); (E.L.); (J.Ž.); (I.C.)
| | - Igor Crha
- Center of Assisted Reproduction, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Masaryk University Brno and University Hospital Brno, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; (L.M.); (K.F.); (P.V.); (E.L.); (J.Ž.); (I.C.)
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
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15
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Olesti E, Boccard J, Rahban R, Girel S, Moskaleva NE, Zufferey F, Rossier MF, Nef S, Rudaz S, González-Ruiz V. Low-polarity untargeted metabolomic profiling as a tool to gain insight into seminal fluid. Metabolomics 2023; 19:53. [PMID: 37271779 PMCID: PMC10239740 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-023-02020-y] [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: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A decrease in sperm cell count has been observed along the last several decades, especially in the most developed regions of the world. The use of metabolomics to study the composition of the seminal fluid is a promising approach to gain access to the molecular mechanisms underlying this fact. OBJECTIVES In the present work, we aimed at relating metabolomic profiles of young healthy men to their semen quality parameters obtained from conventional microscopic analysis. METHODS An untargeted metabolomics approach focusing on low- to mid-polarity compounds was used to analyze a subset of seminal fluid samples from a cohort of over 2700 young healthy men. RESULTS Our results show that a broad metabolic profiling comprising several families of compounds (including acyl-carnitines, steroids, and other lipids) can contribute to effectively distinguish samples provided by individuals exhibiting low or high absolute sperm counts. CONCLUSION A number of metabolites involved in sexual development and function, signaling, and energy metabolism were highlighted as being distinctive of samples coming from either group, proving untargeted metabolomics as a promising tool to better understand the pathophysiological processes responsible for male fertility impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eulalia Olesti
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Julien Boccard
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rita Rahban
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sergey Girel
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Natalia E Moskaleva
- Laboratory of Pharmacokinetics and Metabolomic Analysis, Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Fanny Zufferey
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland
- Service of Clinical Chemistry & Toxicology, Central Institute of Hospitals, Hospital of Valais, Sion, Switzerland
| | - Michel F Rossier
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland
- Service of Clinical Chemistry & Toxicology, Central Institute of Hospitals, Hospital of Valais, Sion, Switzerland
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Serge Nef
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Serge Rudaz
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Víctor González-Ruiz
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland
- Centro de Metabolómica y Bioanálisis (CEMBIO), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Madrid, Spain
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16
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Rodak K, Kratz EM. PUFAs and Their Derivatives as Emerging Players in Diagnostics and Treatment of Male Fertility Disorders. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16050723. [PMID: 37242506 DOI: 10.3390/ph16050723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
About 15% of couples worldwide are affected by infertility, with the male factor responsible for approximately 50% of reproductive failures. Male fertility can be influenced by various factors, including an unhealthy lifestyle and diet, often associated with oxidative stress. These changes are frequently the reason for spermatozoan dysfunction, malformations, and lowered count. However, sometimes even with proper semen parameters, fertilization does not occur, and this is referred to as idiopathic infertility. Of particular importance may be molecules contained in the spermatozoan membrane or seminal plasma, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, including omega-3 (docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids) and omega-6 (arachidonic acid) fatty acids and their derivatives (prostaglandins, leukotrienes, thromboxanes, endocannabinoids, isoprostanes), which are vulnerable to the effects of oxidative stress. In the present review, we discuss the influence of these molecules on human male reproductive health and its possible causes, including disrupted oxidative-antioxidative balance. The review also discusses the potential use of these molecules in the diagnostics and treatment of male infertility, with a particular focus on the innovative approach to isoprostanes as biomarkers for male infertility. Given the high occurrence of idiopathic male infertility, there is a need to explore new solutions for the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamil Rodak
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Division of Laboratory Diagnostics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska Street 211A, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Maria Kratz
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Division of Laboratory Diagnostics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska Street 211A, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
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17
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Li J, Yang F, Dong L, Chang D, Yu X. Seminal plasma biomarkers for predicting successful sperm retrieval in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia: a narrative review of human studies. Basic Clin Androl 2023; 33:9. [PMID: 37076787 PMCID: PMC10116801 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-023-00184-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is considered to be the most severe form of male infertility. Before the emergence of surgical testicular sperm extraction and assisted reproductive technology, NOA patients could hardly become biological fathers of their children. However, failure of the surgery could cause physical and psychological harm to patients such as testicular damage, pain, hopeless of fertility and additional cost. Therefore, predicting the successful sperm retrieval (SSR) is so important for NOA patients to make their choice whether to do the surgery or not. Because seminal plasma is secreted by the testes and accessory gonads, it can reflect the spermatogenic environment, making it a preferential choice for SSR valuation. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the available evidence and provide the reader with a broad overview of biomarkers in seminal plasma for SSR prediction. RESULTS A total of 15,390 studies were searched from PUBMED, EMBASE, CENTRAL and Web of Science, but only 6615 studies were evaluated after duplications were removed. The abstracts of 6513 articles were excluded because they were irrelevant to the topic. The full texts of 102 articles were obtained, with 21 of them being included in this review. The included studies range in quality from medium to high. In the included articles, surgical sperm extraction methods included conventional testicular sperm extraction (TESE) and microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE). Currently, the biomarkers in seminal plasma used to predict SSR are primarily RNAs, metabolites, AMH, inhibin B, leptin, survivin, clusterin, LGALS3BP, ESX1, TEX101, TNP1, DAZ, PRM1 and PRM2. CONCLUSION The evidence does not conclusively indicate that AMH and INHB in seminal plasma are valuable to predict the SSR. It is worth noting that RNAs, metabolites and other biomarkers in seminal plasma have shown great potential in predicting SSR. However, existing evidence is insufficient to provide clinicians with adequate decision support, and more prospective, large sample size, and multicenter trials are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjun Li
- Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, The Fifth People's Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611130, Chengdu, China
| | - Fang Yang
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 610072, Chengdu, China
| | - Liang Dong
- The Reproductive & Women-Children Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Degui Chang
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 610072, Chengdu, China
| | - Xujun Yu
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China.
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18
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Zhang J, Kanoatov M, Jarvi K, Gauthier-Fisher A, Moskovtsev SI, Librach C, Drabovich AP. Germ cell-specific proteins AKAP4 and ASPX facilitate identification of rare spermatozoa in non-obstructive azoospermia. Mol Cell Proteomics 2023; 22:100556. [PMID: 37087050 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2023.100556] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), the most severe form of male infertility, could be treated with intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection, providing spermatozoa were retrieved with the microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE). We hypothesized that testis- and germ cell-specific proteins would facilitate flow cytometry-assisted identification of rare spermatozoa in semen cell pellets of NOA patients, thus enabling non-invasive diagnostics prior to mTESE. Data mining, targeted proteomics, and immunofluorescent microscopy identified and verified a panel of highly testis-specific proteins expressed at the continuum of germ cell differentiation. Late germ cell-specific proteins AKAP4_HUMAN and ASPX_HUMAN (ACRV1 gene) revealed exclusive localization in spermatozoa tails and acrosomes, respectively. A multiplex imaging flow cytometry assay facilitated fast and unambiguous identification of rare but morphologically intact AKAP4+/ASPX+/Hoechst+ spermatozoa within debris-laden semen pellets of NOA patients. While the previously suggested markers for spermatozoa retrieval suffered from low diagnostic specificity, the multi-step gating strategy and visualization of AKAP4+/ASPX+/Hoechst+ cells with elongated tails and acrosome-capped nuclei facilitated fast and unambiguous identification of the mature intact spermatozoa. AKAP4+/ASPX+/Hoechst+ assay may emerge as a non-invasive test to predict retrieval of morphologically intact spermatozoa by mTESE, thus improving diagnostics and treatment of severe forms of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mirzo Kanoatov
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Keith Jarvi
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Sergey I Moskovtsev
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Clifford Librach
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrei P Drabovich
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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19
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Mass Spectrometry-Based Untargeted Approaches to Reveal Diagnostic Signatures of Male Infertility in Seminal Plasma: A New Laboratory Perspective for the Clinical Management of Infertility? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054429. [PMID: 36901856 PMCID: PMC10002484 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054429] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility has been recognized as a global health problem. Semen analysis, although considered the golden standard, may not provide a confident male infertility diagnosis alone. Hence, there is the urgent request for an innovative and reliable platform to detect biomarkers of infertility. The rapid expansion of mass spectrometry (MS) technology in the field of the 'omics' disciplines, has incredibly proved the great potential of MS-based diagnostic tests to revolutionize the future of pathology, microbiology and laboratory medicine. Despite the increasing success in the microbiology area, MS-biomarkers of male infertility currently remain a proteomic challenge. In order to address this issue, this review encompasses proteomics investigations by untargeted approaches with a special focus on experimental designs and strategies (bottom-up and top-down) for seminal fluid proteome profiling. The studies reported here witness the efforts of the scientific community to address these investigations aimed at the discovery of MS-biomarkers of male infertility. Proteomics untargeted approaches, depending on the study design, might provide a great plethora of biomarkers not only for a male infertility diagnosis, but also to address a new MS-biomarkers classification of infertility subtypes. From the early detection to the evaluation of infertility grade, new MS-derived biomarkers might also predict long-term outcomes and clinical management of infertility.
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20
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Pereira R, Sousa M. Morphological and Molecular Bases of Male Infertility: A Closer Look at Sperm Flagellum. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14020383. [PMID: 36833310 PMCID: PMC9956255 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a major health problem worldwide without an effective therapy or cure. It is estimated to affect 8-12% of couples in the reproductive age group, equally affecting both genders. There is no single cause of infertility, and its knowledge is still far from complete, with about 30% of infertile couples having no cause identified (named idiopathic infertility). Among male causes of infertility, asthenozoospermia (i.e., reduced sperm motility) is one of the most observed, being estimated that more than 20% of infertile men have this condition. In recent years, many researchers have focused on possible factors leading to asthenozoospermia, revealing the existence of many cellular and molecular players. So far, more than 4000 genes are thought to be involved in sperm production and as regulators of different aspects of sperm development, maturation, and function, and all can potentially cause male infertility if mutated. In this review, we aim to give a brief overview of the typical sperm flagellum morphology and compile some of the most relevant information regarding the genetic factors involved in male infertility, with a focus on sperm immotility and on genes related to sperm flagellum development, structure, or function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rute Pereira
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +35-1918-127-817
| | - Mário Sousa
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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21
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Yu K, Xiao K, Sun QQ, Liu RF, Huang LF, Zhang PF, Xu HY, Lu YQ, Fu Q. Comparative proteomic analysis of seminal plasma exosomes in buffalo with high and low sperm motility. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:8. [PMID: 36624393 PMCID: PMC9830767 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-09106-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exosomes are nanosized membranous vesicles secreted by various types of cells, which facilitate intercellular communication by transporting bioactive compounds. Exosomes are abundant in biological fluids including semen, and their protein composition and the potential of seminal plasma exosomes (SPEs) as fertility biomarkers were elucidated in humans, however, little information is available regarding buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Here, we examined protein correlation between spermatozoa, seminal plasma (SP), and SPEs, and we compared and analyzed protein differences between high-motility (H-motility) and low-motility (L-motility) SPEs in buffalo. RESULTS SPEs were concentrated and purified by ultracentrifugation combined with sucrose density gradient centrifugation, followed by verification using western blotting, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. Protein composition in spermatozoa, SP and SPEs, and protein difference in H- and L-motility SPEs were identified by LC-MS/MS proteomic analysis and were functionally analyzed through comprehensive bioinformatics. Many SPEs proteins originated from spermatozoa and SP, and nearly one third were also present in spermatozoa and SP. A series of proteins associated with reproductive processes including sperm capacitation, spermatid differentiation, fertilization, sperm-egg recognition, membrane fusion, and acrosome reaction were integrated in a functional network. Comparative proteomic analyses showed 119 down-regulated and 41 up-regulated proteins in L-motility SPEs, compared with H-motility SPEs. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) showed that most differential proteins were located in sperm and vesicles, with activities of hydrolase and metalloproteinase, and were involved in sperm-egg recognition, fertilization, single fertilization, and sperm-zona pellucida binding processes, etc. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed that differential proteins were mainly involved in the PPRP signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway, and cAMP signaling pathway, among others. Furthermore, 6 proteins associated with reproduction were validated by parallel reaction monitoring analysis. CONCLUSION This study provides a comprehensive description of the seminal plasma exosome proteome and may be of use for further screening of biomarkers associated with male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Yu
- grid.256609.e0000 0001 2254 5798State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China ,grid.256609.e0000 0001 2254 5798College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China
| | - Kai Xiao
- grid.256609.e0000 0001 2254 5798State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China ,grid.256609.e0000 0001 2254 5798College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China
| | - Qin-qiang Sun
- grid.256609.e0000 0001 2254 5798State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China ,grid.256609.e0000 0001 2254 5798College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China
| | - Run-feng Liu
- grid.256609.e0000 0001 2254 5798State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China ,grid.256609.e0000 0001 2254 5798College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China
| | - Liang-feng Huang
- grid.256609.e0000 0001 2254 5798State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China ,grid.256609.e0000 0001 2254 5798College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China
| | - Peng-fei Zhang
- grid.256609.e0000 0001 2254 5798State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China ,grid.256609.e0000 0001 2254 5798College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China
| | - Hui-yan Xu
- grid.256609.e0000 0001 2254 5798State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China ,grid.256609.e0000 0001 2254 5798College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China
| | - Yang-qing Lu
- grid.256609.e0000 0001 2254 5798State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China ,grid.256609.e0000 0001 2254 5798College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China
| | - Qiang Fu
- grid.256609.e0000 0001 2254 5798State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China
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22
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Zhao G, Zhao X, Bai J, Dilixiati A, Song Y, Haire A, Zhao S, Aihemaiti A, Fu X, Wusiman A. Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Changes Underlying the Effects of L-Citrulline Supplementation on Ram Semen Quality. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:217. [DOI: doi.org/10.3390/ani13020217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
This study examined the effects of L-Cit supplementation on ram semen quality through metabolomics and transcriptomics. A total of 16 rams were randomly categorized into two groups. The control group was fed a basic diet, whereas the experimental group received feed supplemented with 12 g/d of L-Cit. Semen and blood were collected from the rams on days 0 and 72 to measure sugar, pyruvate, amino acid, and nontargeted metabolite contents. Additionally, hypothalamic and testicular tissues were collected for a transcriptomic analysis. We found 27 differential metabolites between the control and experimental groups, of which 21 were downregulated (p < 0.05) and 6 were upregulated (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, xylose and pyruvate contents in seminal plasma increased by 43.86% and 162.71%, respectively (p < 0.01). Additionally, the levels of 11 amino acids showed a significant increase in seminal plasma (p < 0.01). Furthermore, 961 and 715 differentially expressed genes were detected in the hypothalamic and testicular tissues, respectively. The pathways of significant enrichment in the hypothalamus and testes were protein digestion, absorption, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and amino as well as nucleotide sugar metabolisms. In the present study, L-Cit improved protein synthesis and blood metabolism, consequently increasing the contents of most amino acids in ram seminal plasma. Specifically, the hypothalamus controlled the expression of glycolysis/gluconeogenesis-related genes in the testes through its metabolites released into the serum, thereby providing energy for sperm production, which led to a decrease in the sugar content of seminal plasma.
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23
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Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Changes Underlying the Effects of L-Citrulline Supplementation on Ram Semen Quality. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13020217. [PMID: 36670757 PMCID: PMC9855076 DOI: 10.3390/ani13020217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examined the effects of L-Cit supplementation on ram semen quality through metabolomics and transcriptomics. A total of 16 rams were randomly categorized into two groups. The control group was fed a basic diet, whereas the experimental group received feed supplemented with 12 g/d of L-Cit. Semen and blood were collected from the rams on days 0 and 72 to measure sugar, pyruvate, amino acid, and nontargeted metabolite contents. Additionally, hypothalamic and testicular tissues were collected for a transcriptomic analysis. We found 27 differential metabolites between the control and experimental groups, of which 21 were downregulated (p < 0.05) and 6 were upregulated (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, xylose and pyruvate contents in seminal plasma increased by 43.86% and 162.71%, respectively (p < 0.01). Additionally, the levels of 11 amino acids showed a significant increase in seminal plasma (p < 0.01). Furthermore, 961 and 715 differentially expressed genes were detected in the hypothalamic and testicular tissues, respectively. The pathways of significant enrichment in the hypothalamus and testes were protein digestion, absorption, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and amino as well as nucleotide sugar metabolisms. In the present study, L-Cit improved protein synthesis and blood metabolism, consequently increasing the contents of most amino acids in ram seminal plasma. Specifically, the hypothalamus controlled the expression of glycolysis/gluconeogenesis-related genes in the testes through its metabolites released into the serum, thereby providing energy for sperm production, which led to a decrease in the sugar content of seminal plasma.
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24
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Rusevski A, Plaseska-Karanfilska D, Davalieva K. Proteomics of azoospermia: Towards the discovery of reliable markers for non-invasive diagnosis. Proteomics Clin Appl 2023; 17:e2200060. [PMID: 36177695 DOI: 10.1002/prca.202200060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Azoospermia, as the most severe form of male infertility, no longer indicates sterility due to modern medical advancements. The current diagnostic procedure based on testicular biopsy has several drawbacks which urges the development of novel, non-invasive diagnostic procedures based on biomarkers. In the last two decades, there have been many proteomics studies investigating potential azoospermia biomarkers. In this review, we aimed to provide a critical evaluation of these studies. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Published articles were gathered by systematic literature search using Pubmed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases until March 2022 and were further preselected to include only studies on human samples. RESULTS A detailed review of these studies encompassed the proteomics platforms, sources of material, proposed candidate biomarkers, and their potential diagnostic specificity and sensitivity. In addition, emphasis was put on the top, most identified and validated biomarker candidates and their potential for discriminating azoospermia types and subtypes as well as predicting sperm retrieval success rate. CONCLUSIONS Proteomics research of azoospermia has laid the groundwork for the development of a more streamlined biomarker testing. The future research should be focused on well-designed studies including samples from all types/subtypes as well as further testing of the most promising biomarkers identified so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar Rusevski
- Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology "Georgi D Efremov", Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Dijana Plaseska-Karanfilska
- Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology "Georgi D Efremov", Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Katarina Davalieva
- Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology "Georgi D Efremov", Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Skopje, North Macedonia
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25
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Revealing the Hidden Diagnostic Clues of Male Infertility from Human Seminal Plasma by Dispersive Solid Phase Extraction and MALDI-TOF MS. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810786. [PMID: 36142695 PMCID: PMC9506103 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810786] [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: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Seminal plasma (SP) mirrors the local pathophysiology of the male reproductive system and represents a non-invasive fluid for the study of infertility. Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) provides a high-throughput platform to rapidly extrapolate the diagnostic profiles of information-rich patterns. In this study, dispersive solid phase extraction (d-SPE) combined with MALDI-TOF-MS was applied for the first time to the human SP, with the aim of revealing a diagnostic signature for male infertility. Commercially available octadecyl (C18)-, octyl (C8)-bonded silica sorbents and hexagonal mesoporous silica (HMS) were tested and the robustness of MALDI-TOF peptide profiling was evaluated. Best performances were obtained for C18-bonded silica with the highest detection of peaks and the lowest variation of spectral features. To assess the diagnostic potential of the method, C18-bonded silica d-SPE and MALDI-TOF-MS were used to generate enriched endogenous peptide profiles of SP from 15 fertile and 15 non-fertile donors. Principal component analysis (PCA) successfully separated fertile from non-fertile men into two different clusters. An array of seven semenogelin-derived peptides was found to distinguish the two groups, with high statistical significance. These findings, while providing a rapid and convenient route to selectively enrich native components of SP peptidome, strongly reinforce the prominent role of semenogelins in male infertility.
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26
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Fu Z, Rais Y, Dara D, Jackson D, Drabovich AP. Rational Design and Development of SARS-CoV-2 Serological Diagnostics by Immunoprecipitation-Targeted Proteomics. Anal Chem 2022; 94:12990-12999. [PMID: 36095284 PMCID: PMC9523617 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c01325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Current design of serological tests utilizes conservative
immunoassay
approaches and is focused on fast and convenient assay development,
throughput, straightforward measurements, and affordability. Limitations
of common serological assays include semiquantitative measurements,
cross-reactivity, lack of reference standards, and no differentiation
between human immunoglobulin subclasses. In this study, we suggested
that a combination of immunoaffinity enrichments with targeted proteomics
would enable rational design and development of serological assays
of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19. Immunoprecipitation-targeted
proteomic assays allowed for sensitive and specific measurements of
NCAP_SARS2 protein with a limit of detection of 313 pg/mL in serum
and enabled differential quantification of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody
isotypes (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, and IgE) and individual subclasses (IgG1-4
and IgA1-2) in plasma and saliva. Simultaneous evaluation of the numerous
antigen–antibody subclass combinations revealed a receptor-binding
domain (RBD)-IgG1 as a combination with the highest diagnostic performance.
Further validation revealed that anti-RBD IgG1, IgG3, IgM, and IgA1
levels were significantly elevated in convalescent plasma, while IgG2,
IgG4, and IgA2 were not informative. Anti-RBD IgG1 levels in convalescent
(2138 ng/mL) vs negative (95 ng/mL) plasma revealed 385 ng/mL as a
cutoff to detect COVID-19 convalescent plasma. Immunoprecipitation-targeted
proteomic assays will facilitate improvement and standardization of
the existing serological tests, enable rational design of novel tests,
and offer tools for the comprehensive investigation of immunoglobulin
subclass cooperation in immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Fu
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Yasmine Rais
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Delaram Dara
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Dana Jackson
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Andrei P Drabovich
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
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27
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Extend the Survival of Human Sperm In Vitro in Non-Freezing Conditions: Damage Mechanisms, Preservation Technologies, and Clinical Applications. Cells 2022; 11:cells11182845. [PMID: 36139420 PMCID: PMC9496714 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Preservation of human spermatozoa in vitro at normothermia or hypothermia maintaining their functions and fertility for several days plays a significant role in reproductive biology and medicine. However, it is well known that human spermatozoa left in vitro deteriorate over time irreversibly as the consequence of various stresses such as the change of osmolarity, energy deficiency, and oxidative damage, leading to substantial limitations including the need for semen examinations, fertility preservation, and assisted reproductive technology. These problems may be addressed with the aid of non-freezing storage techniques. The main and most effective preservation strategies are the partial or total replacement of seminal plasma with culture medium, named as extenders, and temperature-induced metabolic restriction. Semen extenders consist of buffers, osmolytes, and antioxidants, etc. to protect spermatozoa against the above-mentioned adverse factors. Extended preservation of human spermatozoa in vitro has a negative effect on sperm parameters, whereas its effect on ART outcomes remains inconsistent. The storage duration, temperature, and pre-treatment of semen should be determined according to the aims of preservation. Advanced techniques such as nanotechnology and omics have been introduced and show great potential in the lifespan extension of human sperm. It is certain that more patients will benefit from it in the near future. This review provided an overview of the current knowledge and prospects of prolonged non-freezing storage of human sperm in vitro.
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28
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Xu S, Wu Y, Chen Y, Lu W, Wang YX, Gao B, Zhang J. Environmental metal exposure, seminal plasma metabolome and semen quality: Evidence from Chinese reproductive-aged men. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 838:155860. [PMID: 35595136 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Environmental metal exposure has been associated with decreasing semen quality, but the effects of multiple metal exposure on seminal plasma metabolome remain obscure. In this study, semen and repeated urine samples from 551 volunteers were collected in Wuhan City. Heavy metals and trace elements were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer, and seminal plasma metabolomes were acquired using liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis showed more than half of the seminal plasma metals were associated with specific metabolite modules, whereas only a few urine metals presented weak associations, indicating that seminal plasma may be an ideal biological sample for male reproductive biomarker discovery and exposure risk assessment. Seminal plasma zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) concentrations were significantly associated with 22 metabolites (e.g., glycerophospholipids, acyl-carnitines and amino acid derivatives). Among these metabolites, acyl-carnitines were positively associated with semen quality and sperm concentration. Moreover, acyl-carnitines were associated with both Zn and Se exposure, indicating the potential role of carnitine pathway in their toxicity mechanism. Our findings suggest that seminal plasma metabolome connects Zn and Se exposure and sperm concentrations in Chinese men of reproductive age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yaru Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yujie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Wenqing Lu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yi-Xin Wang
- Departments of Nutrition, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Biling Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
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29
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Plata-Peña L, López-Rodrigo O, Bassas L, Larriba S. Experimental validation of seminal miR-31-5p as biomarker for azoospermia and evaluation of the effect of preanalytical variables. Andrology 2022; 11:668-676. [PMID: 36057114 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Predicting the origin of azoospermia with non-invasive biomarkers is clinically relevant for determining the chance of successful sperm retrieval from the testes before attempting ART. Here, the semen small extracellular vesicle (sEV) microRNA (miRNA) miR-31-5p-based biomarker test to distinguish obstructive (OA) from secretory azoospermia (SA) (previously described by our group) is validated for clinical use and additionally sample source [seminal sEVs vs total seminal plasma (SP)] as a preanalytical variable is considered to optimize the procedure. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Our results provide evidence that altered miR-31-5p expression can be determined both from EVs and from the whole SP to discriminate OA from SA azoospermic samples. Not only have we validated this miRNA-based molecular model as a clinically useful test for predicting the origin of azoospermia in a sample from azoospermic individuals, but additionally, and more interestingly for the clinicians, we have evidenced its usefulness for predicting the presence of spermatogenic failure in azoospermic patients with FSH values <10 IU/L as a sensitive and specific biomarker (AUC>0.88; p-value<0.006). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Plata-Peña
- Human Molecular Genetics Group-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olga López-Rodrigo
- Laboratory of Seminology and Embryology, Andrology Service-Fundació Puigvert, Barcelona, 08025, Spain
| | - Lluís Bassas
- Laboratory of Seminology and Embryology, Andrology Service-Fundació Puigvert, Barcelona, 08025, Spain
| | - Sara Larriba
- Human Molecular Genetics Group-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
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Ribeiro JC, Nogueira-Ferreira R, Amado F, Alves MG, Ferreira R, Oliveira PF. Exploring the Role of Oxidative Stress in Sperm Motility: A Proteomic Network Approach. Antioxid Redox Signal 2022; 37:501-520. [PMID: 34847748 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2021.0241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Significance: Infertility is a major global health problem, with nearly half of the cases being associated with male factors. Although reactive oxygen species (ROS) are crucial for sperm cell normal physiological processes, an imbalance between ROS production and antioxidants can lead to oxidative stress that can impair sperm function. Indeed, high semen ROS levels are reported in 30%-80% of infertile men. Recent Advances: Male oxidative stress infertility is an uprising classification for idiopathic infertility. Proteomic approaches, including quantitative mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics, are being utilized to explore the molecular mechanisms associated with oxidative stress in male infertility. Critical Issues: In this review, proteome data were collected from articles available on PubMed centered on MS-based proteomic studies, performed in seminal plasma and sperm cell samples, and enrolling men with impaired semen parameters. The bioinformatic analysis of proteome data with Cytoscape (ClueGO+CluePedia) and STRING tools allowed the identification of the biological processes more prevalent in asthenozoospermia, with focus on the ones related to oxidative stress. Future Directions: The identification of the antioxidant proteins in seminal plasma and sperm cells that can protect sperm cells from oxidative stress is crucial not only for a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms associated with male infertility but specially to guide new therapeutic possibilities. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 37, 501-520.
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Affiliation(s)
- João C Ribeiro
- Department of Anatomy and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,QOPNA & LAQV, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Rita Nogueira-Ferreira
- Department of Anatomy and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Francisco Amado
- QOPNA & LAQV, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- Department of Anatomy and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita Ferreira
- QOPNA & LAQV, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- QOPNA & LAQV, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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Marić T, Wójcik I, Katušić Bojanac A, Matijević A, Ceppi M, Bruzzone M, Evgeni E, Petrović T, Trbojević-Akmačić I, Lauc G, Ježek D, Fučić A. Seminal plasma N-glycome as a new biomarker of environmental exposure associated with semen quality. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 113:96-102. [PMID: 35961531 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Male infertility, a condition that has during the last decade raised significant concern, is a diagnostically demanding and socially sensitive topic. The number of unsolved issues on infertility etiology, especially potential environmental causes, in couples demonstrates the need for further investigations into infertility biomarkers. Semen parameters are often insufficient for reliable profiling of male infertility. Thus, this study aims to evaluate for the first time seminal plasma N-glycosylation as a biomarker of environmental exposure in semen samples from 82 normozoospermic men and 84 men with abnormal semen parameters and compare it with genome damage measured by DNA fragmentation. We obtained information about chronic exposure to environmental factors from the self-reported questionnaire, and determined sperm DNA fragmentation by sperm chromatin dispersion, while N-glycans were characterized with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Based on previously published results, ten N-glycans were selected. Results show that the selected seminal plasma N-glycans were significantly associated with smoking, exposure to pesticides, air pollution, agents emitted during photocopying, alcohol consumption, and obesity. Some N-glycans showed a simultaneous association with DNA fragmentation, semen parameters, and environmental stressors. These subgroups of N-glycans are new potential candidates for biomonitoring of exposure to different environmental factors in men with semen abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Marić
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - I Wójcik
- Genos Glycoscience Research Laboratory, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - A Katušić Bojanac
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - A Matijević
- University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - M Ceppi
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16 132 Genova, Italy
| | - M Bruzzone
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16 132 Genova, Italy
| | - E Evgeni
- Cryogonia Cryopreservation Bank, 11 526 Athens, Greece
| | - T Petrović
- Genos Glycoscience Research Laboratory, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - G Lauc
- Genos Glycoscience Research Laboratory, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - D Ježek
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - A Fučić
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Davalieva K, Rusevski A, Velkov M, Noveski P, Kubelka-Sabit K, Filipovski V, Plaseski T, Dimovski A, Plaseska-Karanfilska D. Comparative proteomics analysis of human FFPE testicular tissues reveals new candidate biomarkers for distinction among azoospermia types and subtypes. J Proteomics 2022; 267:104686. [PMID: 35914715 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2022.104686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Understanding molecular mechanisms that underpin azoospermia and discovery of biomarkers that could enable reliable, non-invasive diagnosis is highly needed. Using label-free data-independent LC-MS/MS acquisition coupled with ion mobility, we compared the FFPE testicular proteome of patients with obstructive (OA) and non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) subtypes hypospermatogenesis (Hyp) and Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCO). Out of 2044 proteins identified based on ≥2 peptides, 61 proteins had the power to quantitatively discriminate OA from NOA and 30 to quantitatively discriminate SCO from Hyp and OA. Among these, H1-6, RANBP1 and TKTL2 showed superior potential for quantitative discrimination among OA, Hyp and SCO. Integrin signaling pathway, adherens junction, planar cell polarity/convergent extension pathway and Dectin-1 mediated noncanonical NF-kB signaling were significantly associated with the proteins that could discriminate OA from NOA. Comparison with 2 transcriptome datasets revealed 278 and 55 co-differentially expressed proteins/genes with statistically significant positive correlation. Gene expression analysis by qPCR of 6 genes (H1-6, RANBP1, TKTL2, TKTL1, H2BC1, and ACTL7B) with the highest discriminatory power on protein level and the same regulation trend with transcriptomic datasets, confirmed proteomics results. In summary, our results suggest some underlying pathways in azoospermia and broaden the range of potential novel candidates for diagnosis. SIGNIFICANCE: Using a comparative proteomics approach on testicular tissue we have identified several pathways associated with azoospermia and a number of testis-specific and germ cell-specific proteins that have the potential to pinpoint the type of spermatogenesis failure. Furthermore, comparison with transcriptomics datasets based on genome-wide gene expression analyses of human testis specimens from azoospermia patients identified proteins that could discriminate between obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia subtypes on both protein and mRNA levels. Up to our knowledge, this is the first integrated comparative analysis of proteomics and transcriptomics data from testicular tissues. We believe that the data from our study contributes significantly to increase the knowledge of molecular mechanisms of azoospermia and pave the way for new investigations in regards to non-invasive diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Davalieva
- Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology "Georgi D Efremov", Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia, Macedonia.
| | - Aleksandar Rusevski
- Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology "Georgi D Efremov", Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia, Macedonia
| | - Milan Velkov
- Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology "Georgi D Efremov", Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia, Macedonia
| | - Predrag Noveski
- Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology "Georgi D Efremov", Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia, Macedonia
| | - Katerina Kubelka-Sabit
- Laboratory for Histopathology, Clinical Hospital "Sistina", 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia, Macedonia
| | - Vanja Filipovski
- Laboratory for Histopathology, Clinical Hospital "Sistina", 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia, Macedonia
| | - Toso Plaseski
- Faculty of Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolic Disorders Clinic, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia, Macedonia
| | - Aleksandar Dimovski
- Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology "Georgi D Efremov", Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia, Macedonia; Faculty of Pharmacy, University "St. Cyril and Methodius", 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia, Macedonia
| | - Dijana Plaseska-Karanfilska
- Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology "Georgi D Efremov", Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia, Macedonia.
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Turunen T, Magris M, Malinen M, Kekäläinen J. Seminal-Plasma-Mediated Effects on Sperm Performance in Humans. Cells 2022; 11:cells11142147. [PMID: 35883590 PMCID: PMC9322865 DOI: 10.3390/cells11142147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Seminal plasma (SP) plays a crucial role in reproduction and contains a large number of proteins, many of which may potentially modify sperm functionality. To evaluate the effects of SP identity and its protein composition on human sperm function, we treated the sperm of several males with either their own or multiple foreign SPs in all possible sperm–SP combinations (full-factorial design). Then we recorded sperm motility and viability in these combinations and investigated whether the sperm performance is dependent on sperm and SP identity (or their interaction). Finally, we studied whether the above-mentioned sperm traits are affected by the abundance of three SP proteins, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4), neutral endopeptidase (NEP), and aminopeptidase N (APN). The identity of the SP donor affected sperm swimming velocity, viability, and the proportion of hyperactivated sperm, but males’ own SP was not consistently more beneficial for sperm than foreign SPs. Furthermore, we show that sperm performance is also partly affected by the interaction between sperm and SP donor. Finally, we found that DPP4 and NEP levels in SP were positively associated with sperm swimming velocity and hyperactivation. Taken together, our results highlight the importance of seminal plasma as a potential source of biomarkers for diagnostics and therapeutic interventions for male-derived infertility.
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Kashiwagi E, Shiota M, Naganuma H, Monji K, Imada K, Lee K, Matsumoto T, Takeuchi A, Inokuchi J, Eto M. Testosterone level in seminal vesicle fluid is a better indicator of erectile function than serum testosterone in patients with prostate cancer. Int J Urol 2022; 29:1155-1162. [PMID: 35717139 DOI: 10.1111/iju.14953] [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: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Semen comprises prostatic fluid and seminal vesicle fluid, and seminal vesicle fluid contains various factors such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), zinc, and testosterone, which play important roles in sperm motility. It is not known whether these factors affect erectile function. In this study, we investigated factors in seminal vesicle fluid that may affect erectile function. METHODS After receiving institutional review board approval, we collected seminal vesicle fluid samples from 134 Japanese patients with localized prostate cancer who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. We examined the relationship between the results of the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM), erection hardness score, an original questionnaire on the presence or absence of sexual desire, and concentrations of several factors in seminal vesicle fluid (testosterone, PGE2, transforming growth factor β1, and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine), as well as the serum testosterone level. RESULTS Median participant age was 67 (range 51-77) years. Median concentrations were as follows: seminal vesicle testosterone 1.85 (range 0.17-4.32) ng/ml and serum testosterone 4.60 (range 1.75-10.82) ng/ml. When the SHIM score was divided into two groups, seminal vesicle testosterone concentration was significantly increased (p = 0.002) in participants with a SHIM score ≥17, and no significant difference was observed in serum testosterone levels (p = 0.661). Multivariate analysis revealed that seminal vesicle testosterone was significantly correlated with the SHIM score (≥17 vs. <17; odds ratio 2.137, 95% confidence interval 1.148-3.978, p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS Testosterone levels in seminal vesicle fluid can reflect erectile function in patients with prostate cancer, suggesting that seminal vesicle testosterone is very important for male erectile function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiji Kashiwagi
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masaki Shiota
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Naganuma
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Keisuke Monji
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kenjiro Imada
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Ken Lee
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takashi Matsumoto
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Ario Takeuchi
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Junichi Inokuchi
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Eto
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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Barrachina F, Battistone MA, Castillo J, Mallofré C, Jodar M, Breton S, Oliva R. Sperm acquire epididymis-derived proteins through epididymosomes. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:651-668. [PMID: 35137089 PMCID: PMC8971652 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are epididymosomes implicated in protein transfer from the epididymis to spermatozoa? SUMMARY ANSWER We characterized the contribution of epididymal secretions to the sperm proteome and demonstrated that sperm acquire epididymal proteins through epididymosomes. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Testicular sperm are immature cells unable to fertilize an oocyte. After leaving the testis, sperm transit along the epididymis to acquire motility and fertilizing abilities. It is well known that marked changes in the sperm proteome profile occur during epididymal maturation. Since the sperm is a transcriptional and translational inert cell, previous studies have shown that sperm incorporate proteins, RNA and lipids from extracellular vesicles (EVs), released by epithelial cells lining the male reproductive tract. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We examined the contribution of the epididymis to the post-testicular maturation of spermatozoa, via the production of EVs named epididymosomes, released by epididymal epithelial cells. An integrative analysis using both human and mouse data was performed to identify sperm proteins with a potential epididymis-derived origin. Testes and epididymides from adult humans (n = 9) and adult mice (n = 3) were used to experimentally validate the tissue localization of four selected proteins using high-resolution confocal microscopy. Mouse epididymal sperm were co-incubated with carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE)-labeled epididymosomes (n = 4 mice), and visualized using high-resolution confocal microscopy. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Adult (12-week-old) C57BL/CBAF1 wild-type male mice and adult humans were used for validation purposes. Testes and epididymides from both mice and humans were obtained and processed for immunofluorescence. Mouse epididymal sperm and mouse epididymosomes were obtained from the epididymal cauda segment. Fluorescent epididymosomes were obtained after labeling the epididymal vesicles with CFSE dye followed by epididymosome isolation using a density cushion. Immunofluorescence was performed following co-incubation of sperm with epididymosomes in vitro. High-resolution confocal microscopy and 3D image reconstruction were used to visualize protein localization and sperm-epididymosomes interactions. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Through in silico analysis, we first identified 25 sperm proteins with a putative epididymal origin that were conserved in both human and mouse spermatozoa. From those, the epididymal origin of four sperm proteins (SLC27A2, EDDM3B, KRT19 and WFDC8) was validated by high-resolution confocal microscopy. SLC27A2, EDDM3B, KRT19 and WFDC8 were all detected in epithelial cells lining the human and mouse epididymis, and absent from human and mouse seminiferous tubules. We found region-specific expression patterns of these proteins throughout the mouse epididymides. In addition, while EDDM3B, KRT19 and WFDC8 were detected in both epididymal principal and clear cells (CCs), SLC27A2 was exclusively expressed in CCs. Finally, we showed that CFSE-fluorescently labeled epididymosomes interact with sperm in vitro and about 12-36% of the epididymosomes contain the targeted sperm proteins with an epididymal origin. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The human and mouse sample size was limited and our results were descriptive. The analyses of epididymal sperm and epididymosomes were solely performed in the mouse model due to the difficulties in obtaining epididymal luminal fluid human samples. Alternatively, human ejaculated sperm and seminal EVs could not be used because ejaculated sperm have already contacted with the fluids secreted by the male accessory sex glands, and seminal EVs contain other EVs in addition to epididymosomes, such as the abundant prostate-derived EVs. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings indicate that epididymosomes are capable of providing spermatozoa with a new set of epididymis-derived proteins that could modulate the sperm proteome and, subsequently, participate in the post-testicular maturation of sperm cells. Additionally, our data provide further evidence of the novel role of epididymal CCs in epididymosome production. Identifying mechanisms by which sperm mature to acquire their fertilization potential would, ultimately, lead to a better understanding of male reproductive health and may help to identify potential therapeutic strategies to improve male infertility. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (Ministerio de Economía y Competividad; fondos FEDER 'una manera de hacer Europa' PI13/00699 and PI16/00346 to R.O.; and Sara Borrell Postdoctoral Fellowship, Acción Estratégica en Salud, CD17/00109 to J.C.), by National Institutes of Health (grants HD040793 and HD069623 to S.B., grant HD104672-01 to M.A.B.), by the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports (Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte para la Formación de Profesorado Universitario, FPU15/02306 to F.B.), by a Lalor Foundation Fellowship (to F.B. and M.A.B.), by the Government of Catalonia (Generalitat de Catalunya, pla estratègic de recerca i innovació en salut, PERIS 2016-2020, SLT002/16/00337 to M.J.), by Fundació Universitària Agustí Pedro i Pons (to F.B.), and by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PROLAB Award from ASBMB/IUBMB/PABMB to F.B.). Confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy was performed in the Microscopy Core facility of the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Center for Systems Biology/Program in Membrane Biology which receives support from Boston Area Diabetes and Endocrinology Research Center (BADERC) award DK57521 and Center for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Disease grant DK43351. The Zeiss LSM800 microscope was acquired using an NIH Shared Instrumentation Grant S10-OD-021577-01. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Barrachina
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M A Battistone
- Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - J Castillo
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - C Mallofré
- Department of Pathology, Universitat de Barcelona, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Jodar
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Breton
- Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - R Oliva
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
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Overview of seminal fluid biomarkers for the evaluation of chronic prostatitis: a scoping review. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 2022; 25:627-640. [PMID: 34845305 DOI: 10.1038/s41391-021-00472-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a very common and difficult condition to evaluate, as it is a clinical diagnosis, without a measurable diagnostic "gold standard". The aim of this scoping review is to synthesize all the available data for seminal fluid biomarkers used to assess patients with CP/CPPS. METHODS A systematic search to identify all relevant publications was conducted on October 22, 2020 across five databases: Ovid Medline, Ovid EMBASE, PubMed, CCRT, and the CINAHL. Two independent authors screened all articles and extracted relevant data. RESULTS A total of 27 articles met the eligibility criteria. A majority of studies were case-control (15), with 6 observational cohorts and 6 comparative interventional studies. The total number of pooled patients included 585 patients with CP/CPPS (unspecified subtype), 371 patients with inflammatory CP/CPPS, 387 patients with non-inflammatory CP/CPPS, 354 patients with chronic bacterial prostatitis, and 432 healthy controls. Inflammatory seminal biomarkers were the most frequently studied, with IL6, IL8, TNFα and IL1β being the most promising candidates. CONCLUSIONS There are a number of very promising seminal biomarkers to help categorize and monitor therapies in CP/CPPS. Large multicentre studies using a shared protocol for measuring seminal biomarkers with the primary intention of biomarker validation are needed prior to clinical implementation. Identification of biomarker(s) will facilitate the etiological categorization of patients with chronic prostatitis and provide an objective framework to tailor specific therapies according to the biomarker family.
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Dai Y, Kong X, Yao C, Xiong C, Li Z, Li H. Multi-stage screening cell-free seminal mRNAs to diagnose completion of meiosis and predict testicular sperm retrieval in men with non-obstructive azoospermia. Andrology 2022; 10:749-757. [PMID: 35266640 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13173] [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: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differential diagnosis of men with subtypes of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is important for their treatment. Many genes are transcripted during meiosis. We hypothesized that some of these genes can be detected in cell-free seminal mRNAs (cfs-mRNA) and be developed as non-invasive biomarkers for diagnosing NOA subtypes. OBJECTIVE To screen cfs-mRNA to diagnose the completion of meiosis and predict successful sperm retrieval (SR) in men with NOA. MATERIALS AND METHODS NOA patients who visited our institutes from September 2018 to December 2020 for testicular histopathological diagnosis (n = 109) or testicular SR (n = 92) were screened for participation in the study. Microarray and real-time quantitative PCR were used in five stages to obtain candidate cfs-mRNAs for comparisons between patients with early maturation arrest (eMA, meiosis not completed) and late MA or hypospermatogenesis (meiosis completed), and between NOA patients with successful SR and SR failure. RESULTS Twelve cfs-mRNAs were selected based on this comparison between men with eMA and hypospermatogenesis and their gene expression and function information. Of these, AKAP1, BOLL, TCP11, and SETX predominantly derived from testes and germ cells were proposed as candidate cfs-mRNAs. Further quantification in men with NOA demonstrated significantly higher levels of BOLL cfs-mRNA (P < 0.0001) in men with late MA or hypospermatogenesis (n = 23), compared with men with eMA (n = 51); and significantly higher levels (P < 0.0001) in patients with successful SR (n = 44) when compared with patients with SR failure (n = 37). Interestingly, with a similar cutoff value, BOLL cfs-mRNA showed high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing late MA and hypospermatogenesis (>404 copies/mL) and predicting successful SR (>415 copies/mL). Correlation of BOLL mRNA levels was observed in paired semen and testicular tissues. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS We propose that BOLL cfs-mRNA is a promising non-invasive marker for diagnosing the completion of meiosis and predicting successful testicular SR in men with NOA. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwan Dai
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan, China
| | - Xiangbin Kong
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chencheng Yao
- Department of Andrology, the Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chengliang Xiong
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, the Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Honggang Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Hospital, Wuhan, China
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Kaddour H, Kopcho S, Lyu Y, Shouman N, Paromov V, Pratap S, Dash C, Kim EY, Martinson J, McKay H, Epeldegui M, Margolick JB, Stapleton JT, Okeoma CM. HIV-infection and cocaine use regulate semen extracellular vesicles proteome and miRNAome in a manner that mediates strategic monocyte haptotaxis governed by miR-128 network. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 79:5. [PMID: 34936021 PMCID: PMC9134786 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04068-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are regulators of cell-cell interactions and mediators of horizontal transfer of bioactive molecules between cells. EV-mediated cell-cell interactions play roles in physiological and pathophysiological processes, which maybe modulated by exposure to pathogens and cocaine use. However, the effect of pathogens and cocaine use on EV composition and function are not fully understood. RESULTS Here, we used systems biology and multi-omics analysis to show that HIV infection (HIV +) and cocaine (COC) use (COC +) promote the release of semen-derived EVs (SEV) with dysregulated extracellular proteome (exProtein), miRNAome (exmiR), and exmiR networks. Integrating SEV proteome and miRNAome revealed a significant decrease in the enrichment of disease-associated, brain-enriched, and HIV-associated miR-128-3p (miR-128) in HIV + COC + SEV with a concomitant increase in miR-128 targets-PEAK1 and RND3/RhoE. Using two-dimensional-substrate single cell haptotaxis, we observed that in the presence of HIV + COC + SEV, contact guidance provided by the extracellular matrix (ECM, collagen type 1) network facilitated far-ranging haptotactic cues that guided monocytes over longer distances. Functionalizing SEV with a miR-128 mimic revealed that the strategic changes in monocyte haptotaxis are in large part the result of SEV-associated miR-128. CONCLUSIONS We propose that compositionally and functionally distinct HIV + COC + and HIV-COC- SEVs and their exmiR networks may provide cells relevant but divergent haptotactic guidance in the absence of chemotactic cues, under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussein Kaddour
- Department of Pharmacology, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-8651, USA
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, 10591, USA
| | - Steven Kopcho
- Department of Pharmacology, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-8651, USA
| | - Yuan Lyu
- Department of Pharmacology, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-8651, USA
| | - Nadia Shouman
- Department of Pharmacology, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-8651, USA
| | - Victor Paromov
- CRISALIS, School of Graduate Studies and Research, Proteomics Core, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, 37208, USA
| | - Siddharth Pratap
- CRISALIS, School of Graduate Studies and Research, Bioinformatics Core, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, 37208, USA
| | - Chandravanu Dash
- Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Biology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, 37208, USA
| | - Eun-Young Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Jeremy Martinson
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Heather McKay
- Department of Epidemiology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Marta Epeldegui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, UCLA AIDS Institute and UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, UCLA AIDS Institute, Los Angeles, USA
- UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Joseph B Margolick
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21207, USA
| | - Jack T Stapleton
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa and Iowa City Veterans Administration Healthcare, Iowa City, IA, 52242-1081, USA
| | - Chioma M Okeoma
- Department of Pharmacology, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-8651, USA.
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Bernardino RMM, Leão R, Henrique R, Pinheiro LC, Kumar P, Suravajhala P, Beck HC, Carvalho AS, Matthiesen R. Extracellular Vesicle Proteome in Prostate Cancer: A Comparative Analysis of Mass Spectrometry Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413605. [PMID: 34948404 PMCID: PMC8707426 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular diagnostics based on discovery research holds the promise of improving screening methods for prostate cancer (PCa). Furthermore, the congregated information prompts the question whether the urinary extracellular vesicles (uEV) proteome has been thoroughly explored, especially at the proteome level. In fact, most extracellular vesicles (EV) based biomarker studies have mainly targeted plasma or serum. Therefore, in this study, we aim to inquire about possible strategies for urinary biomarker discovery particularly focused on the proteome of urine EVs. Proteomics data deposited in the PRIDE archive were reanalyzed to target identifications of potential PCa markers. Network analysis of the markers proposed by different prostate cancer studies revealed moderate overlap. The recent throughput improvements in mass spectrometry together with the network analysis performed in this study, suggest that a larger standardized cohort may provide potential biomarkers that are able to fully characterize the heterogeneity of PCa. According to our analysis PCa studies based on urinary EV proteome presents higher protein coverage compared to plasma, plasma EV, and voided urine proteome. This together with a direct interaction of the prostate gland and urethra makes uEVs an attractive option for protein biomarker studies. In addition, urinary proteome based PCa studies must also evaluate samples from bladder and renal cancers to assess specificity for PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Miguel Marques Bernardino
- Computational and Experimental Biology Group, Chronic Diseases Research Centre (CEDOC), NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal;
- Urology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Lisboa Central, 1169-050 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Correspondence: (R.M.M.B.); (R.M.); Tel.: +351-939218696 (R.M.M.B. & R.M.)
| | - Ricardo Leão
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-370 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Rui Henrique
- Pathology Department, Instituto Português de Oncologia, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Luis Campos Pinheiro
- Urology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Lisboa Central, 1169-050 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Prashant Kumar
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Bangalore 560066, India;
- Somaiya Institute of Research and Consultancy (SIRAC), Somaiya Vidyavihar University (SVU), Vidyavihar, Mumbai 400077, India
| | - Prashanth Suravajhala
- Amrita School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri Campus, Clappana P.O., Kollam 690525, India;
| | - Hans Christian Beck
- Centre for Clinical Proteomics, Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark;
| | - Ana Sofia Carvalho
- Computational and Experimental Biology Group, Chronic Diseases Research Centre (CEDOC), NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Rune Matthiesen
- Computational and Experimental Biology Group, Chronic Diseases Research Centre (CEDOC), NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal;
- Correspondence: (R.M.M.B.); (R.M.); Tel.: +351-939218696 (R.M.M.B. & R.M.)
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40
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Khoo A, Liu LY, Nyalwidhe JO, Semmes OJ, Vesprini D, Downes MR, Boutros PC, Liu SK, Kislinger T. Proteomic discovery of non-invasive biomarkers of localized prostate cancer using mass spectrometry. Nat Rev Urol 2021; 18:707-724. [PMID: 34453155 PMCID: PMC8639658 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-021-00500-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed non-skin cancer in men worldwide. Patient outcomes are remarkably heterogeneous and the best existing clinical prognostic tools such as International Society of Urological Pathology Grade Group, pretreatment serum PSA concentration and T-category, do not accurately predict disease outcome for individual patients. Thus, patients newly diagnosed with prostate cancer are often overtreated or undertreated, reducing quality of life and increasing disease-specific mortality. Biomarkers that can improve the risk stratification of these patients are, therefore, urgently needed. The ideal biomarker in this setting will be non-invasive and affordable, enabling longitudinal evaluation of disease status. Prostatic secretions, urine and blood can be sources of biomarker discovery, validation and clinical implementation, and mass spectrometry can be used to detect and quantify proteins in these fluids. Protein biomarkers currently in use for diagnosis, prognosis and relapse-monitoring of localized prostate cancer in fluids remain centred around PSA and its variants, and opportunities exist for clinically validating novel and complimentary candidate protein biomarkers and deploying them into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Khoo
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Lydia Y Liu
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Julius O Nyalwidhe
- Leroy T. Canoles Jr. Cancer Research Center, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - O John Semmes
- Leroy T. Canoles Jr. Cancer Research Center, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Danny Vesprini
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Odette Cancer Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Michelle R Downes
- Division of Anatomic Pathology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Paul C Boutros
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
- Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence, Toronto, Canada.
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
- Department of Urology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Institute for Precision Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Stanley K Liu
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
- Odette Cancer Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Thomas Kislinger
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.
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Rowlison T, Comizzoli P. The Knowns and Unknowns about Epididymal Extracellular Vesicles in Different Animal Species. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2021; 6:e2101066. [PMID: 34816626 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202101066] [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: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Sperm maturation during epididymal transit is a long and complex process. Although the roles of epididymal extracellular vesicles (EVs) on sperm quality have been extensively studied in recent years, there are still a lot of unexplored areas and too few species that are studied. The objective of this review is to focus on the contribution of epididymal EVs through the apocrine secretion of key factors, including proteins and small RNAs. Furthermore, the authors explore the alterations in the content of these vesicles related to male fertility and the effects of environmental stressors, and how these factors vary across taxa. Last, potential applications are covered, and the next steps in that field of research are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tricia Rowlison
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20008, USA
| | - Pierre Comizzoli
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20008, USA
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42
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Cecchini Gualandi S, Giangaspero B, Di Palma T, Macchia G, Carluccio A, Boni R. Oxidative profile and protease regulator potential to predict sperm functionality in donkey (Equus asinus). Sci Rep 2021; 11:20551. [PMID: 34654898 PMCID: PMC8521582 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99972-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Seminal plasma (SP) of donkey stallions was evaluated using various oxidative stress parameters as well as protease and protease inhibitor activities. SP was obtained by nine donkey stallions. In addition, one donkey stallion with non-obstructive azoospermia was enrolled in this study. Free radical scavenging activity (FRSA), the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total thiol level (TTL) were highly correlated with each other and with the protease inhibitor activity. However, only FRAP, TAC, and the nitrate/nitrite concentration (NOx) were significantly correlated with sperm concentration, production, and kinetics. Protease inhibitor activity was highly correlated with sperm concentration and production; however, it did not correlate with sperm kinetics. The azoospermic stallion produced a lower amount of semen than the normospermic stallions and its SP showed a lower antioxidant activity when evaluated with FRAP, TAC, and TTL as well as a higher NOx and a lower protease inhibitor activity. In conclusion, the evaluation of SP oxidative profile by FRAP, TAC, and NOx may provide reliable information on donkey sperm quality whereas protease inhibitor activity may play a role as a marker of the sperm concentration in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brunella Giangaspero
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Tommaso Di Palma
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Campus Macchia Romana, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Macchia
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Campus Macchia Romana, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - Augusto Carluccio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy.
| | - Raffaele Boni
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Campus Macchia Romana, 85100, Potenza, Italy.
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43
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Vashisht A, Ahluwalia PK, Gahlay GK. A Comparative Analysis of the Altered Levels of Human Seminal Plasma Constituents as Contributing Factors in Different Types of Male Infertility. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2021; 43:1307-1324. [PMID: 34698062 PMCID: PMC8929149 DOI: 10.3390/cimb43030093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The relationships between the biochemical and immunological components in seminal plasma and their physiological effects on male reproductive system have been underreported. In this study, we evaluated the potential of several seminal plasma biochemical and immunological markers in the pathophysiological developments of the infertile male patients. The study was designed to identify and assess different markers that may be associated with semen functions in different types of male infertility. (2) Methods: A total of 50 infertile male patients who underwent checkup for fertility assessment and 50 fertile controls were included in this study. The complete medical history of each recruited participant was reviewed. The infertile sub-groups (non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), asthenozoospermia (AS), normozoospermic infertile (NI), and oligozoospermia (OZ)) were characterized based on sperm motility and concentration, while NI patients were included after a thorough check up of their female partners as well. We investigated each sample for 21 different analytes, enzymes, trace elements, and immunological markers to find crucial markers posing as contributing factors to a specific type of male infertility. (3) Results: The levels of 15 out of 21 markers, assayed from the seminal plasma of infertile males, were significantly altered in comparison to fertile controls (p < 0.05). For the first time, microprotein levels were also analyzed. The presence of monocytes, lymphocytes, and granulocytes was limited to semen from NOA patients, while a significant increase in the level of platelets was observed in AS. Hierarchical clustering and ROC-AUC analysis identified the three most significant markers (zinc, LDH, and TG) for the healthy control group and asthenozoospermic group (AUC, of 0.92 and 0.81, respectively). (4) Conclusions: The altered levels of biochemical and immunological markers in seminal plasma might be associated with the different male infertility profiles and could be required for the sperm metabolism and maintenance. However, a larger sample size and follow up analysis is required for establishing the hypothesized panel of markers as biomarkers at clinical stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashutosh Vashisht
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, Punjab, India;
| | - Pankaj Kumar Ahluwalia
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
| | - Gagandeep Kaur Gahlay
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, Punjab, India;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +91-9878755211
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Seminal Plasma Protein N-Glycan Peaks Are Potential Predictors of Semen Pathology and Sperm Chromatin Maturity in Men. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11090989. [PMID: 34575138 PMCID: PMC8471228 DOI: 10.3390/life11090989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Male infertility is increasingly becoming a health and demographic problem. While it may originate from congenital or acquired diseases, it can also result from environmental exposure. Hence, the complexity of involved molecular mechanisms often requires a multiparametric approach. This study aimed to associate semen parameters with sperm DNA fragmentation, chromatin maturity and seminal plasma protein N-glycosylation. Methods: The study was conducted with 166 participants, 20–55 y old, 82 normozoospermic and 84 with pathological diagnosis. Sperm was analyzed by Halosperm assay and aniline blue staining, while seminal plasma total protein N-glycans were analyzed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: Sperm DNA fragmentation was significantly increased in the pathological group and was inversely correlated with sperm motility and viability. Seminal plasma total protein N-glycans were chromatographically separated in 37 individual peaks. The pattern of seminal plasma N-glycan peaks (SPGP) showed that SPGP14 significantly differs between men with normal and pathological semen parameters (p < 0.001). The multivariate analysis showed that when sperm chromatin maturity increases by 10%, SPGP17 decreases by 14% while SPGP25 increases by 25%. Conclusion: DNA integrity and seminal plasma N-glycans are associated with pathological sperm parameters. Specific N-glycans are also associated with sperm chromatin maturity and have a potential in future fertility research and clinical diagnostics.
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45
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Krasic J, Abramovic I, Vrtaric A, Nikolac Gabaj N, Kralik-Oguic S, Katusic Bojanac A, Jezek D, Sincic N. Impact of Preanalytical and Analytical Methods on Cell-Free DNA Diagnostics. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:686149. [PMID: 34552921 PMCID: PMC8451956 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.686149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
While tissue biopsy has for the longest time been the gold-standard in biomedicine, precision/personalized medicine is making the shift toward liquid biopsies. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) based genetic and epigenetic biomarkers reflect the molecular status of its tissue-of-origin allowing for early and non-invasive diagnostics of different pathologies. However, selection of preanalytical procedures (including cfDNA isolation) as well as analytical methods are known to impact the downstream results. Calls for greater standardization are made continuously, yet comprehensive assessments of the impact on diagnostic parameters are lacking. This study aims to evaluate the preanalytic and analytic factors that influence cfDNA diagnostic parameters in blood and semen. Text mining analysis has been performed to assess cfDNA research trends, and identify studies on isolation methods, preanalytical and analytical impact. Seminal and blood plasma were tested as liquid biopsy sources. Traditional methods of cfDNA isolation, commercial kits (CKs), and an in-house developed protocol were tested, as well as the impact of dithiothreitol (DTT) on cfDNA isolation performance. Fluorimetry, qPCR, digital droplet PCR (ddPCR), and bioanalyzer were compared as cfDNA quantification methods. Fragment analysis was performed by qPCR and bioanalyzer while the downstream application (cfDNA methylation) was analyzed by pyrosequencing. In contrast to blood, semen as a liquid biopsy source has only recently begun to be reported as a liquid biopsy source, with almost half of all publications on it being review articles. Experimental data revealed that cfDNA isolation protocols give a wide range of cfDNA yields, both from blood and seminal plasma. The addition of DTT to CKs has improved yields in seminal plasma and had a neutral/negative impact in blood plasma. Capillary electrophoresis and fluorometry reported much higher yields than PCR methods. While cfDNA yield and integrity were highly impacted, cfDNA methylation was not affected by isolation methodology or DTT. In conclusion, NucleoSnap was recognized as the kit with the best overall performance. DTT improved CK yields in seminal plasma. The in-house developed protocol has shown near-kit isolation performance. ddPCR LINE-1 assay for absolute detection of minute amounts of cfDNA was established and allowed for quantification of samples inhibited in qPCR. cfDNA methylation was recognized as a stable biomarker unimpacted by cfDNA isolation method. Finally, semen was found to be an abundant source of cfDNA offering potential research opportunities and benefits for cfDNA based biomarkers development related to male reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jure Krasic
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Scientific Group for Research on Epigenetic Biomarkers, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Irena Abramovic
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Scientific Group for Research on Epigenetic Biomarkers, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Alen Vrtaric
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nora Nikolac Gabaj
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sasa Kralik-Oguic
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Clinical Institute of Laboratory Diagnostics, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Katusic Bojanac
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Davor Jezek
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nino Sincic
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Scientific Group for Research on Epigenetic Biomarkers, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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Zarezadeh R, Fattahi A, Nikanfar S, Oghbaei H, Ahmadi Y, Rastgar Rezaei Y, Nouri M, Dittrich R. Hormonal markers as noninvasive predictors of sperm retrieval in non-obstructive azoospermia. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:2049-2059. [PMID: 33791895 PMCID: PMC8417206 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02176-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is one of the leading causes of male factor infertility, which results from impaired spermatogenesis. Currently, the sole feasible therapeutic option for men with NOA to father their biologic children is sperm retrieval by testicular sperm extraction (TESE) approaches followed by an intracytoplasmic sperm injection program. Nevertheless, the rate of sperm retrieval from NOA men following TESE has remained as low as 50%, leading to a significant number of unsuccessful TESE operations. Given that TESE is associated with multiple side effects, the prediction of TESE outcome preoperatively can abolish unnecessary operations and thereby prevent NOA patients from sustaining adverse side effects. As the process of spermatogenesis is under the regulation of hormones, the hormonal profile of serum and/or seminal plasma may contain useful information about spermatogenesis status and can potentially predict the chance of sperm retrieval from NOA patients. A large body of literature is available on the predictive capability of different serum and seminal plasma hormones such as FSH, LH, testosterone, inhibin B, AMH, estradiol, prolactin, and leptin in a stand-alone basis or combinational fashion with respect to the TESE outcome. The present review aimed to evaluate the potential of these hormonal markers as noninvasive predictors of sperm retrieval in men with NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Zarezadeh
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Fattahi
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Saba Nikanfar
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hajar Oghbaei
- Department of Physiology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yadollah Ahmadi
- Department of Urology, Sina Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yeganeh Rastgar Rezaei
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Nouri
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ralf Dittrich
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen–Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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47
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Alipour H, Duus RK, Wimmer R, Dardmeh F, Du Plessis SS, Jørgensen N, Christiansen OB, Hnida C, Nielsen HI, Van Der Horst G. Seminal plasma metabolomics profiles following long (4-7 days) and short (2 h) sexual abstinence periods. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2021; 264:178-183. [PMID: 34325212 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2021.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Metabolomic profiling of seminal plasma has been suggested as a possible approach for a fast and non-invasive male infertility evaluation diagnosis. However, metabolomics profiles in normozoospermic men have not been thoroughly investigated, and the influence of ejaculation-abstinence has not been described. To provide interim reference values and find associations between the metabolomics profiles of human seminal plasma and length of ejaculation-abstinence period in normozoospermic men. STUDY DESIGN Semen samples collected after long (4-7 days) and short abstinence (2 h) from 31 normozoospermic males were assessed for routine quality parameters before the seminal plasma was separated by centrifugation. Metabolomics profiles of the seminal plasma were then determined using untargeted Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. RESULTS In total, 30 metabolites were identified. Pyruvate showed a higher concentration, while fructose, acetate, choline, methanol, N-acetylglucosamine, O-acetylcarnitine, uridine, and sn-glycero-3-phosphocoline showed lower concentrations in samples collected after short abstinence (vs. long). All metabolites showed lower absolute amounts (volume × concentration) following shorter abstinence. However, the lower sperm concentration in samples collected after short abstinence resulted in higher absolute amounts of pyruvate and taurine per spermatozoa: pyruvate 1.92 (1.12-3.87) vs. 1.29 (0.83-2.62) (P < 0.001) and taurine 0.58 (0.36-0.92) vs. 0.43 (0.28-0.95) (P < 0.05) ng/106 spermatozoa. Simultaneously, there was a higher percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa in samples collected after the short abstinence. CONCLUSION The generally lower concentrations of seminal metabolites after short abstinence periods may be related to the shorter time available for secretion and collection of these metabolites by the accessory glands and the epididymides. The concomitant lower number of spermatozoa in the second ejaculate resulted in increased absolute amounts of pyruvate and taurine per spermatozoa, accompanied by increased spermatozoa motility in these samples. The simultaneous increase in percentages of motile spermatozoa and absolute amounts of pyruvate and taurine per spermatozoa after shorter abstinence might indicate that these two metabolites play a more critical role in sperm motility, which should be further investigated in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Alipour
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Regenerative Medicine Group, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.
| | - R K Duus
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Regenerative Medicine Group, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - R Wimmer
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - F Dardmeh
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Regenerative Medicine Group, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - S S Du Plessis
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - N Jørgensen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction and International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - O B Christiansen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fertility Unit, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Denmark
| | - C Hnida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fertility Unit, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - H I Nielsen
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Regenerative Medicine Group, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - G Van Der Horst
- Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
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Szczykutowicz J, Tkaczuk-Włach J, Ferens-Sieczkowska M. Glycoproteins Presenting Galactose and N-Acetylgalactosamine in Human Seminal Plasma as Potential Players Involved in Immune Modulation in the Fertilization Process. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147331. [PMID: 34298952 PMCID: PMC8303229 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In light of recent research, there is increasing evidence showing that extracellular semen components have a significant impact on the immune reaction of the female partner, leading to the tolerogenic response enabling the embryo development and implantation as well as further progress of healthy pregnancy. Seminal plasma glycoproteins are rich in the unique immunomodulatory glycoepitopes that may serve as ligands for endogenous lectins that decorate the surface of immune cells. Such interaction may be involved in modulation of the maternal immune response. Among immunomodulatory glycans, Lewis type antigens have been of interest for at least two decades, while the importance of T/Tn antigens and related structures is still far from understanding. In the current work, we applied two plant lectins capable of distinguishing glycoepitopes with terminal GalNAc and Gal to identify glycoproteins that are their efficient carriers. By means of lectin blotting and lectin affinity chromatography followed by LC-MS, we identified lactotransferrin, prolactin inducible protein as well as fibronectin and semenogelins 1 and 2 as lectin-reactive. Net-O-glycosylation analysis results indicated that the latter three may actually carry T and/or Tn antigens, while in the case of prolactin inducible protein and lactotransferrin LacdiNAc and lactosamine glycoepitopes were more probable. STRING bioinformatics analysis linked the identified glycoproteins in the close network, indicating their involvement in immune (partially innate) processes. Overall, our research revealed potential seminal plasma ligands for endogenous Gal/GalNAc specific lectins with a possible role in modulation of maternal immune response during fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Szczykutowicz
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunochemistry, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-369 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Joanna Tkaczuk-Włach
- Laboratory of Diagnostic Techniques, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland;
- Family Health Centre AB OVO, 20-819 Lublin, Poland
| | - Mirosława Ferens-Sieczkowska
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunochemistry, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-369 Wrocław, Poland;
- Correspondence:
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Lorente G, Ntostis P, Maitland N, Mengual L, Musquera M, Muneer A, Oliva R, Iles D, Miller D. Semen sampling as a simple, noninvasive surrogate for prostate health screening. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2021; 67:354-365. [PMID: 34180329 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2021.1923086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The detection rates for prostate cancer (pCa) by invasive biopsy are high, fully justifying its use in confirmatory testing. False-positive results of prior, relatively insensitive screening tests, however, can lead to expensive and often unnecessary surgery. Several reports have suggested the potential use of the ejaculate to screen for prostate conditions. Hitherto, the potential impact of sterilization on the diagnostic potential of seminal plasma screening has not been examined. Herein, we report cellular and molecular comparisons of semen samples obtained from normal (N = 5), vasectomized (N = 5) and prostate pathology patients (N = 4; confirmed by a biopsy) that were centrifuged over 60% PureSperm cushions. Non-penetrating cells were washed prior to immunocytochemistry with prostatic epithelial cell markers including PSMA, NKX3.1 and CD24. KRT18 was used to highlight epithelial cells in these samples. RNA sequencing was then used to identify differentially expressed small RNAs associated with vasectomy and prostate pathology. Specific gene transcripts were confirmed by RT-qPCR. PMSA+/KRT18+, CD24+/KRT18+ and NKX3.1/+KRT18+ cells were observed, albeit infrequently in most processed semen samples by indirect immunocytochemistry. Targeted RT-qPCR supported their enrichment, along with their putative designation as prostatic luminal cells. Small RNAs in seminal plasma were highly heterogeneous, with tRNAs and miRNAs being the dominant forms. Hsa-miR-143 and hsa-miR-199 were among the most prominent of the differentially expressed miRNAs upregulated in samples with prostate pathology but not vasectomy. The targets of these small RNAs illustrate biological processes involved among others in transcription regulation and collagen metabolism. Our outcomes strongly support an appraisal of selected biologically meaningful small RNAs of ejaculate semen for prostate health screening. A long-term goal would be a simple, routine, noninvasive test for monitoring prostate health, potentially among younger men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisela Lorente
- Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Panagiotis Ntostis
- Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Lourdes Mengual
- Laboratory and Department of Urology, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic and University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mireia Musquera
- Laboratory and Department of Urology, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic and University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Asif Muneer
- Department of Urology and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospital, London, UK
| | - Rafael Oliva
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Group, Biomedical Research Institute August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic, and Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Iles
- Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - David Miller
- Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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50
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Forensic proteomics. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2021; 54:102529. [PMID: 34139528 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2021.102529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Protein is a major component of all biological evidence, often the matrix that embeds other biomolecules such as polynucleotides, lipids, carbohydrates, and small molecules. The proteins in a sample reflect the transcriptional and translational program of the originating cell types. Because of this, proteins can be used to identify body fluids and tissues, as well as convey genetic information in the form of single amino acid polymorphisms, the result of non-synonymous SNPs. This review explores the application and potential of forensic proteomics. The historical role that protein analysis played in the development of forensic science is examined. This review details how innovations in proteomic mass spectrometry have addressed many of the historical limitations of forensic protein science, and how the application of forensic proteomics differs from proteomics in the life sciences. Two more developed applications of forensic proteomics are examined in detail: body fluid and tissue identification, and proteomic genotyping. The review then highlights developing areas of proteomics that have the potential to impact forensic science in the near future: fingermark analysis, species identification, peptide toxicology, proteomic sex estimation, and estimation of post-mortem intervals. Finally, the review highlights some of the newer innovations in proteomics that may drive further development of the field. In addition to potential impact, this review also attempts to evaluate the stage of each application in the development, validation and implementation process. This review is targeted at investigators who are interested in learning about proteomics in a forensic context and expanding the amount of information they can extract from biological evidence.
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