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Pańczyszyn A, Boniewska-Bernacka E, Wertel I, Sadakierska-Chudy A, Goc A. Telomeres and SIRT1 as Biomarkers of Gamete Oxidative Stress, Fertility, and Potential IVF Outcome. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8652. [PMID: 39201341 PMCID: PMC11354255 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168652] [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: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The number of infertile couples undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) has increased significantly. The efficacy of this procedure is contingent upon a multitude of factors, including gamete quality. One factor influencing gamete quality is oxidative stress, which leads to telomere damage and accelerates cellular ageing. Identifying new biomarkers that can predict the success of assisted reproduction techniques is a current relevant area of research. In this review, we discuss the potential role of SIRT1, a protein known to protect against oxidative stress and telomeres, which are responsible for genome stability, as biomarkers of gamete quality and assisted reproduction technique outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pańczyszyn
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Opole, Oleska 48, 45-052 Opole, Poland; (E.B.-B.); (A.G.)
| | - Ewa Boniewska-Bernacka
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Opole, Oleska 48, 45-052 Opole, Poland; (E.B.-B.); (A.G.)
| | - Iwona Wertel
- Independent Laboratory of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Anna Sadakierska-Chudy
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum, Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University, Gustawa Herlinga-Grudzinskiego 1, 30-705 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Anna Goc
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Opole, Oleska 48, 45-052 Opole, Poland; (E.B.-B.); (A.G.)
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Eisenberg DTA, Ryan CP, Lee NR, Carba DB, MacIsaac JL, Dever K, Atashzay P, Kobor MS, Kuzawa C. DNA methylation-based estimators of telomere length show low correspondence with paternal age at conception and other measures of external validity of telomere length. GeroScience 2024; 46:3957-3969. [PMID: 38466455 PMCID: PMC11226585 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01114-2] [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: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
In humans, DNA methylation (DNAm) based estimators of telomere length (TL) have been shown to better predict TL-associated variables (e.g., age, sex, and mortality) than TL itself. The biological significance of DNAm-based estimators of TL (DNAmTL) is unclear. In vitro DNAmTL shortens with cell replications, even when telomerase is maintaining TL. Telomerase is typically suppressed in humans, except in testes. Accordingly, sperm TL increases with age, and offspring with greater paternal age at conception (PAC) have longer TL. Thus, we expect that PAC associations with DNAmTL can shed light on whether in vivo cell replications in the presence of high telomerase activity (production of sperm) shorten DNAmTL or if PAC-lengthened TL causes lengthened DNAmTL. In a pre-registered analysis, using data from 1733 blood samples from the Philippines, we examined the association between paternal age at conception (PAC) and offspring DNAmTL. We did not find an association between PAC and DNAmTL but found a positive association of paternal grandfather's age at father's conception predicting grandchild's DNAmTL. In post hoc analyses, we examined how DNAmTL versus qPCR-measured TL (qPCR-TL) correlated with measures typically associated with TL. Contrary to previous findings, on almost all measures of external validity (correlations with parental TLs, southern blot TL, and age), qPCR-TL outperformed DNAmTL. The "kilobase" units of DNAm-based estimators of TL showed considerable deviations from southern blot-derived kilobase measures. Our findings suggest that DNAmTL is not a reliable index of inherited aspects of TL and underscores uncertainty about the biological meaning of DNAmTL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan T A Eisenberg
- Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Calen P Ryan
- Columbia Aging Center GeroScience Computational Core, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Nanette R Lee
- USC-Office of Population Studies Foundation, Inc., University of San Carlos, Cebu City, Philippines
| | - Delia B Carba
- USC-Office of Population Studies Foundation, Inc., University of San Carlos, Cebu City, Philippines
| | - Julie L MacIsaac
- Edwin S.H. Leong Healthy Aging Program, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Kristy Dever
- Edwin S.H. Leong Healthy Aging Program, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Parmida Atashzay
- Edwin S.H. Leong Healthy Aging Program, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Michael S Kobor
- Edwin S.H. Leong Healthy Aging Program, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Christopher Kuzawa
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University; Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
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Fragkiadaki P, Kouvidi E, Angelaki A, Nikolopoulou D, Vakonaki E, Tsatsakis A. Evaluation of telomere length and telomerase activity on predicting in vitro fertilization treatment outcomes. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:1463-1473. [PMID: 38695985 PMCID: PMC11224194 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03117-6] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The current article is a literature review aiming to provide an overview of the existing knowledge on the association between telomere length and telomerase activity and in vitro fertilization. Recently, telomeres have been used as an effective biomarker to determine biological age, which may differ from chronological age due to genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Cellular senescence, along with other exogenous and mainly environmental factors, can enhance telomere wear, further shortening their ends and may also affect reproductive aging. IVF is a common fertility treatment caused by female reasons (age, ovulation disorders, damaged or blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis), male reasons (low sperm quantity or quality), or unexplained infertility. A growing number of studies have proposed a relationship between telomere length and telomerase activity and IVF success and have suggested their use as candidate biomarkers for IVF outcome. Nevertheless, additional studies are necessary to be conducted, in order to clarify the possible implication of telomeres in IVF and to evaluate their possible role as valuable predictors of IVF result.
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Affiliation(s)
- Persefoni Fragkiadaki
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, 71003, Heraklion, Greece
- Lifeplus S.A., Science &Technological Park of Crete, C Building, Vassilika Vouton, 70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Elisavet Kouvidi
- Lifeplus S.A., Science &Technological Park of Crete, C Building, Vassilika Vouton, 70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Phenotypos Lab, Katehaki 40A, 115 25, Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Angelaki
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, 71003, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Dimitra Nikolopoulou
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, 71003, Heraklion, Greece
- Lifeplus S.A., Science &Technological Park of Crete, C Building, Vassilika Vouton, 70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Elena Vakonaki
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, 71003, Heraklion, Greece
- Lifeplus S.A., Science &Technological Park of Crete, C Building, Vassilika Vouton, 70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, 71003, Heraklion, Greece.
- Lifeplus S.A., Science &Technological Park of Crete, C Building, Vassilika Vouton, 70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
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Nanda A, Logan A, Tennyson RL. The influence of perceived stress and motivation on telomere length among NCAA swimmers. Am J Hum Biol 2024:e24091. [PMID: 38747360 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.24091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Telomere length (TL) shortening is associated with increased cellular senescence and functional decline with age. Regular physical activity is posited to safeguard against TL shortening, but there is disagreement on how concurrent psychosocial stress may influence this relationship. The current analysis explored whether psychosocial stress is associated with TL differences in highly physically active individuals. METHODS TL was measured from capillary dried blood spots collected from Division-I (D-1) and Division-III (D-3) National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) swimmers (N = 28) and non-athlete students from the same schools (N = 15). All participants completed Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and student-athletes completed an additional questionnaire to assess psychosocial factors associated with their lifestyle; The Student Athletes' Motivation towards Sports and Academics Questionnaire (SAMSAQ). Semi-structured interviews further contextualized how student-athletes internalize their stress. RESULTS There was no significant difference in TL or PSS scores between swimmers and controls. D-1 swimmers reported significantly higher career and student-athlete motivation scores compared to D-3, but non-significantly higher PSS and similar academic motivation scores. Themes from interviews with collegiate swimmers included COVID-19 stress, fear of injury, pressure from academics, expectations to perform, and financial pressures. CONCLUSIONS These themes may have contributed to higher PSS scores in D-1 swimmers compared to D-3 but did not appear to impact their TL. Given differences in perceived stress, sources of stress, and SAMSAQ scores, further analyses with larger sample sizes are needed to better understand how these factors influence human biology and health while engaged in intense physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anamika Nanda
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Alvin Logan
- Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Robert L Tennyson
- Department of Sociology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Frydrychová RČ, Konopová B, Peska V, Brejcha M, Sábová M. Telomeres and telomerase: active but complex players in life-history decisions. Biogerontology 2024; 25:205-226. [PMID: 37610666 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-023-10060-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Studies on human telomeres have established that telomeres exert a significant influence on lifespan and health of organisms. However, recent research has indicated that the original idea that telomeres affect lifespan in a universal and central manner across all eukaryotic species is an oversimplification. Indeed, findings from a variety of animal species revealed that the role of telomere biology in aging is more subtle and intricate than previously recognized. Here, we show how telomere biology varies depending on the taxon. We also show how telomere biology corresponds to basic life history traits and affects the life table of a species and investments in growth, body size, reproduction, and lifespan; telomeres are hypothesized to shape evolutionary perspectives for species in an active but complex manner. Our evaluation is based on telomere biology data from many examples from throughout the animal kingdom that vary according to the degree of organismal complexity and life history strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radmila Čapková Frydrychová
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1760, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Barbora Konopová
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Vratislav Peska
- Department of Cell Biology and Radiobiology, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Miloslav Brejcha
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1760, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Michala Sábová
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
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Randell Z, Dehghanbanadaki H, Fendereski K, Jimbo M, Aston K, Hotaling J. Sperm telomere length in male-factor infertility and reproduction. Fertil Steril 2024; 121:12-25. [PMID: 37949346 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.11.001] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The underlying reasons for male-factor infertility are often unknown. 30% of all men have unexplained semen analysis abnormalities. Moreover, 15%-40% of infertile men have normal semen analyses. There have been increasing efforts to identify causes and associations that may explain idiopathic male-factor infertility. Telomeres have become an area of considerable interest in the field because of the essential roles they have in cellular division and genome integrity. Research to date most consistently supports that men with infertility have shorter sperm telomere length (STL); however, associations between shorter STL and meaningful reproductive health outcomes are less consistent. There is a major need for additional studies to better identify the role of STL in male reproductive health and use the information to improve the counseling and treatment of couples with idiopathic male-factor infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zane Randell
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.
| | - Hojat Dehghanbanadaki
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Kiarad Fendereski
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Masaya Jimbo
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Kenneth Aston
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - James Hotaling
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
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7
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Westneat DF, Young RC, Cones AG, Kucera AC, Anacleto A, Heidinger BJ. Early-life telomeres are influenced by environments acting at multiple temporal and spatial scales. Mol Ecol 2023; 32:5959-5970. [PMID: 37837282 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17166] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
An individual's telomere length early in life may reflect or contribute to key life-history processes sensitive to environmental variation. Yet, the relative importance of genetic and environmental factors in shaping early-life telomere length is not well understood as it requires samples collected from multiple generations with known developmental histories. We used a confirmed pedigree and conducted an animal model analysis of telomere lengths obtained from nestling house sparrows (Passer domesticus) sampled over a span of 22 years. We found significant additive genetic variation for early-life telomere length, but it comprised a small proportion (9%) of the total biological variation. Three sources of environmental variation were important: among cohorts, among-breeding attempts within years, and among nestmates. The magnitude of variation among breeding attempts and among nestmates also differed by cohort, suggesting that interactive effects of environmental factors across time or spatial scales were important, yet we were unable to identify the specific causes of these interactions. The mean amount of precipitation during the breeding season positively predicted telomere length, but neither weather during a given breeding attempt nor date in the breeding season contributed to an offspring's telomere length. At the level of individual nestlings, offspring sex, size and mass at 10 days of age also did not predict telomere length. Environmental effects appear especially important in shaping early-life telomere length in some species, and more focus on how environmental factors that interact across scales may help to explain some of the variation observed among studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David F Westneat
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Rebecca C Young
- Department of Biology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Alexandra G Cones
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Aurelia C Kucera
- Department of Biology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Angelo Anacleto
- Department of Biology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Britt J Heidinger
- Department of Biology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
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Zhang N, Baker EC, Welsh TH, Riley DG. Telomere Dynamics in Livestock. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1389. [PMID: 37997988 PMCID: PMC10669808 DOI: 10.3390/biology12111389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres are repeated sequences of nucleotides at the end of chromosomes. They deteriorate across mitotic divisions of a cell. In Homo sapiens this process of lifetime reduction has been shown to correspond with aspects of organismal aging and exposure to stress or other insults. The early impetus to characterize telomere dynamics in livestock related to the concern that aged donor DNA would result in earlier cell senescence and overall aging in cloned animals. Telomere length investigations in dairy cows included breed effects, estimates of additive genetic control (heritability 0.12 to 0.46), and effects of external stressors on telomere degradation across animal life. Evaluation of telomeres with respect to aging has also been conducted in pigs and horses, and there are fewer reports of telomere biology in beef cattle, sheep, and goats. There were minimal associations of telomere length with animal productivity measures. Most, but not all, work in livestock has documented an inverse relationship between peripheral blood cell telomere length and age; that is, a longer telomere length was associated with younger age. Because livestock longevity affects productivity and profitability, the role of tissue-specific telomere attrition in aging may present alternative improvement strategies for genetic improvement while also providing translational biomedical knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhang
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (N.Z.); (T.H.W.J.)
| | - Emilie C. Baker
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, West Texas A&M University, Canyon, TX 79016, USA;
| | - Thomas H. Welsh
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (N.Z.); (T.H.W.J.)
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - David G. Riley
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (N.Z.); (T.H.W.J.)
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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Aitken RJ. Male reproductive ageing: a radical road to ruin. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:1861-1871. [PMID: 37568254 PMCID: PMC10546083 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In modern post-transition societies, we are reproducing later and living longer. While the impact of age on female reproductive function has been well studied, much less is known about the intersection of age and male reproduction. Our current understanding is that advancing age brings forth a progressive decline in male fertility accompanied by a reduction in circulating testosterone levels and the appearance of age-dependent reproductive pathologies including benign prostatic hypertrophy and erectile dysfunction. Paternal ageing is also associated with a profound increase in sperm DNA damage, the appearance of multiple epigenetic changes in the germ line and an elevated mutational load in the offspring. The net result of such changes is an increase in the disease burden carried by the progeny of ageing males, including dominant genetic diseases such as Apert syndrome and achondroplasia, as well as neuropsychiatric conditions including autism and spontaneous schizophrenia. The genetic basis of these age-related effects appears to involve two fundamental mechanisms. The first is a positive selection mechanism whereby stem cells containing mutations in a mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway gain a selective advantage over their non-mutant counterparts and exhibit significant clonal expansion with the passage of time. The second is dependent on an age-dependent increase in oxidative stress which impairs the steroidogenic capacity of the Leydig cells, disrupts the ability of Sertoli cells to support the normal differentiation of germ cells, and disrupts the functional and genetic integrity of spermatozoa. Given the central importance of oxidative stress in defining the impact of chronological age on male reproduction, there may be a role for antioxidants in the clinical management of this process. While animal studies are supportive of this strategy, carefully designed clinical trials are now needed if we are to realize the therapeutic potential of this approach in a clinical context.
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Affiliation(s)
- R John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
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Chu B, Liu Z, Liu Y, Jiang H. The Role of Advanced Parental Age in Reproductive Genetics. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:2907-2919. [PMID: 37171772 PMCID: PMC10556127 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01256-2] [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: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The increase of parental reproductive age is a worldwide trend in modern society in recent decades. In general, older parents have a significant impact on reproductive genetics and the health of offspring. In particular, advanced parental age contributes to the increase in the risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring. However, it is currently under debate how and to what extent the health of future generations was affected by the parental age. In this review, we aimed to (i) provide an overview of the effects of age on the fertility and biology of the reproductive organs of the parents, (ii) highlight the candidate biological mechanisms underlying reproductive genetic alterations, and (iii) discuss the relevance of the effect of parental age on offspring between animal experiment and clinical observation. In addition, we think that the impact of environmental factors on cognitive and emotional development of older offspring will be an interesting direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boling Chu
- Department of Biobank, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, 629000, China
| | - Zhi Liu
- Department of Pathology, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, 629000, China
| | - Yihong Liu
- College of Humanities And Management, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guizhou, 550025, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Biobank, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, 629000, China.
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11
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Gourinat A, Mazeaud C, Hubert J, Eschwege P, Koscinski I. Impact of paternal age on assisted reproductive technology outcomes and offspring health: a systematic review. Andrology 2023; 11:973-986. [PMID: 36640151 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increase in paternal age and the percentage of births after assisted reproductive technologies (ART) may have consequences on offspring and society's position regarding access to ART must be questioned. Most countries recommend limiting ART to men under 60 years. What is the rationale for this threshold? OBJECTIVE This systematic review assesses scientific arguments to establish links between paternal age, male fertility, and offspring health. MATERIAL AND METHODS Using the PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review of the literature analyzed 111 articles selected after screening PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science for articles published between January 1, 1995 and December 31, 2021. RESULTS A strong correlation was highlighted between advanced paternal age and a decrease of some sperm parameters (semen volume and sperm motility) and infant morbidity (exponentially increased incidence of achondroplasia and Apert syndrome, and more moderately increased incidence of autism and schizophrenia). The impact of paternal age on pregnancy and fetal aneuploidy rates is more controversial. No association was found with spontaneous abortion rates. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The scientific parameters should be explained to older parents undergoing ART. And for countries that discuss a limit on paternal age for access to ART, the debate requires consideration of social and ethical arguments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jacques Hubert
- Department of Urology, University Hospital, Nancy, France
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12
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Berteli TS, Wang F, Navarro PA, Kohlrausch FB, Keefe DL. A pilot study of LINE-1 copy number and telomere length with aging in human sperm. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:1845-1854. [PMID: 37382785 PMCID: PMC10371944 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02857-1] [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: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Unlike other cells in the body, in sperm, telomere length (TL) increases with age. TL can regulate nearby genes, and the subtelomeric region is rich in retrotransposons. We hypothesized that age-related telomere lengthening in sperm might suppress Long Interspersed Element 1 (LINE-1/L1), the only competent retrotransposon in humans. METHODS We measured L1 copy number (L1-CN) and sperm telomere length (STL) from young and older men to evaluate the relationship between age, TL and L1-CN. We also evaluated L1-CN and TL in individual sperm to determine whether these variables influence sperm morphology. STL was assayed by Multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction method (mmqPCR) and L1-CN by Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). RESULTS We found that STL increased, and L1-CN decreased significantly with paternal age. STL in normal single sperm was significantly higher than in abnormal sperm. L1-CN did not differ between normal and abnormal sperm. Furthermore, morphologically normal sperm have longer telomeres than abnormal sperm. CONCLUSIONS Elongation of telomeres in the male germline could repress retrotransposition, which tends to increase with cellular aging. More studies in larger cohorts across a wide age span are needed to confirm our conclusions and explore their biological and clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thalita S Berteli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Langone Medical Center, New York University, 462, 1st Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
- Human Reproduction Division, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Langone Medical Center, New York University, 462, 1st Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Paula A Navarro
- Human Reproduction Division, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Fabiana B Kohlrausch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Langone Medical Center, New York University, 462, 1st Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Human Genetics Laboratory, Fluminense Federal University, Niteroi, RJ, Brazil
| | - David L Keefe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Langone Medical Center, New York University, 462, 1st Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
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Shi Q, Qi K. Developmental origins of health and disease: Impact of paternal nutrition and lifestyle. Pediatr Investig 2023; 7:111-131. [PMID: 37324600 PMCID: PMC10262906 DOI: 10.1002/ped4.12367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Most epidemiological and experimental studies have focused on maternal influences on offspring's health. The impact of maternal undernutrition, overnutrition, hypoxia, and stress is linked to adverse offspring outcomes across a range of systems including cardiometabolic, respiratory, endocrine, and reproduction among others. During the past decade, it has become evident that paternal environmental factors are also linked to the development of diseases in offspring. In this article, we aim to outline the current understanding of the impact of male health and environmental exposure on offspring development, health, and disease and explore the mechanisms underlying the paternal programming of offspring health. The available evidence suggests that poor paternal pre-conceptional nutrition and lifestyle, and advanced age can increase the risk of negative outcomes in offspring, via both direct (genetic/epigenetic) and indirect (maternal uterine environment) effects. Beginning at preconception, and during utero and the early life after birth, cells acquire an epigenetic memory of the early exposure which can be influential across the entire lifespan and program a child's health. Potentially not only mothers but also fathers should be advised that maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle is important to improve offspring health as well as the parental health status. However, the evidence is mostly based on animal studies, and well-designed human studies are urgently needed to verify findings from animal data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoyu Shi
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Development, Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's HospitalCapital Medical University, National Center for Children's HealthBeijingChina
| | - Kemin Qi
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Development, Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's HospitalCapital Medical University, National Center for Children's HealthBeijingChina
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14
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Telomere Length Changes in Cancer: Insights on Carcinogenesis and Potential for Non-Invasive Diagnostic Strategies. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030715. [PMID: 36980987 PMCID: PMC10047978 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomere dynamics play a crucial role in the maintenance of chromosome integrity; changes in telomere length may thus contribute to the development of various diseases including cancer. Understanding the role of telomeric DNA in carcinogenesis and detecting the presence of cell-free telomeric DNA (cf-telDNA) in body fluids offer a potential biomarker for novel cancer screening and diagnostic strategies. Liquid biopsy is becoming increasingly popular due to its undeniable benefits over conventional invasive methods. However, the organization and function of cf-telDNA in the extracellular milieu are understudied. This paper provides a review based on 3,398,017 cancer patients, patients with other conditions, and control individuals with the aim to shed more light on the inconsistent nature of telomere lengthening/shortening in oncological contexts. To gain a better understanding of biological factors (e.g., telomerase activation, alternative lengthening of telomeres) affecting telomere homeostasis across different types of cancer, we summarize mechanisms responsible for telomere length maintenance. In conclusion, we compare tissue- and liquid biopsy-based approaches in cancer assessment and provide a brief outlook on the methodology used for telomere length evaluation, highlighting the advances of state-of-the-art approaches in the field.
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15
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Kaltsas A, Moustakli E, Zikopoulos A, Georgiou I, Dimitriadis F, Symeonidis EN, Markou E, Michaelidis TM, Tien DMB, Giannakis I, Ioannidou EM, Papatsoris A, Tsounapi P, Takenaka A, Sofikitis N, Zachariou A. Impact of Advanced Paternal Age on Fertility and Risks of Genetic Disorders in Offspring. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:486. [PMID: 36833413 PMCID: PMC9957550 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The average age of fathers at first pregnancy has risen significantly over the last decade owing to various variables, including a longer life expectancy, more access to contraception, later marriage, and other factors. As has been proven in several studies, women over 35 years of age have an increased risk of infertility, pregnancy problems, spontaneous abortion, congenital malformations, and postnatal issues. There are varying opinions on whether a father's age affects the quality of his sperm or his ability to father a child. First, there is no single accepted definition of old age in a father. Second, much research has reported contradictory findings in the literature, particularly concerning the most frequently examined criteria. Increasing evidence suggests that the father's age contributes to his offspring's higher vulnerability to inheritable diseases. Our comprehensive literature evaluation shows a direct correlation between paternal age and decreased sperm quality and testicular function. Genetic abnormalities, such as DNA mutations and chromosomal aneuploidies, and epigenetic modifications, such as the silencing of essential genes, have all been linked to the father's advancing years. Paternal age has been shown to affect reproductive and fertility outcomes, such as the success rate of in vitro fertilisation (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and premature birth rate. Several diseases, including autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, and paediatric leukaemia, have been linked to the father's advanced years. Therefore, informing infertile couples of the alarming correlations between older fathers and a rise in their offspring's diseases is crucial, so that they can be effectively guided through their reproductive years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aris Kaltsas
- Laboratory of Spermatology, Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Efthalia Moustakli
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics in Clinical Practice, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Athanasios Zikopoulos
- Laboratory of Spermatology, Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ioannis Georgiou
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics in Clinical Practice, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Fotios Dimitriadis
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evangelos N. Symeonidis
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleftheria Markou
- Department of Microbiology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Theologos M. Michaelidis
- Department of Biological Applications and Technologies, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
- Biomedical Research Institute, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, 45500 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Dung Mai Ba Tien
- Department of Andrology, Binh Dan Hospital, Ho chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam
| | - Ioannis Giannakis
- Laboratory of Spermatology, Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | | | - Athanasios Papatsoris
- 2nd Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Sismanoglio Hospital, National and Kapodistrian Univesity of Athens, 15126 Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiota Tsounapi
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
| | - Atsushi Takenaka
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
| | - Nikolaos Sofikitis
- Laboratory of Spermatology, Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Athanasios Zachariou
- Laboratory of Spermatology, Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
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16
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Ito J, Kageyama M, Hara S, Sato T, Shirasuna K, Iwata H. Paternal aging impacts mitochondrial DNA content and telomere length in mouse embryos. Mitochondrion 2023; 68:105-113. [PMID: 36513246 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2022.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number and telomere length (TL) in blastocysts derived from the same male mice at young (10-19-week-old) and aged (40-49-week-old) time points and mtDNA and TL in the hearts of offspring derived from young and aged male mice were examined. Paternal aging correlated with reduced mtDNA and TL in blastocysts. mtDNA and TL were significantly correlated, which was also observed in bovine blastocysts. Moreover, mtDNA in the heart of offspring was reduced in male mice with paternal aging. In conclusion, paternal aging affects embryonic mtDNA and TL, potentially impacting their offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ito
- Tokyo University of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, Atsugi, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan
| | - Mio Kageyama
- Tokyo University of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, Atsugi, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Hara
- Tokyo University of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, Atsugi, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan
| | - Takuya Sato
- Tokyo University of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, Atsugi, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan
| | - Koumei Shirasuna
- Tokyo University of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, Atsugi, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan
| | - Hisataka Iwata
- Tokyo University of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, Atsugi, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan.
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17
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Sparks AM, Spurgin LG, van der Velde M, Fairfield EA, Komdeur J, Burke T, Richardson DS, Dugdale HL. Telomere heritability and parental age at conception effects in a wild avian population. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:6324-6338. [PMID: 33586226 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Individual variation in telomere length is predictive of health and mortality risk across a range of species. However, the relative influence of environmental and genetic variation on individual telomere length in wild populations remains poorly understood. Heritability of telomere length has primarily been calculated using parent-offspring regression which can be confounded by shared environments. To control for confounding variables, quantitative genetic "animal models" can be used, but few studies have applied animal models in wild populations. Furthermore, parental age at conception may also influence offspring telomere length, but most studies have been cross-sectional. We investigated within- and between-parental age at conception effects and heritability of telomere length in the Seychelles warbler using measures from birds caught over 20 years and a multigenerational pedigree. We found a weak negative within-paternal age at conception effect (as fathers aged, their offspring had shorter telomeres) and a weak positive between-maternal age at conception effect (females that survived to older ages had offspring with longer telomeres). Animal models provided evidence that heritability and evolvability of telomere length were low in this population, and that variation in telomere length was not driven by early-life effects of hatch period or parental identities. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction plate had a large influence on telomere length variation and not accounting for it in the models would have underestimated heritability. Our study illustrates the need to include and account for technical variation in order to accurately estimate heritability, as well as other environmental effects, on telomere length in natural populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M Sparks
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Lewis G Spurgin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Marco van der Velde
- Behavioural and Physiological Ecology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jan Komdeur
- Behavioural and Physiological Ecology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Terry Burke
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - David S Richardson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.,Nature Seychelles, Victoria, Mahé, Republic of Seychelles
| | - Hannah L Dugdale
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,Behavioural and Physiological Ecology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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18
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Smith S, Hoelzl F, Zahn S, Criscuolo F. Telomerase activity in ecological studies: What are its consequences for individual physiology and is there evidence for effects and trade-offs in wild populations. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:6239-6251. [PMID: 34664335 PMCID: PMC9788021 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence at the cellular level is helping to provide proximate explanations for the balance between investment in growth, reproduction and somatic maintenance in wild populations. Studies of telomere dynamics have informed researchers about the loss and gain of telomere length both on a seasonal scale and across the lifespan of individuals. In addition, telomere length and telomere rate of loss seems to have evolved differently among taxonomic groups, and relate differently to organismal diversity of lifespan. So far, the mechanisms behind telomere maintenance remain elusive, although many studies have inferred a role for telomerase, an enzyme/RNA complex known to induce telomere elongation from laboratory studies. Exciting further work is also emerging that suggests telomerase (and/or its individual component parts) has a role in fitness that goes beyond the maintenance of telomere length. Here, we review the literature on telomerase biology and examine the evidence from ecological studies for the timing and extent of telomerase activation in relation to life history events associated with telomere maintenance. We suggest that the underlying mechanism is more complicated than originally anticipated, possibly involves several complimentary pathways, and is probably associated with high energetic costs. Potential pathways for future research are numerous and we outline what we see as the most promising prospects to expand our understanding of individual differences in immunity or reproduction efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Smith
- Konrad Lorenz Institute of EthologyUniversity of Veterinary Medicine, ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Franz Hoelzl
- Konrad Lorenz Institute of EthologyUniversity of Veterinary Medicine, ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Sandrine Zahn
- Department of Physiology, Evolution and BehaviourInstitut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert CurienCNRSUniversity of StrasbourgStrasbourgFrance
| | - François Criscuolo
- Department of Physiology, Evolution and BehaviourInstitut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert CurienCNRSUniversity of StrasbourgStrasbourgFrance
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19
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Urlacher SS, Kim EY, Luan T, Young LJ, Adjetey B. Minimally invasive biomarkers in human and non-human primate evolutionary biology: Tools for understanding variation and adaptation. Am J Hum Biol 2022; 34:e23811. [PMID: 36205445 PMCID: PMC9787651 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of minimally invasive biomarkers (MIBs - physiological biomarkers obtained from minimally invasive sample types) has expanded rapidly in science and medicine over the past several decades. The MIB approach is a methodological strength in the field of human and non-human primate evolutionary biology (HEB). Among humans and our closest relatives, MIBs provide unique opportunities to document phenotypic variation and to operationalize evolutionary hypotheses. AIMS This paper overviews the use of MIBs in HEB. Our objectives are to (1) highlight key research topics which successfully implement MIBs, (2) identify promising yet under-investigated areas of MIB application, and (3) discuss current challenges in MIB research, with suggestions for advancing the field. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS A range of MIBs are used to investigate focal topics in HEB, including energetics and life history variation/evolution, developmental plasticity, and social status and dominance relationships. Nonetheless, we identify gaps in existing MIB research on traits such as physical growth and gut function that are central to the field. Several challenges remain for HEB research using MIBs, including the need for additional biomarkers and methods of assessment, robust validations, and approaches that are standardized across labs and research groups. Importantly, researchers must provide better support for adaptation and fitness effects in hypothesis testing (e.g., by obtaining complementary measures of energy expenditure, demonstrating redundancy of function, and performing lifetime/longitudinal analyses). We point to continued progress in the use of MIBs in HEB to better understand the past, present, and future of humans and our closest primate relatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel S. Urlacher
- Department of AnthropologyBaylor UniversityWacoTexasUSA
- Human Evolutionary Biology and Health LabBaylor UniversityWacoTexasUSA
- Child and Brain Development ProgramCIFARTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Elizabeth Y. Kim
- Human Evolutionary Biology and Health LabBaylor UniversityWacoTexasUSA
- Department of BiologyBaylor UniversityWacoTexasUSA
| | - Tiffany Luan
- Human Evolutionary Biology and Health LabBaylor UniversityWacoTexasUSA
| | - Lauren J. Young
- Human Evolutionary Biology and Health LabBaylor UniversityWacoTexasUSA
| | - Brian Adjetey
- Human Evolutionary Biology and Health LabBaylor UniversityWacoTexasUSA
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20
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Sharqawi M, Hantisteanu S, Bilgory A, Aslih N, Shibli Abu Raya Y, Atzmon Y, Estrada D, Limonad O, Meisel-Sharon S, Shalom-Paz E. The Impact of Lifestyle on Sperm Function, Telomere Length, and IVF Outcomes. Am J Mens Health 2022; 16:15579883221119931. [PMID: 36121249 PMCID: PMC9490467 DOI: 10.1177/15579883221119931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Many risk factors can potentially influence sperm quality. Telomeres confer stability on the chromosome and their dysfunction has been implicated in conditions such as cancer, aging, and lifestyle. The impact of lifestyle on sperm cell telomeres is unclear. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the impact of lifestyle behaviors on telomere length in sperm and to follow the correlation with pregnancy outcomes in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). In this prospective observational study, sperm was analyzed for telomere length (TL). Men were asked to report lifestyle behaviors including occupation (physical or sedentary), smoking duration and amount, physical activity, dietary habits, and where they keep their cellular phone (bag, pants, or shirt pocket). Correlations among semen analysis, TL, men's habits, and embryo quality and pregnancy outcomes were evaluated. Among 34 patients recruited, 12 had longer TL and 13 shorter TL. Sperm motility was negatively correlated with TL (Pearson correlation = -.588, p = .002). Smoking adversely affected native sperm motility (53% motility in nonsmokers vs. 37% in smokers; p = .006). However, there was no significant impact on TL. The group with longer telomeres demonstrated significant association with healthy diet (10/12 vs. 6/13; p = .05) and a trend toward more sports activity, weekly (16/84 vs. 7/91; p = .04) compared with the shorter telomeres group. This study suggests that lifestyle, healthy diet, and sports activity are associated with long telomeres in sperm. Sperm quality is also influenced by patients' habits. The study strongly recommends maintaining a healthy lifestyle to preserve general health and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moamina Sharqawi
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel
| | - Shay Hantisteanu
- Gynecological Research Laboratory, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel
| | - Asaf Bilgory
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel
| | - Nardin Aslih
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel
| | - Yasmin Shibli Abu Raya
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel
| | - Yuval Atzmon
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel
| | - Daniela Estrada
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel
| | - Ofer Limonad
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel
| | | | - Einat Shalom-Paz
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel,Ruth and Bruce Rappaport School of Medicine, The Technion Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel,Einat Shalom-Paz, Director of IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hashalom St., Hadera 38100, Israel.
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21
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Andreu-Sánchez S, Aubert G, Ripoll-Cladellas A, Henkelman S, Zhernakova DV, Sinha T, Kurilshikov A, Cenit MC, Jan Bonder M, Franke L, Wijmenga C, Fu J, van der Wijst MGP, Melé M, Lansdorp P, Zhernakova A. Genetic, parental and lifestyle factors influence telomere length. Commun Biol 2022; 5:565. [PMID: 35681050 PMCID: PMC9184499 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03521-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The average length of telomere repeats (TL) declines with age and is considered to be a marker of biological ageing. Here, we measured TL in six blood cell types from 1046 individuals using the clinically validated Flow-FISH method. We identified remarkable cell-type-specific variations in TL. Host genetics, environmental, parental and intrinsic factors such as sex, parental age, and smoking are associated to variations in TL. By analysing the genome-wide methylation patterns, we identified that the association of maternal, but not paternal, age to TL is mediated by epigenetics. Single-cell RNA-sequencing data for 62 participants revealed differential gene expression in T-cells. Genes negatively associated with TL were enriched for pathways related to translation and nonsense-mediated decay. Altogether, this study addresses cell-type-specific differences in telomere biology and its relation to cell-type-specific gene expression and highlights how perinatal factors play a role in determining TL, on top of genetics and lifestyle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Andreu-Sánchez
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Geraldine Aubert
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Research Center, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Repeat Diagnostics Inc, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Aida Ripoll-Cladellas
- Life Sciences Department, Barcelona Supercomputing Center, 08034, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Sandra Henkelman
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Daria V Zhernakova
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Laboratory of Genomic Diversity, Center for Computer Technologies, ITMO University, St. Petersburg, 197101, Russia
| | - Trishla Sinha
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Alexander Kurilshikov
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Maria Carmen Cenit
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Microbial Ecology, Nutrition, and Health Research Unit, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA-CSIC), 46980, Paterna-Valencia, Spain
| | - Marc Jan Bonder
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Division of Computational Genomics and Systems Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Genome Biology Unit, 69117, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lude Franke
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Cisca Wijmenga
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jingyuan Fu
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Monique G P van der Wijst
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marta Melé
- Life Sciences Department, Barcelona Supercomputing Center, 08034, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Peter Lansdorp
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Research Center, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
- Departments of Hematology and Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Alexandra Zhernakova
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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22
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Courtney MG, Roberts J, Godde K. How social/environmental determinants and inflammation affect salivary telomere length among middle-older adults in the health and retirement study. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8882. [PMID: 35614304 PMCID: PMC9133070 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12742-z] [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: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Social epidemiology posits that chronic stress from social determinants will lead to a prolonged inflammatory response that may induce accelerated aging as measured, for example, through telomere length (TL). In this paper, we hypothesize variables across demographic, health-related, and contextual/environmental domains influence the body’s stress response, increase inflammation (as measured through high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)), and thereby lead to shortening of telomeres. This population-based research uses data from the 2008 Health and Retirement Study on participants ages ≤ 54–95 + years, estimating logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models of variables (with and without confounders) across the domains on shortened TL. A mediation analysis is also conducted. Contrary to expectations, hs-CRP is not associated with risk of shortened TL. Rather, factors related to accessing health care, underlying conditions of frailty, and social inequality appear to predict risk of shorter TL, and models demonstrate considerable confounding. Further, hs-CRP is not a mediator for TL. Therefore, the social determinants of health examined do not appear to follow an inflammatory pathway for shortened TL. The finding of a relationship to social determinants affecting access to health care and medical conditions underscores the need to address social determinants alongside primary care when examining health inequities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kanya Godde
- University of La Verne, 1950 Third St., La Verne, CA, USA.
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23
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Elam KK, Johnson SL, Ruof A, Eisenberg DTA, Rej PH, Sandler I, Wolchik S. Examining the influence of adversity, family contexts, and a family-based intervention on parent and child telomere length. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2022; 13:2088935. [PMID: 35789082 PMCID: PMC9248961 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2022.2088935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Background: Exposure to adversity, trauma, and negative family environments can prematurely shorten telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes. Conversely, some evidence indicates that positive environments and psychosocial interventions can buffer the shortening of telomere length (TL). However, most work has examined individual aspects of the family environment as predictive of TL with little work investigating multiple risk and protective factors. Further, most research has not examined parent TL relative to child TL despite its heritability. Objective: In the current study, we examined interparental conflict, positive parenting, alcohol use, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and a family-based intervention as predictive of parent TL. We also examined interparental conflict, positive parenting, ACEs, and a family-based intervention as predictive of child TL. Method: Parents and adolescents from a sample of divorced families participated in either a 10-session family-based intervention, the New Beginnings Programme (NBP), or a 2-week active control condition. Approximately six years after the intervention, a subsample of parents (n = 45) and adolescents (n = 41) were assessed for TL. Parents reported on interparental conflict, ACEs, and alcohol use. Children reported on interparental conflict, positive parenting, and ACEs. In separate models, these constructs and the NBP intervention condition were examined as predictors of parent TL and child TL. Results: Findings indicated that the family-based intervention was associated with longer TL in parents. Also, positive parenting was associated with longer TL in children. Conclusions: These findings have important implications for the role of the family and family-based preventive interventions in buffering parent and child biological stress. HIGHLIGHTS Across multiple indices of psychosocial functioning, we found a family-based intervention associated with longer telomere length in parents and positive parenting associated with longer telomere length in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kit K Elam
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Sarah Lindstrom Johnson
- T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Ariana Ruof
- T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Dan T A Eisenberg
- Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Peter H Rej
- Department of Psychology, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Irwin Sandler
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Sharlene Wolchik
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
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24
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Bleu J, Meylan S, Clobert J, Massot M. Grandmaternal age at reproduction affects grandoffspring body condition, reproduction and survival in a wild population of lizards. Funct Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Josefa Bleu
- Université de Strasbourg CNRS Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien (UMR 7178 F‐67000 Strasbourg France
| | - Sandrine Meylan
- Sorbonne Université CNRS Institut d’Ecologie et des Sciences de l’Environnement de Paris, iEES Paris F‐75005 Paris France
| | - Jean Clobert
- CNRS USR 2936, Station d’Écologie Expérimentale du CNRS, route du CNRS 09200 Moulis France
| | - Manuel Massot
- Sorbonne Université CNRS Institut d’Ecologie et des Sciences de l’Environnement de Paris, iEES Paris F‐75005 Paris France
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25
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Mills MC, Tropf FC, Brazel DM, van Zuydam N, Vaez A, Pers TH, Snieder H, Perry JRB, Ong KK, den Hoed M, Barban N, Day FR. Identification of 371 genetic variants for age at first sex and birth linked to externalising behaviour. Nat Hum Behav 2021; 5:1717-1730. [PMID: 34211149 PMCID: PMC7612120 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-021-01135-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Age at first sexual intercourse and age at first birth have implications for health and evolutionary fitness. In this genome-wide association study (age at first sexual intercourse, N = 387,338; age at first birth, N = 542,901), we identify 371 single-nucleotide polymorphisms, 11 sex-specific, with a 5-6% polygenic score prediction. Heritability of age at first birth shifted from 9% [CI = 4-14%] for women born in 1940 to 22% [CI = 19-25%] for those born in 1965. Signals are driven by the genetics of reproductive biology and externalising behaviour, with key genes related to follicle stimulating hormone (FSHB), implantation (ESR1), infertility and spermatid differentiation. Our findings suggest that polycystic ovarian syndrome may lead to later age at first birth, linking with infertility. Late age at first birth is associated with parental longevity and reduced incidence of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Higher childhood socioeconomic circumstances and those in the highest polygenic score decile (90%+) experience markedly later reproductive onset. Results are relevant for improving teenage and late-life health, understanding longevity and guiding experimentation into mechanisms of infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda C Mills
- Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
- Nuffield College, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | - Felix C Tropf
- Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Nuffield College, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- École Nationale de la Statistique et de L'administration Économique (ENSAE), Paris, France
- Center for Research in Economics and Statistics (CREST), Paris, France
| | - David M Brazel
- Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Nuffield College, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Natalie van Zuydam
- The Beijer Laboratory and Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University and SciLifeLab, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ahmad Vaez
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Bioinformatics, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Tune H Pers
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Harold Snieder
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - John R B Perry
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ken K Ong
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Marcel den Hoed
- The Beijer Laboratory and Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University and SciLifeLab, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Nicola Barban
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Felix R Day
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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26
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Anifandis G, Samara M, Simopoulou M, Messini CI, Chatzimeletiou K, Thodou E, Daponte A, Georgiou I. Insights into the Role of Telomeres in Human Embryological Parameters. Opinions Regarding IVF. J Dev Biol 2021; 9:jdb9040049. [PMID: 34842724 PMCID: PMC8628962 DOI: 10.3390/jdb9040049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres promote genome integrity by protecting chromosome ends from the activation of the DNA damage response and protecting chromosomes from the loss of coding sequences due to the end replication problem. Telomere length (TL) is progressively shortened as age progresses, thus resulting in cellular senescence. Therefore, TL is in strong adverse linear correlation with aging. Mounting evidence supports the notion that telomeres and male/female infertility are in a close relationship, posing the biology of telomeres as a hot topic in the era of human-assisted reproduction. Specifically, the length of sperm telomeres is gradually increasing as men get older, while the telomere length of the oocytes seems not to follow similar patterns with that of sperm. Nonetheless, the telomere length of the embryos during the cleavage stages seems to have a paternal origin, but the telomere length can be further extended by telomerase activity during the blastocyst stage. The latter has been proposed as a new molecular biomarker with strong predictive value regarding male infertility. As far as the role of telomeres in assisted reproduction, the data is limited but the length of telomeres in both gametes seems to be affected mainly by the cause of infertility rather than the assisted reproductive therapy (ART) procedure itself. The present review aims to shed more light into the role of telomeres in human embryological parameters, including gametes and embryos and also presents opinions regarding the association between telomeres and in vitro fertilization (IVF).
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Affiliation(s)
- George Anifandis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larisa, Greece; (C.I.M.); (A.D.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Maria Samara
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larisa, Greece; (M.S.); (E.T.)
| | - Mara Simopoulou
- Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Christina I. Messini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larisa, Greece; (C.I.M.); (A.D.)
| | - Katerina Chatzimeletiou
- Unit for Human Reproduction, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Eleni Thodou
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larisa, Greece; (M.S.); (E.T.)
| | - Alexandros Daponte
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larisa, Greece; (C.I.M.); (A.D.)
| | - Ioannis Georgiou
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece;
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Farzan SF, Shahriar M, Kibriya MG, Jasmine F, Sarwar G, Slavkovic V, Graziano JH, Ahsan H, Argos M. Urinary arsenic and relative telomere length in 5-7 year old children in Bangladesh. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 156:106765. [PMID: 34273872 PMCID: PMC8380695 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telomere length has been associated with the occurrence and progression of common chronic and age-related diseases, and in younger populations, may represent a biomarker of disease susceptibility. Early childhood is a critical period for telomere biology as this period is characterized by a rapid decline in telomere length due to a large turnover of highly proliferative cells and may represent a period of unique sensitivity to environmental insults. Arsenic (As) exposure has been associated with both telomere lengthening and shortening in adults and children and some evidence suggests the effects may differ by level and timing of exposure. OBJECTIVES Given the lack of clarity across studies, we investigated the association between urinary As and leukocyte telomere length among 476 five- to seven-year-old children enrolled in the Bangladesh Environmental Research in Children's Health (BiRCH) cohort. METHODS In a series of multivariable models, adjusted for key covariates, we examined associations between urinary As and relative telomere length (RTL) of whole blood DNA. RESULTS We observed small but consistent, negative associations between urinary As and RTL, such that a doubling of urinary As was associated with a -0.017 (95% CI: -0.030, -0.005; p = 0.0056) decrease in RTL, in fully adjusted models. We also observed a somewhat stronger inverse relationship between urinary As concentration and RTL among children born to fathers ≥ 30 years of age at the time of birth, than those < 30 years; however, we did not observe a statistically significant interaction. DISCUSSION Our study suggests that As influences RTL, with detectable associations in early to mid-childhood. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings and investigate the potential long-term impacts of telomere shortening in childhood on later life health outcomes. Additional studies exploring how dose and timing of exposure may relate to RTL are critical to understanding As's relationship to telomere length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shohreh F Farzan
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, United States.
| | - Mohammad Shahriar
- UChicago Research Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, United States
| | - Muhammad G Kibriya
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, United States
| | - Farzana Jasmine
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, United States
| | | | - Vesna Slavkovic
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, United States
| | - Joseph H Graziano
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, United States
| | - Habibul Ahsan
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, United States
| | - Maria Argos
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
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28
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Brown AM, Wood EM, Capilla-Lasheras P, Harrison XA, Young AJ. Longitudinal evidence that older parents produce offspring with longer telomeres in a wild social bird. Biol Lett 2021; 17:20210409. [PMID: 34665991 PMCID: PMC8526163 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2021.0409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
As telomere length (TL) often predicts survival and lifespan, there is considerable interest in the origins of inter-individual variation in TL. Cross-generational effects of parental age on offspring TL are thought to be a key source of variation, but the rarity of longitudinal studies that examine the telomeres of successive offspring born throughout the lives of parents leaves such effects poorly understood. Here, we exploit TL measures of successive offspring produced throughout the long breeding tenures of parents in wild white-browed sparrow weaver (Plocepasser mahali) societies, to isolate the effects of within-parent changes in age on offspring TLs. Our analyses reveal the first evidence to date of a positive within-parent effect of advancing age on offspring TL: as individual parents age, they produce offspring with longer telomeres (a modest effect that persists into offspring adulthood). We consider the potential for pre- and post-natal mechanisms to explain our findings. As telomere attrition predicts offspring survival to adulthood in this species, this positive parental age effect could impact parent and offspring fitness if it arose via differential telomere attrition during offspring development. Our findings support the view that cross-generational effects of parental age can be a source of inter-individual variation in TL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antony M. Brown
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Emma M. Wood
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Pablo Capilla-Lasheras
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Xavier A. Harrison
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Andrew J. Young
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
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29
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Chico-Sordo L, Córdova-Oriz I, Polonio AM, S-Mellado LS, Medrano M, García-Velasco JA, Varela E. Reproductive aging and telomeres: Are women and men equally affected? Mech Ageing Dev 2021; 198:111541. [PMID: 34245740 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2021.111541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Successful reproduction is very important for individuals and for society. Currently, the human health span and lifespan are the object of intense and productive investigation with great achievements, compared to the last century. However, reproduction span does not progress concomitantly with lifespan. Reproductive organs age, decreasing the levels of sexual hormones, which are protectors of health through their action on several organs of the body. Thus, this is the starting point of the organismal decay and infertility. This starting point is easily detected in women. In men, it goes under the surface, undetected, but it goes, nevertheless. Regarding fertility, aging alters the hormonal equilibrium, decreases the potential of reproductive organs, diminishes the quality of the gametes and worsen the reproductive outcomes. All these events happen at a different pace and affecting different organs in women and men. The question is what molecular pathways are involved in reproductive aging and if there is a possible halting or even reversion of the aging events. Answers to all these points will be explained in the present review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Chico-Sordo
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IISLAFE), Valencia, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Isabel Córdova-Oriz
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IISLAFE), Valencia, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Alba María Polonio
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IISLAFE), Valencia, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Lucía Sánchez S-Mellado
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IISLAFE), Valencia, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Marta Medrano
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IISLAFE), Valencia, Spain; IVIRMA Madrid, Spain.
| | - Juan Antonio García-Velasco
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IISLAFE), Valencia, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain; IVIRMA Madrid, Spain; Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Elisa Varela
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IISLAFE), Valencia, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain; Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain.
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30
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The Impact of Stress Within and Across Generations: Neuroscientific and Epigenetic Considerations. Harv Rev Psychiatry 2021; 29:303-317. [PMID: 34049337 DOI: 10.1097/hrp.0000000000000300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The impact of stress and trauma on biological systems in humans can be substantial. They can result in epigenetic changes, accelerated brain development and sexual maturation, and predisposition to psychopathology. Such modifications may be accompanied by behavioral, emotional, and cognitive overtones during one's lifetime. Exposure during sensitive periods of neural development may lead to long-lasting effects that may not be affected by subsequent environmental interventions. The cumulative effects of life stressors in an individual may affect offspring's methylome makeup and epigenetic clocks, neurohormonal modulation and stress reactivity, and physiological and reproductive development. While offspring may suffer deleterious effects from parental stress and their own early-life adversity, these factors may also confer traits that prove beneficial and enhance fitness to their own environment. This article synthesizes the data on how stress shapes biological and behavioral dimensions, drawing from preclinical and human models. Advances in this field of knowledge should potentially allow for an improved understanding of how interventions may be increasingly tailored according to individual biomarkers and developmental history.
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31
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Influence of age on sperm characteristics evaluated by light and electron microscopies. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4989. [PMID: 33654135 PMCID: PMC7925541 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84051-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The impact of male aging on male fertility has only recently become of interest to the scientific community. This study aims to assess the relationship between age and fertility among a sample of men, considering the individual and pathological characteristics. In this retrospective study data of semen analysis and medical history of 1294 Italian male patients were considered. Semen analysis was performed by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy mathematically elaborated. A generalized linear model was used to explore the influence of male age on semen quality, considering as confounders wine consumption, smoking habits, presence of varicocele, consanguinity and positive semen bacteriological analysis and urethral swab. The mean age of the participants was 36.41 ± 6.379. Male aging without impact of confounders was correlated with a decrease in sperm concentration and motility and an increased in sperm necrosis. Sperm concentration and progressive motility were negatively related to the presence of confounders as wine consumption (sperm motility), urogenital infection (sperm concentration and motility), varicocele (sperm concentration) and consanguinity (sperm motility). Urogenital infection, varicocele and consanguinity positively correlated with sperm necrosis. The most important finding was the observation of a negative effect of male aging on sperm parameters such as concentration, motility, and viability. It is possible to hypothesize age-dependent changes of testicular environment, probably related to reactive oxygen species production. The demonstration, in a large sample of patients, that aging influences sperm quality strongly motivates further research focused on the mechanisms involved in this phenomenon and its effects on offspring fitness.
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32
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Fabian DK, Dönertaş HM, Fuentealba M, Partridge L, Thornton JM. Transposable Element Landscape in Drosophila Populations Selected for Longevity. Genome Biol Evol 2021; 13:6141024. [PMID: 33595657 PMCID: PMC8355499 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evab031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) inflict numerous negative effects on health and fitness as they replicate by integrating into new regions of the host genome. Even though organisms employ powerful mechanisms to demobilize TEs, transposons gradually lose repression during aging. The rising TE activity causes genomic instability and was implicated in age-dependent neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation, and the determination of lifespan. It is therefore conceivable that long-lived individuals have improved TE silencing mechanisms resulting in reduced TE expression relative to their shorter-lived counterparts and fewer genomic insertions. Here, we test this hypothesis by performing the first genome-wide analysis of TE insertions and expression in populations of Drosophila melanogaster selected for longevity through late-life reproduction for 50–170 generations from four independent studies. Contrary to our expectation, TE families were generally more abundant in long-lived populations compared with nonselected controls. Although simulations showed that this was not expected under neutrality, we found little evidence for selection driving TE abundance differences. Additional RNA-seq analysis revealed a tendency for reducing TE expression in selected populations, which might be more important for lifespan than regulating genomic insertions. We further find limited evidence of parallel selection on genes related to TE regulation and transposition. However, telomeric TEs were genomically and transcriptionally more abundant in long-lived flies, suggesting improved telomere maintenance as a promising TE-mediated mechanism for prolonging lifespan. Our results provide a novel viewpoint indicating that reproduction at old age increases the opportunity of TEs to be passed on to the next generation with little impact on longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel K Fabian
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
- Institute of Healthy Ageing, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, United Kingdom
- Corresponding author: E-mail:
| | - Handan Melike Dönertaş
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Matías Fuentealba
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
- Institute of Healthy Ageing, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Linda Partridge
- Institute of Healthy Ageing, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, United Kingdom
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany
| | - Janet M Thornton
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
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33
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Vuarin P, Lesobre L, Levêque G, Saint Jalme M, Lacroix F, Hingrat Y, Sorci G. Paternal age negatively affects sperm production of the progeny. Ecol Lett 2021; 24:719-727. [PMID: 33565248 DOI: 10.1111/ele.13696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Parental age has profound consequences for offspring's phenotype. However, whether patrilineal age affects offspring sperm production remains unknown, despite the importance of sperm production for male reproductive success in species facing post-copulatory sexual selection. Using a longitudinal dataset on ejaculate attributes of the houbara bustard, we showed that offspring sired by old fathers had different age-dependent trajectories of sperm production compared to offspring sired by young fathers. Specifically, they produced less sperm (-48%) in their first year of life, and 14% less during their lifetime. Paternal age had the strongest effect, with weak evidence for grandpaternal or great grandpaternal age effects. These results show that paternal age can affect offspring reproductive success by reducing sperm production, establishing an intergenerational link between ageing and sexual selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Vuarin
- Reneco International Wildlife Consultants LLC, Abu Dhabi, PoBox 61741, United Arab Emirates.,Biogéosciences, UMR 6282 CNRS, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 6 boulevard Gabriel, Dijon, 21000, France
| | - Loïc Lesobre
- Reneco International Wildlife Consultants LLC, Abu Dhabi, PoBox 61741, United Arab Emirates
| | - Gwènaëlle Levêque
- Emirates Center for Wildlife Propagation, BP 47, route de Midelt, Missour, 33250, Morocco
| | - Michel Saint Jalme
- Centre d'Ecologie et des Sciences de la Conservation, UMR 7204 MNHN CNRS-UPMC, Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 43 et 61 rue Buffon, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Frédéric Lacroix
- Reneco International Wildlife Consultants LLC, Abu Dhabi, PoBox 61741, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yves Hingrat
- Reneco International Wildlife Consultants LLC, Abu Dhabi, PoBox 61741, United Arab Emirates
| | - Gabriele Sorci
- Biogéosciences, UMR 6282 CNRS, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 6 boulevard Gabriel, Dijon, 21000, France
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34
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Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Production Alters Sperm Quality. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10010092. [PMID: 33440836 PMCID: PMC7827812 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10010092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Besides ATP production, mitochondria are key organelles in several cellular functions, such as steroid hormone biosynthesis, calcium homoeostasis, intrinsic apoptotic pathway, and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Despite the loss of the majority of the cytoplasm occurring during spermiogenesis, mammalian sperm preserves a number of mitochondria that rearrange in a tubular structure at the level of the sperm flagellum midpiece. Although sperm mitochondria are destroyed inside the zygote, the integrity and the functionality of these organelles seem to be critical for fertilization and embryo development. The aim of this review was to discuss the impact of mitochondria-produced ROS at multiple levels in sperm: the genome, proteome, lipidome, epigenome. How diet, aging and environmental pollution may affect sperm quality and offspring health—by exacerbating oxidative stress—will be also described.
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Pan TD, Kanaan SB, Lee NR, Avila JL, Nelson JL, Eisenberg DTA. Predictors of maternal-origin microchimerism in young women in the Philippines. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2020; 174:213-223. [PMID: 33300155 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Microchimerism is the presence of a small quantity of cells or DNA from a genetically distinct individual. This phenomenon occurs with bidirectional maternal-fetal exchange during pregnancy. Microchimerism can persist for decades after delivery and have long-term health implications. However, little is known about why microchimerism is detectable at varying levels in different individuals. We examine the variability and the following potential determinants of maternal-origin microchimerism (MMc) in young women in the Philippines: gestational duration (in utero exposure to MMc), history of being breastfed (postpartum exposure to MMc), maternal telomere length (maternal cells' ability to replicate and persist), and participant's pregnancies in young adulthood (effect of adding fetal-origin microchimerism to preexisting MMc). MATERIALS AND METHODS Data are from the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey, a population-based study of infant feeding practices and long-term health outcomes. We quantified MMc using quantitative PCR (qPCR) in 89 female participants, ages 20-22, and analyzed these data using negative binomial regression. RESULTS In a multivariate model including all predictors, being breastfed substantially predicted decreased MMc (detection rate ratio = 0.15, p = 0.007), and there was a trend of decreasing MMc in participants who had experienced more pregnancies (detection rate ratio = 0.55, p = 0.057). DISCUSSION These results might be explained by breastfeeding having lasting impact on immune regulatory networks, thus reducing MMc persistence. MMc may also decrease in response to the introduction of fetal-origin microchimerism with pregnancies experienced in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany D Pan
- Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sami B Kanaan
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Nanette R Lee
- USC-Office of Population Studies Foundation, Inc., Cebu City, Philippines
- Department of Anthropology, Sociology & History, University of San Carlos, Cebu City, Philippines
| | - Josephine L Avila
- USC-Office of Population Studies Foundation, Inc., Cebu City, Philippines
- Department of Architecture, School of Architecture, Fine Arts and Design, University of San Carlos, Cebu City, Philippines
| | - J Lee Nelson
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Dan T A Eisenberg
- Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Aitken RJ, De Iuliis GN, Nixon B. The Sins of Our Forefathers: Paternal Impacts on De Novo Mutation Rate and Development. Annu Rev Genet 2020; 54:1-24. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genet-112618-043617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are generally characterized by excellent DNA surveillance and repair, resulting in one of the lowest spontaneous mutation rates in the body. However, the barriers to mutagenesis can be overwhelmed under two sets of circumstances. First, replication errors may generate age-dependent mutations that provide the mutant cells with a selective advantage, leading to the clonal expansions responsible for dominant genetic diseases such as Apert syndrome and achondroplasia. The second mechanism centers on the vulnerability of the male germline to oxidative stress and the induction of oxidative DNA damage in spermatozoa. Defective repair of such oxidative damage in the fertilized oocyte results in the creation of mutations in the zygote that can influence the health and well-being of the offspring. A particular hot spot for such oxidative attack on chromosome 15 has been found to align with several mutations responsible for paternally mediated disease, including cancer, psychiatric disorders, and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Faculty of Science and Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales 2305, Australia
| | - Geoffry N. De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Faculty of Science and Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales 2305, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Faculty of Science and Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales 2305, Australia
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Nudelman KNH, Lin J, Lane KA, Nho K, Kim S, Faber KM, Risacher SL, Foroud TM, Gao S, Davis JW, Weiner MW, Saykin AJ. Telomere Shortening in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative Cohort. J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 71:33-43. [PMID: 31322561 DOI: 10.3233/jad-190010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although shorter telomeres have been associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), it is unclear whether longitudinal change in telomere length is associated with AD progression. OBJECTIVE To investigate the association of telomere length change with AD diagnosis and progression. METHODS In 653 individuals from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) cohort, T/S ratio (telomere versus single copy gene), a proxy of telomere length, was measured for up to five visits per participant (N = 1918 samples post-QC) using quantitative PCR (qPCR). T/S ratio was adjusted for batch effects and DNA storage time. A mixed effects model was used to evaluate association of telomere length with AD diagnostic group and interaction of age and diagnosis. Another mixed effects model was used to compare T/S ratio changes pre- to post-conversion to MCI or AD to telomere change in participants with stable diagnoses. RESULTS Shorter telomeres were associated with older age (Effect Size (ES) = -0.23) and male sex (ES = -0.26). Neither baseline T/S ratio (ES = -0.036) nor T/S ratio change (ES = 0.046) differed significantly between AD diagnostic groups. MCI/AD converters showed greater, but non-significant, telomere shortening compared to non-converters (ES = -0.186). CONCLUSIONS Although AD compared to controls showed small, non-significant effects for baseline T/S ratio and T/S ratio shortening, we did observe a larger, though still non-significant effect for greater telomere shortening in converters compared to non-converters. Although our results do not support telomere shortening as a robust biomarker of AD progression, further investigation in larger samples and for subgroups of participants may be informative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly N H Nudelman
- Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,National Centralized Repository for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (NCRAD), Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jue Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kathleen A Lane
- Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Kwangsik Nho
- Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Sungeun Kim
- Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Electrical and Computer Engineering, SUNY Oswego, Oswego, NY, USA
| | - Kelley M Faber
- Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,National Centralized Repository for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (NCRAD), Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Shannon L Risacher
- Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Tatiana M Foroud
- Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,National Centralized Repository for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (NCRAD), Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Sujuan Gao
- Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Justin W Davis
- Genomics Research Center, AbbVie, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Michael W Weiner
- Center for Imaging of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Radiology, San Francisco VA Medical Center/University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Andrew J Saykin
- Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Heidinger BJ, Young RC. Cross‐Generational Effects of Parental Age on Offspring Longevity: Are Telomeres an Important Underlying Mechanism? Bioessays 2020; 42:e1900227. [DOI: 10.1002/bies.201900227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Britt J. Heidinger
- Biological Sciences Department North Dakota State University Fargo ND 58108 USA
| | - Rebecca C. Young
- Biological Sciences Department North Dakota State University Fargo ND 58108 USA
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39
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Sex-Specific Associations of Harsh Childhood Environment with Psychometrically Assessed Life History Profile: no Evidence for Mediation through Developmental Timing or Embodied Capital. ADAPTIVE HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND PHYSIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40750-020-00144-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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40
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Kuzawa CW, Adair L, Bechayda SA, Borja JRB, Carba DB, Duazo PL, Eisenberg DTA, Georgiev AV, Gettler LT, Lee NR, Quinn EA, Rosenbaum S, Rutherford JN, Ryan CP, McDade TW. Evolutionary life history theory as an organising framework for cohort studies: insights from the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey. Ann Hum Biol 2020; 47:94-105. [PMID: 32429766 DOI: 10.1080/03014460.2020.1742787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
By tracking a group of individuals through time, cohort studies provide fundamental insights into the developmental time course and causes of health and disease. Evolutionary life history theory seeks to explain patterns of growth, development, reproduction and senescence, and inspires a range of hypotheses that are testable using the longitudinal data from cohort studies. Here we review two decades of life history theory-motivated work conducted in collaboration with the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey (CLHNS), a birth cohort study that enrolled more than 3000 pregnant women in the Philippines in 1983 and has since followed these women, their offspring and grandoffspring. This work has provided evidence that reproduction carries "costs" to cellular maintenance functions, potentially speeding senescence, and revealed an unusual form of genetic plasticity in which the length of telomeres inherited across generations is influenced by reproductive timing in paternal ancestors. Men in Cebu experience hormonal and behavioural changes in conjunction with changes in relationship and fatherhood status that are consistent with predictions based upon other species that practice bi-parental care. The theoretical expectation that early life cues of mortality or environmental unpredictability will motivate a "fast" life history strategy are confirmed for behavioural components of reproductive decision making, but not for maturational tempo, while our work points to a broader capacity for early life developmental calibration of systems like immunity, reproductive biology and metabolism. Our CLHNS findings illustrate the power of life history theory as an integrative, lifecourse framework to guide longitudinal studies of human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W Kuzawa
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.,Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Linda Adair
- Department of Nutrition and Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sonny A Bechayda
- USC-Office of Population Studies Foundation, University of San Carlos, Cebu, Philippines
| | | | - Delia B Carba
- USC-Office of Population Studies Foundation, University of San Carlos, Cebu, Philippines
| | - Paulita L Duazo
- USC-Office of Population Studies Foundation, University of San Carlos, Cebu, Philippines
| | - Dan T A Eisenberg
- Department of Anthropology and Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Lee T Gettler
- Department of Anthropology and Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Nanette R Lee
- USC-Office of Population Studies Foundation, University of San Carlos, Cebu, Philippines
| | - Elizabeth A Quinn
- Department of Anthropology, Washington University, in St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Stacy Rosenbaum
- Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Julienne N Rutherford
- Department of Women, Children, and Family Health Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Calen P Ryan
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Thomas W McDade
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.,Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
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Rollings N, Waye HL, Krohmer RW, Uhrig EJ, Mason RT, Olsson M, Whittington CM, Friesen CR. Sperm telomere length correlates with blood telomeres and body size in red‐sided garter snakes,
Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. J Zool (1987) 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- N. Rollings
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
| | - H. L. Waye
- Division of Science and Mathematics University of Minnesota Morris Morris MN USA
| | - R. W Krohmer
- Department of Biological Sciences Saint Xavier University Chicago IL USA
| | - E. J. Uhrig
- Department of Integrative Biology Oregon State University Corvallis OR USA
| | - R. T. Mason
- Department of Integrative Biology Oregon State University Corvallis OR USA
| | - M. Olsson
- Department of Biological & Environmental Sciences University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences University of Wollongong Wollongong NSW Australia
| | - C. M. Whittington
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
| | - C. R. Friesen
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences University of Wollongong Wollongong NSW Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI)University of Wollongong Wollongong NSW Australia
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42
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Heritability of telomere length across three generations of Korean families. Pediatr Res 2020; 87:1060-1065. [PMID: 31783399 PMCID: PMC7199797 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-019-0699-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leukocyte telomere length (LTL), an indicator of aging, is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors; however, its heritability is unknown. We determined heritability and inheritance patterns of telomere length across three generations of families. METHODS We analyzed 287 individuals from three generations of 41 Korean families, including newborns, parents, and grandparents. LTL (the ratio of telomere repeat copy number to single gene copy number) was measured by quantitative real-time PCR. We estimated heritability using the SOLAR software maximum-likelihood variance component methods and a pedigree dataset. With adjustment for age and length of marriage, Pearson's partial correlation was performed for spousal pairs. RESULTS Heritability of LTL was high in all participants (h2 = 0.64). There were no significant differences in correlation coefficients of telomere length between paternal and maternal lines. There was a positive LTL correlation in grandfather-grandmother pairs (r = 0.25, p = 0.03) but not in father-mother pairs. After adjusting for age and length of marriage, the relationship between telomere lengths in grandfathers and grandmothers disappeared. There were inverse correlations between spousal rank differences of telomere length and length of marriage. CONCLUSIONS LTL is highly heritable without a sex-specific inheritance pattern and may be influenced by a shared environment.
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Rocca MS, Foresta C, Ferlin A. Telomere length: lights and shadows on their role in human reproduction. Biol Reprod 2020; 100:305-317. [PMID: 30277496 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are repeated DNA sequences whose main function is to preserve genome stability, protecting chromosomes ends from shortening caused by progressive loss during each cell replication or DNA damage. Telomere length regulation is normally achieved by telomerase enzyme, whose activity is progressively shut off during embryonic differentiation in somatic tissues, whereas it is maintained in germ cells, activated lymphocytes, and certain types of stem cell populations. The maintenance of telomerase activity for a longer time is necessary for germ cells to delay telomere erosion, thus avoiding chromosome segregation defects that could contribute to aneuploid or unbalanced gametes. Over the last few years, telomere biology has become an important topic in the field of human reproduction, encouraging several studies to focus on the relation between telomere length and spermatogenesis and male fertility, embryo development and quality during assisted reproductive treatment, and female pathologies as polycystic ovary, premature ovarian insufficiency, and endometriosis. This review analyzes whether telomere length in germ cells is related to reproduction fitness, whether telomere length is related to pathologies associated with male and female fertility, and whether measurement of telomere length could represent a biomarker of germ cell and embryo quality. Telomere length could be considered a molecular marker of spermatogenesis and sperm quality and is somewhat related to male fertility potential. Fewer evidence, although promising, is available for oocytes, female (in)fertility, and embryo quality. The increasing evidence for a role of telomeres and telomere length in human reproduction, indeed, has expanded the historical view of considering them just a marker of aging. Telomere length might have in the future a prognostic potential in couple infertility, especially useful to select best germ cells with the greatest potential of fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Santa Rocca
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Carlo Foresta
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alberto Ferlin
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Unit of Endocrinology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Foley NM, Petit EJ, Brazier T, Finarelli JA, Hughes GM, Touzalin F, Puechmaille SJ, Teeling EC. Drivers of longitudinal telomere dynamics in a long‐lived bat species,
Myotis myotis. Mol Ecol 2020; 29:2963-2977. [PMID: 32105386 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M. Foley
- School of Biology and Environmental Science Science Centre West University College Dublin Belfield, Dublin Ireland
| | - Eric J. Petit
- ESE, Ecology and Ecosystem Health Agrocampus Ouest INRAE Rennes France
| | - Thomas Brazier
- ESE, Ecology and Ecosystem Health Agrocampus Ouest INRAE Rennes France
| | - John A. Finarelli
- School of Biology and Environmental Science Science Centre West University College Dublin Belfield, Dublin Ireland
| | - Graham M. Hughes
- School of Biology and Environmental Science Science Centre West University College Dublin Belfield, Dublin Ireland
| | - Frédéric Touzalin
- School of Biology and Environmental Science Science Centre West University College Dublin Belfield, Dublin Ireland
| | - Sébastien J. Puechmaille
- School of Biology and Environmental Science Science Centre West University College Dublin Belfield, Dublin Ireland
- Zoological Institute and Museum University of Greifswald Greifswald Germany
- ISEM Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD Montpellier France
| | - Emma C. Teeling
- School of Biology and Environmental Science Science Centre West University College Dublin Belfield, Dublin Ireland
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Rej PH, Bondy MH, Lin J, Prather AA, Kohrt BA, Worthman CM, Eisenberg DTA. Telomere length analysis from minimally-invasively collected samples: Methods development and meta-analysis of the validity of different sampling techniques: American Journal of Human Biology. Am J Hum Biol 2020; 33:e23410. [PMID: 32189404 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Telomeres are the protective caps of chromosomes. They shorten with cell replication, age, and possibly environmental stimuli (eg, infection and stress). Short telomere length (TL) predicts subsequent worse health. Although venous whole blood (VWB) is most commonly used for TL measurement, other, more minimally invasive, sampling techniques are becoming increasingly common due to their field-friendliness, allowing for feasible measurement in low-resource contexts. We conducted statistical validation work for measuring TL in dried blood spots (DBS) and incorporated our results into a meta-analysis evaluating minimally invasive sampling techniques to measure TL. METHODS We isolated DNA extracts from DBS using a modified extraction protocol and tested how they endured different shipping conditions and long-term cryostorage. We then included our in-house DBS TL validation statistics (correlation values with VWB TL and age) in a series of meta-analyses of results from 24 other studies that published similar associations for values between TL measured in DBS, saliva, and buccal cells. RESULTS Our modified DBS extraction technique produced DNA yields that were roughly twice as large as previously recorded. Partially extracted DBS DNA was stable for 7 days at room temperature, and still provided reliable TL measurements, as determined by external validation statistics. In our meta-analysis, DBS TL had the highest external validity, followed by saliva, and then buccal cells-possibly reflecting similarities/differences in cellular composition vs VWB. CONCLUSIONS DBS DNA is the best proxy for VWB from the three minimally-invasively specimen types evaluated and can be used to expand TL research to diverse settings and populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter H Rej
- Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Madison H Bondy
- Department of Anthropology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jue Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Aric A Prather
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Brandon A Kohrt
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Services, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Carol M Worthman
- Department of Anthropology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Dan T A Eisenberg
- Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Amir S, Vakonaki E, Tsiminikaki K, Tzatzarakis M, Michopoulou V, Flamourakis M, Kalliantasi K, Karzi V, Fragkiadaki P, Renieri E, Tsoukalas D, Thanasoula M, Sarandi E, Sakellaris G, Makrigiannakis A, Nepka C, Spandidos D, Tsatsakis A. Sperm telomere length: Diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in male infertility (Review). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.3892/wasj.2020.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Saira Amir
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology Islamabad, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory 45550, Pakistan
| | - Elena Vakonaki
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Manolis Tzatzarakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Michopoulou
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Katerina Kalliantasi
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Karzi
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Persefoni Fragkiadaki
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Elisavet Renieri
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Maria Thanasoula
- Venizeleio General Hospital, Department of Surgery, 71409 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Evangelia Sarandi
- Venizeleio General Hospital, Department of Surgery, 71409 Heraklion, Greece
| | - George Sakellaris
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital of Heraklion, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Antonios Makrigiannakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University Hospital of Heraklion, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Charitini Nepka
- Department of Cytopathology, University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Demetrios Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
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Epel ES. Can Childhood Adversity Affect Telomeres of the Next Generation? Possible Mechanisms, Implications, and Next-Generation Research. Am J Psychiatry 2020; 177:7-9. [PMID: 31892296 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2019.19111161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elissa S Epel
- Dr. Epel is Professor and Vice Chair, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco
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48
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Rej PH, Gravlee CC, Mulligan CJ. Shortened telomere length is associated with unfair treatment attributed to race in African Americans living in Tallahassee, Florida. Am J Hum Biol 2019; 32:e23375. [PMID: 31867825 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Experiences of interpersonal discrimination are pervasive stressors in the lives of African Americans. Increased discrimination stress may cause premature aging. Telomere length (TL) is a plastic genetic trait that is an emerging indicator of cellular health and aging. Short TL is a risk factor for the earlier onset of disease. TL shortens with age, a process that may be accelerated by psychosocial stress. Our study explores the relationship between TL and experiences of discrimination in the form of self-reported unfair treatment (UT). METHODS Using a qPCR-based method, we measured TL in DNA from saliva samples provided by 135 African American adults from Tallahassee, FL. We developed discrimination measures using a modified survey that explores nine social domains of self-reported unfair treatment experienced both directly and indirectly. We used multiple regression to examine associations between UT and TL. RESULTS We found that racial discrimination in the form of self-reported unfair treatment attributed to race (UT-Race-Self) is inversely associated with TL. CONCLUSIONS The significant association between increased UT-Race-Self and shorter telomeres supports the hypothesis that psychosocial stress stemming from racial discrimination may affect TL. The potential impact of discrimination on TL may contribute to premature biological aging and racial health inequalities seen in African Americans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter H Rej
- Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.,Department of Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.,Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
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- Health Equity Alliance of Tallahassee Steering Committee, Tallahassee, Florida: James Bellamy, Qasimah Boston, Edward Holifield, Miaisha Mitchell, and Cynthia Seaborn
| | - Clarence C Gravlee
- Department of Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.,Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Connie J Mulligan
- Department of Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.,Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
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49
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Nersisyan L, Nikoghosyan M, Arakelyan A. WGS-based telomere length analysis in Dutch family trios implicates stronger maternal inheritance and a role for RRM1 gene. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18758. [PMID: 31822713 PMCID: PMC6904582 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55109-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomere length (TL) regulation is an important factor in ageing, reproduction and cancer development. Genetic, hereditary and environmental factors regulating TL are currently widely investigated, however, their relative contribution to TL variability is still understudied. We have used whole genome sequencing data of 250 family trios from the Genome of the Netherlands project to perform computational measurement of TL and a series of regression and genome-wide association analyses to reveal TL inheritance patterns and associated genetic factors. Our results confirm that TL is a largely heritable trait, primarily with mother's, and, to a lesser extent, with father's TL having the strongest influence on the offspring. In this cohort, mother's, but not father's age at conception was positively linked to offspring TL. Age-related TL attrition of 40 bp/year had relatively small influence on TL variability. Finally, we have identified TL-associated variations in ribonuclease reductase catalytic subunit M1 (RRM1 gene), which is known to regulate telomere maintenance in yeast. We also highlight the importance of multivariate approach and the limitations of existing tools for the analysis of TL as a polygenic heritable quantitative trait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilit Nersisyan
- Bioinformatics Group, Institute of Molecular Biology NAS RA, 7 Hasratyan str., 0014, Yerevan, Armenia.
| | - Maria Nikoghosyan
- Bioinformatics Group, Institute of Molecular Biology NAS RA, 7 Hasratyan str., 0014, Yerevan, Armenia
- Institute of Biomedicine and Pharmacy, Russian-Armenian University, 123 Hovsep Emin St, 0051, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Arsen Arakelyan
- Bioinformatics Group, Institute of Molecular Biology NAS RA, 7 Hasratyan str., 0014, Yerevan, Armenia
- Institute of Biomedicine and Pharmacy, Russian-Armenian University, 123 Hovsep Emin St, 0051, Yerevan, Armenia
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50
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Berneau SC, Shackleton J, Nevin C, Altakroni B, Papadopoulos G, Horne G, Brison DR, Murgatroyd C, Povey AC, Carroll M. Associations of sperm telomere length with semen parameters, clinical outcomes and lifestyle factors in human normozoospermic samples. Andrology 2019; 8:583-593. [PMID: 31769603 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many studies have demonstrated that lifestyle factors can affect sperm quality and fertility. Sperm telomere length (STL) has been reported as potential biomarker or sperm quality. However, no studies have investigated how lifestyle factors can affect STL and associated clinical outcomes. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this manuscript is to investigate any association between STL with lifestyle factors, semen parameters and clinical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sperm telomere length was measured using real-time PCR in normozoospermic male partners (n = 66) of couples undergoing ART treatment. Each participant also completed a detailed questionnaire about general lifestyle. Linear regression univariate analysis and ANCOVA were performed to respectively determine correlations between STL and study parameters or identify statistically significant differences in STL while controlling for age, BMI and other factors. RESULTS Using a linear regression model, STL is positively correlated with in vitro fertilization success (n = 65, r = 0.37, P = .004) but not with embryo cleavage rates and post-implantation clinical outcomes including gestational age-adjusted birth weight. No associations were observed between STL and sperm count, concentration or progressive motility. We further found that STL did not associate age, BMI, health or lifestyle factors. DISCUSSION In somatic cells, the rate of telomere shortening is influenced by a number of lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet and occupation. However, little is known about how lifestyle factors affect STL and subsequently reproductive outcome. Out data suggest that STL might have an important role mechanistically for fertilization rate regardless of sperm parameters and lifestyle factors. CONCLUSION The results of this study demonstrate that STL is associated with in vitro fertilization rates, but not with semen parameters nor lifestyle factors. Further investigations are warranted to identify the potential variation of STL overtime to clarify its significance as a potential biomarker in ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephane C Berneau
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Jennifer Shackleton
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Clare Nevin
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Basher Altakroni
- Centre for Epidemiology, Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - George Papadopoulos
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Gregory Horne
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Daniel R Brison
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology & Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Christopher Murgatroyd
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Andy C Povey
- Centre for Epidemiology, Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Michael Carroll
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
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