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Fadhil EB, Mohammed MM, Alkawaz UM. Impact of coenzyme Q10 as an adjuvant therapy to letrozole on spermiogram results and sex hormone levels in Iraqi men with infertility; randomized open label comparative study. F1000Res 2024; 12:1093. [PMID: 38957201 PMCID: PMC11217721 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.131985.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Worldwide, infertility affects about 15% of reproductive-age couples. In many cases, infertility can't be treated, however new treatment options with promising value have been involved in recent clinical trials. The aim of this clinical trial was to evaluate the impacts of adding coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) to letrozole on the results of spermiogram and sex hormone tests in men diagnosed with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (iOAT) syndrome, which is a type of male defective spermatogenesis of unknown etiology. Methods: This randomized, open-label, parallel two-arm interventional study included 67 adult male patients aged 18-60 years with a confirmed diagnosis of iOAT syndrome recruited from The High Institute for Infertility Diagnosis & Assisted Reproduction Technologies/Nahrain University. Patients were randomly separated into two groups, Group A included 29 patients treated with letrozole 2.5 mg tablet orally twice a week, Group B included 38 patients treated with a combination of letrozole 2.5 mg tablet orally twice a week plus CoQ10 400 mg per day. Both groups completed treatment for three months. Semen samples, serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E 2), and testosterone (T) were analyzed at day one, and at the end of month one, two and three. Results: Both groups showed that sperm concentration, normal morphology, total sperm count and motility, serum testosterone and FSH levels, and T/E 2 ratio were significantly increased, while estradiol levels significantly decreased after three months of treatment. Seminal fluid volume changed significantly in group A only. In comparing between the two groups, all measured parameters, apart from sperm motility and FSH level, demonstrated a significant difference after three months of treatment, while sperm volume reached significant value after only two months of therapy. Conclusions: CoQ10 as adjuvant treatment to letrozole effectively improved most of the tested sperm parameters in Iraqi men with iOAT. Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT05847257, May 6, 2023).
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Affiliation(s)
- Essa Bahauldeen Fadhil
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Baghdad Governorate, Iraq
| | - Mohammed Mahmood Mohammed
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Baghdad Governorate, Iraq
| | - Ula M. Alkawaz
- High Institute of Infertility Diagnosis and Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Baghdad Governorate, Iraq
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2
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Zhang H, Zhou XP. The Effect of Neutral Alpha-Glucosidase on Semen Parameters. Urol Int 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38735284 DOI: 10.1159/000539218] [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: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between the activity of neutral α-glucosidase in seminal plasma and semen quality and to explore the effect of secretory capability of the epididymis on male fertility. METHODS A retrospective analysis of 542 men treated in the Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility from February to December 2022, the semen parameters and neutral α-glucosidase were tested and compared among different groups. These 542 men included normozoospermia, oligospermia, asthenospermia, and teratozoospermia. RESULTS There was statistical difference in neutral alpha-glucosidase (NAG) level among different groups with different sperm concentration, motility, and morphology (p < 0.001). The NAG activity in seminal plasma was positively correlated with ejaculate volume and sperm concentration; meanwhile, a very weak positive correlation was found between NAG level and sperm motility, sperm morphology, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicated that the secretion of NAG affected the volume, concentration, motility, and morphology of sperm to a certain extent. Given that NAG is a specific and marker enzyme in epididymis, where is the site of sperm maturation, we can conclude that there is a close relationship between NAG and sperm quality. Therefore, seminal plasma NAG has a definite clinical value in helping diagnosis of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, the Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiao-Pu Zhou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, the Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang, China
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3
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Xie M, Hämmerli S, Leeners B. The Association between Abstinence Period and Semen Parameters in Humans: Results in Normal Samples and Different Sperm Pathology. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:188. [PMID: 38398698 PMCID: PMC10890102 DOI: 10.3390/life14020188] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of sexual abstinence on sperm quality, particularly in pathological cases, is a subject of debate. We investigated the link between abstinence duration and semen quality in both normal and pathological samples. METHODS We analyzed semen samples from 4423 men undergoing fertility evaluation, comprising 1256 samples from healthy individuals and 3167 from those with conditions such as oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, teratozoospermia, or a combination of these factors, namely oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT). Parameters including sperm concentration, the percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa, total motile sperm count, and the percentage of spermatozoa with normal morphology were assessed at various abstinence durations (each day, 0-2, 3-7, and >7 days). RESULTS Extended abstinence correlated with higher sperm concentration overall (p < 0.001), except in oligozoospermia. Longer abstinence reduced progressive motility in normal (p < 0.001) and teratozoospermic samples (p < 0.001). Shorter abstinence was linked to higher morphologically normal sperm in normal samples (p = 0.03), while longer abstinence did so in oligoasthenoteratozoospermic samples (p = 0.013). CONCLUSION The findings suggest that a prolonged abstinence time is linked to higher sperm concentration, while optimal sperm motility is observed after shorter abstinence periods. However, results regarding morphology remain inconclusive. Recommendations on abstinence duration should be tailored based on the specific parameter requiring the most significant improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Xie
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (M.X.); (S.H.)
| | - Silvan Hämmerli
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (M.X.); (S.H.)
| | - Brigitte Leeners
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (M.X.); (S.H.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
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Tanaka T, Kojo K, Nagumo Y, Ikeda A, Shimizu T, Fujimoto S, Kakinuma T, Uchida M, Kimura T, Kandori S, Negoro H, Nishiyama H. A new clustering model based on the seminal plasma/serum ratios of multiple trace element concentrations in male patients with subfertility. Reprod Med Biol 2024; 23:e12584. [PMID: 38807752 PMCID: PMC11131575 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate whether seminal plasma (SP)/serum ratios of multiple trace elements (TEs) can classify patients with male subfertility. Methods SP/serum ratios of 20 TEs (lithium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, cobalt, copper, zinc, arsenic, selenium, rubidium, strontium, molybdenum, cesium, barium, and thallium) were calculated for healthy volunteers (n = 4) and those consulting for male subfertility (n = 245). Volunteer semen samples were collected by split ejaculation into early and subsequent fractions, and SP/serum ratio data were compared between fractions. The patients' SP/serum ratio data were used in an unsupervised clustering analysis and qualitatively compared with the data from the fractions of ejaculation from the volunteers. Semen quality parameters and pregnancy outcomes were compared between patient clusters. Results The early fraction of volunteers was characterized by lower phosphorus and arsenic and 18 other higher TEs than the subsequent fraction. Cluster analysis classified patients into four distinct clusters, one sharing characteristics with the early fraction and another with the subsequent fraction. One cluster with the early fraction characteristics had significantly lower semen volume and higher pregnancy rates from spontaneous pregnancies or intrauterine insemination. Conclusions Classification of patients based on SP/serum ratios of multiple TEs represents the dominance of fractions of ejaculation samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takazo Tanaka
- Department of Urology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of TsukubaTsukubaIbarakiJapan
| | - Kosuke Kojo
- Department of Urology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of TsukubaTsukubaIbarakiJapan
- Center for Human ReproductionInternational University of Health and Welfare HospitalNasushiobaraTochigiJapan
| | - Yoshiyuki Nagumo
- Department of Urology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of TsukubaTsukubaIbarakiJapan
| | - Atsushi Ikeda
- Department of Urology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of TsukubaTsukubaIbarakiJapan
| | - Takuya Shimizu
- Health Care Analysis CenterRenatech Co., Ltd.IseharaKanagawaJapan
| | | | - Toshiyuki Kakinuma
- Center for Human ReproductionInternational University of Health and Welfare HospitalNasushiobaraTochigiJapan
| | - Masahiro Uchida
- Department of UrologyTsukuba Gakuen HospitalTsukubaIbarakiJapan
| | - Tomokazu Kimura
- Department of Urology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of TsukubaTsukubaIbarakiJapan
| | - Shuya Kandori
- Department of Urology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of TsukubaTsukubaIbarakiJapan
| | - Hiromitsu Negoro
- Department of Urology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of TsukubaTsukubaIbarakiJapan
| | - Hiroyuki Nishiyama
- Department of Urology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of TsukubaTsukubaIbarakiJapan
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Lu Y, Xie Y, Li M, Zuo N, Ning S, Luo B, Ning M, Song J, Liang Y, Qin Y. A novel ADGRG2 truncating variant associated with X-linked obstructive azoospermia in a large Chinese pedigree. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:1747-1754. [PMID: 37273165 PMCID: PMC10352220 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02839-3] [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: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In this study, we aimed to identify sterility-related variants in a Chinese pedigree with male infertility and to reveal the different phenotypes and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes of the affected members. METHODS Physical examinations were performed on male patients. G-band karyotype analysis, copy number variation sequencing, and quantitative fluorescent PCR were conducted to detect common chromosomal disorders in the probands. Whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were applied to identify the pathogenic genes and the protein expression changes caused by the very mutation were identified by Western Blot in vitro. RESULTS A novel nonsense mutation (c.908C > G: p.S303*) in the ADGRG2 was identified in all infertile male patients of the pedigree, which was inherited from their mothers. This variant was absent from the human genome databases. This mutation was also unexpectedly found in a male member with normal reproductive capability. Members with the mutation had different genitalia phenotypes, ranging from normal to dilated phenotypes of the vas deferens, spermatic veins and epididymis. There was a truncated ADGRG2 protein in vitro after mutation. Of the three patients' wives treated with ICSI, only one successfully gave birth. CONCLUSIONS Our study is the first to report the c.908C > G: p.S303* mutation in the ADGRG2 in an X-linked azoospermia pedigree and is the first to report normal fertility in a member with this mutation, expanding the mutation spectrum and phenotype spectrum of this gene. In our study, ISCI had a success rate of only one-third in couples including men with azoospermia with this mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghong Lu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yulin Women and Children Health Care Hospital, Yulin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Yulin, 537000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuling Xie
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yulin Women and Children Health Care Hospital, Yulin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Yulin, 537000, People's Republic of China
| | - Mei Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yulin Women and Children Health Care Hospital, Yulin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Yulin, 537000, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Zuo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yulin Women and Children Health Care Hospital, Yulin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Yulin, 537000, People's Republic of China
| | - Sisi Ning
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yulin Women and Children Health Care Hospital, Yulin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Yulin, 537000, People's Republic of China
| | - Bowen Luo
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Yulin Women and Children Health Care Hospital, Yulin, People's Republic of China
| | - Minxia Ning
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yulin Women and Children Health Care Hospital, Yulin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Yulin, 537000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jujie Song
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yulin Women and Children Health Care Hospital, Yulin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Yulin, 537000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Liang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yulin Women and Children Health Care Hospital, Yulin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Yulin, 537000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunrong Qin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yulin Women and Children Health Care Hospital, Yulin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Yulin, 537000, People's Republic of China.
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Damodara Gowda KM, Asif M, Vijay A, Maheshwari, Fyzullah S, Rani U, Swathi R. Impact of chronological ageing on semen parameters in southern Indian men visiting infertility centre: A retrospective study. ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTION 2023. [DOI: 10.4103/2305-0500.365227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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7
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Revealing the Hidden Diagnostic Clues of Male Infertility from Human Seminal Plasma by Dispersive Solid Phase Extraction and MALDI-TOF MS. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810786. [PMID: 36142695 PMCID: PMC9506103 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810786] [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: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Seminal plasma (SP) mirrors the local pathophysiology of the male reproductive system and represents a non-invasive fluid for the study of infertility. Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) provides a high-throughput platform to rapidly extrapolate the diagnostic profiles of information-rich patterns. In this study, dispersive solid phase extraction (d-SPE) combined with MALDI-TOF-MS was applied for the first time to the human SP, with the aim of revealing a diagnostic signature for male infertility. Commercially available octadecyl (C18)-, octyl (C8)-bonded silica sorbents and hexagonal mesoporous silica (HMS) were tested and the robustness of MALDI-TOF peptide profiling was evaluated. Best performances were obtained for C18-bonded silica with the highest detection of peaks and the lowest variation of spectral features. To assess the diagnostic potential of the method, C18-bonded silica d-SPE and MALDI-TOF-MS were used to generate enriched endogenous peptide profiles of SP from 15 fertile and 15 non-fertile donors. Principal component analysis (PCA) successfully separated fertile from non-fertile men into two different clusters. An array of seven semenogelin-derived peptides was found to distinguish the two groups, with high statistical significance. These findings, while providing a rapid and convenient route to selectively enrich native components of SP peptidome, strongly reinforce the prominent role of semenogelins in male infertility.
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8
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Wu Y, Li H, Qin Y. S100A4 promotes the progression of lipopolysaccharide-induced acute epididymitis in mice†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:1213-1224. [PMID: 32072170 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
S100A4 has been suggested to be a critical regulator of tumor metastasis and is implicated in the progression of inflammation. The aim of this study is to investigate the expression and possible role of S100A4 in epididymitis. Using a mouse model of epididymitis induced by the injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the deferent duct, we found that LPS administration induced an upregulation of S100a4 transcription (P < 0.05) and a recruitment of S100A4 positive cells in the epididymal interstitium of wild type (WT) mice. Co-immunofluorescence showed that S100A4 was mainly expressed by granulocytes, CD4 lymphocytes, and macrophages. Deficiency of S100A4 reduced epididymal pathological reaction and the mRNA levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α (P < 0.01), suggesting that S100A4 promotes the progression of epididymitis. Furthermore, S100A4 deficiency alleviated the decline of sperm motility and rectified the abnormal expression of sperm membrane protein AMAD3, which suggested that in the progression of epididymitis, S100A4 aggravates the damage to sperm vitality. In addition, both Ki-67 marked cell proliferation and transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling detected cell apoptosis were reduced in S100a4-/- mice compared with WT mice after LPS treatment, indicating that S100A4 promotes both cell proliferation and cell apoptosis in epididymitis. Overall, these results demonstrate that S100A4 promotes the progression of LPS-induced epididymitis and facilitates a decline in sperm vitality, and its function may be related to the process of cell proliferation and apoptosis during inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjie Wu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Haoran Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinghe Qin
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
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Effect of Omega-3 or Omega-6 Dietary Supplementation on Testicular Steroidogenesis, Adipokine Network, Cytokines, and Oxidative Stress in Adult Male Rats. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:5570331. [PMID: 34257810 PMCID: PMC8260291 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5570331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study was undertaken to elucidate the effect of omega-3 and omega-6 supplementation on the levels of different adipokines and cytokines, as well as the antioxidant system, in relation to male reproductive hormones and testicular functions. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were daily gavaged with either physiological saline (control group), sunflower oil (omega 6 group; 1 mL/kg body weight), or fish oil (omega-3 group; 1000 mg/kg body weight) for 12 weeks. The administration of omega-3 or omega-6 resulted in decreased serum concentrations of kisspeptin 1, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and testosterone. In addition, it downregulated the mRNA expression levels of steroidogenic genes. The intratesticular levels of apelin, adiponectin, and irisin were elevated while chemerin, leptin, resistin, vaspin, and visfatin were declined following the administration of either omega-3 or omega-6. The testicular concentration of interleukin 10 was increased while interleukin 1 beta, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor α, and nuclear factor kappa B were decreased after consumption of omega-3 or omega-6. In the testes, the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase 1, and the total antioxidant capacity were improved. In conclusion, the administration of omega-3 or omega-6 adversely affects the process of steroidogenesis but improves the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory status of the reproductive system via modulating the levels of testicular adipokines.
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10
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Teke K, Kasap M, Simsek E, Uzunyol A, Uslubas AK, Akpinar G, Culha MM. SERPIN A5 may have a potential as a biomarker in reflecting the improvement of semen quality in infertile men who underwent varicocele repair. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14081. [PMID: 34009669 DOI: 10.1111/and.14081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to identify proteins that were differentially regulated in spermatozoal samples collected from fertile healthy men (FHM) and infertile patients with varicocele (IFPV) before and after varicocelectomy. Seminal samples were collected from 20 IFPV before and after varicocelectomy and from 14 FHM as controls. Samples underwent seminal examination and proteomic analysis. Extracted spermatozoal proteins were analysed using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, and differentially regulated spermatozoal proteins (DRSPs) were identified. In particular, attention was placed on those DRSPs in which the concentration changed after varicocelectomy and corrected to approximate levels observed in FHM. Varicocelectomy significantly improved the sperm count and concentration in IFPV (p < 0.05). Proteomic analysis showed that 11 DRSPs were identified when comparisons were made among the three groups. Among these 11 proteins, change in the SERPIN A5 concentrations was notable because it was 100-fold downregulated in pre-operative IFPV samples and nearly resembled to control concentrations following varicocelectomy. Western blot analysis using an anti-SERPIN antibody validated the changes observed in SERPIN A5 levels before and after varicocelectomy operation. Increase in SERPIN A5 after varicocelectomy may be due to improvement in semen quality, suggesting that SERPIN A5 is a potential seminal biomarker for assessment of semen quality in varicocele-related infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerem Teke
- Department of Urology, Kocaeli University School of Medicine, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Murat Kasap
- Department of Medical Biology, Kocaeli University School of Medicine, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Emrah Simsek
- Department of Urology, Kocaeli University School of Medicine, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Ayimgul Uzunyol
- Department of Medical Biology, Kocaeli University School of Medicine, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Ali Kemal Uslubas
- Department of Urology, Kocaeli University School of Medicine, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Gurler Akpinar
- Department of Medical Biology, Kocaeli University School of Medicine, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Melih Culha
- Department of Urology, Kocaeli University School of Medicine, Kocaeli, Turkey
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Anand-Ivell R, Tremellen K, Soyama H, Enki D, Ivell R. Male seminal parameters are not associated with Leydig cell functional capacity in men. Andrology 2021; 9:1126-1136. [PMID: 33715296 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) is a constitutive, secreted peptide produced in the male uniquely by the Leydig cells of the testes. It is a biomarker for Leydig cell functional capacity, which is a measure of the numbers and differentiation status of these steroidogenic cells and lacks the biological and technical variance of the steroid testosterone. This retrospective study was carried out to examine the relationship between seminal parameters and the Leydig cell compartment, and secondarily to assess other factors responsible for determining Leydig cell functional capacity. METHODS INSL3 was assessed together with seminal, anthropometric, and hormonal parameters in a Swedish cohort of 18-year-old men, representing the average population, and in a smaller, more heterogeneous cohort of men visiting an Australian infertility clinic. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Average INSL3 concentration at 18 years is greater than that reported at younger or older ages and indicated a large 10-fold variation. In neither cohort was there a relationship between INSL3 concentration and any semen parameter. For the larger, more uniform Swedish cohort of young men, there was a significant negative relationship between INSL3 and BMI, supporting the idea that adult Leydig cell functional capacity may be established during puberty. In both cohorts, there was a significant relationship between INSL3 and FSH, but not LH concentration. No relationship was found between INSL3 and androgen receptor trinucleotide repeat polymorphisms, reinforcing the notion that Leydig cell functional capacity is unlikely to be determined by androgen influence alone. Nor did INSL3 correlate with the T/LH ratio, an alternative measure of Leydig cell functional capacity, supporting the view that these are independent measures of Leydig cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kelton Tremellen
- Department of Obstetrics Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia.,Repromed, Dulwich, SA, Australia
| | - Hiroaki Soyama
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Defense Medical College Hospital, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Doyo Enki
- School of Medicine, Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Richard Ivell
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK.,School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK
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12
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Zhang D, Wang Y, Lin H, Sun Y, Wang M, Jia Y, Yu X, Jiang H, Xu W, Sun JP, Xu Z. Function and therapeutic potential of G protein-coupled receptors in epididymis. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:5489-5508. [PMID: 32901914 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility rates for both females and males have increased continuously in recent years. Currently, effective treatments for male infertility with defined mechanisms or targets are still lacking. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest class of drug targets, but their functions and the implications for the therapeutic development for male infertility largely remain elusive. Nevertheless, recent studies have shown that several members of the GPCR superfamily play crucial roles in the maintenance of ion-water homeostasis of the epididymis, development of the efferent ductules, formation of the blood-epididymal barrier and maturation of sperm. Knowledge of the functions, genetic variations and working mechanisms of such GPCRs, along with the drugs and ligands relevant to their specific functions, provide future directions and a great arsenal for new developments in the treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daolai Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China.,Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yanfei Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hui Lin
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yujing Sun
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Mingwei Wang
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yingli Jia
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wenming Xu
- Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University West China Second University Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin-Peng Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China.,Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhigang Xu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China.,Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
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13
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Fraczek M, Wojnar L, Kamieniczna M, Piasecka M, Gill K, Kups M, Chopyak V, Havrylyuk A, Nakonechnyy J, Nakonechnyy A, Wozniak T, Kurpisz M. Seminal Plasma Analysis of Oxidative Stress in Different Genitourinary Topographical Regions Involved in Reproductive Tract Disorders Associated with Genital Heat Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176427. [PMID: 32899311 PMCID: PMC7504043 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for male subfertility/infertility caused by or complicated by genital heat stress remains unclear in many respects. Because seminal plasma creates the environment for the proper functioning of spermatozoa, in this study, we verified the associations among standard spermiograms, seminal biochemical parameters (neutral alpha-glucosidase, fructose, and citric acid) and oxidative stress markers (total antioxidant capacity, catalase activity, superoxide dismutase activity, and malondialdehyde concentration) in distinct entities associated with male infertility with and without long-time exposure to local hyperthermia. We demonstrated that men exposed to prolonged environmental or clinically recognized local heat stress in adulthood may suffer from dysregulation of seminal antioxidant components, which can be directly associated with epididymal and prostate function. The comparative analysis of the studied parameters showed numerous correlations among all biochemical parameters (particularly neutral alpha-glucosidase) with low standard semen quality in almost all the investigated infertile groups. In light of the data obtained in this originally designed study, we conclude that more attention should be paid to the epididymis and accessory gland function in subfertile and infertile men exposed to genital heat stress, especially in the context of novel treatment algorithms (targeted therapies).
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Fraczek
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 60-479 Poznan, Poland; (M.K.); (T.W.)
- Correspondence: (M.F.); (M.K.)
| | - Lukasz Wojnar
- Clinic of Urology and Oncological Urology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-285 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Marzena Kamieniczna
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 60-479 Poznan, Poland; (M.K.); (T.W.)
| | - Malgorzata Piasecka
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland; (M.P.); (K.G.); (M.K.)
| | - Kamil Gill
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland; (M.P.); (K.G.); (M.K.)
| | - Michal Kups
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland; (M.P.); (K.G.); (M.K.)
- Department and Clinic Urology and Oncological Urology, Regional Specialist Hospital in Szczecin, 71-455 Szczecin, Poland
- VitroLive Fertility Clinic in Szczecin, 70-483 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Valentina Chopyak
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Danylo Halytskyy Lviv National Medical University, 79008 Lviv, Ukraine; (V.C.); (A.H.)
| | - Anna Havrylyuk
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Danylo Halytskyy Lviv National Medical University, 79008 Lviv, Ukraine; (V.C.); (A.H.)
| | - Jozef Nakonechnyy
- Department of Urology, Danylo Halytskyy Lviv National Medical University, 79010 Lviv, Ukraine;
| | - Andrij Nakonechnyy
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Danylo Halytskyy Lviv National Medical University, 79059 Lviv, Ukraine;
| | - Tomasz Wozniak
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 60-479 Poznan, Poland; (M.K.); (T.W.)
| | - Maciej Kurpisz
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 60-479 Poznan, Poland; (M.K.); (T.W.)
- Correspondence: (M.F.); (M.K.)
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14
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Kumar N, Singh NK. "Emerging role of Novel Seminal Plasma Bio-markers in Male Infertility: A Review". Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2020; 253:170-179. [PMID: 32871440 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2020.08.015] [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] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Male infertility has emerged as an important cause of infertility worldwide. There are many factors affecting male fertility and research is going on to know impact of various factors on sperm functions. Semen analysis is gold standard diagnostic test for male infertility, but it is crude method for estimation of male infertility as seminal composition gets affected by environmental factors, infections, other pathologies, hence, results of semen analysis either becomes normal/ambiguous, leading to failure of diagnosis and delayed treatment. Hence, with need of newer, better tests for assessing male factor infertility, seminal plasma is being tested for biomarkers. Seminal plasma is considered gold mine for male fertility as it contains molecules from male reproductive glands which play important role in sperm function. Study of seminal plasma molecules can give an idea about sperm concentration, motility, morphology and cause of infertility and can serve as biomarkers for male infertility. Present review briefs on some of these novel seminal plasma biomarkers which may play significant role in male fertility and can be used in future for better identification, assessment of infertile males. METHODOLOGY Literature from 1985 to 2019 was searched from various databases including PUBMED, SCOPUS, Google Scholar on seminal plasma biomarkers using keywords: "seminal plasma protein biomarkers", "novel seminal plasma markers and male infertility", "hormones in seminal plasma and male infertility", "oxidative stress and male infertility", "Reactive Oxygen Species and sperm DNA", "immunoinfertility". INCLUSION CRITERIA All full length original or review articles or abstracts on seminal plasma markers and male infertility published in English language in various peer-reviewed journals were considered. EXCLUSION CRITERIA Articles published in languages other than English were excluded from the study. RESULTS Seminal plasma is a big reservoir of molecules derived from the various male reproductive glands which can be used as potential biomarkers of male fertility. CONCLUSION Hence, seminal plasma biomarkers can be used in future for better assessment of male factor infertility, its causes and may play an important role in management of male factor infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naina Kumar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalagiri, 522503, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India.
| | - Namit Kant Singh
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Katuri Medical College and Hospital, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India.
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15
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Fernandez-Encinas A, García-Peiró A, del Rey J, Ribas-Maynou J, Abad C, Amengual MJ, Prada E, Navarro J, Benet J. Proteomic Analysis in Seminal Plasma of Fertile Donors and Infertile Patients with Sperm DNA Fragmentation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21145046. [PMID: 32708913 PMCID: PMC7404047 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Seminal plasma proteomics studies could represent a new approach for the determination of molecular elements driving male infertility, resulting in a better male infertility characterization. The aim of this study is to investigate proteomic differences in seminal plasma samples from fertile and infertile individuals. For that, semen samples were selected according to semen analysis, clinical pathology, and values of sperm DNA fragmentation (alkaline and neutral Comet assay and Sperm Chromatin Dispersion test). A total of 24 seminal plasma samples classified in four groups were processed: fertile donors (FD), recurrent miscarriage patients (RM), asthenoteratozoospermic patients (ATZ), and asthenoteratozoospermic patients with varicocele (ATZ-VAR). Results obtained by 2D-differential gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) revealed 26 spots significantly increased in fertile donors when compared to patient groups. Also, eight spots in the ATZ group and two in the ATZ-VAR group were decreased compared to the other groups. Twenty-eight proteins were identified by mass spectrometry (MS), most of them involved in metabolic and cellular processes and with a catalytic or binding function. Protein-protein interactions through Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) tool suggest that a large part of them were associated with each other. Furthermore, most of them were associated with ubiquitin C, indicating that it could play an important regulation role, resulting in a potential male infertility biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Fernandez-Encinas
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; (A.F.-E.); (J.d.R.); (J.R.-M.); (J.N.)
| | - Agustín García-Peiró
- Centro de Infertilidad Masculina y Análisis de Barcelona (CIMAB), 08192 Sant Quirze del Vallès, Spain;
| | - Javier del Rey
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; (A.F.-E.); (J.d.R.); (J.R.-M.); (J.N.)
| | - Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; (A.F.-E.); (J.d.R.); (J.R.-M.); (J.N.)
| | - Carlos Abad
- Servei d’Urologia, Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Sabadell, Institut Universitari Parc Taulí—UAB, 08208 Sabadell, Spain;
| | - Maria José Amengual
- UDIAT, Centre Diagnòstic, Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Sabadell, Institut Universitari Parc Taulí—UAB, 08208 Sabadell, Spain;
| | - Elena Prada
- Servei de Ginecologia, Hospital Universitari Mútua de Terrassa, 08221 Terrassa, Spain;
| | - Joaquima Navarro
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; (A.F.-E.); (J.d.R.); (J.R.-M.); (J.N.)
| | - Jordi Benet
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; (A.F.-E.); (J.d.R.); (J.R.-M.); (J.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-935-811-773
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16
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Kooshesh L, Bahmanpour S, Zeighami S, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Effect of Letrozole on sperm parameters, chromatin status and ROS level in idiopathic Oligo/Astheno/Teratozoospermia. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2020; 18:47. [PMID: 32404173 PMCID: PMC7218838 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-020-00591-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study investigates the effect of letrozole on hormone profiles, semen parameters, body mass index (BMI), degree of oxidative stress and sperm chromatin integrity in men with idiopathic oligo/astheno/teratozoospermia (iOAT) and T:E2 ratio ≤ 10. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study is a longitudinal, prospective, interventional and open-labelled clinical trial. Semen samples were collected from 20 iOAT men with low serum testosterone (T) to estradiol (E2) ratio (T:E2 ratio ≤ 10). The participants were treated with 2.5 mg letrozole orally per day for 3 months. Then, sperm parameters, hormone profiles, BMI, chromatin integrity and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level were assessed pre- and post- treatment. The chromatin integrity was evaluated by assessment of DNA fragmentation (with TUNEL assay) and protamine deficiency (with Chromomycin A3, CMA3). Also, the intracellular ROS levels were investigated by 2', 7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) staining. Finally, the differences between the parameters evaluated before and after letrozole treatment were analyzed with the t-test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS Sperm concentration, percentage of sperm motility and its normal morphology increased significantly after letrozole treatment. Moreover, serum testosterone level increased but estradiol level decreased significantly following treatment. The mean of T:E2 ratio improved 1600%. Also, letrozole treatment significantly reduced the percentage of sperm TUNEL positivity and sperm CMA3 positivity. While no significant difference was observed between intracellular ROS levels and BMI before and after treatment. Finally, as a notable result, four spontaneous pregnancies (20%) were achieved after treatment. CONCLUSIONS Letrozole treatment can effectively increase spontaneous pregnancies by improving sperm parameters and sperm chromatin integrity in men with iOAT and T:E2 ratio ≤ 10. TRIAL REGISTRATION Trial registration: IRCT, IRCT20191030045283N1. Registered 16 November 2019 - Retrospectively registered, https://fa.irct.ir/user/trial/43484/view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Kooshesh
- Department of Anatomy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Soghra Bahmanpour
- Department of Anatomy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shahriar Zeighami
- Department of Urology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hussain Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Centre, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.
- Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Centre, Isfahan, Iran.
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17
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Abarikwu SO, Onuah CL, Singh SK. Plants in the management of male infertility. Andrologia 2020; 52:e13509. [PMID: 31989693 DOI: 10.1111/and.13509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This review attempts to collate existing data and provide the perspectives for future studies on the effects of plants on the male gonads. For many of these medicinal plants such as Lepidium meyenii, Rupus coreanus, Tribulus terrestres, Panax ginseng, Petasites japonicas, Apium graveolens, Eurycoma longifólia, Pedalium murex, Corchorus depressus, Mucuna pruriens, Astragalus membranaceus, Nigella sativa, Crataegus monogyna, Fagara tessmannii, Phaleria macrocarpa, Anacyclus pyrethrum, Cynomorium songaricum and Morinda officinalis, the mechanism of actions of their active principles and crude extracts has been shown in both laboratory animals, in vitro, and human studies, and includes their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, spermatogenesis-inducing, aphrodisiac, smooth muscle relaxing and androgenic properties. Several active chemical leads including glucosinolates, anthocyanins, protodioscin, ginsenosides, sesquiterpenes, phyto-oestrogens, quassinoids, diosgenin, thymoquinone, proanthocyanidins and bajijiasu isolated from these plants are known to have target effects on the testis, but efforts have been limited in their application at the clinical level. There still appear to be many more extracts of medicinal plants that have not been characterised to determine the phytochemicals unique to them that have target effects on the gonads. Further, collaborative efforts at isolating pro-drug candidates from medicinal plants for studies at the molecular, cellular and clinical level towards elucidating their mechanisms of action on the testes are therefore warranted in the light of the current male fertility crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunny O Abarikwu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
| | - Chigozie Linda Onuah
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
| | - Shio Kumar Singh
- Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
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18
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EPIDEMIOLOGY OF CHLAMYDIA-INDUCED REPRODUCTIVE DISEASE IN MALE KOALAS (PHASCOLARCTOS CINEREUS) FROM SOUTHEAST QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA AS ASSESSED FROM PENILE URETHRAL SWABS AND SEMEN. J Wildl Dis 2020. [DOI: 10.7589/2019-03-062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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19
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Fang Y, Xia W, Cai W, Zhang X, Zhang J, Fu X, Li S, Fang X, Sun S, Wang Z, Zhang X, Zhu S, Li J. Effects of TLR4 overexpression on sperm quality, seminal plasma biomarkers, sperm DNA methylation and pregnancy rate in sheep. Theriogenology 2019; 142:368-375. [PMID: 31711688 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.10.009] [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: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Genetic modification provides a means to enhancing disease resistance in animals. In this study, the first generation of genetically modified (GM) sheep overexpressing TLR4 was produced by microinjection for better disease resistance. To compare semen characteristics including sperm quality, seminal plasma biochemical index, sperm DNA methylation and pregnancy rate of three-year old transgenic sheep with TLR4 overexpressed (toll like receptor 4, TLR4) and non-transgenic ram. Sixteen transgenic ram of F0 generation were produced by microinjection of the TLR4 plasmid into the pronucleus of fertilized ova. Seven transgenic sheep of F1 generation was produced by breeding F0 transgenic founders with non-transgenic sheep of the same breed. There were no significant differences between transgenic and control rams for all semen quality parameters, including semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm viability, and percentages of sperm with an intact plasma membrane, acrosomal integrity, and viable sperm with high mitochondrial membrane potential in both F0 and F1 generation. Furthermore, no significant differences were found for seminal plasma concentrations of zinc, neutral alpha-glucosidase, acid phosphatase or fructose, nor for levels of H19 and IGF2R methylation in sperm DNA. In addition, pregnancy rate was also similar between these two groups. In conclusion, there was no evidence that TLR4 overexpression altered the sperm quality, seminal plasma or sperm DNA of transgenic sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Fang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China; Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Grassland Farming, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, China
| | - Wei Xia
- College of Life Science and Technology, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wentao Cai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Xiaosheng Zhang
- Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Research Institute of Tianjin, Tianjin, China
| | - Jinlong Zhang
- Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Research Institute of Tianjin, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiangwei Fu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Sa Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Xiaohuan Fang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Shuchun Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China; Research Center of Cattle and Sheep Embryo Engineering Technique of Hebei Province, Baoding, China
| | - Zhigang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China; Research Center of Cattle and Sheep Embryo Engineering Technique of Hebei Province, Baoding, China
| | - Xiaolei Zhang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shien Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
| | - Junjie Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China; Research Center of Cattle and Sheep Embryo Engineering Technique of Hebei Province, Baoding, China.
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20
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Bernardino RL, Carrageta DF, Sousa M, Alves MG, Oliveira PF. pH and male fertility: making sense on pH homeodynamics throughout the male reproductive tract. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:3783-3800. [PMID: 31165202 PMCID: PMC11105638 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03170-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In the male reproductive tract, ionic equilibrium is essential to maintain normal spermatozoa production and, hence, the reproductive potential. Among the several ions, HCO3- and H+ have a central role, mainly due to their role on pH homeostasis. In the male reproductive tract, the major players in pH regulation and homeodynamics are carbonic anhydrases (CAs), HCO3- membrane transporters (solute carrier 4-SLC4 and solute carrier 26-SLC26 family transporters), Na+-H+ exchangers (NHEs), monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) and voltage-gated proton channels (Hv1). CAs and these membrane transporters are widely distributed throughout the male reproductive tract, where they play essential roles in the ionic balance of tubular fluids. CAs are the enzymes responsible for the production of HCO3- which is then transported by membrane transporters to ensure the maturation, storage, and capacitation of the spermatozoa. The transport of H+ is carried out by NHEs, Hv1, and MCTs and is essential for the electrochemical balance and for the maintenance of the pH within the physiological limits along the male reproductive tract. Alterations in HCO3- production and transport of ions have been associated with some male reproductive dysfunctions. Herein, we present an up-to-date review on the distribution and role of the main intervenient on pH homeodynamics in the fluids throughout the male reproductive tract. In addition, we discuss their relevance for the establishment of the male reproductive potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel L Bernardino
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - David F Carrageta
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mário Sousa
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- i3S-Institute for Innovation and Health Research, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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21
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Goss D, Ayad B, van der Horst G, Skosana B, du Plessis SS. Improved sperm motility after 4 h of ejaculatory abstinence: role of accessory sex gland secretions. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:1009-1016. [DOI: 10.1071/rd18135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Various studies have sought to determine the typical v. optimal abstinence period after which semen samples should be collected, with many contradictory results reported. Several factors influence the semen microenvironment, and thus sperm parameters. In this study we focused on the secretions of the prostate, seminal vesicles and the epididymis. Semen samples were obtained from healthy normozoospermic males (n=16) after 4-day and 4-h periods of ejaculatory abstinence, and standard semen analysis was performed using computer-aided sperm analysis, whereas seminal plasma citric acid, neutral α-glucosidase and fructose concentrations were measured using assay kits. There were significant decreases in total sperm count (P<0.001), sperm concentration (P<0.05) and semen volume (P<0.05) after 4h compared with 4 days ejaculatory abstinence. Furthermore, increases were observed in total sperm motility (P<0.05) and sperm progressive motility (P<0.01) after a 4-h abstinence period, accompanied by significant reductions in citric acid (P<0.05), α-glucosidase (P<0.01) and fructose (P<0.01) concentrations. In addition, due to the decreased number of spermatozoa, these concentrations translated to a significant decrease in fructose (P<0.05) per spermatozoon, indicating an intrinsic mechanism capitalising on alternative sources of energy for increased metabolic function and subsequent sperm motility.
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22
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Smarr MM, Kannan K, Sun L, Honda M, Wang W, Karthikraj R, Chen Z, Weck J, Buck Louis GM. Preconception seminal plasma concentrations of endocrine disrupting chemicals in relation to semen quality parameters among male partners planning for pregnancy. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 167:78-86. [PMID: 30014899 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some non-persistent endocrine disruptors (EDCs) are adversely associated with semen quality and few studies have measured those EDCs in seminal plasma. OBJECTIVE To find an association between EDCs in seminal plasma and semen quality parameters. METHODS Five chemical classes of non-persistent EDCs were quantified in seminal plasma from 339 male partners who participated in a prospective pregnancy study. Bisphenols, benzophenone UV-filters, antimicrobials and phthalate diesters and their monoester metabolites were measured using high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Semen samples underwent next day analysis using a standardized protocol for the quantification of 35 endpoints. Linear mixed-effects models of EDCs that were log transformed and rescaled by their standard deviations or dichotomized at the 75th percentile for each exposure and outcomes with covariate adjustment were performed. EDCs in seminal plasma were also assessed relative to clinical reference values of semen quality endpoints using logistic regression or generalized estimating equations. RESULTS The most consistent findings supporting adverse associations between seminal EDCs and semen quality were observed for some phthalate metabolites. For example, seminal plasma mono-ethyl, mono-n-butyl, mono-2-isobutyl and mono-benzyl phthalate concentrations were associated with decreased odds of having semen volume above clinical reference values (mEP: aOR=0.46; 95%CI= 0.32, 0.66; mBP: aOR=0.40; 95%CI= 0.28, 0.57; miBP: aOR=0.39; 95%CI= 0.27, 0.56), and mBzP: aOR= 0.34; 95%CI= 0.24, 0.49). CONCLUSIONS Environmentally relevant concentrations of specific phthalates in seminal plasma were associated with diminished semen volume, sperm motility, viability, and morphological alterations in sperm heads such that semen volume and sperm viability fall below reference values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M Smarr
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, The National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA; Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, NY, USA
| | | | - Masato Honda
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
| | | | - Zhen Chen
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, The National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer Weck
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, The National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Germaine M Buck Louis
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, The National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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23
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Palmieri C, Hulse L, Pagliarani S, Larkin R, Higgins DP, Beagley K, Johnston S. Chlamydia pecorum Infection in the Male Reproductive System of Koalas ( Phascolarctos cinereus). Vet Pathol 2018; 56:300-306. [PMID: 30381016 DOI: 10.1177/0300985818806963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydiosis is the most documented and serious disease of koalas, characterized by ocular, urinary, and reproductive lesions. Since little attention has been paid to the pathological effects of this infection in the male reproductive system, we aimed to determine the incidence and severity of reproductive pathology associated with chlamydial infection in male koalas submitted to koala hospitals in southeast Queensland. The entire reproductive tract from 62 sexually mature male koalas not suitable for rehabilitation was evaluated and 677 tissue samples were collected for histology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Lymphoplasmacytic inflammation was observed in 178 of 677 (26.3%) tissue samples from the upper and lower reproductive tract, mainly in the prostatic, penile, and membranous urethra. IHC was positive for the chlamydial antigen in 19 of 451 normal samples (4.2%) and 46 of 178 samples with inflammation (25.8%), located within the cytoplasm of epithelial cells of the epididymis, vas deferens, prostate, bulbourethral glands, and the prostatic membranous and penile urethra. Chlamydia pecorum was detected via qPCR in 319 of 451 normal samples (70.7%) and 159 of 178 samples with inflammation (89.3%), with the highest incidence in the penile urethra, prostate, membranous urethra, and bulbourethral glands. This study suggests that Chlamydia infection in the male reproductive tract is more widespread than originally thought. Furthermore, the male reproductive tract might be a reservoir for persistent chlamydial infections in koalas, with important implications for prophylactic strategies and epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Palmieri
- 1 School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lyndal Hulse
- 2 School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sara Pagliarani
- 1 School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rebecca Larkin
- 3 Ipswich Koala Protection Society, Mt Forbes, Queensland, Australia, formerly Environment Heritage and Protection, Queensland Government, Queensland, Australia
| | - Damien P Higgins
- 4 Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kenneth Beagley
- 5 Sciences, Faculty of Health, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Biomedical Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Stephen Johnston
- 2 School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia
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24
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Arakaki PR, Nichi M, Monteiro FOB, Muniz JAPC, Guimarães MADBV, Valle RDRD. Comparison of semen characteristics and sperm cryopreservation in common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus
) and black-tufted-ear marmoset (Callithrix penicillata
). J Med Primatol 2018; 48:32-42. [DOI: 10.1111/jmp.12388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paloma Rocha Arakaki
- Department of Animal Reproduction; College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science; University of São Paulo; São Paulo SP Brazil
| | - Marcílio Nichi
- Department of Animal Reproduction; College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science; University of São Paulo; São Paulo SP Brazil
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25
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Liu X, Wang W, Zhu P, Wang J, Wang Y, Wang X, Liu J, Li N, Wang X, Lin C, Liu F. In-depth quantitative proteome analysis of seminal plasma from men with oligoasthenozoospermia and normozoospermia. Reprod Biomed Online 2018; 37:467-479. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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26
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Hou Y, Zhang Y, Li G, Wang W, Li H. Microsurgical Epididymal Cystectomy does not Impact Upon Sperm Count, Motility or Morphology and is a Safe and Effective Treatment for Epididymal Cystic Lesions (ECLs) in Young Men With Fertility Requirements. Urology 2018; 122:97-103. [PMID: 30142407 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2018.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 07/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the therapeutic efficacy and safety of microsurgical epididymal cystectomy for the treatment of epididymal cystic lesions in young men with fertility requirements and the impact of this surgery upon sperm quality and epididymal function. MATERIALS AND METHODS We prospectively evaluated the therapeutic outcomes, complications, safety and efficacy of microsurgical epididymal cystectomy and the impact of microsurgery upon sperm parameters. All patients were followed-up 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery to investigate sperm count, motility, morphology, neutral α-glucosidase, improvement of symptoms, recurrence, and complications. RESULTS Palpated cyst pain was evident in 32 out of 51 patients. Pathologists identified 29 spermatoceles and 22 epididymal cysts. Mean operation time was 39.27 ± 5.98 minutes, and the mean length of postoperative hospital stay was 2.02 ± 0.35 days. After surgery, scrotal pain disappeared in 80.4% of patients (41/51). A significantly higher rate of pain disappearance was observed in patients with palpated pain than those without palpated pain. Insignificant difference was seen in terms of sperm count, motility, sperm morphology or neutral α-glucosidase between preoperation and postoperation at 1-year follow-up. Sperm count and NGA in patients with an epididymal cystic lesions > 2.5 cm were significantly increased after surgery. The rate of complications was 7.3%. No cyst recurrence was observed during follow-up. CONCLUSION Microsurgical epididymal cystectomy does not impact upon sperm count, motility, morphology, or epididymal function and is a safe and effective surgical modality for young men with fertility requirements. Local palpated pain on the epididymal cyst is recommended as an optional surgical indication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Hou
- Department of Urology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Pathology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Guang Li
- The Reproductive Center of Changchun Maternity Hospital, Changchun, PR China
| | - Wenxiang Wang
- Department of Urology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Hai Li
- Department of Urology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, PR China.
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27
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Gupta N, Sudhakar DVS, Gangwar PK, Sankhwar SN, Gupta NJ, Chakraborty B, Thangaraj K, Gupta G, Rajender S. Mutations in the prostate specific antigen (PSA/KLK3) correlate with male infertility. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11225. [PMID: 28894123 PMCID: PMC5593825 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-10866-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate specific antigen (PSA/KLK3) is known to be the chief executor of the fragmentation of semenogelins, dissolution of semen coagulum, thereby releasing sperm for active motility. Recent research has found that semenogelins also play significant roles in sperm fertility by affecting hyaluronidase activity, capacitation and motility, thereby making PSA important for sperm fertility beyond simple semen liquefaction. PSA level in semen has been shown to correlate with sperm motility, suggesting that PSA level/activity can affect fertility. However, no study investigating the genetic variations in the KLK3/PSA gene in male fertility has been undertaken. We analyzed the complete coding region of the KLK3 gene in ethnically matched 875 infertile and 290 fertile men to find if genetic variations in KLK3 correlate with infertility. Interestingly, this study identified 28 substitutions, of which 8 were novel (not available in public databases). Statistical comparison of the genotype frequencies showed that five SNPs, rs266881 (OR = 2.92, P < 0.0001), rs174776 (OR = 1.91, P < 0.0001), rs266875 (OR = 1.44, P = 0.016), rs35192866 (OR = 4.48, P = 0.025) and rs1810020 (OR = 2.08, P = 0.034) correlated with an increased risk of infertility. On the other hand, c.206 + 235 T > C, was more freuqent in the control group, showing protective association. Our findings suggest that polymorphisms in the KLK3 gene correlate with infertility risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishi Gupta
- Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Gopal Gupta
- Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
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28
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Study on the short-term effects of increased alcohol and cigarette consumption in healthy young men's seminal quality. Sci Rep 2017; 7:45457. [PMID: 28367956 PMCID: PMC5377370 DOI: 10.1038/srep45457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Many studies have reported a negative impact of lifestyle factors on testicular function, spermatozoa parameters and pituitary-gonadal axis. However, conclusions are difficult to draw, since studies in the general population are rare. In this study we intended to address the early and late short-term impact of acute lifestyle alterations on young men’s reproductive function. Thirty-six healthy male students, who attended the Portuguese academic festivities, provided semen samples and answered questionnaires at three time-points. The consumption of alcohol and cigarette increased more than 8 and 2 times, respectively, during the academic festivities and resulted in deleterious effects on semen quality: one week after the festivities, a decrease on semen volume, spermatozoa motility and normal morphology was observed, in parallel with an increase on immotile spermatozoa, head and midpiece defects and spermatozoa oxidative stress. Additionally, three months after the academic festivities, besides the detrimental effect on volume, motility and morphology, a negative impact on spermatozoa concentration was observed, along with a decrease on epididymal, seminal vesicles and prostate function. This study contributed to understanding the pathophysiology underlying semen quality degradation induced by acute lifestyle alterations, suggesting that high alcohol and cigarette consumption are associated with decreased semen quality in healthy young men.
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29
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Soriano-Úbeda C, García-Vázquez FA, Romero-Aguirregomezcorta J, Matás C. Improving porcine in vitro fertilization output by simulating the oviductal environment. Sci Rep 2017. [PMCID: PMC5356470 DOI: 10.1038/srep43616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Differences between the in vitro and in vivo environment in which fertilization occurs seem to play a key role in the low efficiency of porcine in vitro fertilization (IVF). This work proposes an IVF system based on the in vivo oviductal periovulatory environment. The combined use of an IVF medium at the pH found in the oviduct in the periovulatory stage (pHe 8.0), a mixture of oviductal components (cumulus-oocyte complex secretions, follicular fluid and oviductal periovulatory fluid, OFCM) and a device that interposes a physical barrier between gametes (an inverted screw cap of a Falcon tube, S) was compared with the classical system at pHe 7.4, in a 4-well multidish (W) lacking oviduct biological components. The results showed that the new IVF system reduced polyspermy and increased the final efficiency by more than 48%. This higher efficiency seems to be a direct consequence of a reduced sperm motility and lower capacitating status and it could be related to the action of OFCM components over gametes and to the increase in the sperm intracellular pH (pHi) caused by the higher pHe used. In conclusion, a medium at pH 8.0 supplemented with OFCM reduces polyspermy and improves porcine IVF output.
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30
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Mizokami A, Izumi K, Konaka H, Kitagawa Y, Kadono Y, Narimoto K, Nohara T, Bahl AK, Namiki M. Understanding prostate-specific antigen dynamics in monitoring metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: implications for clinical practice. Asian J Androl 2017; 19:143-148. [PMID: 27270339 PMCID: PMC5312209 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.179159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Availability of novel hormonal therapies as well as docetaxel and cabazitaxel treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) has changed the outlook for this group of patients with improvements in progression-free survival and overall survival. Physicians often diagnose the progression of prostate cancer using serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA). However, serum PSA is not always correlated with the clinical status in CRPC. To evaluate the PSA dynamics with greater precision, understanding of the control of PSA and of the mechanisms of development of CRPC is needed. Moreover, it is necessary to use new hormonal therapies with an appropriate timing to optimally improve the prognosis and the QOL of the patients. In the present review, we ascertain the PSA dynamics and the mechanisms of the development of CRPC to assist in optimal utilization of the new treatments for mCRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Mizokami
- Department of Integrative Cancer Therapy and Urology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, 13-1 Takaramachi Kanazawa, 920-8640 Japan
| | - Kouji Izumi
- Department of Integrative Cancer Therapy and Urology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, 13-1 Takaramachi Kanazawa, 920-8640 Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Konaka
- Department of Integrative Cancer Therapy and Urology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, 13-1 Takaramachi Kanazawa, 920-8640 Japan
| | - Yasuhide Kitagawa
- Department of Integrative Cancer Therapy and Urology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, 13-1 Takaramachi Kanazawa, 920-8640 Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Kadono
- Department of Integrative Cancer Therapy and Urology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, 13-1 Takaramachi Kanazawa, 920-8640 Japan
| | - Kazutaka Narimoto
- Department of Integrative Cancer Therapy and Urology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, 13-1 Takaramachi Kanazawa, 920-8640 Japan
| | - Takahiro Nohara
- Department of Integrative Cancer Therapy and Urology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, 13-1 Takaramachi Kanazawa, 920-8640 Japan
| | - Amit K Bahl
- Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre, University Hospitals Bristol, Bristol, BS2 8ED, UK
| | - Mikio Namiki
- Department of Integrative Cancer Therapy and Urology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, 13-1 Takaramachi Kanazawa, 920-8640 Japan
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31
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Bahadur G, Almossawi O, Zeirideen Zaid R, Ilahibuccus A, Al-Habib A, Muneer A, Okolo S. Semen characteristics in consecutive ejaculates with short abstinence in subfertile males. Reprod Biomed Online 2016; 32:323-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2015.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Revised: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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32
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Lin Y, Cheng X, Mao J, Wu D, Ren B, Xu SY, Fang ZF, Che LQ, Wu CM, Li J. Effects of different dietary n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratios on boar reproduction. Lipids Health Dis 2016; 15:31. [PMID: 26884231 PMCID: PMC4756391 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-016-0193-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND N-3 and N-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids are widely used in reproduction, yet few studies have addressed the effects of dietary n-6/n-3 ratios on boar reproduction. The present study aimed to determine the effects of different dietary n-6/n-3 ratios on the reproductive performance of breeding boars. Thirty-two boars with body weights of 15.0 ± 1.4 kg were divided into four treatments (C, T1, T2, T3) and fed diets with different n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratios (29.06:1, 20.07:1, 1:1, 1:17.96, respectively) for 174 days. RESULTS The highest testis index was observed for treatment T2. Sperm density and total sperm number per ejaculate in the T2 treatment were significantly higher than those in all other treatments, whereas the sperm deformity rate was the lowest. Interestingly, the fatty acid compositions and ratios of sperm were consistent with dietary treatments. Acid phosphatase and fructose concentration of seminal plasma, and the total superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase of sperm in T2 were higher than those in other treatments. The concentration of testosterone and prostaglandin E2 increased in boars fed on diets supplemented with fatty acids as compared with boars subjected to the C group treatment, reaching a peak at n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratios of 1:1. Furthermore, higher expression of Δ(6)-fatty acid desaturase and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-α in spermatozoa of the T2 treatment were observed, indicating more vigorous metabolism and intensive hormonal regulation. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that the ideal n-6/n-3 ratio in the diet of breeding boars is 1:1, and proper balancing of n-6/n-3 fatty acids plays an important role in male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Lin
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625001, China.
| | - Xu Cheng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625001, China
| | - Jiude Mao
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - De Wu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625001, China
| | - Bo Ren
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625001, China
| | - Sheng-Yu Xu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625001, China
| | - Zheng-Feng Fang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625001, China
| | - Lian-Qiang Che
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625001, China
| | - Cai-Mei Wu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625001, China
| | - Jian Li
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625001, China
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33
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Characterization and expression analysis of serpins in the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis. Gene 2016; 575:632-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.09.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Revised: 09/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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34
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Kotońska-Feiga J, Dobicki W, Pokorny P, Nowacki W. The Activity of Neutral α-Glucosidase and Selected Biochemical Parameters in the Annual Cycle of Breeding Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142227. [PMID: 26559406 PMCID: PMC4641633 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Accepted: 10/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to demonstrate seasonal changes in the hydrolytic and transferase activity of neutral α-glucosidase, the level of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides and total protein in the annual breeding cycle of the carp. The study was conducted on fish from a fish farm in Lower Silesia (Poland). Blood serum was collected from the heart in: June, September and December of two consecutive years. The results of the study show that the hydrolytic and transferase activity of neutral α-glucosidase, as well as the results of basic biochemical parameters are highest in summer, when the fish seek and intake food intensively. The lowest values were observed in spring, when carp have the lowest metabolism after the wintering period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Kotońska-Feiga
- Department of Hydrobiology and Aquaculture, Institute of Biology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Science, Wrocław, Poland
- * E-mail:
| | - Wojciech Dobicki
- Department of Hydrobiology and Aquaculture, Institute of Biology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Science, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Przemysław Pokorny
- Department of Hydrobiology and Aquaculture, Institute of Biology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Science, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Wojciech Nowacki
- Department of Immunology, Pathophysiology and Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Wrocxaw University of Environmental and Life Science, Wrocław, Poland
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35
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Rocha DR, Martins JAM, van Tilburg MF, Oliveira RV, Moreno FB, Monteiro-Moreira ACO, Moreira RA, Araújo AA, Moura AA. Effect of increased testicular temperature on seminal plasma proteome of the ram. Theriogenology 2015; 84:1291-305. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Revised: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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36
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Rao M, Zhao XL, Yang J, Hu SF, Lei H, Xia W, Zhu CH. Effect of transient scrotal hyperthermia on sperm parameters, seminal plasma biochemical markers, and oxidative stress in men. Asian J Androl 2015; 17:668-75. [PMID: 25652627 PMCID: PMC4492061 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.146967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Revised: 09/04/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In this experimental prospective study, we aimed to analyze the effect of transient scrotal hyperthermia on the male reproductive organs, from the perspective of sperm parameters, semen plasma biochemical markers, and oxidative stress, to evaluate whether different frequencies of heat exposure cause different degrees of damage to spermatogenesis. Two groups of volunteers (10 per group) received testicular warming in a 43°C water bath 10 times, for 30 min each time: group 1: 10 consecutive days; group 2: once every 3 days. Sperm parameters, epididymis and accessory sex gland function, semen plasma oxidative stress and serum sex hormones were tested before treatment and in the 16-week recovery period after treatment. At last, we found an obvious reversible decrease in sperm concentration (P = 0.005 for Group 1 and P= 0.008 for Group 2 when the minimums were compared with baseline levels, the same below), motility (P = 0.009 and 0.021, respectively), the hypoosmotic swelling test score (P = 0.007 and 0.008, respectively), total acrosin activity (P = 0.018 and 0.009, respectively), and an increase in the seminal plasma malondialdehyde concentration (P = 0.005 and 0.017, respectively). The decrease of sperm concentration was greater for Group 2 than for Group 1 (P = 0.031). We concluded that transient scrotal hyperthermia seriously, but reversibly, negatively affected the spermatogenesis, oxidative stress may be involved in this process. In addition, intermittent heat exposure more seriously suppresses the spermatogenesis compared to consecutive heat exposure. This may be indicative for clinical infertility etiology analysis and the design of contraceptive methods based on heat stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Rao
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao-Ling Zhao
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shi-Fu Hu
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Lei
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Xia
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chang-Hong Zhu
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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37
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Andreucci A, Mocevic E, Jönsson BAG, Giwercman A, Giwercman YL, Toft G, Lundh T, Bizzaro D, Specht IO, Bonde JP. Cadmium may impair prostate function as measured by prostate specific antigen in semen: A cross-sectional study among European and Inuit men. Reprod Toxicol 2015; 53:33-8. [PMID: 25660730 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2015.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Revised: 12/25/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the association between cadmium in blood and the concentration of the prostate specific antigen (PSA) in semen, including the modifying effects of zinc or the CAG polymorphism in the androgen receptor (AR). Blood and semen samples were collected from 504 partners of pregnant women in Greenland, Poland and Ukraine. We found an inverse trend between cadmium and PSA (log(β) = -0.121, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.213; -0.029, P = 0.0103) in Greenlandic men. Similar results were observed in men with a high number of CAG repeats (CAG 24) (log(β) = -0.231, 95% CI: -0.363; -0.098, P = 0.0009). Inverse trends between cadmium and PSA were found when semen zinc concentrations were below the median value for men from Ukraine and Greenland. These outcomes suggest that cadmium may impair prostate function, as measured by PSA in semen, while high zinc levels and a low number of CAG repeats protects against this action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Andreucci
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Emina Mocevic
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2400 København NV, Denmark
| | - Bo A G Jönsson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University Hospital, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden
| | - Aleksander Giwercman
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Malmö University Hospital, SE 205 02 Malmö, Sweden
| | | | - Gunnar Toft
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Thomas Lundh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University Hospital, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden
| | - Davide Bizzaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Ina Olmer Specht
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2400 København NV, Denmark
| | - Jens Peter Bonde
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2400 København NV, Denmark
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Brokken L, Lundberg P, Spanò M, Manicardi G, Pedersen H, Struciński P, Góralczyk K, Zviezdai V, Jönsson B, Bonde J, Toft G, Lundberg Giwercman Y, Giwercman A. Interactions between polymorphisms in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor signalling pathway and exposure to persistent organochlorine pollutants affect human semen quality. Reprod Toxicol 2014; 49:65-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2014.07.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Revised: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Aboutorabi R, Mazani F, Rafiee L. Evaluation of CD52 positive sperms in subfertile human semen samples: Is there any relationship with main semen parameters? Adv Biomed Res 2014; 3:124. [PMID: 24949295 PMCID: PMC4063091 DOI: 10.4103/2277-9175.133201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2013] [Accepted: 09/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Sperm maturation and sperm membrane integration are the most important elements in male fertility. CD52 is one of the antigens. CD52 is a GPI (glycosylphosphatidylinositol) anchored that express on lymphocytes and epididymal cells. This antigen bind to sperm membrane during transition sperm from epididymal duct as well as its relationship with semenogelins in human seminal plasma. The aim of this study was to obtain any association between the percentage of CD52 positive sperms with main semen parameters such as percentage of motile sperms, percentage of sperm with normal morphology, and the presence of normal viscosity. Materials and Methods: Semen samples from subfertile men were analyzed, the samples totally were 45 that divided according to their motility into three groups, first one, more than 40%, second one 10-40%, and the third one under 10% total motility. Fifteen samples in each group were evaluated by semen analysis according to WHO 2010 guidelines for infertility laboratory. Sperms were washed by Ham's F-10 and immunostaining with the monoclonal antibody CAMPATH-1G and then analyzed by flow cytometry. We compared each of the groups based on their motility and the data were analyzed by SPSS 20. Results: Correlation between CD52 labeling and sperm motility was negatively significant, in the second group (r = –0.592, P = 0.020) and in the third group (r = –0.805, P = 0.00). Conclusion: Our results showed that the correlation between CD52 labeling and sperm motility was negatively significant, but we did not observe any relation with other semen parameters, such as sperm normal morphology, sperm concentration, and semen viscosity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshanak Aboutorabi
- Head of Infertility Laboratory, Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran ; Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Mazani
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Laleh Rafiee
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Physiology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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40
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Specht IO, Toft G, Hougaard KS, Lindh CH, Lenters V, Jönsson BAG, Heederik D, Giwercman A, Bonde JPE. Associations between serum phthalates and biomarkers of reproductive function in 589 adult men. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2014; 66:146-156. [PMID: 24583187 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2014.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2013] [Revised: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Phthalates which are widely used, are ubiquitous in the environment and in some human tissues. It is generally accepted that phthalates exert their toxic action by inhibiting Leydig cell synthesis of testosterone, but in vitro studies have also shown anti-androgenic effects at the receptor level. Some cross-sectional studies have shown inverse associations between urinary levels of phthalates and reproductive hormones, but results are conflicting and the evidence base is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate if levels of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and diisononyl phthalate (DiNP) metabolites in serum are associated with serum concentrations of male reproductive hormones and semen quality. A secondary aim was to investigate metabolic pathways of DEHP and DiNP on semen quality and reproductive hormones. A cross-sectional sample of 589 spouses of pregnant women from Greenland, Poland and Ukraine were enrolled between 2002 and 2004. The men gave semen and blood samples and were interviewed. Six phthalate metabolites of DEHP and DiNP were measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry in serum. The metabolites were summed according to their molar weight. We observed significant inverse associations between serum levels of the metabolites, the proxies and serum testosterone. Negative associations were also discovered between some metabolites and sex hormone-binding globulin, semen volume and total sperm count. Findings are compatible with a weak anti-androgenic action of DEHP metabolites, but less so for DiNP metabolites. Metabolic pathways differed significantly between the three study sites, but without major effect on semen quality or reproductive hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ina Olmer Specht
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital of Copenhagen, DK-2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark.
| | - Gunnar Toft
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | - Karin S Hougaard
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
| | - Christian H Lindh
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden.
| | - Virissa Lenters
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, NL-3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Bo A G Jönsson
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden.
| | - Dick Heederik
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, NL-3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Aleksander Giwercman
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Malmö University Hospital, Lund University, Malmö SE-20502, Sweden.
| | - Jens Peter E Bonde
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital of Copenhagen, DK-2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark.
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41
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Herwig R, Knoll C, Planyavsky M, Pourbiabany A, Greilberger J, Bennett KL. Proteomic analysis of seminal plasma from infertile patients with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia due to oxidative stress and comparison with fertile volunteers. Fertil Steril 2013; 100:355-66.e2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.03.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2012] [Revised: 03/14/2013] [Accepted: 03/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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42
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Mackern-Oberti JP, Motrich RD, Breser ML, Sánchez LR, Cuffini C, Rivero VE. Chlamydia trachomatis infection of the male genital tract: an update. J Reprod Immunol 2013; 100:37-53. [PMID: 23870458 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2013.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2013] [Revised: 04/03/2013] [Accepted: 05/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is the most prevalent cause of sexually transmitted diseases. Although the prevalence of chlamydial infection is similar in men and women, current research and screening are still focused on women, who develop the most severe complications, leaving the study of male genital tract (MGT) infection underrated. Herein, we reviewed the literature on genital CT infection with special focus on the MGT. Data indicate that CT certainly infects different parts of the MGT such as the urethra, seminal vesicles, prostate, epididymis and testis. However, whether or not CT infection has detrimental effects on male fertility is still controversial. The most important features of CT infection are its chronic nature and the presence of a mild inflammation that remains subclinical in most individuals. Chlamydia antigens and pathogen recognition receptors (PRR), expressed on epithelial cells and immune cells from the MGT, have been studied in the last years. Toll-like receptor (TLR) expression has been observed in the testis, epididymis, prostate and vas deferens. It has been demonstrated that recognition of chlamydial antigens is associated with TLR2, TLR4, and possibly, other PRRs. CT recognition by PRRs induces a local production of cytokines/chemokines, which, in turn, provoke chronic inflammation that might evolve in the onset of an autoimmune process in genetically susceptible individuals. Understanding local immune response along the MGT, as well as the crosstalk between resident leukocytes, epithelial, and stromal cells, would be crucial in inducing a protective immunity, thus adding to the design of new therapeutic approaches to a Chlamydia vaccine.
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43
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Brokken LJS, Rylander L, Jönsson BA, Spanò M, Pedersen HS, Ludwicki JK, Zviezdai V, Bizzaro D, Manicardi GC, Toft G, Bonde JP, Giwercman A, Lundberg Giwercman Y. Non-linear association between androgen receptor CAG and GGN repeat lengths and reproductive parameters in fertile European and Inuit men. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2013; 370:163-71. [PMID: 23510718 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2012] [Revised: 03/01/2013] [Accepted: 03/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Recently the dogma that there is an inverse linear association between androgen receptor (AR) CAG and GGN polymorphisms and receptor activity has been challenged. We analysed the pattern of association between 21 male reproductive phenotypes and AR CAG/GGN repeat lengths in 557 proven-fertile men. A linear association was only found between sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and CAG length, and between inhibin B and GGN length. Men with longer CAG then the reference (22-24), had higher oestradiol levels, whereas men with shorter CAG stretches had a higher DFI and a higher proportion of Fas-positive germ cells. Subjects with either short or long CAG had increased seminal levels of prostate-specific antigen and neutral α-glucosidase activity. Compared to men with the median GGN length of 23, those with shorter GGN repeats had higher levels of inhibin B, higher proportions of normal and progressive sperm, and a higher fraction of Fas-positive sperm, while men with longer GGN had higher oestradiol levels. These data indicate that at least for some markers of male reproductive function the association with CAG or GGN repeat length is curvilinear.
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Affiliation(s)
- L J S Brokken
- Department of Reproductive Molecular Medicine, Lund University, SE-20502 Malmö, Sweden.
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44
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Lee IC, Kim KH, Kim SH, Baek HS, Moon C, Kim SH, Yun WK, Nam KH, Kim HC, Kim JC. Apoptotic cell death in rat epididymis following epichlorohydrin treatment. Hum Exp Toxicol 2013; 32:640-6. [DOI: 10.1177/0960327112467042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Epichlorohydrin (ECH) is an antifertility agent that acts both as an epididymal toxicant and an agent capable of directly affecting sperm motility. This study identified the time course of apoptotic cell death in rat epididymides after ECH treatment. Rats were administrated with a single oral dose of ECH (50 mg/kg). ECH-induced apoptotic changes were evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay and its related mechanism was confirmed by Western blot analysis and colorimetric assay. The TUNEL assay showed that the number of apoptotic cells increased at 8 h, reached a maximum level at 12 h, and then decreased progressively. The Western blot analysis demonstrated no significant changes in proapoptotic Bcl-2-associated X (Bax) and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression during the time course of the study. However, phospho-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-p38 MAPK) and phospho-c-Jun amino-terminal kinase (p-JNK) expression increased at 8–24 h. Caspase-3 and caspase-8 activities also increased at 8–48 h and 12–48 h, respectively, in the same manner as p-p38 MAPK and p-JNK expression. These results indicate that ECH induced apoptotic changes in rat epididymides and that the apoptotic cell death may be related more to the MAPK pathway than to the mitochondrial pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- I.-C. Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - K.-H. Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
- Korea Testing and Research Institute, Gimpo, Kyunggi, Republic of Korea
| | - S.-H. Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - H.-S. Baek
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - C. Moon
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - S.-H. Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - W.-K. Yun
- Biomedical Mouse Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - K.-H. Nam
- Biomedical Mouse Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - H.-C. Kim
- Biomedical Mouse Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - J.-C. Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
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45
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He L, Jiang H, Cao D, Liu L, Hu S, Wang Q. Comparative transcriptome analysis of the accessory sex gland and testis from the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis). PLoS One 2013; 8:e53915. [PMID: 23342039 PMCID: PMC3547057 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2012] [Accepted: 12/04/2012] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The accessory sex gland (ASG) is an important component of the male reproductive system, which functions to enhance the fertility of spermatozoa during male reproduction. Certain proteins secreted by the ASG are known to bind to the spermatozoa membrane and affect its function. The ASG gene expression profile in Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) has not been extensively studied, and limited genetic research has been conducted on this species. The advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies enables the generation of genomic resources within a short period of time and at minimal cost. In the present study, we performed de novo transcriptome sequencing to produce a comprehensive transcript dataset for the ASG of E. sinensis using Illumina sequencing technology. This analysis yielded a total of 33,221,284 sequencing reads, including 2.6 Gb of total nucleotides. Reads were assembled into 85,913 contigs (average 218 bp), or 58,567 scaffold sequences (average 292 bp), that identified 37,955 unigenes (average 385 bp). We assembled all unigenes and compared them with the published testis transcriptome from E. sinensis. In order to identify which genes may be involved in ASG function, as it pertains to modification of spermatozoa, we compared the ASG and testis transcriptome of E. sinensis. Our analysis identified specific genes with both higher and lower tissue expression levels in the two tissues, and the functions of these genes were analyzed to elucidate their potential roles during maturation of spermatozoa. Availability of detailed transcriptome data from ASG and testis in E. sinensis can assist our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved with spermatozoa conservation, transport, maturation and capacitation and potentially acrosome activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin He
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dandan Cao
- Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lihua Liu
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Songnian Hu
- Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qun Wang
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail:
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46
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Li P, Zhong Y, Jiang X, Wang C, Zuo Z, Sha A. Seminal plasma metals concentration with respect to semen quality. Biol Trace Elem Res 2012; 148:1-6. [PMID: 22322880 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-012-9335-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2011] [Accepted: 01/12/2012] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the current study was to assess relationships between multiple metals burden in human seminal plasma and semen quality parameters. Levels of five metals (lead, manganese, copper, arsenic, and selenium) in human seminal plasma were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and the correlations between the metal concentrations and semen parameters (sperm concentration, sperm motility rate, and sperm morphology) were analyzed. The activities of acid phosphatase (ACP) and of α-glucosidase in human seminal plasma were also determined. Of the 100 subjects, 21 had fertility problems according to the World Health Organization criteria and were designated as "abnormal group." Significant inverse correlations were found between the concentrations of Cu, As, Pb, and the sperm concentrations (r (Cu) = -0.312, P (Cu) = 0.029; r (As) = -0.328, P (As) = 0.021; r (Pb) = -0.377, P (Pb) = 0.008). Moreover, the Cu, Mn, and Se concentrations were significantly higher in the abnormal group than that in the normal group (P (Cu) = 0.024, P (Mn) = 0.002, P (Se) = 0.002). The ACP activity was significantly higher in the normal group than that in the abnormal group (P = 0.021). We also found a significantly negative correlation between α-glucosidase activity and the levels of As (r = -0.367, P = 0.023). These findings provide evidence for relationships between human semen quality and metal exposures. These relationships are consistent with animal data, but additional human and mechanistic studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Li
- The Reproductive Medicine Center, 174th Hospital of PLA, Xiamen, China
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47
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Hansen ML, Thulstrup AM, Bonde JP, Olsen J, Håkonsen LB, Ramlau-Hansen CH. Does last week's alcohol intake affect semen quality or reproductive hormones? A cross-sectional study among healthy young Danish men. Reprod Toxicol 2012; 34:457-62. [PMID: 22732148 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2012.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2012] [Revised: 06/11/2012] [Accepted: 06/15/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The association between last 5 days of alcohol intake, semen quality and reproductive hormones was estimated in this cross-sectional study among 347 men. Conventional semen characteristics, DNA fragmentation index and reproductive hormones (testosterone, estradiol, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and inhibin B) were determined. There was a tendency towards lower semen characteristics at higher intake of alcohol past 5 days, albeit with no statistically significant dose-response association. The ratio between free estradiol and free testosterone was higher at higher alcohol intake during the 5 days preceding semen sampling. In conclusion, alcohol intake was associated with impairment of most semen characteristics but without a coherent dose-response pattern. The study indicates an association between recent alcohol intake and a hormonal shift towards higher estradiol/testosterone ratio. The hormonal changes observed may over time, lead to adverse effects on semen quality, but longitudinal studies are needed to study this.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Hansen
- Danish Ramazzini Centre, Department of Occupational Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
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48
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Escandriolo Nackauzi JD, Colla RH, Ravazzani GR, Gaido MI, Bertolotto P, Actis AB. Prostate-specific antigen: its relationship with alcohol intake and tobacco. Med Oncol 2012; 29:823-6. [PMID: 21484082 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-011-9940-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2011] [Accepted: 03/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
To determine the influence of alcohol and tobacco consumption on serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. 59 men participated in this study: 20 with prostate tumors (PT) and 39 without tumor diagnosis (prostate controls, PC) (mean 66 and 58 years, respectively). PSA was analyzed in serum samples and its values were compared through the Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric test. Alcohol and tobacco consumption was also considered. PSA mean value was higher than 4 ng/ml in PT, whereas in PC it was lower than that value. Statistically significant differences were found when comparing PSA between PT and PC (P < 0.05). PSA was higher in alcohol and tobacco consumers than in non-consumers in PT group (P < 0.05). For PC, PSA mean values were higher in non-smokers than in smokers. Statistically significant differences were observed for serum PSA when compared between PT and PC groups considering alcohol and tobacco consumption (P < 0.05). Serum PSA values appear to be influenced by alcohol and tobacco consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge D Escandriolo Nackauzi
- Cátedra de Anatomía, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Av. Pueyrredón 2335, Bº Alto Alberdi, 5003 Córdoba, Argentina.
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49
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Corral-Gallego MN, Ramis-Fossas J, Aulesa-Martínez C. Estudio del zinc en plasma seminal mediante métodos colorimétricos. Rev Int Androl 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/s1698-031x(12)70051-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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50
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Ahmad G, Moinard N, Esquerré-Lamare C, Mieusset R, Bujan L. Mild induced testicular and epididymal hyperthermia alters sperm chromatin integrity in men. Fertil Steril 2012; 97:546-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2011] [Revised: 12/06/2011] [Accepted: 12/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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