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Mostafa T, Abdel-Hamid I, Taymour M, Ali O. Genetic variants in varicocele-related male infertility: a systematic review and future directions. HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:632-648. [PMID: 34587863 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2021.1983214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Genetic association studies (GAS) may have the capability to probe the genetic susceptibility alleles in many disorders. This systemic review aimed to assess whether an association exists between gene(s)/allelic variant(s), and varicocele-related male infertility (VRMI). This review included 19 GAS that investigated 26 genes in 1,826 men with varicocele compared to 2,070 healthy men, and 263 infertile men without varicocele. These studies focussed on candidate genes and relevant variants, with glutathione S-transferase gene being the most frequently studied (n = 5) followed by the nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3) gene (n = 3) and the phosphoprotein tyrosine phosphatase 1 gene (n = 2). In one study the genes for NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1, sperm protamine, human 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, polymerase gamma, heat shock protein 90, mitochondrial DNA, superoxide dismutase 2, transition nuclear protein 1, and transition nuclear protein 2, were assessed. There is no clear indication that any of these polymorphisms are sturdily associated with VRMI. However, three studies established that the polymorphic genotype (GT + TT) for rs1799983 polymorphism of the NOS3 gene is more frequent in varicocele patients. Further endeavours such as standardising reporting, exploring complementary designs, and the use of GWAS technology are justified to help replicate these early findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taymour Mostafa
- Andrology, Sexology & STIs Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim Abdel-Hamid
- Division of Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Mai Taymour
- Dermatology & Andrology specialist, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Omar Ali
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, 6th October University, Giza, Egypt
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Zhang C, Li X, Chen J, Zhao L, Wei X, Dong Y, Sicheng M, Sun Z. Transcriptome and genome sequencing investigating the molecular characteristics of patients with varicocele infertility. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14542. [PMID: 35922383 DOI: 10.1111/and.14542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of varicoceles in male infertility is increasing; however, the exact mechanism is unknown, and no direct studies of varicose spermatic veins have been conducted. Three patients with varicocele infertility were included to explore the possible factors that cause varicocele infertility, and varicose and nearby normal veins were harvested by varicocelectomy. RNA sequencing was performed on six vascular samples, followed by Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses of the screened differential expressed genes which were validated by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The genomes of the patients were analysed using next-generation sequencing to screen for genetic factors behind varicocele infertility. 1171 genes were upregulated and 2772 were downregulated in varicose spermatic veins compared with those in normal veins. These genes were significantly enriched in the alcohol consumption pathway. HIST1H4C, HIST1H4F, HIST1H4K, TM9SF1, and TMEFF1 were significantly differentially expressed. The genomic results identified patients with mutations in CFTR, NANOS1, SRCAP, GATA4, GCM2, TUBB1, ALDH7A1, ANTXR1, and MAP3K1. In conclusion, our results indicated that Alcohol consumption may be a cause of varicoceles. Mutations in certain genes, such as CFTR, may be a cause of male infertility due to varicoceles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenming Zhang
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China.,Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xun Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine), Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianshe Chen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine), Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Lina Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine), Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Wei
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine), Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yazhou Dong
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ma Sicheng
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zixue Sun
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine), Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
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Razi M, Tavalaee M, Sarrafzadeh-Rezaei F, Moazamian A, Gharagozloo P, Drevet JR, Nasr-Eshafani MH. Varicocoele and oxidative stress: New perspectives from animal and human studies. Andrology 2020; 9:546-558. [PMID: 33145958 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Varicocoele (VCL), one of the main causes of male subfertility, negatively affects testicular function. Due to limited access to human testicular tissue, animal model studies have been used to evaluate molecular and, recently, epigenetic changes attributed to pathophysiology induced by VCL. OBJECTIVES This review aims to provide an update on the latest findings regarding the link between VCL-induced biochemical stress and molecular changes in germ cells and spermatozoa. Endocrine and antioxidant status, testicular chaperone-specific hemostasis failure, altered testicular ion balance, metabolic disorders, and altered carbon cycling during spermatogenesis are among the many features that will be presented. DISCUSSION Literature review coupled with our own findings suggests that ionic imbalance, hypoxia, hyperthermia, and altered blood flow could lead to severe chronic oxidative and nitrosative stress in patients with VCL leading to defective spermatogenesis and impairment of the integrity of all sperm cell components and compartments down to the epigenetic information they carry. CONCLUSION Since oxidative stress is an important feature of the reproductive pathology of VCL, therapeutic strategies such as the administration of appropriate antioxidants could be undertaken as a complementary non-invasive treatment line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mazdak Razi
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Marziyeh Tavalaee
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Farshid Sarrafzadeh-Rezaei
- Department of Surgery and Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | | | | | - Joël R Drevet
- Faculty of Medicine, GReD Institute, INSERM U1103, CNRS UMR6293, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Mohammad-Hossein Nasr-Eshafani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
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Yang B, Yang Y, Liu Y, Li H, Ren S, Peng Z, Fang K, Yang L, Dong Q. Molecular characteristics of varicocele: integration of whole-exome and transcriptome sequencing. Fertil Steril 2020; 115:363-372. [PMID: 32912637 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the exome and transcriptome characteristics potentially underlying the pathogenesis of varicocele (VE). DESIGN Experimental study and cohort study. SETTING Academic research laboratory and university-affiliated hospital. PATIENT(S) Eleven VE patients whose fathers also had VE, plus 151 additional patients and 324 healthy men for variants genotyping; for the rat model, eight Sprague-Dawley male rats. INTERVENTION(S) Partial ligation of renal vein was conducted to establish VE rat models for whole-transcriptome RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Genes with differential expression and/or harboring potential pathogenic variants detected via RNA-seq and whole-exome sequencing (WES) then subjected to population-based survey to define candidate genes of VE and analyzed via Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes to identify VE-involved pathways. RESULT(S) Whole-transcriptome RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed using left spermatic veins of five rat VE models and three controls. We identified 9,688 genes and 18 pathways via RNA-seq, and via WES 160 genes harboring 279 potential deleterious variants and 16 pathways. Nine genes (AAMP, KMT2D, IRS2, SPINT1, IFT122, MKI67, DCHS1, LAMA2, and CBL) had variants in more than one patient who underwent WES, and six of these genes (AAMP, SPINT1, MKI67, IFT122, LAMA2, and DCHS1) showed differential expression. The population-based survey showed that AAMP, SPINT1, and MKI67 were strongly associated with VE risk. Together, two omic 67 data sets revealed four pathways potentially related to VE. CONCLUSION(S) For the first time, we have described the exome and transcriptome characteristics of VE. The bi-omics identified novel candidate genes and pathways involving the occurrence and development of VE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yang
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Yang
- Department of Medical Genetics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunqiang Liu
- Department of Medical Genetics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Shangqing Ren
- Robotic Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhufeng Peng
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Fang
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Luchen Yang
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Dong
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
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Omar SS, Mahfouz W, Dawood W, Abo El-Wafa RAH, Ghazala RA, Zahran ARM. Relation of nitric oxide synthase gene (NOS3) polymorphisms to varicocele risk and post-varicocelectomy seminal oxidative stress reduction. Andrologia 2020; 52:e13525. [PMID: 32022285 DOI: 10.1111/and.13525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiology of varicocele remains to be unknown. Several genetic factors have been implicated in varicocele etiopathogenesis. We studied the relationship between NOS3 c.894G>T, c.786T>C and 4b/a polymorphisms to varicocele risk and their prognostic value as regards improvement of the post-operative seminal parameters &/or seminal malonaldehyde levels. The three NOS3 polymorphisms were evaluated in 100 patients with varicocele and 100 healthy subjects by RT-PCR. Seminal plasma MDA level was measured pre-operatively and 3 months after varicocelectomy by the thiobarbituric acid method. The GT, TT, TC and bb genotypes of NOS3 polymorphism were more commonly observed in varicocele patients (30%, 9%, 28% and 70% respectively) compared to normal controls (12%, 0%, 10% and 50% respectively). The mean percentage of post-varicocelectomy seminal MDA reduction was highest with the GT genotype (p < .001). Genotypes GT+TT, TC and bb were associated with varicocele occurrence in our patients. The T (c.894G>T), C (c.786T>C) and b (NOS3 intron 4 VNTR) alleles were significantly associated with varicocele occurrence in our cohort of patients. We also report a better response regarding the reduction of seminal MDA after varicocelectomy with the GT and ba genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salma Samir Omar
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology & Andrology, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Wally Mahfouz
- Department of Urology, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Waleed Dawood
- Department of Urology, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Hassanin AM, Ahmed HH, Kaddah AN. A global view of the pathophysiology of varicocele. Andrology 2018; 6:654-661. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2017] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A. M. Hassanin
- Department of Andrology and Sexology; Faculty of Medicine; Cairo University; Cairo Egypt
| | - H. H. Ahmed
- Department of Andrology and Sexology; Faculty of Medicine; Cairo University; Cairo Egypt
| | - A. N. Kaddah
- Department of Andrology and Sexology; Faculty of Medicine; Cairo University; Cairo Egypt
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Santana VP, Miranda-Furtado CL, de Oliveira-Gennaro FG, Dos Reis RM. Genetics and epigenetics of varicocele pathophysiology: an overview. J Assist Reprod Genet 2017; 34:839-847. [PMID: 28523408 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-017-0931-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Varicocele is found in approximately 20% of adults and adolescents and in 19-41% of men seeking treatment for infertility. It is associated with a decrease in sperm count as well as sperm motility and morphology. The currently accepted description of the pathophysiology of varicocele does not explain all its clinical manifestations; therefore, other factors such as genetic and epigenetic changes, associated with the environment, might be involved in causing infertility and decrease in sperm quality. It has been reported that the varicocele-induced deterioration of testicular function is progressive and interferes with fertility; hence, early and efficient assessment of the genetic manifestations in patients would be important for developing future medical interventions. Chromosomal disorders, mutations, polymorphisms, changes in gene expression, and epigenetic changes have all been reported to be associated with varicocele. Several studies are underway to unravel the genetic basis of this disease, as it is important to understand the origin and the aggravating factors to ensure appropriate guidance and intervention. Here, we review the available literature regarding the genetic and epigenetic changes associated with varicocele, and how these alterations are related to the different clinical manifestations of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane Paiva Santana
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), 3900 Bandeirantes Ave, São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Cristiana Libardi Miranda-Furtado
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), 3900 Bandeirantes Ave, São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900, Brazil
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Flavia Gaona de Oliveira-Gennaro
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), 3900 Bandeirantes Ave, São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Rosana Maria Dos Reis
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), 3900 Bandeirantes Ave, São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900, Brazil.
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