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Verón GL, Manjon AA, Bello R, Catalano D, Arévalo L, Santiago J, Vazquez-Levin MH. A 2-step remote TUNEL approach for sperm DNA fragmentation assessment. Analysis in donors and patients. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2024; 299:231-239. [PMID: 38905966 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2024.06.018] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Infertility is a disease of the male or female reproductive systems. Male reproductive workup is based on routine semen analysis, although of limited value. The 2021 WHO Manual incorporated Sperm DNA Fragmentation (SDF) assessment, and highlighted the need for individual laboratories to define suitable thresholds. This study aimed to present an alternative to address this issue, determine an SDF cut-off value with fertile donors, and characterize SDF in a patient cohort and their relationship with semen parameters. STUDY DESIGN A service unit was established to remotely perform TUNEL assay in a 2 step-process. Semen samples were received at andrology laboratories, subjected to routine semen analysis (WHO, 2010), partially processed and transported to the service unit for SDF evaluation. Using this setting, studies were done in fertile donors (n = 15) to define the cut-off value, and in men undergoing infertility workup (n = 318). RESULTS A cut-off value of 9.17 % was determined with the fertile donor cohort. With this cut-off, a 64.46 % abnormal SDF incidence was determined in the patient cohort. SDF negatively correlated with sperm number, vitality and motility, and positively with abnormal morphology and male age (P < 0.05). TUNEL-positive cases depicted lower sperm quality and higher male age (P < 0.05). A similar abnormal SDF incidence was determined among patients with semen abnormalities. Asthenozoospermic and ≥40 years patient samples depicted higher (P < 0.05) SDF than those of the general population. SDF incidence was also high in normozoospermic patients. CONCLUSIONS Using a 2-step remote approach with a standardized procedure and an SDF cut-off value established with fertile donors, high SDF incidence in semen samples depicting normal and abnormal quality were identified in men consulting for infertility, highlighting the relevance of its evaluation as part of the male fertility workup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Luis Verón
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ania Antonella Manjon
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ricardo Bello
- Universidad de Tres de Febrero. Sáenz Peña, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Débora Catalano
- Centro de Diagnóstico Enrique Rossi (CDRossi), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | | | | | - Mónica Hebe Vazquez-Levin
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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2
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Li XL, Cai XY, Ning X, Liang YY, Hong Y, Li QM, Hu D, Zheng YZ, Cai Y, Xu T, Zhao LL. Role of sleep in asthenospermia induced by di (2-ethyl-hexyl) phthalate. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:13965-13980. [PMID: 38265591 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32030-9] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Di (2-ethyl-hexyl) phthalate (DEHP) mainly enters the human body through the digestive tract, respiratory tract, and skin. At the same time, it has reproductive and developmental toxicity, neurotoxicity, and so on, which can cause the decrease of sperm motility. Asthenospermia is also known as low sperm motility, and the semen quality of men in some areas of China is declining year by year. Interestingly, previous studies have shown that sleep disorders can also lead to asthenospermia. However, the relationship between sleep, DEHP, and asthenospermia is still unclear. Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) population database showed that DEHP was associated with sleep disorders, and subsequent experiments in mice and Drosophila indicated that DEHP exposure had certain effects on sleep and asthenospermia. Furthermore, we analyzed the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) to find out the common signaling pathway among the three: hypoxia-inducible factor 1(HIF-1). Then Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) was used to screen out the proteins that DEHP affected the HIF-1 pathway: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT1), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and finally Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression levels of the three proteins. Compared with the control group, DEHP decreased the protein expression levels of GAPDH and AKT1 in the HIF-1 pathway, and caused sleep disorders and decreased sperm motility. This study provides preliminary evidence for exploring the mechanism among DEHP, sleep disorders, and asthenospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Lu Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
- School of Biology, Food and Environment, Hefei University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Xiao-Yue Cai
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
- School of Biology, Food and Environment, Hefei University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Xia Ning
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
- School of Biology, Food and Environment, Hefei University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Yue-Yue Liang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
- School of Biology, Food and Environment, Hefei University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Yun Hong
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
- School of Biology, Food and Environment, Hefei University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Qi-Meng Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
- School of Biology, Food and Environment, Hefei University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Die Hu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
- School of Biology, Food and Environment, Hefei University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Yuan-Zhuo Zheng
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
- School of Biology, Food and Environment, Hefei University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Yang Cai
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
- School of Biology, Food and Environment, Hefei University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Tao Xu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
- School of Biology, Food and Environment, Hefei University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Ling-Li Zhao
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China.
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Xiao X, Han Y, Li Q, Zheng D, Cheng CY, Ni Y. Exploring the evolving function of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in junction dynamics during spermatogenesis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1281812. [PMID: 38260159 PMCID: PMC10801026 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1281812] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed on immune, endothelial, and epithelial cells. Its ectodomain can be proteolytically cleaved to release a circulating soluble form called sICAM-1. Clinical studies demonstrate sICAM-1 is upregulated in various diseases and associated with disease severity. Research has identified sICAM-1 as a regulator of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) and spermatogenesis. Overexpression of sICAM-1 weakened the BTB in vitro and in vivo, downregulated junction proteins including N-cadherin, γ-catenin, and connexin 43, and caused germ cell loss. This contrasts with barrier-strengthening effects of membrane-bound ICAM-1. sICAM-1 may act as a molecular switch enabling germ cells to open BTB and Sertoli-germ cell adhesion for transport across the seminiferous epithelium. While the mechanism remains unclear, reduced SRC family kinase (SFK) signaling was observed following sICAM-1 overexpression. SRC promotes BTB protein endocytosis and degradation, influences cytoskeletal dynamics, and affects cell polarity. As sICAM-1 overexpression phenocopies SRC inhibition, SRC may operate downstream of sICAM-1 in regulating BTB dynamics and spermatogenesis. Investigating sICAM-1's structure-function regions and downstream targets will elucidate the molecular mechanisms of junction disruption. This knowledge could enable strategies targeting sICAM-1/SRC to modulate BTB permeability and treat male infertility or diseases involving endothelial/epithelial barrier dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Xiao
- Center for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yating Han
- Center for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qin Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dongwang Zheng
- Center for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, China
| | - C. Yan Cheng
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ya Ni
- Center for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, China
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Liu J, Dai Y, Li R, Yuan J, Wang Q, Wang L. Does air pollution exposure affect semen quality? Evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis of 93,996 Chinese men. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1219340. [PMID: 37601219 PMCID: PMC10435904 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1219340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Air pollution may impair male fertility, but it remains controversial whether air pollution affects semen quality until now. Objectives We undertake a meta-analysis to explore potential impacts of six pollutants exposure during the entire window (0-90 days prior to ejaculation) and critical windows (0-9, 10-14, and 70-90 days prior to ejaculation) on semen quality. Methods Seven databases were retrieved for original studies on the effects of six pollutants exposure for 90 days prior to ejaculation on semen quality. The search process does not limit the language and search date. We only included original studies that reported regression coefficients (β) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The β and 95% CIs were pooled using the DerSimonian-Laird random effect models. Results PM2.5 exposure was related with decreased total sperm number (10-14 lag days) and total motility (10-14, 70-90, and 0-90 lag days). PM10 exposure was related with reduced total sperm number (70-90 and 0-90 lag days) and total motility (0-90 lag days). NO2 exposure was related with reduced total sperm number (70-90 and 0-90 lag days). SO2 exposure was related with declined total motility (0-9, 10-14, 0-90 lag days) and total sperm number (0-90 lag days). Conclusion Air pollution affects semen quality making it necessary to limit exposure to air pollution for Chinese men. When implementing protective measures, it is necessary to consider the key period of sperm development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Liu
- Henan Human Sperm Bank, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yanpeng Dai
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Runqing Li
- The Neonatal Screening Center in Henan Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiayi Yuan
- The Neonatal Screening Center in Henan Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Quanxian Wang
- Henan Human Sperm Bank, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Linkai Wang
- Henan Human Sperm Bank, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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5
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Ran L, Gao Z, Chen Q, Cui F, Liu X, Xue B. Identification and validation of diagnostic signature genes in non-obstructive azoospermia by machine learning. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:204749. [PMID: 37227814 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204749] [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: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a common cause of male infertility, and no specific diagnostic indicators exist. In this study, we used human testis datasets GSE45885, GSE45887, and GSE108886 from GEO database as training datasets, and screened 6 signature genes (all lowly expressed in the NOA group) using Boruta algorithm and Lasso regression: C12orf54, TSSK6, OR2H1, FER1L5, C9orf153, XKR3. The diagnostic efficacy of the above genes was examined by constructing models with LightGBM algorithm: the AUC (Area Under Curve) of both ROC and Precision-Recall curves for internal validation was 1.0 (p < 0.05). For the external validation dataset GSE145467 (human testis), the AUC of its ROC curve was 0.9 and that of its Precision-Recall curve was 0.833 (p < 0.05). Next, we confirmed the cellular localization of the above genes using human testis single-cell RNA sequencing dataset GSE149512, which were all located in spermatid. Besides, the downstream regulatory mechanisms of the above genes in spermatid were inferred by GSEA algorithm: C12orf54 may be involved in the repression of E2F-related and MYC-related pathways, TSSK6 and C9orf153 may be involved in the repression of MYC-related pathways, while FER1L5 may be involved in the repression of spermatogenesis pathway. Finally, we constructed a NOA model in mice using X-ray irradiation, and quantitative Real-time PCR results showed that C12orf54, TSSK6, OR2H1, FER1L5, and C9orf153 were all lowly expressed in NOA group. In summary, we have identified novel signature genes of NOA using machine learning methods and complete experimental validation, which will be helpful for its early diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingxiang Ran
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, China
| | - Zhixiang Gao
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, China
| | - Qiu Chen
- School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Fengmei Cui
- School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Xiaolong Liu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, China
| | - Boxin Xue
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, China
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Xu G, Peng Y, Chen C. Effectiveness of Peng's Shengjing recipe on male asthenospermia caused by kidney yang deficiency: A randomized pilot study. Saudi Med J 2023; 44:253-259. [PMID: 36940973 PMCID: PMC10043897 DOI: 10.15537/smj.2023.44.3.20220676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examined the efficacy and safety of Peng's Shengjing recipe in treating asthenospermia with deficiency and failure of kidney yang. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Peng's Shengjing recipe might have benefits in treating male asthenospermia. METHODS This randomized, positive drug-controlled, single-blind pilot study enrolled outpatients from the Third Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Surgery, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China, between April 2020 and September 2020. A total of 99 participants were randomized to Shengjing recipe (n=50) and Xuanju capsule (n=49). They were treated for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was routine semen examinations, including the percentage of sperm motility rated grade A, A+B, and A+B+C, and the clinical effective rate. The secondary endpoints were the levels of gonadotropins. RESULTS The A grade sperms (18.9% versus [vs.] 13.9%, p=0.030) and A+B grade sperms (42.9% vs. 32.7%, p<0.001) were higher in the Shengjing recipe group than the Xuanju capsule group. The effective rates were 68% and 53.1% in the Shengjing recipe and Xuanju capsule groups (p=0.128). No safety signals were observed. CONCLUSION Peng's Shengjing recipe improves the quality of sperms and is effective in treating clinical asthenospermia of deficiency of kidney yang. The treatment was well tolerated, without obvious hepatorenal toxicity.Chinese Clinical Research Registry No.: ChiCTR2000030845.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyao Xu
- From the Eighth Department of Surgery (Xu), The Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine; from Urology Surgery (Peng), Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine; and from the Shanghai Research Institute of Qigong (Chen), Taiji Health Center, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yu Peng
- From the Eighth Department of Surgery (Xu), The Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine; from Urology Surgery (Peng), Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine; and from the Shanghai Research Institute of Qigong (Chen), Taiji Health Center, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Chunyan Chen
- From the Eighth Department of Surgery (Xu), The Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine; from Urology Surgery (Peng), Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine; and from the Shanghai Research Institute of Qigong (Chen), Taiji Health Center, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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7
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Garcia-Grau E, Lleberia J, Costa L, Guitart M, Yeste M, Benet J, Amengual MJ, Ribas-Maynou J. Decline of Sperm Quality over the Last Two Decades in the South of Europe: A Retrospective Study in Infertile Patients. BIOLOGY 2022; 12:biology12010070. [PMID: 36671762 PMCID: PMC9856056 DOI: 10.3390/biology12010070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Semen quality has a direct relation to male fertility. Whether sperm variables in humans have decreased over the last years is still uncertain, with some studies showing a decline and others reporting no changes. In this regard, previous research has suggested that lifestyle and environmental conditions may contribute to this variability, calling for regional studies. The present work is a retrospective, unicentric study that includes semen samples analyzed between 1997 and 2017 at the Parc Taulí Hospital (Barcelona metropolitan area). First, a multivariate analysis including the age as a confounding factor showed a statistically significant decrease in semen volume, pH, progressive motility, morphology and total motile sperm over time. Contrarily, no significant variation in sperm count or concentration was observed. Mean reductions per year were -0.02 mL for volume, -0.57% for progressively motile sperm and -0.72% for sperm with normal morphology. Interestingly, the average annual temperature registered by the Spanish Meteorology Agency negatively correlated to sperm morphology and sperm count (Rs = -0.642; p = 0.002 and Rs = -0.435; p = 0.049, respectively). In conclusion, the present study based on infertile patients from the Barcelona area found a decline in sperm motility and morphology, without effects on sperm count. Changes in temperature appeared to be associated to this decline, but further studies are needed to address the mechanisms linked to the observed variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Garcia-Grau
- Departament of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Parc Taulí Health Corporation, ES-08208 Sabadell, Spain
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, (Cerdanyola del Vallès), ES-08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Judith Lleberia
- Departament of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Parc Taulí Health Corporation, ES-08208 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Laura Costa
- Departament of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Parc Taulí Health Corporation, ES-08208 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Miriam Guitart
- UDIAT Diagnostic Center, Parc Taulí Health Corporation, ES-08208 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), ES-08010 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Jordi Benet
- Unit of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), ES-08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - María José Amengual
- UDIAT Diagnostic Center, Parc Taulí Health Corporation, ES-08208 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
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Auger J, Eustache F, Chevrier C, Jégou B. Spatiotemporal trends in human semen quality. Nat Rev Urol 2022; 19:597-626. [PMID: 35978007 PMCID: PMC9383660 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-022-00626-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Over the past four decades, studies of various designs have reported spatial and temporal trends in human semen quality. Several standardized-methodology studies in homogeneous populations that compare specific cities within a country or a continent provide clear evidence of geographical differences in sperm production, even over short distances within the same country. Human sperm production is widely believed to be declining over time, but evidence from the scientific literature is less clear. Studies based on repeated cross-sectional data from a single centre have shown mixed results. Among the numerous retrospective studies conducted in a single centre, only some included homogeneous groups of men and appropriate methods, and most of them suggest a temporal decrease in human sperm production in the geographical areas considered. Conclusions reporting temporal trends in sperm production that came from existing retrospective multicentre studies based on individual semen data and those using means, medians or estimates of sperm production are questionable, owing to intrinsic limitations in the studies performed. Regardless of study design, studies on the percentage of motile or morphologically normal spermatozoa are still limited by the inherent variability in assessment. Overall, available data do not enable us to conclude that human semen quality is deteriorating worldwide or in the Western world, but that a trend is observed in some specific areas. To understand these trends and contrasts in sperm and semen quality, prospective studies should be encouraged and combined with assessment of the male exposome. Several studies over the past few decades have suggested that sperm quality varies by geographical region and might be subject to a temporal decline worldwide. However, the data supporting these conclusions have come from studies of various methodologies and heterogeneous populations, making them unreliable. In this in-depth Review, Chevrier and colleagues discuss the data surrounding discussion of spatiotemporal trends in semen parameters and consider how these trends and the factors promoting them interact. The vast literature on human semen quality trends is extremely heterogeneous in terms of the populations studied and study designs, and so these studies have been unable to draw firm conclusions. Understanding the data around spatiotemporal semen trends requires a focus on the methodological choices and application of criteria to filter findings from the studies with optimal design. Numerous appropriately designed studies suggest unambiguous geographical contrasts in human sperm production; however, evidence of a decline in sperm production is reliable only in specific populations and cities in which studies with a complete set of quality criteria have been conducted. By contrast, suggestions of a worldwide drop in human semen quality on the basis of retrospective multicentre studies cannot be substantiated, owing to intrinsic limitations in the studies performed. Many and varied factors of variation, in particular the diverse modalities of assessment, do not enable us to conclude that clear temporal trends of sperm motility and normal morphology are present. Progress in our understanding of the highlighted trends and their causal factors requires prospective studies that minimize all known biases combined with the assessment of men’s exposome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Auger
- INSERM U1016-Equipe "Génomique, Epigénétique et Physiologie de la Reproduction", Institut Cochin, Université Paris Descartes-Paris, Paris, France
| | - Florence Eustache
- INSERM U1016-Equipe "Génomique, Epigénétique et Physiologie de la Reproduction", Institut Cochin, Université Paris Descartes-Paris, Paris, France.,CECOS, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Seine-Saint-Denis, Hôpital Jean Verdier and Service de Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Nord Val de Seine, Hôpital Bichat, Paris, France
| | - Cécile Chevrier
- Université Rennes, INSERM, EHESP, IRSET-UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France.
| | - Bernard Jégou
- Université Rennes, INSERM, EHESP, IRSET-UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
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9
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Jørgensen N, Lamb DJ, Levine H, Pastuszak AW, Sigalos JT, Swan SH, Eisenberg ML. Are worldwide sperm counts declining? Fertil Steril 2021; 116:1457-1463. [PMID: 34836581 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Niels Jørgensen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dolores J Lamb
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York; Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York; Center for Reproductive Genomics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Hagai Levine
- Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Hadassah-Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Alexander W Pastuszak
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah Health Science Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - John T Sigalos
- Department of Urology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Shanna H Swan
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Michael L Eisenberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.
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10
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Ye YX, Chen HG, Sun B, Chen YJ, Duan P, Meng TQ, Xiong CL, Wang YX, Pan A. Associations between depression, oxidative stress, and semen quality among 1,000 healthy men screened as potential sperm donors. Fertil Steril 2021; 117:86-94. [PMID: 34656302 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the association between depression and semen quality and the mediating role of oxidative stress. DESIGN Cross-sectional study with repeated measures of semen quality. SETTING Human Sperm Bank of Hubei Province, People's Republic of China. PATIENT(S) From April 2017 to July 2018, we recruited 1,000 potential sperm donors who completed the Beck Depression Inventory questionnaire and had measures of oxidative stress biomarkers. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Severity of depression was evaluated by the Beck Depression Inventory scores (0-4, no depression; 5-13, mild depression; 14-20, moderate depression; and 21 or greater, severe depression). The urinary concentrations of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-mercapturic acid, and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-isoPGF2α) were measured to reflect oxidative stress status. Repeated semen quality parameters (n = 5,880) were examined by trained professional technicians according to the World Health Organization laboratory manual. Associations between depression, oxidative stress, and repeated measures of semen quality parameters were evaluated using linear or mixed-effects models with adjustment for potential confounders. Mediation analysis was performed to test the potential mediating role of oxidative stress. RESULT(S) A total of 391 (39.1%) men were classified as mild depression, 67 (6.7%) as moderate depression, and 19 (1.9%) as severe depression. Inverse dose-response relationships between severity of depression and semen quality parameters were found. Compared with men without depression (n = 523), those with severe depression had a 25.26% (95% confidence interval, -38.65%, -8.93%) lower semen volume, 37.04% (-55.37%, -11.20%) lower total sperm count, 13.57% (-23.17%, -2.78%) lower total motility, and 15.08% (-25.09%, -3.72%) lower progressive motility; men with moderate depression also had a 12.28% (-21.16%, -2.40%) lower semen volume and 23.56% (-36.50%, -7.97%) lower total sperm count. We found a positive dose-response relationship between severity of depression and urinary 8-isoPGF2α concentrations. However, we found no evidence that the associations between depression status and semen quality were mediated by oxidative stress markers. CONCLUSION(S) In the study of Chinese male sperm donors, men with depression had worse semen quality parameters, including semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, total motility, and progressive motility. Although depression was positively associated with urinary 8-isoPGF2α concentrations, depression-semen quality associations were not mediated by oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Xiang Ye
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Heng-Gui Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China; Clinical Research and Translation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying-Jun Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Duan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Xiangyang No. 1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian-Qing Meng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei Province Human Sperm Bank, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng-Liang Xiong
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei Province Human Sperm Bank, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Xin Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - An Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
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11
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Rosa-Villagrán L, Barrera N, Montes J, Riso C, Sapiro R. Decline of semen quality over the last 30 years in Uruguay. Basic Clin Androl 2021; 31:8. [PMID: 33952196 PMCID: PMC8101031 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-021-00128-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the last years, there has been an increasing concern about a global decline in men's fertility. Specifically, some evidence indicates that sperm quality has decreased over the last years. However, reports showing the changes in sperm quality with time are inconsistent. Part of the contradictions between studies is attributed to geographical differences. Surprisingly, few studies include data from South American countries, creating a bias in the conclusions. This study aims to determine how sperm quality has evolved over the past 30 years in Uruguay. For this purpose, 317 medical records from allegedly healthy sperm donor candidates, aged between 18 and 36 years old, who voluntarily requested to be considered as sperm donors between 1988 and 2019, were analyzed. The studied variables were the following sperm parameters: semen volume, sperm cell concentration, total sperm number, progressive motility, vitality, and sperm morphology. A correlative statistical analysis was performed between seminal parameter values and the year data were collected. RESULTS We found a statistically significant decrease in sperm concentration and normal sperm morphology during the studied period. There was no decrease in vitality, seminal volume, and total progressive motility. Semen parameters were not associated with tobacco, drugs, or alcohol consumption. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that the sperm quality of donor candidates in Uruguay decreased during this period. Further studies should be carried out to verify the occurrence of this phenomenon in the general population and find its possible causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Rosa-Villagrán
- Departamento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Gral. Flores 2125, 11800, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Natalibeth Barrera
- Laboratorio de Andrología, Fertilab Laboratorio de Análisis Clínicos, Montevideo, Uruguay.,Laboratorio de FIV, Centro de Esterilidad Montevideo (CEM), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - José Montes
- Laboratorio de Andrología, Fertilab Laboratorio de Análisis Clínicos, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Carlos Riso
- Departamento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Gral. Flores 2125, 11800, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Rossana Sapiro
- Departamento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Gral. Flores 2125, 11800, Montevideo, Uruguay.
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