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Punjabi U, Peeters K, De Neubourg D. Sperm nuclear maturity and chromatin stability in subfertile patients: Density gradient centrifugation is fair but non-discriminative in selecting the right population. Reprod Biol 2019; 19:316-321. [PMID: 31744770 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2019.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Multiple technologies exploring chromatin structure anomalies have been applied during the last decade to evaluate fertility disorders and to increase the predictive value of sperm analysis for procreation in vivo and in vitro. Our aim was to implement sperm nuclear maturity and nuclear chromatin stability as a functional test for male infertility diagnosis and to compare it with a fertile group. As semen processing is an integral part of assisted reproductive technologies the impact of density gradient centrifugation in selecting sperm based on nuclear maturity and stability was also analyzed. Flow cytometry combined with fluorescent dyes exhibiting affinity for DNA was implemented. Both nuclear parameters correlated significantly with semen parameters. The control fertile group had significantly higher mean condensed population and a significantly lower hypocondensed and hypercondensed fractions as compared to the subfertile study group. Density gradient centrifugation succeeded in selecting the condensed population in both the control and study groups, while reducing the hypocondensed percentage. The hypercondensed population which was ten-fold higher in the study group remained unchanged after selection, in both the control and the study groups. Sperm nuclear maturity and chromatin stability appears to be homogenous in the fertile sperm donors and heterogeneous in subfertile patients. Sperm preparation for assisted reproduction should aim to minimize the risk of abnormal spermatozoa being used for fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usha Punjabi
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650 Edegem, Belgium; University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Kris Peeters
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650 Edegem, Belgium; University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Diane De Neubourg
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650 Edegem, Belgium; University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
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Das J, Choi YJ, Song H, Kim JH. Potential toxicity of engineered nanoparticles in mammalian germ cells and developing embryos: treatment strategies and anticipated applications of nanoparticles in gene delivery. Hum Reprod Update 2016; 22:588-619. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmw020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2015] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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Wright C, Milne S, Leeson H. Sperm DNA damage caused by oxidative stress: modifiable clinical, lifestyle and nutritional factors in male infertility. Reprod Biomed Online 2014; 28:684-703. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2014.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2013] [Revised: 02/01/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Supplementation of the thawing medium with reduced glutathione improves function of frozen-thawed goat spermatozoa. Reprod Biol 2013; 13:24-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2013.01.174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2012] [Revised: 01/11/2013] [Accepted: 01/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Zini A, Dohle G. Are varicoceles associated with increased deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation? Fertil Steril 2011; 96:1283-7. [PMID: 22035729 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2011] [Revised: 10/11/2011] [Accepted: 10/13/2011] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To perform a literature search on the association between varicocele and sperm DNA fragmentation. DESIGN Systematic review. PATIENT(S) Men with a varicocele and infertility. INTERVENTION(S) Varicocele repair. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Does the presence of a varicocele increase seminal oxidative stress and sperm DNA fragmentation? RESULT(S) In men with a varicocele increased levels of reactive oxygen species and sperm DNA damage can be found. This is probably related to defective spermatogenesis in these patients. Seminal oxidative stress is believed to be the source of sperm DNA damage. Patients with a varicocele and oligospermia may also have a diminished seminal antioxidant capacity. After varicocele repair sperm DNA fragmentation decreases. CONCLUSION(S) Varicocele is associated with sperm DNA damage, and this sperm pathology may be secondary to varicocele-mediated oxidative stress. The beneficial effect of varicocelectomy on sperm DNA damage further supports the premise that varicocele may impair sperm DNA integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armand Zini
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Evaluación de parámetros seminales no convencionales en individuos cuyas parejas presentan muerte embrionaria temprana recurrente: en busca de un valor de referencia. BIOMEDICA 2011. [DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.v31i1.340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Abbasi M, Alizadeh R, Abolhassani F, Amidi F, Ragerdi KI, Fazelipour S, Hoshino Y, Sato E, Dehpour AR. Effect of Aminoguanidine in Sperm DNA Fragmentation In Varicocelized Rats. Reprod Sci 2011; 18:545-50. [PMID: 21285452 DOI: 10.1177/1933719110393028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Abbasi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences
| | - R. Alizadeh
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences
| | - F. Abolhassani
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences
| | - F. Amidi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences
| | - Kashani I. Ragerdi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences
| | - S. Fazelipour
- Department of Anatomy, Islamic Azad University Central Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Y. Hoshino
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Agriculture Science, Tohoko University, Sendai, Japan
| | - E. Sato
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Agriculture Science, Tohoko University, Sendai, Japan
| | - A. R. Dehpour
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences
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Guha SK. Biophysical mechanism-mediated time-dependent effect on sperm of human and monkey vas implanted polyelectrolyte contraceptive. Asian J Androl 2007; 9:221-7. [PMID: 17334590 DOI: 10.1111/j.1745-7262.2007.00244.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To determine the short and long-term morphological effects on sperm as induced by intra-vas alteration of pH and electrical charge. METHODS Desired biophysical influences were obtained by injection of reversible inhibition of sperm under guidance (RISUG) into the lumen of the vas deferens of human subjects and the monkey. RISUG is a polyelectrolyte hydrogel complex of styrene maleic anhydride (SMA) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) which generates an electrostatic charge and also lowers in a near space of pH domain. The morphology of sperm was examined by light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Human study enabled semen collection by masturbation as early as 3 h after injection and studies extended up to 6 months. In the monkey, on vas excision after RISUG implantation, sperm characteristics were examined in serial sections. RESULTS Semenology in clinical studies and histological data of the monkey showed a time-sequenced sperm plasma membrane, tail mitochondria and nuclear decondensation alterations in sperm structural components, which beared marked similarity to changes in the sperm head and tail during capacitation and entry into the ovum. CONCLUSION The findings provide a means of causing such changes in the sperm that inhibit the fertilizing ability before the nucleus is affected. Therefore achieving non-obstructive vas-based contraception, without genotoxic or teratogenic effects caused by infertile sperm passing into the semen, is feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujoy K Guha
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur 721302, India.
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Abstract
Protamines are the major nuclear sperm proteins. The human sperm nucleus contains two types of protamine: protamine 1 (P1) encoded by a single-copy gene and the family of protamine 2 (P2) proteins (P2, P3 and P4), all also encoded by a single gene that is transcribed and translated into a precursor protein. The protamines were discovered more than a century ago, but their function is not yet fully understood. In fact, different hypotheses have been proposed: condensation of the sperm nucleus into a compact hydrodynamic shape, protection of the genetic message delivered by the spermatozoa, involvement in the processes maintaining the integrity and repair of DNA during or after the nucleohistone-nucleoprotamine transition and involvement in the epigenetic imprinting of the spermatozoa. Protamines are also one of the most variable proteins found in nature, with data supporting a positive Darwinian selection. Changes in the expression of P1 and P2 protamines have been found to be associated with infertility in man. Mutations in the protamine genes have also been found in some infertile patients. Transgenic mice defective in the expression of protamines also present several structural defects in the sperm nucleus and have variable degrees of infertility. There is also evidence that altered levels of protamines may result in an increased susceptibility to injury in the spermatozoan DNA causing infertility or poor outcomes in assisted reproduction. The present work reviews the articles published to date on the relationship between protamines and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Oliva
- Human Genetics Laboratory, Genetics Unit, Department of Ciències Fisiològiques I, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona and Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, Casanova 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain.
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Spiridonov NA, Wong L, Zerfas PM, Starost MF, Pack SD, Paweletz CP, Johnson GR. Identification and characterization of SSTK, a serine/threonine protein kinase essential for male fertility. Mol Cell Biol 2005; 25:4250-61. [PMID: 15870294 PMCID: PMC1087724 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.25.10.4250-4261.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we describe and characterize a small serine/threonine kinase (SSTK) which consists solely of the N- and C-lobes of a protein kinase catalytic domain. SSTK protein is highly conserved among mammals, and no close homologues were found in the genomes of nonmammalian organisms. SSTK specifically interacts with HSP90-1beta, HSC70, and HSP70 proteins, and this association appears to be required for SSTK kinase activity. The SSTK transcript was most abundant in human and mouse testes but was also detected in all human tissues tested. In the mouse testis, SSTK protein was localized to the heads of elongating spermatids. Targeted deletion of the SSTK gene in mice resulted in male sterility due to profound impairment in motility and morphology of spermatozoa. A defect in DNA condensation in SSTK null mutants occurred in elongating spermatids at a step in spermiogenesis coincident with chromatin displacement of histones by transition proteins. SSTK phosphorylated histones H1, H2A, H2AX, and H3 but not H2B or H4 or transition protein 1 in vitro. These results demonstrate that SSTK is required for proper postmeiotic chromatin remodeling and male fertility. Abnormal sperm chromatin condensation is common in sterile men, and our results may provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying certain human infertility disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay A Spiridonov
- Division of Therapeutic Proteins, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, HFD-122, Bldg. 29A, Rm. 3B-20, 8800 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
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Abstract
About 15% of couples have reduced fertility and in approximately one-half of all cases the reason is male infertility, usually of genetic origin. Thus, in the context of research in genes involved in reproduction and sex determination, genetic anomalies in gametogenesis are being extensively studied. The most frequent pathogenic causes of male infertility are Y-chromosomal microdeletions (8-15%) in the long arm of the Y chromosome, which, by loss of specific DNA segments, leads to loss of vital genes for sperm production. Infertile men, who attend infertility clinics, rise to 15% among those with azoospermia or spermatogenesis problem. The new technique of intracytoplasmic sperm injection has allowed many infertile men to achieve their dreams of fatherhood. However, the spermatogenic defect is genetic anomalies, which might be a potential risk of transmitting this defect to future offspring. Therefore, genetic counseling of all couples with the diagnosis of male infertility is recommended before their enrolment in intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The important role of genetic abnormalities in the causation of human male infertility is increasingly recognized. While much remains to be learned in this fast-moving field, considerable progress has been made in the clinical delineation of genetic forms of male infertility and in the characterization of the responsible genes and their mutations or deletions. This review should provide insight into the understanding of parthenogenesis of male infertility in the human.
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Affiliation(s)
- H L Feng
- Center for Human Reproduction, North Shore University Hospital-NYU School of Medicine, Manhasset, New York 11030, USA.
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Tomsu M, Sharma V, Miller D. Embryo quality and IVF treatment outcomes may correlate with different sperm comet assay parameters. Hum Reprod 2002; 17:1856-62. [PMID: 12093852 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/17.7.1856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Standard semen parameters have proven poor at predicting the outcomes of IVF treatment cycles. As recent studies suggest that the male genome may play an important role in early embryogenesis, this study attempts to correlate the level of sperm DNA damage in fresh semen and prepared sperm with the outcomes of conventional IVF treatment cycles. METHODS Forty patients embarking on IVF treatment were recruited into this prospective observational study. Both fresh semen and PureSperm-prepared sperm were processed using a modified comet assay 3-6 months prior to the patients' IVF treatment cycles. Comet head DNA (mean and integrated head density) and tail DNA parameters (length and moment) were measured separately. RESULTS Significant correlations between total sperm concentration and between comet length, moment, mean head density with embryo quality were detected in fresh semen and prepared sperm. Surprisingly, no significant correlations between head and tail parameters were detected. CONCLUSIONS Comet head and tail DNA parameters appear to be potentially useful as predictors of embryo quality and IVF outcomes, especially in couples with unexplained subfertility. The lack of correlation between head and tail parameters may be due to a different mechanism of DNA damage within these two compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Tomsu
- Jessop Wing, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Tree Root Walk, Sheffield S10 2SF, UK.
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