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Balder P, Jones C, Coward K, Yeste M. Sperm chromatin: Evaluation, epigenetic signatures and relevance for embryo development and assisted reproductive technology outcomes. Eur J Cell Biol 2024; 103:151429. [PMID: 38905808 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2024.151429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Sperm chromatin is distinct from somatic cell chromatin, as a result of extensive remodeling during the final stages of spermatogenesis. In this process, the majority of histones is replaced with protamines. The chromatin is consequently highly condensed and inert, which facilitates protection of the DNA. The sperm epigenomic landscape is shaped by histone retention, histone and protamine modification, DNA methylation, and RNAs. In recent years, sperm chromatin integrity and its epigenetic marks have been increasingly studied, and the constitution of sperm chromatin is steadily being uncovered. This growing body of research prompts assessment of the frequently overlooked involvement of sperm in fertility and embryonic development. Moreover, numerous endogenous and exogenous factors are known to affect sperm chromatin, which may in turn impact the reproductive success. Concerns have been raised about the effects of assisted reproductive technology (ART) on the sperm epigenome, embryonic development and offspring health. This review examines the structure and epigenetic signatures of sperm chromatin in the context of fertility and early embryonic development. Additionally, sperm chromatin evaluation and causes of aberrant integrity are outlined. Building on the knowledge discussed in the current review, future research should aim to elucidate the intricate relationship between all aspects of sperm chromatin and embryo development. This could lead to the uncovering of new targets for treating infertility, as well as the acquisition of much needed insights into the possible reciprocal association between ART and sperm chromatin integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Balder
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Celine Jones
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Kevin Coward
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona ES-17003, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona ES-17003, Spain; Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona ES-08010, Spain.
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Fenech MF, Bull CF, Van Klinken BJW. Protective Effects of Micronutrient Supplements, Phytochemicals and Phytochemical-Rich Beverages and Foods Against DNA Damage in Humans: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials and Prospective Studies. Adv Nutr 2023; 14:1337-1358. [PMID: 37573943 PMCID: PMC10721466 DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2023.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulation of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage diminishes cellular health, increases risk of developmental and degenerative diseases, and accelerates aging. Optimizing nutrient intake can minimize accrual of DNA damage. The objectives of this review are to: 1) assemble and systematically analyze high-level evidence for the effect of supplementation with micronutrients and phytochemicals on baseline levels of DNA damage in humans, and 2) use this knowledge to identify which of these essential micronutrients or nonessential phytochemicals promote DNA integrity in vivo in humans. We conducted systematic literature searches of the PubMed database to identify interventional, prospective, cross-sectional, or in vitro studies that explored the association between nutrients and established biomarkers of DNA damage associated with developmental and degenerative disease risk. Biomarkers included lymphocyte chromosome aberrations, lymphocyte and buccal cell micronuclei, DNA methylation, lymphocyte/leukocyte DNA strand breaks, DNA oxidation, telomere length, telomerase activity, and mitochondrial DNA mutations. Only randomized, controlled interventions and uncontrolled longitudinal intervention studies conducted in humans were selected for evaluation and data extraction. These studies were ranked for the quality of their study design. In all, 96 of the 124 articles identified reported studies that achieved a quality assessment score ≥ 5 (from a maximum score of 7) and were included in the final review. Based on these studies, nutrients associated with protective effects included vitamin A and its precursor β-carotene, vitamins C, E, B1, B12, folate, minerals selenium and zinc, and phytochemicals such as curcumin (with piperine), lycopene, and proanthocyanidins. These findings highlight the importance of nutrients involved in (i) DNA metabolism and repair (folate, vitamin B12, and zinc) and (ii) prevention of oxidative stress and inflammation (vitamins A, C, E, lycopene, curcumin, proanthocyanidins, selenium, and zinc). Supplementation with certain micronutrients and their combinations may reduce DNA damage and promote cellular health by improving the maintenance of genome integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael F Fenech
- Molecular Diagnostics Solutions, CSIRO Health & Biosecurity, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Clinical and Health Sciences, Health and Biomedical Innovation, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Genome Health Foundation, North Brighton, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Caroline F Bull
- Molecular Diagnostics Solutions, CSIRO Health & Biosecurity, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; School of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| | - B Jan-Willem Van Klinken
- GSK Consumer Healthcare (now named Haleon), Warren, New Jersey, USA; Brightseed, San Francisco, CA, United States.
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Aschauer J, Sima M, Imhof M. Recovery of sperm quality after COVID-19 disease in male adults under the influence of a micronutrient combination: A prospective study. Arch Ital Urol Androl 2023; 95:11157. [PMID: 36924370 DOI: 10.4081/aiua.2023.11157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a standard micronutrient preparation to improve semen parameters and seminal oxidative stress in adult male subjects after Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease. METHODS For this prospective pilot study, 30 males aged 20-50 years who had recently recovered from a symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection were recruited from June to October 2021 through a public call for participation. Participants of the study group (n = 30) received two semen analyses according to WHO criteria at an interval of 12 weeks, during which they daily received a micronutrient preparation (L-carnitine, L-arginine, coenzyme Q10, vitamin E, zinc, folic acid, glutathione and selenium). Changes in major semen variables and seminal oxidative stress levels before and after therapy were analyzed and compared to a control group (n = 10) adhering to the same inclusion criteria, including subjects who recently recovered from symptomatic COVID-19 disease without micronutrient supplementation within the 12 weeks between the two semen analyses. RESULTS After 3 months of micronutrient supplementation the rate of normal semen analysis results in the study group increased significantly (p = 0.009) by 66.7%: from 50.0% before to 83.3% after therapy. There was a significant increase in progressive (p = 0.014) and overall motility (p = 0.05) as well as in the vitality (p = 0.0004) of semen cells after 12 weeks of micronutrient intake. In the control group there were no significant changes in any semen parameter or in the rate of normal semen analysis results over the 3-month observation period. In both groups, sperm density, morphology and oxidative stress did not improve significantly. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggests that supplementation of certain micronutrients may be a safe way to support recovery of impaired semen parameters in male adults recovered from COVID-19 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Aschauer
- Karl Landsteiner Society, Institute for Cell-focused Therapy, Korneuburg; Medical University of Vienna, Vienna.
| | - Michaela Sima
- Karl Landsteiner Society, Institute for Cell-focused Therapy, Korneuburg; Medical University of Vienna, Vienna.
| | - Martin Imhof
- Karl Landsteiner Society, Institute for Cell-focused Therapy, Korneuburg.
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Li N, Zhang C, Wang Z, Zhang Q, Chen R, Hua Z, Zhao S, Shen H, Chang G, Wan W. Clinical study of Wuwei Fuzheng Yijing formula in the treatment of sperm DNA damage in male infertility: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e31226. [PMID: 36316921 PMCID: PMC9622591 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000031226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of male infertility is increasing in recent years, and the semen routine examination of some patients is normal, but the semen pathological examination shows that the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) is high, and the patients' clinical manifestations are infertility or recurrent abortion of their spouses. At present, there is no special treatment for male infertility caused by high DFI, and traditional Chinese medicine compound prescription shows potential value in the treatment of male infertility. Wuwei Fuzheng Yijing formula (WFY) is an effective prescription for the treatment of sperm DNA damage in male infertility, but there is no strict clinical trial to support its application. Therefore, we designed a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of WFY in patients with sperm DNA damage in male infertility. METHODS In this randomized controlled study, 100 patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into WFY group and levocarnitine oral solution group. The treatment period was 12 weeks. The main observation index was sperm DFI, and the secondary observation index was sperm concentration, motility, survival rate, and TCM syndrome score. Safety observation indicators will include electrocardiogram, blood tests (including blood routine tests, liver and renal function), routine urine tests, and routine stool tests. All results were evaluated at the 4th and 8th week of the baseline, and the end of treatment. DISCUSSION This study will provide a basis for the efficacy and safety of WFY in the treatment of sperm DNA damage in male infertility with spleen and kidney qi deficiency and blood stasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ninghua Li
- College of the First Clinical Medicine, Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, P.R. China
| | - Chenming Zhang
- College of the Second Clinical Medicine, Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, P.R. China
| | - Zulong Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, P.R. China
- *Correspondence: Zulong Wang, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 19 Renmin Road, Zhengzhou 450003, Henan Province, P.R. China (e-mail: )
| | - Qi Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, P.R. China
| | - Rubing Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, P.R. China
| | - Zhong Hua
- College of the Second Clinical Medicine, Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, P.R. China
| | - Shizhong Zhao
- College of the First Clinical Medicine, Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, P.R. China
| | - Huiyuan Shen
- College of the First Clinical Medicine, Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, P.R. China
| | - Guifeng Chang
- College of the First Clinical Medicine, Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, P.R. China
| | - Wenxi Wan
- College of the First Clinical Medicine, Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, P.R. China
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Menichini D, Ughetti C, Monari F, Di Vinci PL, Neri I, Facchinetti F. Nutraceuticals and polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review of the literature. Gynecol Endocrinol 2022; 38:623-631. [PMID: 35713558 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2022.2089106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThis study proposes a review of nutraceuticals used in the treatment of typical symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).The aim is to provide a classification of the most widely used nutraceutical supplements identifying the most effective nutraceuticals on glucose and insulin metabolism, the androgenic hormone profile, fertility, ovulatory capacity, inflammation, and oxidative stress.Material and MethodsWe included randomized controlled trials on PCOS patients undergoing administration of nutraceuticals, in particular vitamin D, vitamin E, probiotics, and inositols. These administrations are variable in terms of dosage, single supplementation, or combined with other compounds, dosage, and duration of the intervention.ResultsThe supplementation of inositols, at the physiologic ratio of 40: 1 of myo- and D-chiro-inositols, resulted to be the most effective in improving the glucose homeostasis and fertility, with a restoration of ovulatory capacity and menstrual regularity. Other nutraceuticals are particularly effective in reducing hyperandrogenism, with promising results demonstrated by the combinations of vitamin D and probiotics, vitamin E and coenzyme Q10, and the enrichment of inositol therapy with group B vitamins. An improvement in the inflammatory status and antioxidant capacity is obtained with the co-supplementation of probiotics and selenium or with vitamin E combined with omega 3.ConclusionsInositol supplementation is effective in the treatment of insulin resistance and fertility. Probiotics reduced hyperandrogenism, inflammatory and oxidative conditions, and resulted more effective when combined with selenium. Although these results proved to be satisfactory, further studies are needed with larger samples and a more homogeneous analysis of the outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Menichini
- Obstetrics Unit, Mother Infant Department, University Hospital Policlinico of Modena, Modena, Italy
- International Doctorate School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Claudia Ughetti
- School of Dietistics, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesca Monari
- Obstetrics Unit, Mother Infant Department, University Hospital Policlinico of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Di Vinci
- Obstetrics Unit, Mother Infant Department, University Hospital Policlinico of Modena, Modena, Italy
- International Doctorate School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Isabella Neri
- Obstetrics Unit, Mother Infant Department, University Hospital Policlinico of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabio Facchinetti
- Obstetrics Unit, Mother Infant Department, University Hospital Policlinico of Modena, Modena, Italy
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