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Gruber FS, Richardson A, Johnston ZC, Myles R, Norcross NR, Day DP, Georgiou I, Sesma-Sanz L, Wilson C, Read KD, Martins da Silva S, Barratt CLR, Gilbert IH, Swedlow JR. Sperm Toolbox-A selection of small molecules to study human spermatozoa. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297666. [PMID: 38377053 PMCID: PMC10878532 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Male contraceptive options and infertility treatments are limited, and almost all innovation has been limited to updates to medically assisted reproduction protocols and methods. To accelerate the development of drugs that can either improve or inhibit fertility, we established a small molecule library as a toolbox for assay development and screening campaigns using human spermatozoa. We have profiled all compounds in the Sperm Toolbox in several automated high-throughput assays that measure stimulation or inhibition of sperm motility or the acrosome reaction. We have assayed motility under non-capacitating and capacitating conditions to distinguish between pathways operating under these different physiological states. We also assayed cell viability to ensure any effects on sperm function are specific. A key advantage of our studies is that all compounds are assayed together in the same experimental conditions, which allows quantitative comparisons of their effects in complementary functional assays. We have combined the resulting datasets to generate fingerprints of the Sperm Toolbox compounds on sperm function. The data are included in an on-line R-based app for convenient querying.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz S. Gruber
- Divisions of Computational Biology and Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, and National Phenotypic Screening Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Richardson
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Zoe C. Johnston
- Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Myles
- Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Neil R. Norcross
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - David P. Day
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Irene Georgiou
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Sesma-Sanz
- Divisions of Computational Biology and Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, and National Phenotypic Screening Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Wilson
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin D. Read
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Martins da Silva
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher L. R. Barratt
- Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Ian H. Gilbert
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Jason R. Swedlow
- Divisions of Computational Biology and Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, and National Phenotypic Screening Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
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2
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Rezaie MJ, Allahveisi A, Raoofi A, Rezaei M, Nikkhoo B, Mousavi Khaneghah A. In vitro effects of pentoxifylline and coenzyme Q10 on the sperm of oligoasthenoteratozoospermia patients. HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:908-917. [PMID: 34933649 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2021.2017024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The effect of in-vitro sperm incubation with Pentoxifylline (PTX) and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) patients was evaluated. Semen samples were obtained from men with Normozoospermia and men with OAT. Motile sperm from the two groups were subdivided into four subgroups: (i) without incubation with PTX + CoQ10; (ii) incubation with PTX; (iii) Incubation with CoQ10; and (iv) incubation with a combination of PTX + CoQ10. Then, sperm parameters, chromatin, DNA and membrane integrity, protamine deficiency, apoptosis, mitochondrial activity, sperm chromatin dispersion test (SCD), hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOS), chromomycin A3 (CMA3), Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL), and diaminobenzidine (DAB) assays were evaluated, respectively. Sperm incubated with CoQ10 and a combination of CoQ10 and PTX resulted in a significant increase in the sperm parameters. Also, a significant decrease was noted with a combination of PTX and CoQ10 in normal men. There was a significant difference between CoQ10 treated and CoQ10 + PTX treated groups in comparison with the OAT group in the percentage of the DNA fragmentation, sperm apoptosis, AB+, HOS test + and sperm mitochondrial activity. Incubated sperm with CoQ10, PTX, and in combination with each other can improve sperm parameters in OAT patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Jafar Rezaie
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Azra Allahveisi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Amir Raoofi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
- Department of Anatomy, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Masomeh Rezaei
- Infertility Treatment Center of Besat Hospital, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Bahram Nikkhoo
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Amin Mousavi Khaneghah
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Food Engineering, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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3
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Gala B, Badge A, Bawaskar P, Gajbe U, Singh BR, Kohale M. The Potential of Theophylline and Pentoxifylline in Sperm Optimization and Its Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Outcomes. Cureus 2023; 15:e48192. [PMID: 38054131 PMCID: PMC10694395 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.48192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm motility is an essential selection criteria by embryologists at the time of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). One method of testing sperm viability is to induce sperm motility by increasing cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels by treating a semen sample with phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDEIs), such as theophylline and pentoxifylline. It explores the implications of PDEI in medical care, reflecting on its effects in clinical settings and recognizing potential topics for future exploration. This analysis revealed that by incorporating stimulants that activate movements, the time it took to single out sperms was markedly reduced, and consequently, the sperms were safeguarded from a prolonged period of oxidative stress. Furthermore, theophylline was found to advance sperm motility, consequently resulting in several initially immobile spermatozoa displaying rapid progressive motility. Higher fertilization rate, cleavage rate, good quality embryos (grade I), and higher biochemical and clinical pregnancy rates were found with artificial sperm activation (ASA) using pentoxifylline and theophylline. This review emphasizes the need for more research to evaluate the drug's long-term safety and investigate the effects of theophylline and pentoxifylline on postfertilization parameters, such as embryo development, implantation, and pregnancy outcomes. These areas of investigation are important for understanding the complete impact of these agents and to ensure their safe and effective implementation in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavika Gala
- Clinical Embryology, Datta Meghe Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education & Research (Deemed to be University), Nagpur, IND
| | - Ankit Badge
- Microbiology, Datta Meghe Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education & Research (Deemed to be University), Nagpur, IND
| | - Pranita Bawaskar
- Clinical Embryology, Datta Meghe Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education & Research (Deemed to be University), Nagpur, IND
| | - Ujwal Gajbe
- Anatomy, Datta Meghe Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education & Research (Deemed to be University), Nagpur, IND
| | - Brij Raj Singh
- Anatomy, Datta Meghe Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education & Research (Deemed to be University), Nagpur, IND
| | - Mangesh Kohale
- Pathology, Datta Meghe Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education & Research (Deemed to be University), Nagpur, IND
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4
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Yang YT, Yan B, Li YH, Guo LN, Wang WW, Liu LJ, Yu HG, Diao H. Phosphodiesterase 10A inhibitor PF-2545920 as a prospective agent for the clinical promotion of sperm motility. Asian J Androl 2023; 25:608-615. [PMID: 37026191 PMCID: PMC10521960 DOI: 10.4103/aja2022117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors can improve sperm motility in patients with asthenozoospermia. However, the most commonly reported nonselective PDE inhibitor pentoxifylline and PDE5 inhibitor sildenafil have the disadvantages of requiring a high concentration and destroying sperm integrity. We examined the PDE10A inhibitor PF-2545920 to compare its ability to promote sperm motility with that of pentoxifylline and sildenafil. After seminal plasma was discarded, several semen samples were subjected to four treatments (control, PF-2545920, pentoxifylline, and sildenafil) to evaluate their ability to affect motility, viability, and spontaneous acrosome reactions. Intracellular calcium and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), mitochondrial membrane potential, and penetration through viscous medium were assessed by flow cytometry, luciferase, and hyaluronic acid after treatment with PF-2545920. Statistical analyses were performed using the analysis of variance statistical test. PF-2545920 elevated the percentage of motile spermatozoa compared to the control, pentoxifylline, and sildenafil groups at 10 µmol l -1 ( P < 0.01). It is less toxic to GC-2spd mouse spermatocytes cells and spermatozoa and causes fewer spontaneous acrosomal reactions ( P < 0.05). PF-2545920 also increased mitochondrial membrane potential ( P < 0.001) and altered intracellular calcium ( P < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner, including increasing sperm hyaluronic acid penetrating ability ( P < 0.05). Therefore, PF-2545920 might be an excellent choice for stimulating the sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ting Yang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Bin Yan
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yu-Hua Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Li-Na Guo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wei-Wei Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Li-Jie Liu
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - He-Guo Yu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hua Diao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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5
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Satish M, Sandhya K, Nitin K, Yashas Kiran N, Aleena B, Satish Kumar A, Guruprasad K, Rajakumara E. Computational, biochemical and ex vivo evaluation of xanthine derivatives against phosphodiesterases to enhance the sperm motility. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022:1-11. [PMID: 35696450 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2085802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Enhancing sperm motility in vitro has immensely benefited assisted conception methods. Phosphodiesterases (PDE) break the second messenger cAMP, and therefore, inhibition of their catalytic activity enhances the sperm motility through maintaining cAMP homeostasis in sperm. In view of identifying the molecules that could inhibit PDE functioning in spermatozoa, we aimed to evaluate the phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDEI) - xanthine derivatives - acefylline, dyphylline and proxyphylline to repurpose them for assisted reproductive technology. These are available in the market as pharmaceutical agents to treat mainly respiratory system diseases. Based on the structure guided in silico studies, we predicted that these molecules bind to the cAMP binding catalytic pocket of PDE enzymes, and further molecular dynamics simulation analysis indicated that these molecules form the stable complexes. Isothermal titration calorimetry studies revealed that acefylline has better affinity towards PDE4A, PDE4D and PDE10A, when compared to dyphylline and proxyphylline. In addition, ex vivo studies corroborated in vitro binding studies that acefylline has much superior sperm motility enhancement property on human ejaculated spermatozoa and mouse testicular spermatozoa compared to dyphylline and proxyphylline.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mutyala Satish
- Macromolecular Structural Biology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Sangareddy, India
| | - Kumari Sandhya
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Kulhar Nitin
- Macromolecular Structural Biology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Sangareddy, India
| | - Ninjoor Yashas Kiran
- Division of Clinical Embryology, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Babu Aleena
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Adiga Satish Kumar
- Division of Clinical Embryology, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Kalthur Guruprasad
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Eerappa Rajakumara
- Macromolecular Structural Biology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Sangareddy, India
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6
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Gai J, Dervisevic E, Devendran C, Cadarso VJ, O'Bryan MK, Nosrati R, Neild A. High-Frequency Ultrasound Boosts Bull and Human Sperm Motility. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2104362. [PMID: 35419997 PMCID: PMC9008414 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202104362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Sperm motility is a significant predictor of male fertility potential and is directly linked to fertilization success in both natural and some forms of assisted reproduction. Sperm motility can be impaired by both genetic and environmental factors, with asthenozoospermia being a common clinical presentation. Moreover, in the setting of assisted reproductive technology clinics, there is a distinct absence of effective and noninvasive technology to increase sperm motility without detriment to the sperm cells. Here, a new method is presented to boost sperm motility by increasing the intracellular rate of metabolic activity using high frequency ultrasound. An increase of 34% in curvilinear velocity (VCL), 10% in linearity, and 32% in the number of motile sperm cells is shown by rendering immotile sperm motile, after just 20 s exposure. A similar effect with an increase of 15% in VCL treating human sperm with the same setting is also identified. This cell level mechanotherapy approach causes no significant change in cell viability or DNA fragmentation index, and, as such, has the potential to be applied to encourage natural fertilization or less invasive treatment choices such as in vitro fertilization rather than intracytoplasmic injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyang Gai
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringMonash UniversityClaytonVictoria3800Australia
| | - Esma Dervisevic
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringMonash UniversityClaytonVictoria3800Australia
| | - Citsabehsan Devendran
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringMonash UniversityClaytonVictoria3800Australia
| | - Victor J. Cadarso
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringMonash UniversityClaytonVictoria3800Australia
| | - Moira K. O'Bryan
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringMonash UniversityClaytonVictoria3800Australia
- School of BioSciencesFaculty of Sciencethe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoria3010Australia
| | - Reza Nosrati
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringMonash UniversityClaytonVictoria3800Australia
| | - Adrian Neild
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringMonash UniversityClaytonVictoria3800Australia
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7
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Gruber FS, Johnston ZC, Norcross NR, Georgiou I, Wilson C, Read KD, Gilbert IH, Swedlow JR, Martins da Silva S, Barratt CLR. Compounds enhancing human sperm motility identified using a high-throughput phenotypic screening platform. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:466-475. [PMID: 35048946 PMCID: PMC8888995 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can a high-throughput screening (HTS) platform facilitate male fertility drug discovery? SUMMARY ANSWER An HTS platform identified a large number of compounds that enhanced sperm motility. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Several efforts to find small molecules modulating sperm function have been performed but none have used high-throughput technology. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Healthy donor semen samples were used and samples were pooled (3-5 donors per pool). Primary screening was performed singly; dose-response screening was performed in duplicate (using independent donor pools). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Spermatozoa isolated from healthy donors were prepared by density gradient centrifugation and incubated in 384-well plates with compounds (6.25 μM) to identify those compounds with enhancing effects on motility. Approximately 17 000 compounds from the libraries, ReFRAME, Prestwick, Tocris, LOPAC, CLOUD and MMV Pathogen Box, were screened. Dose-response experiments of screening hits were performed to confirm the enhancing effect on sperm motility. Experiments were performed in a university setting. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE From our primary single concentration screening, 105 compounds elicited an enhancing effect on sperm motility compared to dimethylsulphoxide-treated wells. Confirmed enhancing compounds were grouped based on their annotated targets/target classes. A major target class, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, were identified, in particular PDE10A inhibitors as well as number of compounds not previously known to enhance human sperm motility, such as those related to GABA signalling. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Although this approach provides data about the activity of the compound, it is only a starting point. For example, further substantive experiments are necessary to provide a more comprehensive picture of each compound's activity, the effect on the kinetics of the cell populations and subpopulations, and their potential mechanisms of action. Compounds have been tested with prepared donor spermatozoa, incubated under non-capacitating conditions, and only incubated with compounds for a relatively short period of time. Therefore, the effect of compounds under different conditions, for example in whole semen, for longer incubation times, or using samples from patient groups, may be different and require further study. All experiments were performed in vitro. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This phenotypic screening assay identified a large number of compounds that increased sperm motility. In addition to furthering our understanding of human sperm function, for example identifying new avenues for discovery, we highlight potential compounds as promising start-point for a medicinal chemistry programme for potential enhancement of male fertility. Moreover, with disclosure of the results of screening, we present a substantial resource to inform further work in the field. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Scottish Funding Council and Scottish Universities Life Science Alliance. C.L.R.B. is Editor for RBMO. C.L.R.B. receives funding from Chief Scientists Office (Scotland), ESHRE and Genus PLC, consulting fees from Exscientia and lecture fees from Cooper Surgical and Ferring. S.M.d.S. is an Associate Editor of Human Reproduction, and an Associate Editor of Reproduction and Fertility. S.M.d.S. receives funding from Cooper Surgical and British Dietetic Society. No other authors declared a COI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz S Gruber
- National Phenotypic Screening Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Zoe C Johnston
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Neil R Norcross
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discover, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Irene Georgiou
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discover, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Caroline Wilson
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discover, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Kevin D Read
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discover, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Ian H Gilbert
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discover, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Jason R Swedlow
- National Phenotypic Screening Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
- Division of Computational Biology and Centre for Gene Regulation and Expression, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Sarah Martins da Silva
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Christopher L R Barratt
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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8
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Li Y, Jin L, Li Y, Qian J, Wang Z, Zheng X, Xie C, Zhang X, Huang H, Zhou Y. Lysophosphatidic Acid Improves Human Sperm Motility by Enhancing Glycolysis and Activating L-Type Calcium Channels. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:896558. [PMID: 35903269 PMCID: PMC9317953 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.896558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Until now, the molecular mechanisms underlining sperm motility defect causing male infertility are still poorly understood. Safe and effective compounds or drugs that can improve sperm motility are also very limited. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a naturally occurring phospholipid and a bioactive intermediate with multiple biological activities. It has been detected in various body fluids such as serum, plasma, saliva, tears, blister fluids, hen egg white, and ascites from patients with ovarian cancer. LPA is also abundant in seminal plasma and follicular fluid. It enhances follicle stimulation, improves oocyte fertilization, and promotes early embryonic development and embryo implantation. However, the physiological role of LPA in the male reproductive system remains unknown. Here, our study showed that LPA significantly improved the motility parameters of human sperm hyperactivation in a dose-dependent manner. The LPA-induced elevation of sperm motility is dependent on bovine serum albumin (BSA) but independent of the classical BSA-induced sAC/cAMP/PKA signaling pathway. The enhancement of sperm motility by LPA could not be blocked by CCCP, a respiratory inhibitor suppressing mitochondrial ATP production. Moreover, LPA improved the activity of triosephosphate isomerase in glycolysis. Meanwhile, LPA treatment significantly increased ATP and phosphoenolpyruvate levels and decreased ADP content during sperm glycolysis. Notably, none of known or identified LPA receptors was detected in human sperm. Further investigations showed that LPA promoted sperm motility through L-type calcium channels. In summary, this study revealed the involvement of LPA in the regulation for human sperm motility by enhancing glycolysis and activating L-type calcium channels. The current findings may shed new light on the understanding of causes of asthenozoospermia, and indicate that LPA could be used as a novel therapeutic agent to improve sperm function and fertilizing capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinlam Li
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Jin
- Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanquan Li
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianing Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengquan Wang
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoguo Zheng
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Chong Xie
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuelian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yuchuan Zhou, ; Hefeng Huang, ; Xuelian Zhang,
| | - Hefeng Huang
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yuchuan Zhou, ; Hefeng Huang, ; Xuelian Zhang,
| | - Yuchuan Zhou
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yuchuan Zhou, ; Hefeng Huang, ; Xuelian Zhang,
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9
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Keyser S, van der Horst G, Maree L. Progesterone, Myo-Inositol, Dopamine and Prolactin Present in Follicular Fluid Have Differential Effects on Sperm Motility Subpopulations. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:1250. [PMID: 34833125 PMCID: PMC8617736 DOI: 10.3390/life11111250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Considering the challenges surrounding causative factors in male infertility, rather than relying on standard semen analysis, the assessment of sperm subpopulations and functional characteristics essential for fertilization is paramount. Furthermore, the diagnostic value of sperm interactions with biological components in the female reproductive tract may improve our understanding of subfertility and provide applications in assisted reproductive techniques. We investigated the response of two sperm motility subpopulations (mimicking the functionality of potentially fertile and sub-fertile semen samples) to biological substances present in the female reproductive tract. Donor semen was separated via double density gradient centrifugation, isolated into high (HM) and low motile (LM) sperm subpopulations and incubated in human tubal fluid (HTF), capacitating HTF, HD-C medium, progesterone, myo-inositol, dopamine and prolactin. Treated subpopulations were evaluated for vitality, motility percentages and kinematic parameters, hyperactivation, positive reactive oxygen species (ROS), intact mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and acrosome reaction (AR). While all media had a significantly positive effect on the LM subpopulation, dopamine appeared to significantly improve both subpopulations' functional characteristics. HD-C, progesterone and myo-inositol resulted in increased motility, kinematic and hyperactivation parameters, whereas prolactin and myo-inositol improved the LM subpopulations' MMP intactness and reduced ROS. Furthermore, progesterone, myo-inositol and dopamine improved the HM subpopulations' motility parameters and AR. Our results suggest that treatment of sub-fertile semen samples with biological substances present in follicular fluid might assist the development of new strategies for IVF treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Liana Maree
- Comparative Spermatology Laboratory, Department of Medical Bioscience, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; (S.K.); (G.v.d.H.)
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10
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Aydos K, Aydos OS. Sperm Selection Procedures for Optimizing the Outcome of ICSI in Patients with NOA. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10122687. [PMID: 34207121 PMCID: PMC8234729 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10122687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Retrieving spermatozoa from the testicles has been a great hope for patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), but relevant methods have not yet been developed to the level necessary to provide resolutions for all cases of NOA. Although performing testicular sperm extraction under microscopic magnification has increased sperm retrieval rates, in vitro selection and processing of quality sperm plays an essential role in the success of in vitro fertilization. Moreover, sperm cryopreservation is widely used in assisted reproductive technologies, whether for therapeutic purposes or for future fertility preservation. In recent years, there have been new developments using advanced technologies to freeze and preserve even very small numbers of sperm for which conventional techniques are inadequate. The present review provides an up-to-date summary of current strategies for maximizing sperm recovery from surgically obtained testicular samples and, as an extension, optimization of in vitro sperm processing techniques in the management of NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaan Aydos
- Department of Urology, Reproductive Health Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Ankara, 06230 Ankara, Turkey
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +90-533-748-8995
| | - Oya Sena Aydos
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Ankara, 06230 Ankara, Turkey;
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11
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Ibis E, Hayme S, Baysal E, Gul N, Ozkavukcu S. Efficacy and safety of papaverine as an in vitro motility enhancer on human spermatozoa. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:1523-1537. [PMID: 33772411 PMCID: PMC8266967 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02160-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to examine the ability and safety of papaverine supplementation for in vitro sperm motility enhancement. In addition, sperm motility enhancement of papaverine was compared to pentoxifylline and theophylline. The post-thaw spermatozoa were used as an asthenozoospermia model. METHODS Post thaw sperm suspensions were divided into two groups: papaverine (100 μmol/L) and control, and each was investigated in two subgroups of 30- and 60-min exposure times. Detailed motility parameters were detected using a computerized sperm motility analyzer. Acrosomal status, viability, apoptosis, and DNA fragmentation were evaluated by flow cytometry. Furthermore, the motility-enhancing capacity of papaverine, pentoxifylline, and theophylline was compared. RESULTS Cryopreservation impaired sperm parameters dramatically but no significant changes occurred in acrosomal status and apoptosis. Supplementation of papaverine enhanced motility parameters consistently at all exposure intervals, significantly. However, viability was lower at the 60th minute compared to the 30th minute (p=0.019). Papaverine did not alter any acrosomal or apoptotic markers at any time points. All of the compounds compared in this study increased the motility parameters, where theophylline supplementation provided significantly better improvement in total motility compared to papaverine and pentoxifylline. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that in vitro papaverine treatment for 30 min adequately improves motility of post-thaw sperm, without leading to acrosome reaction, DNA damage, and viability loss. Theophylline's potency on increasing the ratio of total motile spermatozoa was found significantly superior than the two tested compounds. Prospective clinical studies with embryo production, pregnancy, and live birth data should be undertaken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebru Ibis
- Center for Assisted Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Serhat Hayme
- Department of Biostatistics, Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ekin Baysal
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nursel Gul
- Department of Biology, Ankara University Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sinan Ozkavukcu
- Center for Assisted Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
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12
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Campbell MJ, Sucquart IE, Whittaker A, Sanganee HJ, Barratt CLR, Martins da Silva SJ. Myeloperoxidase inhibitor AZD5904 enhances human sperm function in vitro. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:560-570. [PMID: 33393586 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa328] [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: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does AZD5904, a myeloperoxidase inhibitor (MPOi), have any effect on human sperm function in vitro? SUMMARY ANSWER AZD5904 improves sperm function in an in vitro model of oxidative stress (OS) and potentially offers a novel treatment approach for male infertility. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Male infertility is an underlying or contributory cause in half of all couples experiencing difficulties conceiving, yet there is currently no effective treatment or cure. OS is a common pathology in a significant proportion of infertile men. It can negatively affect sperm motility and the ability to fertilize a mature oocyte, as well as DNA integrity, and therefore represents an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This study included population-based samples from men (23-50 years) attending Ninewells Assisted Conception Unit, Dundee for diagnostic semen analysis, July 2017-September 2018. Semen samples (n = 47) from 45 patients were used. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Neutrophils activated using zymosan were incubated with prepared human spermatozoa for 2 h (T2) and 24 h (T24) to create an in vitro model of OS. Parallel samples were co-incubated with AZD5904, an MPOi, to examine its effects. Sperm motility was assessed by computer-assisted sperm analysis at T2 and T24. Functional motility was assessed by sperm penetration assay. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE There was no significant difference in total or progressive sperm motility between any treatment and control groups at T2 or T24. Nonetheless, significant positive effects on sperm function were observed with AZD5904, with 16/45 (35.6%) samples (with both normal and abnormal baseline semen analysis characteristics) displaying a ≥20% increase in sperm penetrated through viscous media (P < 0.003). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This was an in vitro study. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Treatment with AZD5904 resulted in significant increased sperm penetration in one of three samples treated, which is likely to represent improvement in sperm function required for fertilization. We are now planning a clinical trial to validate these results and hope that this could represent a new treatment for male infertility. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) AZD5904 was shared through the AstraZeneca Open Innovation program. The study was funded by AstraZeneca and sponsored by the University of Dundee. Additional funding was provided by Chief Scientist Office/NHS Research Scotland (S.J.M.d.S.). A.W. and H.J.S. are both full time employees of AstraZeneca. A.W. and H.J.S. are inventors on a patent filed by AstraZeneca titled MPOi for use in medicine which includes MPOi for use in the treatment of male infertility (WO 2019/016074 Al). S.J.M.d.S. is Associate Editor of Human Reproduction and Editorial Board member of Reproduction & Fertility. C.L.R.B. is Editor of RBMO and has received lecturing fees from Merck and Ferring and is on the Scientific Advisory Panel for Ohana BioSciences. C.L.R.B. was chair of the World Health Organization Expert Synthesis Group on Diagnosis of Male infertility (2012-2016). C.L.R.B. has a patent WO2013054111 A1 issued. The other authors declare no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Campbell
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - I E Sucquart
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - A Whittaker
- Emerging Innovations Unit, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - H J Sanganee
- Emerging Innovations Unit, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - C L R Barratt
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - S J Martins da Silva
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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13
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Holubcová Z, Otevřel P, Koudelka M, Kloudová S. Live birth achieved despite the absence of ejaculated spermatozoa and mature oocytes retrieved: a case report. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:925-929. [PMID: 33474690 PMCID: PMC8079486 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02070-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The most common reason for in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle cancelation is a lack of quality gametes available for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Here we present the successful fertility treatment of the couple affected by obstructive azoospermia combined with suboptimal response to controlled ovarian stimulation. Since the conventional approach appeared ineffective to overcome both partnersˈ specific problems, the targeted interventions, namely, (1) pharmacological enhancement of sperm motility and (2) polarized light microscopy (PLM)-guided optimization of ICSI time, were applied to rescue the cycle with only immature oocytes and immotile testicular sperm retrieved. The treatment with theophylline aided the selection of viable spermatozoa derived from cryopreserved testicular tissue. When the traditional stimulation protocol failed to produce mature eggs, non-invasive spindle imaging was employed to adjust the sperm injection time to the maturational stage of oocytes extruding a polar body in vitro. The fertilization of 12 late-maturing oocytes yielded 5 zygotes, which all developed into blastocysts. One embryo was transferred into the uterus on day 5 post-fertilization, and another 3 good quality blastocysts were vitrified for later use. The pregnancy resulted in a full-term delivery of a healthy child. This case demonstrates that the individualization beyond the standard IVF protocols should be considered to maximize the chance of poor-prognosis patients to achieve pregnancy with their own gametes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Holubcová
- Reprofit International, Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Hlinky 122, 60300, Brno, Czech Republic. .,Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Masaryk University Campus - building A1, Kamenice 3, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Pavel Otevřel
- Reprofit International, Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Hlinky 122, 60300, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Koudelka
- Reprofit International, Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Hlinky 122, 60300, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Soňa Kloudová
- Reprofit International, Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Hlinky 122, 60300, Brno, Czech Republic
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14
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Kumari S, Kotyan S, Sugunan S, Rajanikant GK, Kumar KSS, Adiga SK, Dasappa JP, Kalthur G. The synthesis of a novel pentoxifylline derivative with superior human sperm motility enhancement properties. NEW J CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d0nj03522j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
mPTF1 demonstrated lower genotoxicity, higher affinity for PDEs, & reasonable pharmacokinetic, druglikeness & ADMET properties compared to Pentoxifylline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandhya Kumari
- Department of Clinical Embryology
- Kasturba Medical College of Manipal
- Manipal
- Academy of Higher Education
- Manipal
| | - Sukumar Kotyan
- Department of Chemistry
- Mangalore University
- Mangalagangothri
- Mangalore
- India
| | - Sinoy Sugunan
- School of Biotechnology
- National Institute of Technology Calicut
- Calicut
- India
| | - G. K. Rajanikant
- School of Biotechnology
- National Institute of Technology Calicut
- Calicut
- India
| | | | - Satish Kumar Adiga
- Department of Clinical Embryology
- Kasturba Medical College of Manipal
- Manipal
- Academy of Higher Education
- Manipal
| | | | - Guruprasad Kalthur
- Department of Clinical Embryology
- Kasturba Medical College of Manipal
- Manipal
- Academy of Higher Education
- Manipal
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15
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Dcunha R, Hussein RS, Ananda H, Kumari S, Adiga SK, Kannan N, Zhao Y, Kalthur G. Current Insights and Latest Updates in Sperm Motility and Associated Applications in Assisted Reproduction. Reprod Sci 2020; 29:7-25. [PMID: 33289064 PMCID: PMC7721202 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00408-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Spermatozoon is a motile cell with a special ability to travel through the woman’s reproductive tract and fertilize an oocyte. To reach and penetrate the oocyte, spermatozoa should possess progressive motility. Therefore, motility is an important parameter during both natural and assisted conception. The global trend of progressive reduction in the number and motility of healthy spermatozoa in the ejaculate is associated with increased risk of infertility. Therefore, developing approaches for maintaining or enhancing human sperm motility has been an important area of investigation. In this review we discuss the physiology of sperm, molecular pathways regulating sperm motility, risk factors affecting sperm motility, and the role of sperm motility in fertility outcomes. In addition, we discuss various pharmacological agents and biomolecules that can enhance sperm motility in vitro and in vivo conditions to improve assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes. This article opens dialogs to help toxicologists, clinicians, andrologists, and embryologists in understanding the mechanism of factors influencing sperm motility and various management strategies to improve treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reyon Dcunha
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Reda S Hussein
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Assiut University, Assiut City, Egypt
| | - Hanumappa Ananda
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Sandhya Kumari
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Satish Kumar Adiga
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Nagarajan Kannan
- Division of Experimental Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.,Center for Regenerative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.,Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Yulian Zhao
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Guruprasad Kalthur
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India. .,Division of Experimental Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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16
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Pritchard N, Kaitu'u-Lino T, Harris L, Tong S, Hannan N. Nanoparticles in pregnancy: the next frontier in reproductive therapeutics. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:280-304. [PMID: 33279994 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nanotechnology involves the engineering of structures on a molecular level. Nanomedicine and nano-delivery systems have been designed to deliver therapeutic agents to a target site or organ in a controlled manner, maximizing efficacy while minimizing off-target effects of the therapeutic agent administered. In both reproductive medicine and obstetrics, developing innovative therapeutics is often tempered by fears of damage to the gamete, embryo or developing foetus or of negatively impacting a woman's reproductive potential. Thus, nanomedicine delivery systems may provide alternative targeted intervention strategies, treating the source of the disease and minimizing long-term consequences for the mother and/or her foetus. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review summarizes the current state of nanomedicine technology in reproductive medicine and obstetrics, including safety, potential applications, future directions and the hurdles for translation. SEARCH METHODS A comprehensive electronic literature search of PubMed and Web of Science databases was performed to identify studies published in English up until February 2020. Relevant keywords were used to obtain information regarding use of nanoparticle technology in fertility and gene therapy, early pregnancy complications (ectopic pregnancy and gestational trophoblastic disease) and obstetric complications (preeclampsia, foetal growth restriction, preterm birth and gestational diabetes) and for selective treatment of the mother or foetus. Safety of specific nanoparticles to the gamete, embryo and foetus was also investigated. OUTCOMES Pre-clinical research in the development of nanoparticle therapeutic delivery is being undertaken in many fields of reproductive medicine. Non-hormonal-targeted nanoparticle therapy for fibroids and endometriosis may provide fertility-sparing medical management. Delivery of interventions via nanotechnology provides opportunities for gene manipulation and delivery in mammalian gametes. Targeting cytotoxic treatments to early pregnancy tissue provides an alternative approach to manage ectopic pregnancies and gestational trophoblastic disease. In pregnancy, nanotherapeutic delivery offers options to stably deliver silencing RNA and microRNA inhibitors to the placenta to regulate gene expression, opening doors to novel genetic treatments for preeclampsia and foetal growth restriction. Restricting delivery of teratogenic drugs to the maternal compartment (such as warfarin) may reduce risks to the foetus. Alternatively, targeted delivery of drugs to the foetus (such as those to treat foetal arrythmias) may minimize side effects for the mother. WIDER IMPLICATIONS We expect that further development of targeted therapies using nanoparticles in a reproductive setting has promise to eventually allow safe and directed treatments for conditions impacting the health and reproductive capacity of women and for the management of pregnancy and serious pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Pritchard
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tu'uhevaha Kaitu'u-Lino
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Diagnostics Discovery and Reverse Translation, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lynda Harris
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Stephen Tong
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natalie Hannan
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
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17
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Phosphoproteomics and Bioinformatics Analyses Reveal Key Roles of GSK-3 and AKAP4 in Mouse Sperm Capacitation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197283. [PMID: 33023073 PMCID: PMC7582274 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein phosphorylation can induce signal transduction to change sperm motility patterns during sperm capacitation. However, changes in the phosphorylation of sperm proteins in mice are still incompletely understood. Here, capacitation-related phosphorylation in mouse sperms were firstly investigated by label-free quantitative (LFQ) phosphoproteomics coupled with bioinformatics analysis using ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) methods such as canonical pathway, upstream regulator, and network analysis. Among 1632 phosphopeptides identified at serine, threonine, and tyrosine residues, 1050 novel phosphosites, corresponding to 402 proteins, were reported. Gene heatmaps for IPA canonical pathways showed a novel role for GSK-3 in GP6 signaling pathways associated with capacitation for 60 min. At the same time, the reduction of the abundant isoform-specific GSK-3α expression was shown by western blot (WB) while the LFQ pY of this isoform slightly decreased and then increased. The combined results from WB and LFQ methods explain the less inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK-3α during capacitation and also support the predicted increases in its activity. In addition, pAKAP4 increased at the Y156 site but decreased at the Y811 site in a capacitated state, even though IPA network analysis and WB analysis for overall pAKAP revealed upregulated trends. The potential roles of GSK-3 and AKAP4 in fertility are discussed.
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18
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Luño V, González N, Martínez F, González B, Olaciregui M, Gil L. Specific phosphodiesterase type-10 inhibitor, papaverine, added after the cooling period improves canine sperm quality. Anim Biotechnol 2020; 33:519-525. [PMID: 32876515 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2020.1811714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The use of chilled semen has gained increasing interest in canine reproductive services. The addition of phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors that increase the intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels may improve sperm motility. The purpose of this study was to examine the quality of sperm under the effect of the specific PDE-10 inhibitor (papaverine) added after storage for 1, 2, and 3 days at 5 °C. The ejaculates were obtained from 5 healthy Beagle dogs by digital manipulation. After collection, ejaculates were pooled, extended and cooled at 5 °C during 3 days. Sperm parameters were tested 30 min after the addition of different papaverine (PA) concentrations: 0, 5, 10 and 20 µM. Sperm motility (CASA), viability (PI/FITC-PNA) and capacitation status (chlortetracycline assay) were evaluated. The results showed that the addition of PA has no effect on sperm samples at day 0. However, concentrations of 5 and 10 µM increased (p < .05) sperm motility kinetics and viability significantly compared to the control at day 1, day 2 and day 3 of cooling. The addition of 20 μM PA decreased (p < .05) sperm quality parameters significantly and increased the percentage of capacitated/acrosome-reacted spermatozoa. In conclusion, the addition of 5 and 10 μM PA concentrations after cooled storage improved canine sperm quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Luño
- Departament of Animal Pathology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Mixto Agroalimentario de Aragón (IA2), Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Noelia González
- Departament of Animal Pathology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Mixto Agroalimentario de Aragón (IA2), Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Felisa Martínez
- Departament of Animal Pathology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Mixto Agroalimentario de Aragón (IA2), Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Beatriz González
- Departament of Animal Pathology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Mixto Agroalimentario de Aragón (IA2), Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Maite Olaciregui
- Departament of Animal Pathology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Mixto Agroalimentario de Aragón (IA2), Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Lydia Gil
- Departament of Animal Pathology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Mixto Agroalimentario de Aragón (IA2), Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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19
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Gruber FS, Johnston ZC, Barratt CLR, Andrews PD. A phenotypic screening platform utilising human spermatozoa identifies compounds with contraceptive activity. eLife 2020; 9:e51739. [PMID: 31987071 PMCID: PMC7046468 DOI: 10.7554/elife.51739] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need to develop new methods for male contraception, however a major barrier to drug discovery has been the lack of validated targets and the absence of an effective high-throughput phenotypic screening system. To address this deficit, we developed a fully-automated robotic screening platform that provided quantitative evaluation of compound activity against two key attributes of human sperm function: motility and acrosome reaction. In order to accelerate contraceptive development, we screened the comprehensive collection of 12,000 molecules that make up the ReFRAME repurposing library, comprising nearly all the small molecules that have been approved or have undergone clinical development, or have significant preclinical profiling. We identified several compounds that potently inhibit motility representing either novel drug candidates or routes to target identification. This platform will now allow for major drug discovery programmes that address the critical gap in the contraceptive portfolio as well as uncover novel human sperm biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz S Gruber
- National Phenotypic Screening Centre, School of Life SciencesUniversity of DundeeDundeeUnited Kingdom
| | - Zoe C Johnston
- National Phenotypic Screening Centre, School of Life SciencesUniversity of DundeeDundeeUnited Kingdom
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Division of Systems Medicine, School of MedicineNinewells Hospital and Medical School, University of DundeeDundeeUnited Kingdom
| | - Christopher LR Barratt
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Division of Systems Medicine, School of MedicineNinewells Hospital and Medical School, University of DundeeDundeeUnited Kingdom
| | - Paul D Andrews
- National Phenotypic Screening Centre, School of Life SciencesUniversity of DundeeDundeeUnited Kingdom
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20
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McBrinn RC, Fraser J, Hope AG, Gray DW, Barratt CLR, Martins da Silva SJ, Brown SG. Novel pharmacological actions of trequinsin hydrochloride improve human sperm cell motility and function. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 176:4521-4536. [PMID: 31368510 PMCID: PMC6932944 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Asthenozoospermia is a leading cause of male infertility, but development of pharmacological agents to improve sperm motility is hindered by the lack of effective screening platforms and knowledge of suitable molecular targets. We have demonstrated that a high-throughput screening (HTS) strategy and established in vitro tests can identify and characterise compounds that improve sperm motility. Here, we applied HTS to identify new compounds from a novel small molecule library that increase intracellular calcium ([Ca2+ ]i ), promote human sperm cell motility, and systematically determine the mechanism of action. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH A validated HTS fluorometric [Ca2+ ]i assay was used to screen an in-house library of compounds. Trequinsin hydrochloride (a PDE3 inhibitor) was selected for detailed molecular (plate reader assays, electrophysiology, and cyclic nucleotide measurement) and functional (motility and acrosome reaction) testing in sperm from healthy volunteer donors and, where possible, patients. KEY RESULTS Fluorometric assays identified trequinsin as an efficacious agonist of [Ca2+ ]i , although less potent than progesterone. Functionally, trequinsin significantly increased cell hyperactivation and penetration into viscous medium in all donor sperm samples and cell hyperactivation in 22/25 (88%) patient sperm samples. Trequinsin-induced [Ca2+ ]i responses were cross-desensitised consistently by PGE1 but not progesterone. Whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology confirmed that trequinsin activated CatSper and partly inhibited potassium channel activity. Trequinsin also increased intracellular cGMP. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Trequinsin exhibits a novel pharmacological profile in human sperm and may be a suitable lead compound for the development of new agents to improve patient sperm function and fertilisation potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel C McBrinn
- School of Science, Engineering and Technology, Abertay University, Dundee, UK
| | - Joanna Fraser
- School of Science, Engineering and Technology, Abertay University, Dundee, UK
| | - Anthony G Hope
- Drug Discovery Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - David W Gray
- Drug Discovery Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Christopher L R Barratt
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Sarah J Martins da Silva
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Sean G Brown
- School of Science, Engineering and Technology, Abertay University, Dundee, UK
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Carroll K, Pottinger AM, Wynter S, DaCosta V. Marijuana use and its influence on sperm morphology and motility: identified risk for fertility among Jamaican men. Andrology 2019; 8:136-142. [PMID: 31267718 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The growing international movement legislating medical marijuana has brought renewed interest to the role of marijuana smoking on fertility potential. Although studies have identified that sperm quality can be compromised by marijuana use, little focus has been placed specifically on those trying to conceive. In this study, we aimed to clarify the impact of marijuana use in semen quality in men being investigated for assisted reproduction. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study at a university-based facility in Jamaica. Routine semen analyses were performed on 229 men ages 23-72 years who were new clients. Logistic regression analyses were performed in order to independently predict quantifiable measures of the impact of marijuana use. The main outcome measures were sperm motility, total motile spermatozoa and morphology. RESULTS Overall, 47% of the participants reported marijuana use with 21% of these men reporting recent use. Regression analyses showed that recent use and users of large quantities of marijuana were 2.6 times (aOR = 2.6; 95% CI, 1.0-6.8, p = 0.044) and 4.3 times (aOR = 4.3; 95% CI, 1.1-15.9, p = 0.030) at greater risk of being diagnosed with abnormal motility (asthenozoospermia). Additionally, moderate quantity users were 3.4 times (aOR = 3.4; 95% CI, 1.5-7.9, p = 0.004) more likely to be diagnosed with abnormal morphology (teratozoospermia). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Recent use of marijuana as well as moderate to large quantities had an impact on sperm motility and morphology in men being investigated for infertility. We recommend therefore that men undergoing fertility investigations be routinely asked about their recreational use of marijuana and in particular recent and heavy users counselled to stop.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Carroll
- The Hugh Wynter Fertility Management Unit, The University of the West Indies, Kingston Kingston 7, Jamaica
| | - A M Pottinger
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, The University of the West Indies, Kingston Kingston 7, Jamaica
| | - S Wynter
- Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of the West Indies, Kingston Kingston 7, Jamaica
| | - V DaCosta
- Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of the West Indies, Kingston Kingston 7, Jamaica
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22
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Technologies for the Production of Fertilizable Mammalian Oocytes. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/app9081536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Women affected by ovarian pathologies or with cancer can usually preserve fertility by egg/embryo freezing. When oocyte retrieval is not feasible, the only option available is ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation. The culture of follicles isolated from fresh or cryopreserved ovaries is considered still experimental, although this procedure is considered safer, because the risk of unintentional spreading of cancer cells eventually present in cryopreserved tissue is avoided. Animal and human small follicles can be cultured in vitro, but standardized protocols able to produce in vitro grown oocytes with the same developmental capacity of in vivo grown oocytes are not available yet. In fact, the different sizes of follicles and oocytes, the hormonal differences existing between mono- (e.g., human, goat, cow, and sheep) and poly-ovulatory (rodents and pig) species, and the incomplete identification of the mechanisms regulating the oocyte–follicle and follicle–ovary interrelationships affect the outcome of in vitro culture. From all these attempts, however, new ideas arise, and the goal of assuring the preservation of female reproductive potential appears a more realistic possibility. This review surveys and discusses advances and challenges of these technologies that, starting from a simple attempt, are now approaching the biosynthesis of a functional engineered ovary.
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Goodson SG, White S, Stevans AM, Bhat S, Kao CY, Jaworski S, Marlowe TR, Kohlmeier M, McMillan L, Zeisel SH, O'Brien DA. CASAnova: a multiclass support vector machine model for the classification of human sperm motility patterns. Biol Reprod 2018; 97:698-708. [PMID: 29036474 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to accurately monitor alterations in sperm motility is paramount to understanding multiple genetic and biochemical perturbations impacting normal fertilization. Computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) of human sperm typically reports motile percentage and kinematic parameters at the population level, and uses kinematic gating methods to identify subpopulations such as progressive or hyperactivated sperm. The goal of this study was to develop an automated method that classifies all patterns of human sperm motility during in vitro capacitation following the removal of seminal plasma. We visually classified CASA tracks of 2817 sperm from 18 individuals and used a support vector machine-based decision tree to compute four hyperplanes that separate five classes based on their kinematic parameters. We then developed a web-based program, CASAnova, which applies these equations sequentially to assign a single classification to each motile sperm. Vigorous sperm are classified as progressive, intermediate, or hyperactivated, and nonvigorous sperm as slow or weakly motile. This program correctly classifies sperm motility into one of five classes with an overall accuracy of 89.9%. Application of CASAnova to capacitating sperm populations showed a shift from predominantly linear patterns of motility at initial time points to more vigorous patterns, including hyperactivated motility, as capacitation proceeds. Both intermediate and hyperactivated motility patterns were largely eliminated when sperm were incubated in noncapacitating medium, demonstrating the sensitivity of this method. The five CASAnova classifications are distinctive and reflect kinetic parameters of washed human sperm, providing an accurate, quantitative, and high-throughput method for monitoring alterations in motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Summer G Goodson
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Nutrition Research Institute, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sarah White
- Department of Computer Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Alicia M Stevans
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sanjana Bhat
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Chia-Yu Kao
- Department of Computer Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Scott Jaworski
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Nutrition Research Institute, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA
| | - Tamara R Marlowe
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Nutrition Research Institute, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA
| | - Martin Kohlmeier
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Nutrition Research Institute, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Leonard McMillan
- Department of Computer Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Steven H Zeisel
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Nutrition Research Institute, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Deborah A O'Brien
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Kelly MC, Brown SG, Costello SM, Ramalingam M, Drew E, Publicover SJ, Barratt CLR, Martins Da Silva S. Single-cell analysis of [Ca2+]i signalling in sub-fertile men: characteristics and relation to fertilization outcome. Hum Reprod 2018; 33:1023-1033. [PMID: 29697805 PMCID: PMC5972555 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are the characteristics of progesterone-induced (CatSper-mediated) single cell [Ca2+]i signals in spermatozoa from sub-fertile men and how do they relate to fertilizing ability? SUMMARY ANSWER Single cell analysis of progesterone-induced (CatSper-mediated) [Ca2+]i showed that reduced progesterone-sensitivity is a common feature of sperm from sub-fertile patients and is correlated with fertilization rate. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Stimulation with progesterone is a widely used method for assessing [Ca2+]i mobilization by activation of CatSper in human spermatozoa. Although data are limited, sperm population studies have indicated an association of poor [Ca2+]i response to progesterone with reduced fertilization ability. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a cohort study using semen samples from 21 donors and 101 patients attending the assisted conception unit at Ninewells Hospital Dundee who were undergoing ART treatment. Patients were recruited from January 2016 to June 2017. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Semen donors and patients were recruited in accordance with local ethics approval (13/ES/0091) from the East of Scotland Research Ethics Service (EoSRES) REC1. [Ca2+]i responses were examined by single cell imaging and motility parameters assessed by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE For analysis, patient samples were divided into three groups IVF(+ve) (successful fertilization; 62 samples), IVF-FF (failed fertilization; eight samples) and ICSI (21 samples). A further 10 IVF samples showed large, spontaneous [Ca2+]i oscillations and responses to progesterone could not be analysed. All patient samples loaded with the [Ca2+]i-indicator fluo4 responded to progesterone stimulation with a biphasic increase in fluorescence (transient followed by plateau) which resembled that seen in progesterone-stimulated donor samples. The mean normalized response (progesterone-induced increase in fluorescence normalized to resting level) was significantly smaller in IVF-FF and ICSI patient groups than in donors. All samples were further analysed by plotting, for each cell, the relationship between resting fluorescence intensity and the progesterone-induced fluorescence increment. In donor samples these plots overlaid closely and had a gradient of ≈ 2 and plots for most IVF(+ve) samples closely resembled the donor distribution. However, in a subset (≈ 10%) of IVF(+ve) samples, 3/8 IVF-FF samples and one-third of ICSI samples the gradient of the plot was significantly lower, indicating that the response to progesterone of the cells in these samples was abnormally small. Examination of the relationship between gradient (regression coefficient of the plot) in IVF samples and fertilization rate showed a positive correlation. In IVF-FF and ICSI groups, the proportion of cells in which a response to progesterone could be detected was significantly lower than in donors and IVF (+ve) patients. Approximately 20% of cells in donor, IVF(+ve) and ICSI samples generated [Ca2+]i oscillations when challenged with progesterone but in IVF-FF samples only ≈ 10% of cells generated oscillations and there was a significantly greater proportion of samples where no oscillations were observed. Levels of hyperactivated motility were lower in IVF(+ve) and IVF-FF groups compared to controls, IVF-FF also having lower levels than IVF(+ve). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This is an in vitro study and caution must be taken when extrapolating these results in vivo. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study reveals important details of impaired [Ca2+]i signalling in sperm from sub-fertile men that cannot be detected in population studies. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded by a MRC project grant (MR/M012492/1; MR/K013343/1). Additional funding was provided by Chief Scientist Office/NHS research Scotland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark C Kelly
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD19SY, UK
| | - Sean G Brown
- School of Science, Engineering & Technology, Abertay University, Dundee DD11HG, UK
| | - Sarah M Costello
- School of Biosciences, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Mythili Ramalingam
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD19SY, UK
- Assisted Conception Unit, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD19SY, UK
| | - Ellen Drew
- Assisted Conception Unit, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD19SY, UK
| | | | - Christopher L R Barratt
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD19SY, UK
- Assisted Conception Unit, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD19SY, UK
| | - Sarah Martins Da Silva
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD19SY, UK
- Assisted Conception Unit, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD19SY, UK
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Martinez G, Hograindleur JP, Voisin S, Abi Nahed R, Abd El Aziz TM, Escoffier J, Bessonnat J, Fovet CM, De Waard M, Hennebicq S, Aucagne V, Ray PF, Schmitt E, Bulet P, Arnoult C. Spermaurin, an La1-like peptide from the venom of the scorpion Scorpio maurus palmatus, improves sperm motility and fertilization in different mammalian species. Mol Hum Reprod 2018; 23:116-131. [PMID: 27932550 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaw075] [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] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is it possible to identify original compounds that are able to enhance sperm motility from the venom of the scorpion Scorpio maurus palmatus? SUMMARY ANSWER We identified a potent disulfide-rich peptide (DRP) of 73 amino acids that significantly improved the motility of fresh and frozen-thawed sperm in different mammalian species, including human, and improved fertilization outcome in mouse IVF experiments. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Any disturbance of sperm motility has a strong impact on fertilization and can lead to subfertility or infertility. Significant efforts have, therefore, been made to identify pharmacological drugs that might improve sperm motility. Such compounds are particularly useful in azoospermia to improve testicular sperm extraction and in the domain of cryopreservation because the motility of frozen-thawed sperm is reduced. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a basic science/medical research study aimed at identifying original compounds from a library of venoms able to enhance mammalian sperm motility, including human. We first identified in the venom of a scorpion S. m. palmatus a fraction able to potently activate sperm motility. We next purified and characterized the compound by liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry and peptide synthesis. Finally, the potency and toxicity of both purified and synthetic versions of the identified compound on sperm motility were assessed using different in vitro tests in different mammalian species. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS For human sperm, biological samples were collected from normozoospermic donors and subfertile patients attending a reproduction department for diagnostic semen analysis. Testicular sperm was collected from cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) euthanized for the needs of specific authorized research projects. The peptide was also tested on bovine and mouse epidydimal sperm. We measured different sperm motility parameters with a computer-assisted sperm analysis system in the presence or absence of the peptide. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Size exclusion chromatography enabled us to isolate a fraction of the venom of S. m. palmatus able to increase sperm motility. By liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, a peptide comprising 73 amino acids with 4 disulfide bridges was identified as responsible for the biological activity and called 'spermaurin'. The identity of spermaurin was confirmed by chemical synthesis. We showed that the peptide increased the motility of fresh and frozen-thawed human sperm. We observed that the potency of the peptide was higher on fresh ejaculated spermatozoa with a low motility, achieving a 100% increase of curvilinear velocity in poorly performing sperm. We also demonstrated that peptide is effective on bovine and mouse fresh epididymal, bovine frozen-thawed ejaculated and fresh non-human primate testicular sperm. Finally, in mouse IVF, the production of 2-cell embryos was increased by 24% when sperm were treated with the peptide. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This work is an in vitro evaluation of the ability of spermaurin to improve sperm motility parameters. Another limitation of this study is the small number of human sperm samples tested with the natural (n = 36) and synthetic (n = 12) peptides. Moreover, the effect of the peptide on IVF outcome was only tested in mouse and further tests with human and bovine gametes are required to confirm and extend this result in other mammalian species. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This work confirms our initial study showing that venoms represent an interesting source of molecules that are able to modify sperm physiology. Moreover, this work presents the first demonstrated biological action of a venom peptide from the scorpion S. m. palmatus with sequence similarities to La1 peptide from Liocheles australasiae (Wood scorpion), a widespread family of DRPs. LARGE SCALE DATA Not applicable. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work is part of the project 'LAB COM-14 LAB7 0004 01-LIPAV', funded by the program LabCom 2014 from the French Research Agency (ANR). Dr Arnoult reports grants from IMV Technologies during the conduct of the study. In addition, Drs Arnoult, Martinez, Ray and Schmitt have a patent EP16305642.7 pending containing some of the information presented in this manuscript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Martinez
- IMV Technologies, ZI N° 1 Est, F-61300 L'Aigle, France.,Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble F-38000, France.,Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Grenoble F-38000, France
| | - Jean-Pascal Hograindleur
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble F-38000, France.,Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Grenoble F-38000, France
| | - Sébastien Voisin
- Plateforme BioPark d'Archamps, Archamps Technopole, Saint Julien en Genevois F-74160, France
| | - Roland Abi Nahed
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble F-38000, France.,Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Grenoble F-38000, France
| | - Tarek M Abd El Aziz
- L'institut du thorax, Inserm UMR 1087/CNRS UMR 6291, Université de Nantes, NantesF44007, France
| | - Jessica Escoffier
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble F-38000, France.,Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Grenoble F-38000, France
| | - Julien Bessonnat
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble F-38000, France.,Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Grenoble F-38000, France.,CHU Grenoble Alpes, UF de Biologie de la procréation, Grenoble F-38000, France
| | - Claire-Maëlle Fovet
- Molecular Imaging Research Center, MIRCen CEA/INSERM UMR1169, Fontenay-aux-Roses F-92265, France
| | - Michel De Waard
- L'institut du thorax, Inserm UMR 1087/CNRS UMR 6291, Université de Nantes, NantesF44007, France
| | - Sylviane Hennebicq
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble F-38000, France.,Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Grenoble F-38000, France.,CHU Grenoble Alpes, UF de Biologie de la procréation, Grenoble F-38000, France
| | - Vincent Aucagne
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR 4301, Orléans F-45071, France
| | - Pierre F Ray
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble F-38000, France.,Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Grenoble F-38000, France.,CHU Grenoble Alpes, UF de Biochimie Génétique et Moléculaire, Grenoble F-38000, France
| | - Eric Schmitt
- IMV Technologies, ZI N° 1 Est, F-61300 L'Aigle, France
| | - Philippe Bulet
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble F-38000, France.,Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Grenoble F-38000, France.,Plateforme BioPark d'Archamps, Archamps Technopole, Saint Julien en Genevois F-74160, France
| | - Christophe Arnoult
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble F-38000, France.,Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Grenoble F-38000, France
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Martins da Silva SJ, Brown SG, Sutton K, King LV, Ruso H, Gray DW, Wyatt PG, Kelly MC, Barratt CL, Hope AG. Drug discovery for male subfertility using high-throughput screening: a new approach to an unsolved problem. Hum Reprod 2017; 32:974-984. [PMID: 28333338 PMCID: PMC5850465 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can pharma drug discovery approaches be utilized to transform investigation into novel therapeutics for male infertility? SUMMARY ANSWER High-throughput screening (HTS) is a viable approach to much-needed drug discovery for male factor infertility. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY There is both huge demand and a genuine clinical need for new treatment options for infertile men. However, the time, effort and resources required for drug discovery are currently exorbitant, due to the unique challenges of the cellular, physical and functional properties of human spermatozoa and a lack of appropriate assay platform. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Spermatozoa were obtained from healthy volunteer research donors and subfertile patients undergoing IVF/ICSI at a hospital-assisted reproductive techniques clinic between January 2012 and November 2016. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS A HTS assay was developed and validated using intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) as a surrogate for motility in human spermatozoa. Calcium fluorescence was detected using a Flexstation microplate reader (384-well platform) and compared with responses evoked by progesterone, a compound known to modify a number of biologically relevant behaviours in human spermatozoa. Hit compounds identified following single point drug screen (10 μM) of an ion channel-focussed library assembled by the University of Dundee Drug Discovery Unit were rescreened to ensure potency using standard 10 point half-logarithm concentration curves, and tested for purity and integrity using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Hit compounds were grouped by structure activity relationships and five representative compounds then further investigated for direct effects on spermatozoa, using computer-assisted sperm assessment, sperm penetration assay and whole-cell patch clamping. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Of the 3242 ion channel library ligands screened, 384 compounds (11.8%) elicited a statistically significant increase in calcium fluorescence, with greater than 3× median absolute deviation above the baseline. Seventy-four compounds eliciting ≥50% increase in fluorescence in the primary screen were rescreened and evaluated further, resulting in 48 hit compounds that produced a concentration-dependent increase in [Ca2+]i. Sperm penetration studies confirmed in vitro exposure to two hit compounds (A and B) resulted in significant improvement in functional motility in spermatozoa from healthy volunteer donors (A: 1 cm penetration index 2.54, 2 cm penetration index 2.49; P < 0.005 and B: 1 cm penetration index 2.1, 2 cm penetration index 2.6; P < 0.005), but crucially, also in patient samples from those undergoing fertility treatment (A: 1 cm penetration index 2.4; P = 0.009, 2 cm penetration index 3.6; P = 0.02 and B: 1 cm penetration index 2.2; P = 0.0004, 2 cm penetration index 3.6; P = 0.002). This was primarily as a result of direct or indirect CatSper channel action, supported by evidence from electrophysiology studies of individual sperm. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Increase and fluxes in [Ca2+]i are fundamental to the regulation of sperm motility and function, including acrosome reaction. The use of calcium signalling as a surrogate for sperm motility is acknowledged as a potential limitation in this study. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS We conclude that HTS can robustly, efficiently, identify novel compounds that increase [Ca2+]i in human spermatozoa and functionally modify motility, and propose its use as a cornerstone to build and transform much-needed drug discovery for male infertility. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The majority of the data were obtained using funding from TENOVUS Scotland and Chief Scientist Office NRS Fellowship. Additional funding was provided by NHS Tayside, MRC project grants (MR/K013343/1, MR/012492/1) and University of Abertay. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest. TRAIL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J. Martins da Silva
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
- Assisted Conception Unit, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Sean G. Brown
- School of Science Engineering and Technology, University of Abertay, Dundee DD1 1HG, UK
| | - Keith Sutton
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Louise V. King
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Halil Ruso
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - David W. Gray
- Drug Discovery Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Paul G. Wyatt
- Drug Discovery Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Mark C. Kelly
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Christopher L.R. Barratt
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
- Assisted Conception Unit, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Anthony G. Hope
- Drug Discovery Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
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Gombar R, Pitcher TE, Lewis JA, Auld J, Vacratsis PO. Proteomic characterization of seminal plasma from alternative reproductive tactics of Chinook salmon ( Oncorhynchus tswatchysha ). J Proteomics 2017; 157:1-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2017.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2016] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Guasti PN, Monteiro GA, Maziero RRD, Carmo MT, Dell'Aqua JA, Crespilho AM, Rifai EA, Papa FO. Pentoxifylline effects on capacitation and fertility of stallion epididymal sperm. Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 179:27-34. [PMID: 28238445 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Revised: 01/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The aims of this study were to determinate whether pentoxifylline (PTX) increases the motion parameters of fresh and frozen-thawed equine epididymal spermatozoa, to evaluate the tyrosine phosphorylation of frozen-thawed epididymal sperm in the presence of PTX and to determine whether the PTX-treatment of stallion epididymal sperm prior to freezing improves the fertility response of mares to a reduced number of spermatozoa per insemination dose. Fifty epididymis were flushed with a skim milk based extender with or without PTX. The pre-treatment with PTX enhanced the sperm motility after being harvested (P<0.05); however the freeze-thaw process did not alter the sperm kinematics between control and treated samples (P>0.05). Plasma membrane integrity did not differ between control and PTX group after recovery and after thawing (P>0.05), as observed in tyrosine phosphorylation, which the PTX treatment did not alter the percentage of tail-associated immunofluorescence of cryopreserved epididymal sperm (P>0.05). For the fertility trial, different insemination groups were tested: 800×106 epididymal sperm (C800); 100×106 epididymal sperm (C100); 100×106 epididymal sperm recovered in an extender containing PTX (PTX100). The conception rates for C800; C100 and PTX100 were 68.7% (11/16); 31.5% (5/16) and 50% (8/16), respectively. The conception rate did not differ among groups (P>0.05), however, a low number of animals was used in this study. A trend toward significance (P=0.07) was observed between C800 and C100 groups. In conclusion, PTX has no deleterious effect on sperm motility, viability and capacitation of cryopreserved stallion epididymal sperm. The conventional artificial insemination with 100×106 sperm recovered with PTX ensures acceptable conception rates and maximize the limited number of doses of cryopreserved stallion epididymal sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- P N Guasti
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil.
| | - G A Monteiro
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - R R D Maziero
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - M T Carmo
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - J A Dell'Aqua
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | | | - E A Rifai
- Division of Molecular & Computational Toxicology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - F O Papa
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
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Chehrei S, Moradi M, Ghiabi HR, Falahi M, Kaviani S, Ghanbari A. Pentoxifylline besides naltrexone recovers morphine-induced inflammation in male reproductive system of rats by regulating Toll-like receptor pathway. Andrologia 2016; 49. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S. Chehrei
- Department of Biology; Arak Branch; Islamic Azad University; Arak Iran
| | - M. Moradi
- Department of Physiology; Medicine Faculty; Physiology Research Centre; Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences; Ahvaz Iran
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center; Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences; Kermanshah Iran
| | - H. R. Ghiabi
- Department of Management; Arak Branch; Islamic Azad University; Arak Iran
| | - M. Falahi
- Student Research Committee; Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences; Kermanshah Iran
| | - S. Kaviani
- Kaviani Research Center; Chartered by CQI; Britain UK
| | - A. Ghanbari
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center; Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences; Kermanshah Iran
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Bergeron A, Hébert A, Guillemette C, Laroche A, Poulin MP, Aragon JP, Leclerc P, Sullivan R, Blondin P, Vigneault C, Richard FJ. Papaverine-sensitive phosphodiesterase activity is measured in bovine spermatozoa. Andrology 2016; 5:169-179. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Revised: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 09/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Bergeron
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction; Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
- Département des Sciences Animales; Faculté des Sciences de L'agriculture et de L'alimentation; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
| | - A. Hébert
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction; Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
- Département des Sciences Animales; Faculté des Sciences de L'agriculture et de L'alimentation; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
| | - C. Guillemette
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction; Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
- Département des Sciences Animales; Faculté des Sciences de L'agriculture et de L'alimentation; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
| | - A. Laroche
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction; Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
- Département des Sciences Animales; Faculté des Sciences de L'agriculture et de L'alimentation; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
| | - M.-P. Poulin
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction; Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
- Département des Sciences Animales; Faculté des Sciences de L'agriculture et de L'alimentation; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
| | - J. P. Aragon
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction; Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
- Département des Sciences Animales; Faculté des Sciences de L'agriculture et de L'alimentation; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
| | - P. Leclerc
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction; Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
- Département Obstétrique, Gynécologie et Reproduction; Faculté de Médecine; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
| | - R. Sullivan
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction; Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
- Département Obstétrique, Gynécologie et Reproduction; Faculté de Médecine; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
| | | | | | - F. J. Richard
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction; Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
- Département des Sciences Animales; Faculté des Sciences de L'agriculture et de L'alimentation; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
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Maréchal L, Guillemette C, Goupil S, Blondin P, Leclerc P, Richard FJ. Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases in human spermatozoa and seminal fluid: Presence of an active PDE10A in human spermatozoa. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2016; 1861:147-156. [PMID: 27836756 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) plays a crucial role as a signaling molecule for sperm functions such as capacitation, motility and acrosome reaction. It is well known that cAMP degradation by phosphodiesterase (PDE) enzyme has a major impact on sperm functions. The present study was undertaken to characterize cAMP-PDE activity in human semen. METHODS cAMP-PDE activity was measured in human sperm and seminal plasma using family specific PDE inhibitors. Three sperm fractionation methods were applied to assess cAMP-PDE activity in spermatozoa. Western blots were used to validate the presence of specific family in sperm and seminal plasma. RESULTS Using three sperm fractionation methods, we demonstrated that in human sperm, the major cAMP-PDE activity is papaverine-sensitive and thus ascribed to PDE10. In seminal plasma, total cAMP-PDE activity was 1.14±0.39fmol of cAMP hydrolyzed per minute per μg of protein. Using specific inhibitors, we showed that the major cAMP-PDE activity found in human seminal plasma is ascribed to PDE4 and PDE11. Western blot analysis, immunoprecipitation with a specific monoclonal antibody, and mass spectrometry confirmed the presence of PDE10 in human spermatozoa. CONCLUSION This study provides the first demonstration of the presence of functional PDE10 in human spermatozoa and functional PDE4 and PDE11 in human seminal plasma. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Since the contribution of cyclic nucleotides in several sperm functions is well known, the finding that PDE10 is an active enzyme in human spermatozoa is novel and may lead to new insight into fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loïze Maréchal
- Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle, Département d'obstétrique, gynécologie et reproduction, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705 Boul. Laurier, Québec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Christine Guillemette
- Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle, Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Québec, Canada
| | - Serge Goupil
- Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle, Département d'obstétrique, gynécologie et reproduction, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705 Boul. Laurier, Québec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Patrick Blondin
- L'Alliance Boviteq Inc, 19320 Grand rang St-François, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec J2T 5H1, Canada
| | - Pierre Leclerc
- Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle, Département d'obstétrique, gynécologie et reproduction, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705 Boul. Laurier, Québec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - François J Richard
- Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle, Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Québec, Canada.
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Kucera R, Ulcova-Gallova Z, Windrichova J, Losan P, Topolcan O. Anti-Müllerian hormone in serum and seminal plasma in comparison with other male fertility parameters. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2016; 62:223-6. [DOI: 10.3109/19396368.2016.1161864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Brown SG, Publicover SJ, Mansell SA, Lishko PV, Williams HL, Ramalingam M, Wilson SM, Barratt CLR, Sutton KA, Da Silva SM. Depolarization of sperm membrane potential is a common feature of men with subfertility and is associated with low fertilization rate at IVF. Hum Reprod 2016; 31:1147-57. [PMID: 27052499 PMCID: PMC4871192 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are significant abnormalities in outward (K+) conductance and resting membrane potential (Vm) present in the spermatozoa of patients undertaking IVF and ICSI and if so, what is their functional effect on fertilization success? SUMMARY ANSWER Negligible outward conductance (≈5% of patients) or an enhanced inward conductance (≈4% of patients), both of which caused depolarization of Vm, were associated with a low rate of fertilization following IVF. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Sperm-specific potassium channel knockout mice are infertile with defects in sperm function, suggesting that these channels are essential for fertility. These observations suggest that malfunction of K+ channels in human spermatozoa might contribute significantly to the occurrence of subfertility in men. However, remarkably little is known of the nature of K+ channels in human spermatozoa or the incidence and functional consequences of K+ channel defects. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE AND DURATION Spermatozoa were obtained from healthy volunteer research donors and subfertile IVF and ICSI patients attending a hospital assisted reproductive techniques clinic between May 2013 and December 2015. In total, 40 IVF patients, 41 ICSI patients and 26 normozoospermic donors took part in the study. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Samples were examined using electrophysiology (whole-cell patch clamping). Where abnormal electrophysiological characteristics were identified, spermatozoa were further examined for Ca2+ influx induced by progesterone and penetration into viscous media if sufficient sample was available. Full exome sequencing was performed to specifically evaluate potassium calcium-activated channel subfamily M α 1 (KCNMA1), potassium calcium-activated channel subfamily U member 1 (KCNU1) and leucine-rich repeat containing 52 (LRRC52) genes and others associated with K+ signalling. In IVF patients, comparison with fertilization rates was done to assess the functional significance of the electrophysiological abnormalities. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Patch clamp electrophysiology was used to assess outward (K+) conductance and resting membrane potential (Vm) and signalling/motility assays were used to assess functional characteristics of sperm from IVF and ICSI patient samples. The mean Vm and outward membrane conductance in sperm from IVF and ICSI patients were not significantly different from those of control (donor) sperm prepared under the same conditions, but variation between individuals was significantly greater (P< 0.02) with a large number of outliers (>25%). In particular, in ≈10% of patients (7/81), we observed either a negligible outward conductance (4 patients) or an enhanced inward current (3 patients), both of which caused depolarization of Vm. Analysis of clinical data from the IVF patients showed significant association of depolarized Vm (≥0 mV) with low fertilization rate (P= 0.012). Spermatozoa with electrophysiological abnormities (conductance and Vm) responded normally to progesterone with elevation of [Ca2+]i and penetration of viscous medium, indicating retention of cation channel of sperm (CatSper) channel function. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION For practical, technical, ethical and logistical reasons, we could not obtain sufficient additional semen samples from men with conductance abnormalities to establish the cause of the conductance defects. Full exome sequencing was only available in two men with conductance defects. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These data add significantly to the understanding of the role of ion channels in human sperm function and its impact on male fertility. Impaired potassium channel conductance (Gm) and/or Vm regulation is both common and complex in human spermatozoa and importantly is associated with impaired fertilization capacity when the Vm of cells is completely depolarized. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The majority of the data were obtained using funding from MRC project grants (#MR/K013343/1, MR/012492/1). Additional funding was provided by NHS Tayside, TENOVUS, Chief Scientist Office NRS Fellowship and University of Abertay. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean G Brown
- School of Science, Engineering and Technology, Abertay University, Dundee DD11HG, UK
| | | | - Steven A Mansell
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD19SY, UK Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Polina V Lishko
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Hannah L Williams
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD19SY, UK
| | - Mythili Ramalingam
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD19SY, UK
| | - Stuart M Wilson
- Wolfson Research Institute, School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Health, University of Durham, Queen's Campus, Stockton on Tees TS17 6BH, UK
| | - Christopher L R Barratt
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD19SY, UK
| | - Keith A Sutton
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD19SY, UK
| | - Sarah Martins Da Silva
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD19SY, UK
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Liu XX, Zhang H, Shen XF, Liu FJ, Liu J, Wang WJ. Characteristics of testis-specific phosphoglycerate kinase 2 and its association with human sperm quality. Hum Reprod 2015; 31:273-9. [PMID: 26677959 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is there an association between the expression of phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) 2 in spermatozoa and sperm quality in both elderly men and young asthenozoospermia patients? SUMMARY ANSWER Spermatozoa from elderly men and young asthenozoospermia patients show decreased expression of PGK2, which has a close positive relationship with sperm quality. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY PGK1 and PGK2 are involved in spermatogenesis and thought to be related to sperm motility. However, limited information is known about their temporal-spatial expression in human spermatogenesis and their relationship with sperm quality. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a case-control study including 30 healthy young males (aged 28-31 years), 30 elderly men (aged 68-70 years), and 30 asthenozoospermic patients (aged 25-40 years, progressive motility <32%) who donated semen samples. Furthermore, young testes samples were obtained from five fathers (27-33 years old) who had died in car accidents, while aged testes samples were obtained from five elderly fathers (78-82 years old) who were prostate cancer patients. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Semen samples from young adults, elderly men and asthenozoospermic patients were prepared, and their parameters were assessed by Computer-Aided Sperm Analysis (CASA). Sperm proteins were extracted for western blot analysis. Immunohistochemistry was used to characterize the cellular localization of PGK1 and PGK2 in testes samples. Sperm immunofluorescence quantification experiments identified the differential expression of PGK1 and PGK2 in sperm from young adults, elderly men and asthenozoospermic patients. Antibodies against PGK1 and PGK2 were used to test their influence on sperm motility and penetration into viscous media. A modified Kremer test using methyl cellulose was adopted to assess sperm function via penetration into viscous media. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Cellular localization analysis showed that PGK1 was mainly expressed in spermatogonia whereas PGK2 was mainly expressed in round spermatids. Expression levels of both PGKs were significantly decreased in the testis with ageing (P < 0.05). Western blot and immunofluorescence quantification showed markedly lower expression of PGK2 (P < 0.05) in sperm from elderly men or asthenozoospermic patients compared sperm from with healthy young men. Sperm functional analysis validated the close relationship between expression of PGK2 and sperm motility (staining percentage, r = 0.60, P < 0.05; intensity, r = 0.59, P < 0.05). Use of an anti-PGK2 antibody on sperm significantly decreased their ability to penetrate into a cervical mucus substitute (P < 0.05). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Before any clinical applications using PGK2 to assess sperm quality can be developed, more cases should be used to evaluate this approach. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The study provides new insights into the role of PGKs in male reproduction. The results also indicate that PGK2 is a promising molecular candidate for the assessment of sperm quality and the screening of male contraceptive targets. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This work was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (no. 81300533, 81370013 and 81000277) and Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation, China (ZR2013HQ002). The authors declare no competing financial interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Xia Liu
- Central Laboratory, Yantai Yu Huang Ding Hospital/Qingdao University, Yantai 264000, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Yantai Yu Huang Ding Hospital/Qingdao University, Yantai 264000, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Fang Shen
- Central Laboratory, Yantai Yu Huang Ding Hospital/Qingdao University, Yantai 264000, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Fu-Jun Liu
- Central Laboratory, Yantai Yu Huang Ding Hospital/Qingdao University, Yantai 264000, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Juan Liu
- Central Laboratory, Yantai Yu Huang Ding Hospital/Qingdao University, Yantai 264000, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Juan Wang
- Reproduction Medical Center, Yantai Yu Huang Ding Hospital/Qingdao University, Yantai 264000, Shandong, P.R. China
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Terriou P, Hans E, Cortvrindt R, Avon C, Charles O, Salzmann J, Lazdunski P, Giorgetti C. Papaverine as a replacement for pentoxifylline to select thawed testicular or epididymal spermatozoa before ICSI. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 43:786-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gyobfe.2015.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Williams HL, Mansell S, Alasmari W, Brown SG, Wilson SM, Sutton KA, Miller MR, Lishko PV, Barratt CLR, Publicover SJ, Martins da Silva S. Specific loss of CatSper function is sufficient to compromise fertilizing capacity of human spermatozoa. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:2737-46. [PMID: 26453676 PMCID: PMC4643530 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are significant abnormalities of CatSper function present in IVF patients with normal sperm concentration and motility and if so what is their functional significance for fertilization success? SUMMARY ANSWER Sperm with a near absence of CatSper current failed to respond to activation of CatSper by progesterone and there was fertilization failure at IVF. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In human spermatozoa, Ca2+ influx induced by progesterone is mediated by CatSper, a sperm-specific Ca2+ channel. A suboptimal Ca2+ influx is significantly associated with, and more prevalent in, men with abnormal semen parameters, and is associated with reduced fertilizing capacity. However, abnormalities in CatSper current can only be assessed directly using electrophysiology. There is only one report of a CatSper-deficient man who showed no progesterone potentiated CatSper current. A CatSper 2 genetic abnormality was present but there was no information on the [Ca2+]i response to CatSper activation by progesterone. Additionally, the semen samples had indicating significant abnormalities (oligoasthenoteratozoospermia) multiple suboptimal functional responses in the spermatozoon. As such it cannot be concluded that impaired CatSper function alone causes infertility or that CatSper blockade is a potential safe target for contraception. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Spermatozoa were obtained from donors and subfertile IVF patients attending a hospital assisted reproductive techniques clinic between January 2013 and December 2014. In total 134 IVF patients, 28 normozoospermic donors and 10 patients recalled due to a history of failed/low fertilization at IVF took part in the study. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Samples were primarily screened using the Ca2+ influx induced by progesterone and, if cell number was sufficient, samples were also assessed by hyperactivation and penetration into viscous media. A defective Ca2+ response to progesterone was defined using the 99% confidence interval from the distribution of response amplitudes in normozoospermic donors. Samples showing a defective Ca2+ response were further examined in order to characterize the potential CatSper abnormalities. In men where there was a consistent and robust failure of calcium signalling, a direct assessment of CatSper function was performed using electrophysiology (patch clamping), and a blood sample was obtained for genetic analysis. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A total of 101/102 (99%) IVF patients and 22/23 (96%) donors exhibited a normal Ca2+ response. The mean (±SD) normalized peak response did not differ between donors and IVF patients (2.57 ± 0.68 [n = 34 ejaculates from 23 different donors] versus 2.66 ± 0.68 [n = 102 IVF patients], P = 0.63). In recall patients, 9/10 (90%) showed a normal Ca2+ response. Three men were initially identified with a defective Ca2+ influx. However, only one (Patient 1) had a defective response in repeat semen samples. Electrophysiology experiments on sperm from Patient 1 showed a near absence of CatSper current and exon screening demonstrated no mutations in the coding regions of the CatSper complex. There was no increase in penetration of viscous media when the spermatozoa were stimulated with progesterone and importantly there was failed fertilization at IVF. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION A key limitation relates to working with a specific functional parameter (Ca2+ influx induced by progesterone) in fresh sperm samples from donors and patients that have limited viability. Therefore, for practical, technical and logistical reasons, some men (∼22% of IVF patients) could not be screened. As such the incidence of significant Ca2+ abnormalities induced by progesterone may be higher than the ∼1% observed here. Additionally, we used a strict definition of a defective Ca2+ influx such that only substantial abnormalities were selected for further study. Furthermore, electrophysiology was only performed on one patient with a robust and repeatable defective calcium response. This man had negligible CatSper current but more subtle abnormalities (e.g. currents present but significantly smaller) may have been present in men with either normal or below normal Ca2+ influx. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These data add significantly to the understanding of the role of CatSper in human sperm function and its impact on male fertility. Remarkably, these findings provide the first direct evidence that CatSper is a suitable and specific target for human male contraception. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Initial funding was from NHS Tayside, Infertility Research Trust, TENOVUS, Chief Scientist Office NRS Fellowship, the Wellcome Trust, University of Abertay. The majority of the data were obtained using funding from a MRC project grant (# 4190). The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah L Williams
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Medical School, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK Assisted Conception Unit, NHS Tayside, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Steven Mansell
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Medical School, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, USA
| | - Wardah Alasmari
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Medical School, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | | | - Stuart M Wilson
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Medical School, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK Wolfson Research Institute, School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Health, Queen's Campus, University Of Durham, Stockton on Tees TS17 6BH, UK
| | - Keith A Sutton
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Medical School, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Melissa R Miller
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, USA
| | - Polina V Lishko
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, USA
| | - Christopher L R Barratt
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Medical School, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK Assisted Conception Unit, NHS Tayside, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | | | - Sarah Martins da Silva
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Medical School, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK Assisted Conception Unit, NHS Tayside, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
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Banihani SA, Abu-Alhayjaa RF. The activity of seminal creatine kinase is increased in the presence of pentoxifylline. Andrologia 2015; 48:603-4. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S. A. Banihani
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences; Jordan University of Science and Technology; Irbid Jordan
| | - R. F. Abu-Alhayjaa
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences; Jordan University of Science and Technology; Irbid Jordan
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Barkalina N, Jones C, Wood MJA, Coward K. Extracellular vesicle-mediated delivery of molecular compounds into gametes and embryos: learning from nature. Hum Reprod Update 2015; 21:627-39. [PMID: 26071427 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, even the most sophisticated methods of assisted reproductive technology (ART) allow us to achieve live births in only approximately 30% of patients, indicating that our understanding of the fine mechanisms underlying reproduction is far from ideal. One of the main challenges associated with studies of gamete structure and function is that these cells are remarkably resistant towards the uptake of exogenous substances, including 'molecular research tools' such as drugs, biomolecules and intracellular markers. This phenomenon can affect not only the performance of reproductive biology research techniques, but also the outcomes of the in vitro handling of gametes, which forms the cornerstone of ART. Improvement of intra-gamete delivery in a non-aggressive fashion is vital for the investigation of gamete physiology, and the advancement of infertility treatment. In this review, we outline the current state of nanomaterial-mediated delivery into gametes and embryos in vitro, and discuss the potential of a novel exciting drug delivery technology, based upon the use of targeted 'natural' nanoparticles known as extracellular vesicles (EVs), for reproductive science and ART, given the promising emerging data from other fields. METHODS A comprehensive electronic search of PubMed and Web of Science databases was performed using the following keywords: 'nanoparticles', 'nanomaterials', 'cell-penetrating peptides', 'sperm', 'oocyte', 'egg', 'embryo', 'exosomes', 'microvesicles', 'extracellular vesicles', 'delivery', 'reproduction', to identify the relevant research and review articles, published in English up to January 2015. The reference lists of identified publication were then scanned to extract additional relevant publications. RESULTS Biocompatible engineered nanomaterials with high loading capacity, stability and selective affinity represent a potential versatile tool for the minimally invasive internalization of molecular cargo into gametes and embryos. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that the translation of these experimental tools into clinical applications is likely to be limited by their non-biodegradable nature. To allow the subsequent use of these methodologies for clinical ART, studies should utilize biodegradable delivery platforms, which mimic natural mechanisms of molecular cargo trafficking as closely as possible. Currently, EVs represent the most physiological intracellular delivery tools for reproductive science and medicine. These natural mediators of cell communication combine the benefits of engineered nanomaterials, such as the potential for in vitro production, targeting and loading, with the essential feature of biodegradability. CONCLUSION We anticipate that future investigations into the possibility of applying EVs for the intentional intracellular delivery of molecular compounds into gametes and embryos will open new horizons for reproductive science and clinical ART, ultimately leading to improvements in patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Barkalina
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Celine Jones
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Matthew J A Wood
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Le Gros Clark Building, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Kevin Coward
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
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Barkalina N, Jones C, Coward K. Nanomedicine and mammalian sperm: Lessons from the porcine model. Theriogenology 2015; 85:74-82. [PMID: 26116055 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2015] [Revised: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Biomedical nanotechnology allows us to engineer versatile nanosized platforms that are comparable in size to biological molecules and intracellular organelles. These platforms can be loaded with large amounts of biological cargo, administered systemically and act at a distance, target specific cell populations, undergo intracellular internalization via endogenous uptake mechanisms, and act as contrast agents or release cargo for therapeutic purposes. Over recent years, nanomaterials have been increasingly viewed as favorable candidates for intragamete delivery. Particularly in the case of sperm, nanomaterial-based approaches have been shown to improve the efficacy of existing techniques such as sperm-mediated gene transfer, loading sperm with exogenous proteins, and tagging sperm for subsequent sex- or function-based sorting. In this short review, we provide an outline of the current state of nanotechnology for biomedical applications in reproductive biology and present highlights from a series of our studies evaluating the use of specialized silica nanoparticles in boar sperm as a potential delivery vehicle into mammalian gametes. The encouraging data obtained already from the porcine model in our laboratory have formed the basis for ethical approval of similar experiments in human sperm, thereby bringing us a step closer toward the potential use of this novel technology in the clinical environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Barkalina
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
| | - Celine Jones
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Kevin Coward
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
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Saucedo L, Buffa GN, Rosso M, Guillardoy T, Góngora A, Munuce MJ, Vazquez-Levin MH, Marín-Briggiler C. Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors (FGFRs) in Human Sperm: Expression, Functionality and Involvement in Motility Regulation. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0127297. [PMID: 25970615 PMCID: PMC4430232 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factors receptors (FGFRs) have been widely characterized in somatic cells, but there is scarce evidence of their expression and function in mammalian gametes. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the expression of FGFRs in human male germ cells, to determine sperm FGFR activation by the FGF2 ligand and their participation in the regulation of sperm motility. The expression of FGFR1, 2, 3 and 4 mRNAs and proteins in human testis and localization of these receptors in germ cells of the seminiferous epithelium was demonstrated. In ejaculated sperm, FGFRs were localized to the acrosomal region and flagellum. Sperm exposure to FGF2 caused an increase in flagellar FGFR phosphorylation and activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and protein kinase B (PKB or Akt) signaling pathways. Incubation with FGF2 led to a significant increase in the percentage of total and progressive sperm motility, as well as in sperm kinematics. All responses were prevented by sperm preincubation with BGJ398, a specific inhibitor of FGFR tyrosine kinase activity. In addition to confirming the expression of FGFRs in germ cells of the human testis, our study describes for the first time the presence, localization and functionality of human sperm FGFRs, and provides evidence of the beneficial effect of FGF2 upon sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Saucedo
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), CONICET-FIBYME, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gabriela N. Buffa
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), CONICET-FIBYME, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marina Rosso
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), CONICET-FIBYME, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tomás Guillardoy
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), CONICET-FIBYME, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Adrian Góngora
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), CONICET-FIBYME, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María J. Munuce
- Laboratorio de Medicina Reproductiva, Area de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Reprolab, Sanatorio Británico de Rosario, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Mónica H. Vazquez-Levin
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), CONICET-FIBYME, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Clara Marín-Briggiler
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), CONICET-FIBYME, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- * E-mail:
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