1
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Tomar A, Gomez-Velazquez M, Gerlini R, Comas-Armangué G, Makharadze L, Kolbe T, Boersma A, Dahlhoff M, Burgstaller JP, Lassi M, Darr J, Toppari J, Virtanen H, Kühnapfel A, Scholz M, Landgraf K, Kiess W, Vogel M, Gailus-Durner V, Fuchs H, Marschall S, Hrabě de Angelis M, Kotaja N, Körner A, Teperino R. Epigenetic inheritance of diet-induced and sperm-borne mitochondrial RNAs. Nature 2024; 630:720-727. [PMID: 38839949 PMCID: PMC11186758 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07472-3] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Spermatozoa harbour a complex and environment-sensitive pool of small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs)1, which influences offspring development and adult phenotypes1-7. Whether spermatozoa in the epididymis are directly susceptible to environmental cues is not fully understood8. Here we used two distinct paradigms of preconception acute high-fat diet to dissect epididymal versus testicular contributions to the sperm sncRNA pool and offspring health. We show that epididymal spermatozoa, but not developing germ cells, are sensitive to the environment and identify mitochondrial tRNAs (mt-tRNAs) and their fragments (mt-tsRNAs) as sperm-borne factors. In humans, mt-tsRNAs in spermatozoa correlate with body mass index, and paternal overweight at conception doubles offspring obesity risk and compromises metabolic health. Sperm sncRNA sequencing of mice mutant for genes involved in mitochondrial function, and metabolic phenotyping of their wild-type offspring, suggest that the upregulation of mt-tsRNAs is downstream of mitochondrial dysfunction. Single-embryo transcriptomics of genetically hybrid two-cell embryos demonstrated sperm-to-oocyte transfer of mt-tRNAs at fertilization and suggested their involvement in the control of early-embryo transcription. Our study supports the importance of paternal health at conception for offspring metabolism, shows that mt-tRNAs are diet-induced and sperm-borne and demonstrates, in a physiological setting, father-to-offspring transfer of sperm mitochondrial RNAs at fertilization.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Male
- Spermatozoa/metabolism
- Mice
- RNA, Mitochondrial/genetics
- RNA, Mitochondrial/metabolism
- Female
- Epigenesis, Genetic
- Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects
- Humans
- RNA, Transfer/genetics
- RNA, Transfer/metabolism
- Epididymis/metabolism
- Testis/metabolism
- RNA, Small Untranslated/genetics
- RNA, Small Untranslated/metabolism
- Mitochondria/metabolism
- Mitochondria/genetics
- Obesity/genetics
- Obesity/metabolism
- Obesity/etiology
- Oocytes/metabolism
- Embryo, Mammalian/metabolism
- Fertilization
- Overweight/genetics
- Overweight/metabolism
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Paternal Inheritance/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- A Tomar
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - M Gomez-Velazquez
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - R Gerlini
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - G Comas-Armangué
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - L Makharadze
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - T Kolbe
- Unit of in vivo and in vitro Models, Center for Biological Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- IFA-Tulln, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - A Boersma
- Unit of in vivo and in vitro Models, Center for Biological Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - M Dahlhoff
- Unit of in vivo and in vitro Models, Center for Biological Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - J P Burgstaller
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Department of Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Group Molecular Reproduction, IFA-Tulln, Tulln, Austria
| | - M Lassi
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - J Darr
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - J Toppari
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Center for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - H Virtanen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Center for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - A Kühnapfel
- University of Leipzig, Medical Faculty, Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Epidemiology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - M Scholz
- University of Leipzig, Medical Faculty, Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Epidemiology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - K Landgraf
- Center for Pediatric Research Leipzig (CPL), Hospital for Children & Adolescents, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - W Kiess
- Center for Pediatric Research Leipzig (CPL), Hospital for Children & Adolescents, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- LIFE Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - M Vogel
- Center for Pediatric Research Leipzig (CPL), Hospital for Children & Adolescents, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- LIFE Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - V Gailus-Durner
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - H Fuchs
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - S Marschall
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - M Hrabě de Angelis
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- Chair of Experimental Genetics, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
| | - N Kotaja
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - A Körner
- Center for Pediatric Research Leipzig (CPL), Hospital for Children & Adolescents, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- LIFE Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic Obesity and Vascular Research (HI-MAG), Helmholtz Zentrum München at the University of Leipzig and University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - R Teperino
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany.
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany.
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2
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Wu D, Zhang K, Guan K, Khan FA, Pandupuspitasari NS, Negara W, Sun F, Huang C. Future in the past: paternal reprogramming of offspring phenotype and the epigenetic mechanisms. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:1685-1703. [PMID: 38460001 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03713-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
That certain preconceptual paternal exposures reprogram the developmental phenotypic plasticity in future generation(s) has conceptualized the "paternal programming of offspring health" hypothesis. This transgenerational effect is transmitted primarily through sperm epigenetic mechanisms-DNA methylation, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and associated RNA modifications, and histone modifications-and potentially through non-sperm-specific mechanisms-seminal plasma and circulating factors-that create 'imprinted' memory of ancestral information. The epigenetic landscape in sperm is highly responsive to environmental cues, due to, in part, the soma-to-germline communication mediated by epididymosomes. While human epidemiological studies and experimental animal studies have provided solid evidences in support of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance, how ancestral information is memorized as epigenetic codes for germline transmission is poorly understood. Particular elusive is what the downstream effector pathways that decode those epigenetic codes into persistent phenotypes. In this review, we discuss the paternal reprogramming of offspring phenotype and the possible underlying epigenetic mechanisms. Cracking these epigenetic mechanisms will lead to a better appreciation of "Paternal Origins of Health and Disease" and guide innovation of intervention algorithms to achieve 'healthier' outcomes in future generations. All this will revolutionize our understanding of human disease etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Kejia Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Kaifeng Guan
- School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Faheem Ahmed Khan
- Research Center for Animal Husbandry, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta Pusat, 10340, Indonesia
| | | | - Windu Negara
- Research Center for Animal Husbandry, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta Pusat, 10340, Indonesia
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
| | - Chunjie Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
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3
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Wei X, Zhang Z, Gu Y, Zhang R, Huang J, Li F, He Y, Lu S, Wu Y, Zeng W, Liu X, Liu C, Liu J, Ao L, Shi F, Chen Q, Lin Y, Du J, Jin G, Xia Y, Ma H, Zheng Y, Huo R, Cao J, Shen H, Hu Z. Inter- and trans-generational impacts of real-world PM 2.5 exposure on male-specific primary hypogonadism. Cell Discov 2024; 10:44. [PMID: 38649348 PMCID: PMC11035589 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-024-00657-0] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Exposure to PM2.5, a harmful type of air pollution, has been associated with compromised male reproductive health; however, it remains unclear whether such exposure can elicit transgenerational effects on male fertility. Here, we aim to examine the effect of paternal exposure to real-world PM2.5 on the reproductive health of male offspring. We have observed that paternal exposure to real-world PM2.5 can lead to transgenerational primary hypogonadism in a sex-selective manner, and we have also confirmed this phenotype by using an external model. Mechanically, we have identified small RNAs (sRNAs) that play a critical role in mediating these transgenerational effects. Specifically, miR6240 and piR016061, which are present in F0 PM sperm, regulate intergenerational transmission by targeting Lhcgr and Nsd1, respectively. We have also uncovered that piR033435 and piR006695 indirectly regulate F1 PM sperm methylation by binding to the 3'-untranslated region of Tet1 mRNA. The reduced expression of Tet1 resulted in hypermethylation of several testosterone synthesis genes, including Lhcgr and Gnas, impaired Leydig cell function and ultimately led to transgenerational primary hypogonadism. Our findings provide insights into the mechanisms underlying the transgenerational effects of paternal PM2.5 exposure on reproductive health, highlighting the crucial role played by sRNAs in mediating these effects. The findings underscore the significance of paternal pre-conception interventions in alleviating the adverse effects of environmental pollutants on reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhonghao Zhang
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yayun Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Jie Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuanlin He
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuai Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yifei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wentao Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaorui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chenzi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinyi Liu
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Ao
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Fuquan Shi
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Qing Chen
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yuan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiangbo Du
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guangfu Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yankai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongxia Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuxin Zheng
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Ran Huo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jia Cao
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China.
| | - Hongbing Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Zhibin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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4
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Martin M, Braillon A. Sperm epigenetic mechanisms in autism spectrum disorders. The valproate case illustrates an enduring and systemic failure. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:1163-1164. [PMID: 38182807 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02401-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Marine Martin
- Association to Help Parents of Children Suffering from Anti-Convulsant Syndrome (APESAC), 8 rue Ramon Saguardia, 66450, Pollestres, France
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5
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Ow MC, Hall SE. Inheritance of Stress Responses via Small Non-Coding RNAs in Invertebrates and Mammals. EPIGENOMES 2023; 8:1. [PMID: 38534792 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes8010001] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
While reports on the generational inheritance of a parental response to stress have been widely reported in animals, the molecular mechanisms behind this phenomenon have only recently emerged. The booming interest in epigenetic inheritance has been facilitated in part by the discovery that small non-coding RNAs are one of its principal conduits. Discovered 30 years ago in the Caenorhabditis elegans nematode, these small molecules have since cemented their critical roles in regulating virtually all aspects of eukaryotic development. Here, we provide an overview on the current understanding of epigenetic inheritance in animals, including mice and C. elegans, as it pertains to stresses such as temperature, nutritional, and pathogenic encounters. We focus on C. elegans to address the mechanistic complexity of how small RNAs target their cohort mRNAs to effect gene expression and how they govern the propagation or termination of generational perdurance in epigenetic inheritance. Presently, while a great amount has been learned regarding the heritability of gene expression states, many more questions remain unanswered and warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C Ow
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Sarah E Hall
- Department of Biology and Program in Neuroscience, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
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Cryopreservation of Human Spermatozoa: Functional, Molecular and Clinical Aspects. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054656. [PMID: 36902084 PMCID: PMC10002855 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation is an expanding strategy to allow not only fertility preservation for individuals who need such procedures because of gonadotoxic treatments, active duty in dangerous occupations or social reasons and gamete donation for couples where conception is denied, but also for animal breeding and preservation of endangered animal species. Despite the improvement in semen cryopreservation techniques and the worldwide expansion of semen banks, damage to spermatozoa and the consequent impairment of its functions still remain unsolved problems, conditioning the choice of the technique in assisted reproduction procedures. Although many studies have attempted to find solutions to limit sperm damage following cryopreservation and identify possible markers of damage susceptibility, active research in this field is still required in order to optimize the process. Here, we review the available evidence regarding structural, molecular and functional damage occurring in cryopreserved human spermatozoa and the possible strategies to prevent it and optimize the procedures. Finally, we review the results on assisted reproduction technique (ARTs) outcomes following the use of cryopreserved spermatozoa.
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