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Vashisht A, Gahlay GK. Understanding seminal plasma in male infertility: emerging markers and their implications. Andrology 2024; 12:1058-1077. [PMID: 38018348 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13563] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Infertility affects a significant proportion of the reproductive-aged population, with male-associated factors contributing to over half of the cases. However, current diagnostic tools have limitations, leading to an underestimation of the true prevalence of male infertility. While traditional semen parameters provide some insights, they fail to determine the true fertility potential in a substantial number of instances. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate additional molecular targets responsible for male infertility to improve understanding and identification of such cases. Seminal plasma, the main carrier of molecules derived from male reproductive glands, plays a crucial role in reproduction. Amongst its multifarious functions, it regulates processes such as sperm capacitation, sperm protection and maturation, and even interaction with the egg's zona pellucida. Seminal plasma offers a non-invasive sample for urogenital diagnostics and has shown promise in identifying biomarkers associated with male reproductive disorders. This review aims to provide an updated and comprehensive overview of seminal plasma in the diagnosis of male infertility, exploring its composition, function, methods used for analysis, and the application of emerging markers. Apart from the application, the potential challenges of seminal plasma analysis such as standardisation, marker interpretation and confounding factors have also been addressed. Moreover, we have also explored future avenues for enhancing its utility and its role in improving diagnostic strategies. Through comprehensive exploration of seminal plasma's diagnostic potential, the present analysis seeks to advance the understanding of male infertility and its effective management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashutosh Vashisht
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Gagandeep Kaur Gahlay
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
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Khaki A, Araghi A, Lotfi M, Nourian A. Differences between some biochemical components in seminal plasma of first and second ejaculations in dual-purpose Simmental ( Fleckvieh) bulls and their relationships with semen quality parameters. VETERINARY RESEARCH FORUM : AN INTERNATIONAL QUARTERLY JOURNAL 2021; 12:39-46. [PMID: 33953872 PMCID: PMC8094143 DOI: 10.30466/vrf.2019.98781.2355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate differences in seminal plasma zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels in the first and second ejaculations and their relationships with semen quality parameters in Fleckvieh bulls. Repetitive ejaculates were separately collected, analyzed, and frozen from the sires. Progressive motility of frozen-thawed semen (PMFT) was considered the main factor for more data classification into three following groups: <40.00%, 40.00 - 50.00%, and >50.00%. Seminal plasma trace elements and enzymes were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry and ELISA, respectively. The results revealed significant differences between the first and second ejaculations. Semen concentration, SOD, GPx, and Fe were different in ejaculations. Although PMFT groups in different ejaculations did not show significant differences, there was significant alteration between different PMFT groups and first and second ejaculations. All frozen-thawed semen CASA parameters (except lateral head displacement) were associated with fresh motility parameters and before and after thawing sperm viability. Also, a correlation between seminal Zn concentration with fresh semen gross and progressive motility, average path velocity, and beat cross frequency, Cu with SOD and Fe and semen concentration was observed. CAT was associated with fresh and frozen-thawed sperm motility parameters except for lateral head displacement and angular displacement. Although our findings showed differences between the first and second ejaculations in some parameters, PMFT, which is the most important indicator for estimating bull fertility, was not different between them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Khaki
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran.,Iran Simmental Cattle Breeding Center, Amard-Dam Company, Amol, Iran
| | - Atefeh Araghi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran
| | - Mehdi Lotfi
- Iran Simmental Cattle Breeding Center, Amard-Dam Company, Amol, Iran
| | - Alireza Nourian
- Iran Simmental Cattle Breeding Center, Amard-Dam Company, Amol, Iran
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Badura A, Marzec-Wróblewska U, Kamiński P, Łakota P, Ludwikowski G, Szymański M, Wasilow K, Lorenc A, Buciński A. Prediction of semen quality using artificial neural network. J Appl Biomed 2019; 17:167-174. [DOI: 10.32725/jab.2019.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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Bian J, Shi X, Li Q, Zhao M, Wang L, Lee J, Tao M, Wu X. A novel functional role of nickel in sperm motility and eukaryotic cell growth. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2019; 54:142-149. [PMID: 31109604 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2019.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metal ions are essential for numerous life processes. This study aims to investigate the relationship between seminal quality and ion levels in seminal plasma. BASIC PROCEDURES A total of 205 semen samples were collected and seminal plasma ion levels were examined with inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The nickel function was demonstrated by in vitro assay and cell growth. MAIN FINDINGS The low sperm motility group showed distinctively reduced nickel concentration in seminal plasma compared with the normal sperm motility group. However, arsenic, sulfur, selenium, magnesium and zinc were negatively associated with sperm quality. No significant relationship between other examined cations and semen quality was observed. In vitro assay suggested low concentration of nickel significantly increased sperm total motility and progressive motility. Cell growth assay further confirmed nickel promoted eukaryotic yeast cell growth. Nickel level in seminal plasma may play important functions to determine sperm quality. PRINCIPAL CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals a strong correlation between S, Mg, Se, Zn, As, Ni and seminal quality as well as discovers a novel functional role of nickel in sperm motility and eukaryotic cell growth. These findings may provide a potential avenue for assessment of sperm quality and treatment of reproduction disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Bian
- College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, 200234, China; Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, 200233, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohong Shi
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, 200233, Shanghai, China
| | - Qin Li
- College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, 200234, China
| | - Miaoyun Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68588, USA
| | - Lingyun Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, 200234, China
| | - Jaekwon Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68588, USA
| | - Minfang Tao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, 200233, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiaobin Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, 200234, China.
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Bieniek JM, Drabovich AP, Lo KC. Seminal biomarkers for the evaluation of male infertility. Asian J Androl 2017; 18:426-33. [PMID: 26975492 PMCID: PMC4854096 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.175781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
For men struggling to conceive with their partners, diagnostic tools are limited and often consist of only a standard semen analysis. This baseline test serves as a crude estimation of male fertility, leaving patients and clinicians in need of additional diagnostic biomarkers. Seminal fluid contains the highest concentration of molecules from the male reproductive glands, therefore, this review focuses on current and novel seminal biomarkers in certain male infertility scenarios, including natural fertility, differentiating azoospermia etiologies, and predicting assisted reproductive technique success. Currently available tests include antisperm antibody assays, DNA fragmentation index, sperm fluorescence in situ hybridization, and other historical sperm functional tests. The poor diagnostic ability of current assays has led to continued efforts to find more predictive biomarkers. Emerging research in the fields of genomics, epigenetics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics holds promise for the development of novel male infertility biomarkers. Seminal protein-based assays of TEX101, ECM1, and ACRV1 are already available or under final development for clinical use. Additional panels of DNA, RNA, proteins, or metabolites are being explored as we attempt to understand the pathophysiologic processes of male infertility. Future ventures will need to continue data integration and validation for the development of clinically useful infertility biomarkers to aid in male infertility diagnosis, treatment, and counseling.
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Zhang ZW, Qiao N, Kang ZL, Chen ZL, Hu LM, Yang ZM, Li Y. Copper-Induced Spermatozoa Head Malformation Is Related to Oxidative Damage to Testes in CD-1 Mice. Biol Trace Elem Res 2016; 173:427-32. [PMID: 27025717 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-016-0675-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The molecular mechanism for copper toxicity on spermatozoa quality in mice is not well understood. In a 4-week experiment, we challenged 24, 6-week-old male CD-1 mice with twice-a-week intraperitoneal copper chloride injections and evaluated spermatozoa quality, copper levels in the testes, serum testosterone, the expression of key antioxidant glutathione peroxidase 5 (GPx5), and the regulated androgen receptor (AR) in the mice testes. We compared these outcomes for four groups of six mice given doses of 0, 1.25, 2.5, 5.0 mg/kg weight copper chloride twice a week for 4 weeks. The mice demonstrated a copper increase spermatozoa head malformation in a dose-response manner. However, we observed no changes in spermatozoa viability and acrosome integrity in the ratio of mouse body weight to testes weight or in the histomorphology of the testes as the average copper level increased. Results of our RT-PCR assays, immunohistochemical tests, ELISA, and histochemistry analyses indicated that testis GPx5 expression was increased, AR expression in the testes was decreased, serum testosterone was decreased, and the activity of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was decreased as the copper dose increased. In conclusion, these data show that sublethal exposure to copper induces spermatozoa head malformation and influences both mRNA and protein levels of GPx5 and AR which is related to copper resides in the testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo-Wei Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Na Qiao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Zhen-Long Kang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Zhi-Ling Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Lian-Mei Hu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Zeng-Ming Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Ying Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Severe Clinical Animal Diseases, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
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