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GhoshRoy D, Alvi PA, Santosh KC. AI Tools for Assessing Human Fertility Using Risk Factors: A State-of-the-Art Review. J Med Syst 2023; 47:91. [PMID: 37610455 DOI: 10.1007/s10916-023-01983-8] [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: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Infertility has massively disrupted social and marital life, resulting in stressful emotional well-being. Early diagnosis is the utmost need for faster adaption to respond to these changes, which makes possible via AI tools. Our main objective is to comprehend the role of AI in fertility detection since we have primarily worked to find biomarkers and related risk factors associated with infertility. This paper aims to vividly analyse the role of AI as an effective method in screening, predicting for infertility and related risk factors. Three scientific repositories: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, are used to gather relevant articles via technical terms: (human infertility OR human fertility) AND risk factors AND (machine learning OR artificial intelligence OR intelligent system). In this way, we systematically reviewed 42 articles and performed a meta-analysis. The significant findings and recommendations are discussed. These include the rising importance of data augmentation, feature extraction, explainability, and the need to revisit the meaning of an effective system for fertility analysis. Additionally, the paper outlines various mitigation actions that can be employed to tackle infertility and its related risk factors. These insights contribute to a better understanding of the role of AI in fertility analysis and the potential for improving reproductive health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debasmita GhoshRoy
- School of Automation, Banasthali Vidyapith, 304022, Rajasthan, India
- Applied AI Research Lab, Vermillion, SD, 57069, USA
| | - P A Alvi
- Department of Physics, Banasthali Vidyapith, 304022, Rajasthan, India
| | - K C Santosh
- Department of Computer Science, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, 57069, USA.
- Applied AI Research Lab, Vermillion, SD, 57069, USA.
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Zhang X, Chen X, Wang L, Wang A, He C, Shi Z, Zhang S, Fu Q, Xu W, Hu S. Protective effects of Yiqi jiedu decoction on ionizing radiation-induced spermatogenic cell injury. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 299:115681. [PMID: 36084817 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Ionizing radiation (IR) has found widespread application in modern medicine. As a result, radiotherapy inevitably causes spermatogenic cell injury. Many Chinese herbal prescriptions or natural extracts have the potential to protect against radiation injury. AIM OF THE STUDY We used GC-2spd cells to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of YQJD decoction on protecting spermatogenic cells from ionizing radiation injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS Firstly, the GC-2spd cells were irradiated with 60Co γ-rays (1 Gy, 2 Gy, 4 Gy and 8 Gy) to establish an in vitro model of radiation injury. After that, Cells were divided into six groups: negative control group (NC group), model group (IR group), positive drug group (IRA group), high-dose YQJD decoction (IRH group), medium-dose YQJD decoction (IRM group), and low-dose YQJD decoction group (IRL group). DNA damage, oxidative damage and inflammatory factors were measured. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle were detected by Flow cytometry. Transmission electron microscopy was performed to observe the morphological changes. RESULTS After irradiation with 60CO γ-ray, the results indicated that the damage of spermatocyte was significantly induced by radiation exposure over 4 Gy. Furthermore, ionizing radiation could make DNA damage and oxidative stress in in GC-2spd cells. In addition, 60CO γ-ray also caused the increase of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α and the change of cell cycle. However, the application of YQJD decoction inhibited the damage and apoptosis of GC-2spd cells in the aspects of anti-oxidation, promoting DNA damage repair and regulating inflammatory reaction. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, the protective effects of YQJD decoction on 60CO γ-ray induced spermatocyte injury were confirmed in this study. This exploration might provide a new strategy for the application of Chinese herbs in radioprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China; Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiaoying Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - An Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Changhao He
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Zhongyu Shi
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Shujing Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Qian Fu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Wenhui Xu
- Beijing Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Sumin Hu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
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Gutvirtz G, Sheiner E. Airway pollution and smoking in reproductive health. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2022; 85:81-93. [PMID: 36333255 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Environmental exposure refers to contact with chemical, biological, or physical substances found in air, water, food, or soil that may have a harmful effect on a person's health. Almost all of the global population (99%) breathe air that contains high levels of pollutants. Smoking is one of the most common forms of recreational drug use and is the leading preventable cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The small particles from either ambient (outdoor) pollution or cigarette smoke are inhaled to the lungs and quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. These substances can affect virtually every organ in our body and have been associated with various respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine, and also reproductive morbidities, including decreased fertility, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and offspring long-term morbidity. This review summarizes the latest literature reporting the reproductive consequences of women exposed to ambient (outdoor) air pollution and cigarette smoking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gil Gutvirtz
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel; Soroka University Medical Center (SUMC), Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology B, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
| | - Eyal Sheiner
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel; Soroka University Medical Center (SUMC), Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology B, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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Bukowska B, Mokra K, Michałowicz J. Benzo[a]pyrene—Environmental Occurrence, Human Exposure, and Mechanisms of Toxicity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116348. [PMID: 35683027 PMCID: PMC9181839 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) is the main representative of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and has been repeatedly found in the air, surface water, soil, and sediments. It is present in cigarette smoke as well as in food products, especially when smoked and grilled. Human exposure to B[a]P is therefore common. Research shows growing evidence concerning toxic effects induced by this substance. This xenobiotic is metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP P450) to carcinogenic metabolite: 7β,8α-dihydroxy-9α,10α-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene (BPDE), which creates DNA adducts, causing mutations and malignant transformations. Moreover, B[a]P is epigenotoxic, neurotoxic, and teratogenic, and exhibits pro-oxidative potential and causes impairment of animals’ fertility. CYP P450 is strongly involved in B[a]P metabolism, and it is simultaneously expressed as a result of the association of B[a]P with aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), playing an essential role in the cancerogenic potential of various xenobiotics. In turn, polymorphism of CYP P450 genes determines the sensitivity of the organism to B[a]P. It was also observed that B[a]P facilitates the multiplication of viruses, which may be an additional problem with the widespread COVID-19 pandemic. Based on publications mainly from 2017 to 2022, this paper presents the occurrence of B[a]P in various environmental compartments and human surroundings, shows the exposure of humans to this substance, and describes the mechanisms of its toxicity.
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Cumulus cell antioxidant system is modulated by patients' clinical characteristics and correlates with embryo development. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:1277-1295. [PMID: 35469374 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02496-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To study whether the cumulus cell antioxidant system varies accordingly to patients clinical characteristics' as age, infertility diagnosis, BMI, and stimulation protocol applied and if the antioxidant profile of cumulus cells could be used as a predictor of embryo development. METHODS A prospective study including 383 human cumulus samples provided by 191 female patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection during in vitro fertilization treatments from a local in vitro fertilization center and processed in university laboratories. Catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzyme activity levels and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were measured in cumulus oophorus cells individually collected from each aspirated cumulus-oocyte complex, and the results of each sample were compared considering the oocytes outcome after ICSI and patients clinical characteristics. A total of 223 other human cumulus samples from previous studies were submitted to a gene expression meta-analysis. RESULTS The antioxidant system changes dramatically depending on patients' age, infertility diagnosis, stimulation protocol applied, and oocyte quality. SOD activity in cumulus cells revealed to be predictive of top-quality blastocysts for young patients with male factor infertility (P < 0.05), while GST levels were shown to be extremely influenced by infertility cause (P < 0.0001) and stimulation protocol applied (P < 0.05), but nonetheless, it can be used as a complementary tool for top-quality blastocyst prediction in patients submitted to intracytoplasmic sperm injection technique (ICSI) by male factor infertility (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Through a simple and non-invasive analysis, the evaluation of redox enzymes in cumulus cells could be used to predict embryo development, in a personalized matter in specific patient groups, indicating top-quality oocytes and improving success rates in in vitro fertilization treatments. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial was registered at UFRGS Research Ethics Committee and Plataforma Brasil under approval number 68081017.2.0000.5347 in June 6, 2019.
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Singh A, Joseph T, Karuppusami R, Kunjummen AT, Kamath MS, Mangalaraj AM. Seasonal Influence on Assisted Reproductive Technology Outcomes: A Retrospective Analysis of 1409 Cycles. J Hum Reprod Sci 2021; 14:293-299. [PMID: 34759620 PMCID: PMC8527073 DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_39_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: It is well known that seasonal variations influence natural conception and birth rates variably in different populations. It has been hypothesised that similar seasonal influences may affect treatment outcomes following assisted reproductive technology (ART). However, most studies report conflicting results. Aim: The aim of the study is to elucidate whether seasonality had any impact on the treatment success of the ART program. Study Setting and Design: We conducted a retrospective cohort study at a university-level tertiary care hospital in South India. Materials and Methods: All couples who underwent ART between January 2012 and December 2016 were included in the study. We divided the study population into three groups based on the seasonal differences experienced in our region. The primary outcome was live birth rate (LBR). Statistical Analysis: Univariate and multiple logistic regression models were used to compare outcomes and results reported as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Univariate analysis revealed no significant difference in LBR in monsoon season (174/651, 26.7% vs. 83/319, 26.0%; OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.77,1.41; P = 0.81) as compared to summer. However, LBR was significantly higher in winter season (114/341, 33.4% vs. 83/319, 26.0%; OR 1.43; 95% CI: 1.02, 2.00; P = 0.04). Further, multivariate analysis following adjustment for various confounding factors revealed no significant statistical difference in LBR in monsoon (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.92; 95% CI: 0.66, 1.26; P = 0.59) or winter (aOR 1.32; 95% CI: 0.92, 1.88; P = 0.13) as compared to summer season. Conclusion: The current study found no significant effect of seasonal variation on LBR following ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandeep Singh
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Treasa Joseph
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Reka Karuppusami
- Department of Biostatistics, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
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Björvang RD, Hassan J, Stefopoulou M, Gemzell-Danielsson K, Pedrelli M, Kiviranta H, Rantakokko P, Ruokojärvi P, Lindh CH, Acharya G, Damdimopoulou P. Persistent organic pollutants and the size of ovarian reserve in reproductive-aged women. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 155:106589. [PMID: 33945905 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Industrial chemicals such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have been associated with reduced fertility in women, including longer time-to-pregnancy (TTP), higher odds for infertility, and earlier reproductive senescence. Fertility is highly dependent on the ovarian reserve, which is composed of a prenatally determined stock of non-growing follicles. The quantity and quality of the follicles decline with age, thereby eventually leading to menopause. In the clinical setting, assessing ovarian reserve directly through the histological analysis of follicular density in ovaries is not practical. Therefore, surrogate markers of ovarian reserve, such as serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) are typically used. Here, we studied associations between chemical exposure and ovarian reserve in a cohort of pregnant women undergoing elective caesarean section (n = 145) in Stockholm, Sweden. Full data (histological, clinical, serum) were available for 50 women. We estimated the size of the reserve both directly by determining the density of follicles in ovarian cortical tissue samples, and indirectly by measuring AMH in associated serum samples. Concentrations of 9 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), 10 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 3 polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) and 9 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were determined in serum, and clinical data were retrieved from electronic medical records. Healthy follicle densities (median 0, range 0-193 follicles/mm3) and AMH levels (median 2.33 ng/mL, range 0.1-14.8 ng/mL) varied substantially. AMH correlated with the density of growing follicles. Twenty-three chemicals detected in more than half of the samples were included in the analyses. None of the chemicals, alone or as a mixture, correlated with AMH, growing or atretic follicles. However, HCB, transnonachlor, PCBs 74 and 99 were associated with decreased non-growing follicle densities. HCB and transnonachlor were also negatively associated with healthy follicle density. Further, mixture of lipophilic POPs (PBDE 99, p,p'-DDE, and PCB 187) was associated with lower non-growing follicle densities. In addition, exposure to HCB, p,p'-DDE, and mixture of OCPs were significantly associated with higher odds of infertility. The results suggest that exposure to chemicals may reduce the size of ovarian reserve in humans, and strongly encourage to study mechanisms behind POP-associated infertility in women in more detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richelle D Björvang
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Jasmin Hassan
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Maria Stefopoulou
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Kristina Gemzell-Danielsson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital Solna, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Matteo Pedrelli
- Division of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, 141 52 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Hannu Kiviranta
- Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, 70701 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Panu Rantakokko
- Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, 70701 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Päivi Ruokojärvi
- Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, 70701 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Christian H Lindh
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, 223 61 Lund, Sweden.
| | - Ganesh Acharya
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Pauliina Damdimopoulou
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden.
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Lefebvre T, Fréour T, Ploteau S, Le Bizec B, Antignac JP, Cano-Sancho G. Associations between human internal chemical exposure to Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) outcomes: Systematic review and evidence map of human epidemiological evidence. Reprod Toxicol 2021; 105:184-197. [PMID: 34517099 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The impact of environmental chemicals like persistent organic pollutants (POPs) on reproductive health is still poorly understood, despite the high societal and economical costs. The aim of the present study was to systematically review and evaluate the human evidence on the associations between internal levels of POPs and in vitro Fertilization (IVF) outcomes among women. We applied a protocol based on the National Toxicology Program Office of Health Assessment and Translation's guidelines for the study search, selection and quality assessment. Fifteen studies were finally retained in the present work. The results showed that main families of POPs are still pervasive in follicular fluid and serum of women undergoing IVF treatments. Globally, we found inconsistent findings across studies for specific exposure-outcome dyads, suggesting that adverse effects of POPs on IVF outcomes cannot be ruled out. Specifically, there is evidence that POPs, notably some polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides, may impair embryo quality and pregnancy rates. Most studies have been performed in small cohorts (n<50) and focused on PCBs and OCPs, whereas major research gaps remain for emerging compounds (e.g. perfluoroalkylated substances) and the most clinically relevant outcome, live birth rate. The overall evidence presented 'serious' or 'very serious' risk of bias, mainly due to the lack of consideration of relevant confounding variables, low sample size or underreporting of methods. Globally, we judged the level of evidence being "low". Given the high economical and societal costs associated to infertility and IVF, further well-designed research is urged to fill the highlighted gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiphaine Lefebvre
- LABERCA, Oniris, INRAE, 44307, Nantes, France; Department of Biology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Nantes, Nantes, France; Faculty of Medicine, University of Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Thomas Fréour
- Department of Biology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Nantes, Nantes, France; Faculty of Medicine, University of Nantes, Nantes, France; Center for Research in Transplantation and Immunology UMR 1064, INSERM, University of Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Stéphane Ploteau
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Nantes, Nantes, France; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Nantes, Nantes, France
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Zaid SSM, Ruslee SS, Mokhtar MH. Protective Roles of Honey in Reproductive Health: A Review. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26113322. [PMID: 34205972 PMCID: PMC8197897 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, most people who lead healthy lifestyles tend to use natural products as supplements, complementary medicine or alternative treatments. Honey is God's precious gift to mankind. Honey has been highly appreciated and extensively used since ancient history due to its high nutritional and therapeutic values. It is also known to enhance fertility. In the last few decades, the important role of honey in modern medicine has been acknowledged due to the large body of convincing evidence derived from extensive laboratory studies and clinical investigations. Honey has a highly complex chemical and biological composition that consists of various essential bioactive compounds, enzymes, amino and organic acids, acid phosphorylase, phytochemicals, carotenoid-like substances, vitamins and minerals. Reproductive health and fertility rates have declined in the last 30 years. Therefore, this review aimed to highlight the protective role of honey as a potential therapeutic in maintaining reproductive health. The main role of honey is to enhance fertility and treat infertility problems by acting as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy for protecting the vagina and uterus from atrophy, protecting against the toxic effects of xeno-oestrogenic agents on female reproductive functions and helping in the treatment of gynaecological disorders, such as vulvovaginal candidiasis infection, that affect women's lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siti Sarah Mohamad Zaid
- Department of Environment, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +60-3-9769-6742
| | - Siti Suraya Ruslee
- Department of Environment, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia;
| | - Mohd Helmy Mokhtar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia;
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Kolbasi B, Bulbul MV, Karabulut S, Altun CE, Cakici C, Ulfer G, Mudok T, Keskin I. Chronic unpredictable stress disturbs the blood-testis barrier affecting sperm parameters in mice. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 42:983-995. [PMID: 33653651 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Does chronic stress affect the key proteins and sperm parameters of the blood-testis barrier (BTB)? DESIGN C57Bl/6 mice were divided into two groups: a non-treated control group and a chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) applied group. The stress status of the animals was confirmed with behavioural tests. Histopathologic evaluation was conducted by haematoxylin and eosin staining and electron microscope. Malondialdehyde, corticosterone and testosterone levels were evaluated in peripheral blood. Expression levels of BTB proteins, namely zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), claudin-11 (CLDN11) and clathrin in Sertoli cells, were assessed by Western blotting and immunofluorescence techniques. Sperm samples were collected from cauda epididymis, and sperm parameters analysed. RESULTS The stress model was confirmed by behavioural tests. Histopathological evaluation of the testes demonstrated a mild degeneration in seminiferous tubules. Malondialdehyde (P = 0.008) and corticosterone levels increased (P = 0.004) and testosterone levels decreased (P = 0.005) in the CUS group. Electron microscopic evaluation confirmed the damage in BTB integrity in the CUS group. Western blot analysis showed that ZO-1 and CLDN11 levels were significantly decreased, although clathrin levels were unchanged. Although sperm concentration and total motility rate were not significantly different between the groups, progressive motility (P = 0.03), normal sperm morphology (P = 0.04), chromatin integrity (toluidine blue) (P = 0.002) and the acrosomal reaction rate (P = 0.002) were significantly decreased, and acrosomal abnormality rate was dramatically increased (P = 0.04) in the CUS group. CONCLUSIONS In mice, CUS disrupted BTB integrity and impaired sperm parameters. A decrease in ZO-1 and CLDN11 expression levels may be proposed as the causative factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bircan Kolbasi
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University Istanbul, Turkey; Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center (REMER), Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Muhammet Volkan Bulbul
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University Istanbul, Turkey; Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center (REMER), Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Seda Karabulut
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University Istanbul, Turkey; Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center (REMER), Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ceren Erdem Altun
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University Istanbul, Turkey; Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center (REMER), Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cagri Cakici
- Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center (REMER), Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University Istanbul, Turkey; Department of Biochemistry, Istanbul Medipol University Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gozde Ulfer
- Department of Biochemistry, Istanbul Medipol University Hospital Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tangul Mudok
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Dentistry, Istanbul Kent University Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ilknur Keskin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University Istanbul, Turkey; Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center (REMER), Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University Istanbul, Turkey.
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Seyedtabib M, Mahjub H, Mahmoudi M, Moghimbeigi A. Investigating the effect of behavioral and demographic characteristics of Iranian women on the number of children ever born. Med J Islam Repub Iran 2021; 35:38. [PMID: 34211940 PMCID: PMC8236082 DOI: 10.47176/mjiri.35.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The number of children ever born (CEB) to a woman, as an index of her fertility behavior, are interesting for the governments and demographer policymakers. In recent years, a notable reduction of fertility and population aging in Iran has caused concern among politicians, and it has led to starting new changes in demographic policies. Therefore, to adopting new demographic and health policies programs, identification of factors that affecting CEB is essential.
Methods: To evaluate determinant factors on CEB, information of 20093 married Iranian women aged between 15 and 54 years has been analyzed from the Iranian National Institute of Health Research survey. Based on the structure of data and the possible influential unobserved population heterogeneity on CEB in each city and province, a multilevel count regression model was applied. The analysis was performed using the ‘R’ software (version 3.5) with a significant level of 0.05.
Results: Findings show that the mean and median number of CEB was 2.82 and 2.00 for all women, respectively. Meanwhile, these values were 4.56 and 4.00 for the women who reached menopause. There was a significant unobserved heterogeneity affecting CEB in each province (σp=0.018). Also, the results of the multilevel model show that living in an urban area (RR=0.90), higher age at first marriage (RR=0.96), higher education (RR=0.84, RR=0.81), and exposure to mass media (RR=0.87) decrease the risk ratio of the number of CEB (p <0.001).
Conclusion: It seems that the tendency of women to academic education and their access to mass media has a significant effect on reducing childbearing. Therefore, in future planning, attention to these two factors can be useful and helpful to move to increase fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Seyedtabib
- Department of Biostatistics & Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Hossein Mahjub
- Department of Biostatistics & Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Research Center for Health Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mahmood Mahmoudi
- Department of Health Services, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Moghimbeigi
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health, Research Center for Health, Safety and Environment, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
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12
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Paternal Exposure to Non-essential Heavy Metal Affects Embryo Cleavage and Implantation in Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) Cycles: Evidence for a Paradoxical Effect. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:2550-2561. [PMID: 33683670 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00510-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although the adverse effects of non-essential heavy metals on semen quality have been demonstrated in experimental animal models and occupational human exposure studies, little is known about the reproductive efficiency of exposed sperm during the process of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Our study aims to evaluate the effect of paternal exposure to non-essential heavy metals on embryo efficiency outcomes (embryo cleavage, fragmentation, implantation, and live birth) in ICSI cycle. Ninety-five heterosexual couples who underwent 95 ICSI cycles and 78 fresh embryo transfers between January 2003 and December 2009 were evaluated. Men whose female partner was undergoing ICSI were asked to provide semen and blood samples. Heavy metal levels (Pb, Cd, As, Hg, Ba, and U) were analyzed using an ion-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS; Agilent 7500 ce, Agilent Technologies, Germany) equipped with a cell dynamic range (CDR). Paternal exposure to trace heavy metals was found to influence intermediate reproductive endpoints in ICSI cycles. After adjusting for paternal and maternal confounders, paternal blood concentrations of Cd [-0.30(-0.11,-0.02)], As [-0.26(-0.16,-0.11)], and U [-0.22(-0.24,-0.02)] were inversely associated with embryo cell cleavage on day 3. Counterintuitively, paternal blood and semen Pb levels [0.26(0.01,0.22); 0.25(0.03,0.14)] as well as semen U levels [0.27(0.01,0.19)] were positively associated with the proportion of implanted embryos. There were no significant associations observed for clinical pregnancy and live birth rates with any paternal heavy metal concentrations in semen and blood. These findings highlight the importance of paternal health for embryo efficiency outcomes in ICSI treatment cycles and the need for more male partner inclusive counseling in fertility practice. They also underline a paradoxical positive association between some heavy metal pollutants at low exposure levels and reproductive outcomes.
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13
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Abstract
Importance Infertility poses a substantial public health problem for women of reproductive age, in the United States and globally. Infertility can be overcome with a variety of emerging assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). In vitro fertilization (IVF) currently represents the most commonly utilized method of ART and is typically associated with the highest clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate compared with other infertility treatment options. However, proper preconception evaluation and counseling is paramount for optimizing IVF and pregnancy outcomes. Objective This article aims to outline current guidelines and recommendations for comprehensive preconception evaluation before initiation of IVF. Evidence Acquisition Articles were obtained from PubMed, ACOG committee opinions 781 and 762, and relevant textbook chapters. Results A variety of recommendations and best practices exist for optimally managing patients seeking IVF. Special attention must be paid to the workup of certain patient populations, such as those with age older than 35 years, uterine abnormalities, comorbidities (especially hypertension, diabetes, and thrombophilias), and obesity. In addition, many lifestyle factors must be addressed before IVF initiation, such as smoking, illicit drug use, and inadequate nutrition. Preconception counseling and expectation management is key to optimizing pregnancy outcome. Conclusion and Relevance A myriad of patient and environmental factors impact the potential success rates of IVF in treating infertility. Providers must be equipped to provide data-driven, patient-centered counseling before initiation of IVF.
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14
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Wu S, Wang M, Deng Y, Qiu J, Zhang X, Tan J. Associations of toxic and essential trace elements in serum, follicular fluid, and seminal plasma with In vitro fertilization outcomes. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 204:110965. [PMID: 32798747 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Toxic and essential trace elements are associated with human fertility. However, limited studies have been conducted on the relationship between trace elements and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes in the Chinese population. In this exploratory study, 103 couples who underwent IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment in our reproductive center were recruited. Serum and follicular fluid (FF) samples and seminal plasma samples were collected from the female and male partners, respectively, on the day of oocyte retrieval. Concentrations of chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As), selenium (Se), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in the specimens were measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Generalized linear models were used to evaluate the associations of toxic and essential trace element levels with the intermediate parameters and outcomes of IVF at both the sex-specific and couple levels. The Cr level in the serum of the female partners was inversely associated with the count of mature oocytes retrieved (p for trend = 0.033). In terms of embryo development, As concentrations in female serum and FF were inversely associated with the probabilities to obtain good-quality cleavage embryos (p for trend < 0.01). There were significant correlations between follicular Se concentrations and seminal As concentrations and higher quality cleavage embryos (p for trend < 0.01). Moreover, a positive correlation was observed between the female serum Se concentrations and blastocyst formation (p for trend = 0.031). In contrast, a higher follicular Se level was negatively correlated with embryo development at the blastocyst stage (p for trend < 0.01). Regarding the clinical outcomes, a positive association of Se levels in seminal plasma and a negative association of follicular Cd levels was observed with the probabilities of pregnancy (p for trend = 0.006 and 0.035, respectively) and live birth (p for trend = 0.014 and 0.027, respectively). The results indicate that exposure to toxic elements (Cr, As and Cd) is associated with intermediate parameters and outcomes of IVF. Furthermore, male Se exposure may be related to better pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Wu
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.39 Huaxiang Road, Tiexi District, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110022, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Disease and Fertility Remodeling of Liaoning Province
| | - Min Wang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Disease and Fertility Remodeling of Liaoning Province; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.39 Huaxiang Road, Tiexi District, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110022, China
| | - Yu Deng
- School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Jiahui Qiu
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.39 Huaxiang Road, Tiexi District, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110022, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Disease and Fertility Remodeling of Liaoning Province
| | - Xinyi Zhang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.39 Huaxiang Road, Tiexi District, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110022, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Disease and Fertility Remodeling of Liaoning Province
| | - Jichun Tan
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.39 Huaxiang Road, Tiexi District, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110022, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Disease and Fertility Remodeling of Liaoning Province.
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15
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Hu P, Vinturache A, Li H, Tian Y, Yuan L, Cai C, Lu M, Zhao J, Zhang Q, Gao Y, Liu Z, Ding G. Urinary Organophosphate Metabolite Concentrations and Pregnancy Outcomes among Women Conceiving through in Vitro Fertilization in Shanghai, China. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2020; 128:97007. [PMID: 32997523 PMCID: PMC7526721 DOI: 10.1289/ehp7076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal studies suggest that pesticide exposure elicits endocrine changes, increases embryo implantation failure, and decreases litter size. However, only a few epidemiological studies have evaluated the effects of pesticides on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancies. OBJECTIVES This study examined the associations between preconception organophosphate pesticides (OP) exposure and pregnancy outcomes among women undergoing IVF in a Chinese population. METHODS This study included 522 women with infertility who underwent IVF. Women were recruited from a prospective study, the China National Birth Cohort (CNBC), from Shanghai, China, between July 2017 and December 2018. Demographic and clinical information were collected from medical records and through questionnaires. Preconception exposure to OP was assessed by measuring six nonspecific dialkylphosphate (DAP) metabolites [diethylthiophosphate (DETP), diethylphosphate (DEP), diethyldithiophosphate (DEDTP), dimethylthiophosphate (DMTP), dimethylphosphate (DMP), dimethyldithiophosphate (DMDTP)] in urine samples collected at recruitment. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were used to evaluate the associations between OP and pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS Compared with women in the lowest quartile (Q1) of individual DEP and Σ4DAP (the sum of DMP, DMTP, DEP, and DETP), women in the highest quartile (Q4) had lower odds of successful implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth, and most of the negative trends were significant (p-trends<0.05). There were no significant associations between urinary DAP concentrations and early IVF outcomes, including total and mature oocyte counts, best embryo quality, fertilization, E2 trigger levels, and endometrial wall thickness. CONCLUSION Preconception OP exposure was inversely associated with successful implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth in women who underwent IVF. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP7076.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peipei Hu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Angela Vinturache
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, Alberta, Canada
| | - Hong Li
- Departments of Nursing, International Peace Maternity and Children Hospital of China Welfare Institution, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Tian
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children’s Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Yuan
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Cai
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Lu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiuru Zhao
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Gao
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiwei Liu
- Departments of Neonatology, International Peace Maternity and Children Hospital of China Welfare Institution, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guodong Ding
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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16
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Fernandez EI, Ferreira AS, Cecílio MHM, Chéles DS, de Souza RCM, Nogueira MFG, Rocha JC. Artificial intelligence in the IVF laboratory: overview through the application of different types of algorithms for the classification of reproductive data. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:2359-2376. [PMID: 32654105 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01881-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past years, the assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) have been accompanied by constant innovations. For instance, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), time-lapse monitoring of the embryonic morphokinetics, and PGS are innovative techniques that increased the success of the ART. In the same trend, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques is being intensively researched whether in the embryo or spermatozoa selection. Despite several studies already published, the use of AI within assisted reproduction clinics is not yet a reality. This is largely due to the different AI techniques that are being proposed to be used in the daily routine of the clinics, which causes some uncertainty in their use. To shed light on this complex scenario, this review briefly describes some of the most frequently used AI algorithms, their functionalities, and their potential use. Several databases were analyzed in search of articles where applied artificial intelligence algorithms were used on reproductive data. Our focus was on the classification of embryonic cells and semen samples. Of a total of 124 articles analyzed, 32 were selected for this review. From the proposed algorithms, most have achieved a satisfactory precision, demonstrating the potential of a wide range of AI techniques. However, the evaluation of these studies suggests the need for more standardized research to validate the proposed models and their algorithms. Routine use of AI in assisted reproduction clinics is just a matter of time. However, the choice of AI technique to be used is supported by a better understanding of the principles subjacent to each technique, that is, its robustness, pros, and cons. We provide some current (although incipient) and potential uses of AI on the clinic routine, discussing how accurate and friendly it could be. Finally, we propose some standards for AI research on the selection of the embryo to be transferred and other future hints. For us, the imminence of its use is evident, providing a revolutionary milestone that will impact the ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Inácio Fernandez
- Laboratory of Applied Mathematics, Department of Biological Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus Assis, Av. Dom Antônio, São Paulo, 2100, Brazil
| | - André Satoshi Ferreira
- Laboratory of Applied Mathematics, Department of Biological Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus Assis, Av. Dom Antônio, São Paulo, 2100, Brazil
| | - Matheus Henrique Miquelão Cecílio
- Laboratory of Applied Mathematics, Department of Biological Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus Assis, Av. Dom Antônio, São Paulo, 2100, Brazil
| | - Dóris Spinosa Chéles
- Laboratory of Applied Mathematics, Department of Biological Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus Assis, Av. Dom Antônio, São Paulo, 2100, Brazil.,Laboratory of Embryonic Micromanipulation, Department of Biological Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus Assis, Av. Dom Antônio, São Paulo, 2100, Brazil
| | - Rebeca Colauto Milanezi de Souza
- Laboratory of Applied Mathematics, Department of Biological Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus Assis, Av. Dom Antônio, São Paulo, 2100, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Fábio Gouveia Nogueira
- Laboratory of Embryonic Micromanipulation, Department of Biological Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus Assis, Av. Dom Antônio, São Paulo, 2100, Brazil
| | - José Celso Rocha
- Laboratory of Applied Mathematics, Department of Biological Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus Assis, Av. Dom Antônio, São Paulo, 2100, Brazil. .,Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho, Assis, São Paulo, Brazil.
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17
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Clustering Infertile Couples With Dyadic Approach: WHO-5-WBI as a Promising Tool for Assessing Psychological State. Psychol Belg 2020; 60:152-163. [PMID: 32587747 PMCID: PMC7304455 DOI: 10.5334/pb.539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility may be associated with severe psychological burden and many couples need mental support. We used dyadic approach to identify couples with disturbed psychological condition and we tested the WHO-5 Well-Being Index (WHO-5-WBI) questionnaire as a possible, rapid screening method. Extensive psychological assessment of infertile couples was carried out with Beck's Depression Inventory, Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, WHO-5-WBI, Symptom Check List-90 Revised Test, Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. Data of 128 patients (64 couples) were used in the statistical calculations. The Two-Step cluster analysis has revealed 2 groups, which could be separated supremely based on the level of experienced depression, anxiety and according to the general mental health. The WHO-5-WBI questionnaire showed consistent results while classifying couples into groups, which were formed. Our results indicate that infertility affects both spouses almost in the same extent in several psychological aspects. A cluster of couples with increased psychological burden could be clearly separated. The WHO-5-WBI questionnaire was a promising tool to screen reliably spouses based on their psychological state and identify couples that need psychological support during their fertility work-up and treatment.
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18
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Björvang RD, Damdimopoulou P. Persistent environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals in ovarian follicular fluid and in vitro fertilization treatment outcome in women. Ups J Med Sci 2020; 125:85-94. [PMID: 32093529 PMCID: PMC7721012 DOI: 10.1080/03009734.2020.1727073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Several international organizations have recently highlighted endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) as factors of concern in human reproduction. Since successful reproduction is dependent on timely and appropriate action of hormones, disruption of the endocrine system could lead to difficulties in conceiving or carrying a pregnancy to term. EDCs are chemicals that disrupt the endocrine system by activating or inhibiting receptors of the endocrine system, and/or altering hormone receptor expression; signal transduction; epigenetic marks; hormone synthesis, transport, distribution, and metabolism; and the fate of hormone-producing cells. Due to the increasing production of industrial chemicals over the past century and their lenient control, EDCs are now common contaminants in the environment. Consequently, everyone faces a life-long exposure to mixtures of chemicals, some of which have been identified as EDCs. As birth rates in humans are declining and the use of assisted reproductive technologies increasing, it is timely to consider possible effects of EDCs on human reproduction and fertility. In this review, we focus on persistent EDCs, their occurrence in ovarian follicular fluid, and associations to treatment outcomes in assisted reproduction. Our summary shows that despite being banned decades ago, mixtures of persistent EDCs are still detected in the ovarian follicular fluid, demonstrating direct exposure of oocytes to these chemicals. In addition, there are several reported associations between exposure and worse outcome in in vitro fertilization. Further research is therefore warranted to prove causality, which will lead towards better regulation and exposure reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richelle D. Björvang
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pauliina Damdimopoulou
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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19
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Rengaraj D, Hwang YS, Lee HC, Han JY. Zygotic genome activation in the chicken: a comparative review. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:1879-1891. [PMID: 31728579 PMCID: PMC11104987 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03360-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Maternal RNAs and proteins in the oocyte contribute to early embryonic development. After fertilization, these maternal factors are cleared and embryonic development is determined by an individual's own RNAs and proteins, in a process called the maternal-to-zygotic transition. Zygotic transcription is initially inactive, but is eventually activated by maternal transcription factors. The timing and molecular mechanisms involved in zygotic genome activation (ZGA) have been well-described in many species. Among birds, a transcriptome-based understanding of ZGA has only been explored in chickens by RNA sequencing of intrauterine embryos. RNA sequencing of chicken intrauterine embryos, including oocytes, zygotes, and Eyal-Giladi and Kochav (EGK) stages I-X has enabled the identification of differentially expressed genes between consecutive stages. These studies have revealed that there are two waves of ZGA: a minor wave at the one-cell stage (shortly after fertilization) and a major wave between EGK.III and EGK.VI (during cellularization). In the chicken, the maternal genome is activated during minor ZGA and the paternal genome is quiescent until major ZGA to avoid transcription from supernumerary sperm nuclei. In this review, we provide a detailed overview of events in intrauterine embryonic development in birds (and particularly in chickens), as well as a transcriptome-based analysis of ZGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deivendran Rengaraj
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Young Sun Hwang
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Hyung Chul Lee
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Jae Yong Han
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea.
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20
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Grieger JA, Grzeskowiak LE, Wilson RL, Bianco-Miotto T, Leemaqz SY, Jankovic-Karasoulos T, Perkins AV, Norman RJ, Dekker GA, Roberts CT. Maternal Selenium, Copper and Zinc Concentrations in Early Pregnancy, and the Association with Fertility. Nutrients 2019; 11:E1609. [PMID: 31315178 PMCID: PMC6683068 DOI: 10.3390/nu11071609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Trace elements such as zinc, copper, and selenium are essential for reproductive health, but there is limited work examining how circulating trace elements may associate with fertility in humans. The aim of this study was to determine the association between maternal plasma concentrations of zinc, copper, and selenium, and time to pregnancy and subfertility. Australian women (n = 1060) who participated in the multi-centre prospective Screening for Pregnancy Endpoints study were included. Maternal plasma concentrations of copper, zinc and selenium were assessed at 15 ± 1 weeks' gestation. Estimates of retrospectively reported time to pregnancy were documented as number of months to conceive; subfertility was defined as taking more than 12 months to conceive. A range of maternal and paternal adjustments were included. Women who had lower zinc (time ratio, 1.20 (0.99-1.44)) or who had lower selenium concentrations (1.19 (1.01-1.40)) had a longer time to pregnancy, equivalent to a median difference in time to pregnancy of around 0.6 months. Women with low selenium concentrations were also at a 1.46 (1.06-2.03) greater relative risk for subfertility compared to women with higher selenium concentrations. There were no associations between copper and time to pregnancy or subfertility. Lower selenium and zinc trace element concentrations, which likely reflect lower dietary intakes, associate with a longer time to pregnancy. Further research supporting our work is required, which may inform recommendations to increase maternal trace element intake in women planning a pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Grieger
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, 5005 North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, 5005 Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Luke E Grzeskowiak
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, 5005 North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, 5005 Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Rebecca L Wilson
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, 5005 North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, 5005 Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Current affiliation: Center for Fetal and Placental Research, Cincinnati Children's Hospital and Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Tina Bianco-Miotto
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, 5005 North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Waite Research Institute, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, 5064 Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Shalem Y Leemaqz
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, 5005 North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, 5005 Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Tanja Jankovic-Karasoulos
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, 5005 North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, 5005 Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Anthony V Perkins
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, 4215 Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Robert J Norman
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, 5005 North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Fertility SA, 5000 Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Gus A Dekker
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, 5005 North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Women and Children's Division, Lyell McEwin Hospital, University of Adelaide, 5112 Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Claire T Roberts
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, 5005 North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, 5005 Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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21
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Gu YE, Zhang X, Zhang Q, Dai MC, Wu Y, Zhou Y, Qu F. The effects of acupuncture on pregnancy outcomes of in vitro fertilization with embryo transfer: An interdisciplinary systematic review. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2019; 48:677-684. [PMID: 31276842 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2019.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The present systematic review is designed to summarize the evidence concerning the effect of acupuncture on pregnancy outcomes in vitro fertilization with embryo transfer (IVF-ET). We searched MEDLINE, the Wanfang Database, the China Academic Journal Electronic Full-text Database in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and the Index to Chinese Periodical Literature. Randomized controlled trials with intervention groups using acupuncture and control groups consisting of no acupuncture or sham (placebo) acupuncture in IVF-ET treatment were selected. Study characteristics were examined from these studies and an intention-to-treat approach was used to extract outcome data from each study. In total, 31 articles including 4450 women passed our selection criteria. The legitimacy, characteristics, and IVF outcomes of the included trials were summarized. Additional Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory-based, standardized, large-size, randomized, and multicenter trials are necessary prior to any conclusions being drawn on whether TCM can improve IVF outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Er Gu
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xian Zhang
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Min-Chen Dai
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yong Zhou
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fan Qu
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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Zajda K, Rak A, Ptak A, Gregoraszczuk EL. Compounds of PAH mixtures dependent interaction between multiple signaling pathways in granulosa tumour cells. Toxicol Lett 2019; 310:14-22. [PMID: 30980910 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Mechanism of PAH mixtures, using granulosa tumour cells, was investigated. Cells were exposed to a mixture of all 16 priority PAHs (M1) or a mixture of five PAHs not classified as human carcinogens (M2). The effect of siAHR, siAHRR and siNFKB2 on the expression of CYP1A1, CYP1B1, GSTM1, ERα, AR and cell proliferation was described. M1 decreased AhR and CYP1A1, while increased AhRR and ARNT expression. M2 also decreased AhR and CYP1A1 but had no effect on AhRR expression. siAHRR reversed the inhibitory effect of M1 on AhR and CYP1A1,while inhibitory effect of M2 was still observed. siNFKB2 reversed inhibitory effect of both mixtures on AhR and CYP1A1 expression and stimulatory effect of M1 on AhRR expression. siAHR reversed stimulatory effect of both mixtures on ERα expression. Stimulatory effect of M1 on cell proliferation was not observed in siAHR, was still observed in siESR1 cells. M2 had no effect on cell proliferation, however stimulatory effect was appeared in siAHR and siESR1cells. In conclusion: M1 by activation of AhRR and NFkB p52, but M2 only by activation of NFκB attenuated AhR signalling and ligand-induced CYP1A1 expression. Interaction between AhR and ER following M1 and M2 exposure is primarily initiated through AhR.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Zajda
- Department of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland
| | - A Rak
- Department of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland
| | - A Ptak
- Department of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland
| | - E L Gregoraszczuk
- Department of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland.
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Oocyte Aging: The Role of Cellular and Environmental Factors and Impact on Female Fertility. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1247:109-123. [PMID: 31802446 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2019_456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Female aging is one of the most important factors that impacts human reproduction. With aging, there is a natural decline in female fertility. The decrease in fertility is slow and steady in women aged 30-35 years; however, this decline is accelerated after the age of 35 due to decreases in the ovarian reserve and oocyte quality. Human oocyte aging is affected by different environmental factors, such as dietary habits and lifestyle. The ovarian microenvironment contributes to oocyte aging and longevity. The immediate oocyte microenvironment consists of the surrounding cells. Crosstalk between the oocyte and microenvironment is mediated by direct contact with surrounding cells, the extracellular matrix, and signalling molecules, including hormones, growth factors, and metabolic products. In this review, we highlight the different microenvironmental factors that accelerate human oocyte aging and decrease oocyte function. The ovarian microenvironment and the stress that is induced by environmental pollutants and a poor diet, along with other factors, impact oocyte quality and function and contribute to accelerated oocyte aging and diseases of infertility.
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Laleethambika N, Anila V, Manojkumar C, Muruganandam I, Giridharan B, Ravimanickam T, Balachandar V. Diabetes and Sperm DNA Damage: Efficacy of Antioxidants. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s42399-018-0012-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Deng J, Jia M, Cheng X, Yan Z, Fan D, Tian X. ABO blood group and ovarian reserve: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Oncotarget 2018; 8:25628-25636. [PMID: 28445964 PMCID: PMC5421956 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian reserve reflects a woman's fertility potential. The ABO blood group system is a very stable genetic marker. Although many recent studies have explored the relationship between ABO blood group and ovarian reserve, a consensus has not yet been reached. This paper is the first meta-analysis and systematic review of the relationship between ABO blood type and ovarian reserve. We analyzed seven cross-sectional studies evaluating follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) or anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels in 55,113 participants to determine ovarian reserve. This study found no relationship between ABO blood type and ovarian reserve when FSH was used as an indicator of ovarian reserve (A vs non-A:OR=1.03, 95% CI:0.96-1.11; B vs non-B: OR=0.98, 95% CI:0.75-1.29; AB vs non-AB:OR=0.96, 95% CI:0.71-1.30; O vs non-O:OR=1.03, 95%CI:0.74-1.43).There was also no relationship between ABO blood type and ovarian reserve when AMH was used as an indicator (A vs non-A:OR=0.89, 95% CI:0.76-1.03; B vs non-B:OR=1.02, 95% CI:0.80-1.30; AB vs non-AB:OR=1.14, 95% CI:0.80-1.64, O vs non-O:OR=1.07, 95% CI:0.86-1.34). Overall, the current study found no relationship between ABO blood group and ovarian reserve. However, additional rigorous, high-quality and multi-indicator studies with large sample sizes are required for further verification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Deng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Mengmeng Jia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Xiaolin Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Zhen Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Dongmei Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Xiaoyu Tian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
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Zhou Z, Zheng D, Wu H, Li R, Xu S, Kang Y, Cao Y, Chen X, Zhu Y, Xu S, Chen ZJ, Mol BW, Qiao J. Epidemiology of infertility in China: a population-based study. BJOG 2017; 125:432-441. [PMID: 29030908 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.14966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Z Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Reproductive Medical Centre; Peking University Third Hospital; Beijing China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction; Ministry of Education; Beijing China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology; Beijing China
| | - D Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Reproductive Medical Centre; Peking University Third Hospital; Beijing China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction; Ministry of Education; Beijing China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology; Beijing China
| | - H Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Reproductive Medical Centre; Peking University Third Hospital; Beijing China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction; Ministry of Education; Beijing China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology; Beijing China
| | - R Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Reproductive Medical Centre; Peking University Third Hospital; Beijing China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction; Ministry of Education; Beijing China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology; Beijing China
| | - S Xu
- Reproductive Medical Centre; The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University; Shijiazhuang China
| | - Y Kang
- Reproductive Medical Centre; Maternal and Children's Health Hospital of Fujian Province; Fuzhou China
| | - Y Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Reproductive Medical Centre; First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University; Hefei China
| | - X Chen
- Reproductive Medical Centre; Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University; Huhhot China
| | - Y Zhu
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology; Women's Hospital; School of Medicine; Zhejiang University; Hangzhou China
| | - S Xu
- Population and Family Planning Research Institute of Heilongjiang Province; Harbin China
| | - Z-J Chen
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine; Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University; Jinan China
| | - BW Mol
- The Robinson Research Institute; School of Medicine; University of Adelaide; Adelaide SA Australia
- The South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute; Adelaide SA Australia
| | - J Qiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Reproductive Medical Centre; Peking University Third Hospital; Beijing China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction; Ministry of Education; Beijing China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology; Beijing China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Genomics; Beijing China
- Peking-Tsinghua Centre for Life Sciences; Peking University; Beijing China
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Endocrine Disruptors Leading to Obesity and Related Diseases. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14101282. [PMID: 29064461 PMCID: PMC5664782 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14101282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The review aims to comprehensively present the impact of exposure to endocrine disruptors (EDs) in relation to the clinical manifestation of obesity and related diseases, including diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, carcinogenesis and infertility. EDs are strong participants in the obesity epidemic scenery by interfering with cellular morphological and biochemical processes; by inducing inflammatory responses; and by presenting transcriptional and oncogenic activity. Obesity and lipotoxicity enhancement occur through reprogramming and/or remodeling of germline epigenome by exposure to EDs. Specific population groups are vulnerable to ED exposure due to current dietary and environmental conditions. Obesity, morbidity and carcinogenicity induced by ED exposure are an evolving reality. Therefore, a new collective strategic approach is deemed essential, for the reappraisal of current global conditions pertaining to energy management.
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Carré J, Gatimel N, Moreau J, Parinaud J, Léandri R. Does air pollution play a role in infertility?: a systematic review. Environ Health 2017; 16:82. [PMID: 28754128 PMCID: PMC5534122 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-017-0291-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air pollution is involved in many pathologies. These pollutants act through several mechanisms that can affect numerous physiological functions, including reproduction: as endocrine disruptors or reactive oxygen species inducers, and through the formation of DNA adducts and/or epigenetic modifications. We conducted a systematic review of the published literature on the impact of air pollution on reproductive function. Eligible studies were selected from an electronic literature search from the PUBMED database from January 2000 to February 2016 and associated references in published studies. Search terms included (1) ovary or follicle or oocyte or testis or testicular or sperm or spermatozoa or fertility or infertility and (2) air quality or O3 or NO2 or PM2.5 or diesel or SO2 or traffic or PM10 or air pollution or air pollutants. The literature search was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We have included the human and animal studies corresponding to the search terms and published in English. We have excluded articles whose results did not concern fertility or gamete function and those focused on cancer or allergy. We have also excluded genetic, auto-immune or iatrogenic causes of reduced reproduction function from our analysis. Finally, we have excluded animal data that does not concern mammals and studies based on results from in vitro culture. Data have been grouped according to the studied pollutants in order to synthetize their impact on fertility and the molecular pathways involved. CONCLUSION Both animal and human epidemiological studies support the idea that air pollutants cause defects during gametogenesis leading to a drop in reproductive capacities in exposed populations. Air quality has an impact on overall health as well as on the reproductive function, so increased awareness of environmental protection issues is needed among the general public and the authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Carré
- Médecine de la Reproduction, CHU Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
| | - Nicolas Gatimel
- Médecine de la Reproduction, CHU Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
- Groupe de Recherche en Fertilité Humaine EA 3694, Université Paul Sabatier, 31059 Toulouse, France
| | - Jessika Moreau
- Médecine de la Reproduction, CHU Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
- Groupe de Recherche en Fertilité Humaine EA 3694, Université Paul Sabatier, 31059 Toulouse, France
| | - Jean Parinaud
- Médecine de la Reproduction, CHU Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
- Groupe de Recherche en Fertilité Humaine EA 3694, Université Paul Sabatier, 31059 Toulouse, France
- Médecine de la Reproduction, CHU Paule de Viguier, 330 avenue de Grande Bretagne, 31059 Toulouse, France
| | - Roger Léandri
- Médecine de la Reproduction, CHU Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
- Groupe de Recherche en Fertilité Humaine EA 3694, Université Paul Sabatier, 31059 Toulouse, France
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30
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Healthy preconception nutrition and lifestyle using personalized mobile health coaching is associated with enhanced pregnancy chance. Reprod Biomed Online 2017; 35:453-460. [PMID: 28688924 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2017.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Revised: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Periconceptional nutrition and lifestyle are essential in pathogenesis and prevention of most reproductive failures, pregnancy outcome and future health. We aimed to investigate whether personalized mobile health (mHealth) coaching empowers couples contemplating pregnancy to increase healthy behaviour and chances of pregnancy. A survey was conducted among 1053 women and 332 male partners who received individual coaching using the mHealth programme 'Smarter Pregnancy' to change poor nutrition and lifestyle for 26 weeks, depending on pregnancy state and gender. Poor behaviours were translated into a total risk score (TRS) and Poisson regression analysis was performed to estimate associations with the chance of pregnancy adjusted for fertility status, age and baseline body mass index expressed as adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). A lower (a)HR suggests a higher chance of achieving pregnancy. A higher TRS was significantly associated with a lower chance of pregnancy in all women (aHR 0.79, 95% CI 0.72-0.85) and (a)HR was lowest in women whose male partner participated (aHR 0.75, 95% CI 0.61-0.91). This survey shows that empowerment of couples in changing poor nutrition and lifestyle using personalized mHealth coaching is associated with an enhanced pregnancy chance in both infertile and fertile couples.
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31
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Zama AM, Bhurke A, Uzumcu M. Effects of Endocrine-disrupting Chemicals on Female Reproductive Health. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.2174/1874070701610010054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are increasingly prevalent in the environment and the evidence demonstrates that they affect reproductive health, has been accumulating for the last few decades. In this review of recent literature, we present evidence of the effects of estrogen-mimicking EDCs on female reproductive health especially the ovaries and uteri. As representative EDCs, data from studies with a pharmaceutical estrogen, diethylstilbestrol (DES), an organochlorine pesticide methoxychlor (MXC), a phytoestrogen (genistein), and a chemical used in plastics, bisphenol a (BPA) have been presented. We also discuss the effects of a commonly found plasticizer in the environment, a phthalate (DEHP), even though it is not a typical estrogenic EDC. Collectively, these studies show that exposures during fetal and neonatal periods cause developmental reprogramming leading to adult reproductive disease. Puberty, estrous cyclicity, ovarian follicular development, and uterine functions are all affected by exposure to these EDCs. Evidence that epigenetic modifications are involved in the progression to adult disease is also presented.
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Cavallini A, Lippolis C, Vacca M, Nardelli C, Castegna A, Arnesano F, Carella N, Depalo R. The Effects of Chronic Lifelong Activation of the AHR Pathway by Industrial Chemical Pollutants on Female Human Reproduction. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0152181. [PMID: 27008165 PMCID: PMC4805276 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental chemicals, such as heavy metals, affect female reproductive function. A biological sensor of the signals of many toxic chemical compounds seems to be the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). Previous studies demonstrated the environmental of heavy metals in Taranto city (Italy), an area that has been influenced by anthropogenic factors such as industrial activities and waste treatments since 1986. However, the impact of these elements on female fertility in this geographic area has never been analyzed. Thus, in the present study, we evaluated the AHR pathway, sex steroid receptor pattern and apoptotic process in granulosa cells (GCs) retrieved from 30 women, born and living in Taranto, and 30 women who are living in non-contaminated areas (control group), who were undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) protocol. In follicular fluids (FFs) of both groups the toxic and essential heavy metals, such as chromiun (Cr), Manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), were also analyzed. Higher levels of Cr, Fe, Zn and Pb were found in the FFs of the women from Taranto as compared to the control group, as were the levels of AHR and AHR-dependent cytochrome P450 1A1 and 1B1; while CYP19A1 expression was decreased. The anti-apoptotic process found in the GCs of women fromTaranto was associated with the highest levels of progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1), a novel progesterone receptor, the expression of which is subjected to AHR activated by its highest affinity ligands (e.g., dioxins) or indirectly by other environmental pollutants, such as heavy metals. In conclusion, decreased production of estradiol and decreased number of retrieved mature oocytes found in women from Taranto could be due to chronic exposure to heavy metals, in particular to Cr and Pb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Cavallini
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Dept. Clinical Pathology, National Institute for Digestive Diseases, IRCCS “Saverio de Bellis”, via Turi 27, 70013, Castellana Grotte (BA), Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Catia Lippolis
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Dept. Clinical Pathology, National Institute for Digestive Diseases, IRCCS “Saverio de Bellis”, via Turi 27, 70013, Castellana Grotte (BA), Italy
| | - Margherita Vacca
- Unit of Pathophysiology of Human Reproduction and Gametes Cryopreservation, Dept. of General Surgery, Gynecology, Obstetrics and Anesthesiology, University Hospital of Bari, Consorziale, Policlinico. piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Claudia Nardelli
- Unit of Pathophysiology of Human Reproduction and Gametes Cryopreservation, Dept. of General Surgery, Gynecology, Obstetrics and Anesthesiology, University Hospital of Bari, Consorziale, Policlinico. piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Castegna
- Dept. of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari “A. Moro”, via E. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Fabio Arnesano
- Dept. of Chemistry, University of Bari “A. Moro”, via E. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Carella
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Dept. Clinical Pathology, National Institute for Digestive Diseases, IRCCS “Saverio de Bellis”, via Turi 27, 70013, Castellana Grotte (BA), Italy
| | - Raffaella Depalo
- Unit of Pathophysiology of Human Reproduction and Gametes Cryopreservation, Dept. of General Surgery, Gynecology, Obstetrics and Anesthesiology, University Hospital of Bari, Consorziale, Policlinico. piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
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Braga DPAF, Setti AS, Iaconelli A, Taitson PF, Borges E. Racial and ethnic differences in assisted reproduction treatment outcomes: the benefit of racial admixture. HUM FERTIL 2015; 18:276-81. [PMID: 26646392 DOI: 10.3109/14647273.2015.1080862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The goal of the present study was to determine whether racial and ethnic differences affect the outcomes of assisted reproductive technology in the Brazilian population. 1497 patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles were split into groups according to the patient's ethnicity: Caucasian (n = 2131), Mestizo (n = 358), Asian (n = 174), Black (n = 115) and Indian (n = 260). ICSI outcomes were compared among the groups. Body mass index was highest in the Black group, followed by the Mestizo, Indian, Caucasian and Asian groups (p > 0.001). The FSH dose (p > 0.001) was highest among Indians, followed by Asians and Caucasians, and the dose was lowest among Blacks and Mestizos. In contrast, the oocyte yield was highest among Mestizos, followed by Indians, Blacks and Caucasians, and lowest among Asians (p = 0.005). The fertilisation rate was highest among Mestizos, followed by Blacks, Indians and Caucasians, whereas Asians had the lowest fertilisation rate (p = 0.004). Pregnancy and implantation rates were also highest among Mestizos, followed by Blacks, Indians and Caucasians, whereas the Asian patients had the lowest rates (p = 0.008 and p > 0.001, respectively). In conclusion, our evidence suggests a possible beneficial effect of racial admixture on ICSI outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Paes Almeida Ferreira Braga
- a Fertility - Medical Group, Av. Brigadeiro Luis Antônio , São Paulo , Brazil.,b Instituto Sapientiae - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Assistida , Rua Vieira Maciel, São Paulo , Brazil.,c Disciplina de Urologia, Área de Reprodução Humana, Departamento de Cirurgia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo. - UNIFESP , Rua Embaú, São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Amanda S Setti
- a Fertility - Medical Group, Av. Brigadeiro Luis Antônio , São Paulo , Brazil.,b Instituto Sapientiae - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Assistida , Rua Vieira Maciel, São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Assumpto Iaconelli
- a Fertility - Medical Group, Av. Brigadeiro Luis Antônio , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Paulo Franco Taitson
- d Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde , Av. Dom José Gaspar, Belo Horizonte - MG - Brazil
| | - Edson Borges
- a Fertility - Medical Group, Av. Brigadeiro Luis Antônio , São Paulo , Brazil.,b Instituto Sapientiae - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Assistida , Rua Vieira Maciel, São Paulo , Brazil
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Gün I, Özdamar Ö, Şahin S, Akpak YK, Sofuoğlu K. Is there any effect of oocyte count retrieved in the OPU procedure on pregnancy outcomes? J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2015; 36:416-9. [PMID: 26467556 DOI: 10.3109/01443615.2015.1090416] [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: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to investigate whether the number of oocytes retrieved during ovum pick-up has any effect on pregnancy outcomes when using the gonadotropin-releasing hormone or GnRH long agonist or antagonist protocols. A retrospective study was conducted between 2012 and 2014. The patients were grouped according to the number of oocytes retrieved at ovum pick-up; < 10 oocytes (Group 1), 10-14 oocytes (Group 2) and ≥ 15 oocytes (Group 3). Biochemical pregnancy rates were compared among the three groups. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA test for continuous variables and chi-square test for categorical variables. In total, 825 treatment cycles were included in the study. Groups 1, 2 and 3 consisted of 514, 206 and 105 patients, respectively. There was no difference among the three groups regarding biochemical pregnancy rates (22.8%, 28.6% and 28.6%; p = 0.166, respectively). The results of our study suggest that the number of eggs retrieved has no effect on pregnancy outcome in assisted reproductive technology treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Gün
- a GATA Haydarpasa Training Hospital , Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Assisted Reproduction and Endocrinology , İstanbul , Turkey
| | - Ö Özdamar
- b Gölcük Military Hospital , Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Kocaeli , Turkey
| | - S Şahin
- c Zeynep Kamil Women's Health and Hospital , Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Assisted Reproduction and Endocrinology , Istanbul , Turkey
| | - Y K Akpak
- d Ankara Mevki Military Hospital , Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Ankara , Turkey
| | - K Sofuoğlu
- c Zeynep Kamil Women's Health and Hospital , Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Assisted Reproduction and Endocrinology , Istanbul , Turkey
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Guimarães MT, Cunha MG, Carvalho DP, Ribeiro TS, Martins LC, Braga ALF, Pereira LAA. Influence of environmental contamination on pregnancy outcomes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:14950-14959. [PMID: 26002366 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-4704-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to compare pregnancy outcomes in four contaminated areas to those observed in a non-contaminated area of similar socioeconomic status. A cross-sectional study was carried out. A structured and pre-tested questionnaire was administered to population-based samples of 788-920 families in each of the five studied areas. The exposure assessment used was an ecological measure. Using logistic regression, odds of several pregnancies outcomes (pregnancy occurrence, miscarriage, stillbirth, prematurity, low birth weight, congenital malformation, and multiple births) were estimated after adjustment for potential confounders such as socioeconomic, demographic, and substance abuse factors. We adopted a statistical significance level of 5 %. In three of the four exposed areas, pregnancy occurrence was reduced in comparison to the control area (Area 2, odds ratio (OR) = 0.68, 95 % CI = 0.54-0.86; Area 3, OR = 0.76, 95 % CI = 0.60-0.97; Area 4, OR = 0.71, 95 % CI = 0.56-0.90). Also, a significantly increased odds of miscarriage for living in Area 3 (OR = 1.83, 95 % CI = 1.07-3.12) was found. The other pregnancy outcomes were not significantly elevated in the exposed areas. In conclusion, this study shows evidence of reduced pregnancy occurrence and increased miscarriage occurrence in some of the contaminated areas, compared to the control area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Tavares Guimarães
- Environmental Epidemiology Study Group, Laboratory of Experimental Air Pollution, Department of Pathology, University of São Paulo Faculty of Medical Sciences, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 455 s1304 Cerqueira César, CEP: 01246-903, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
- School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715 s.204, Pacaembu, CEP: 01246-904, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Michele Granato Cunha
- Environmental Exposure and Risk Assessment Group, Collective Health Post-graduation Program, Catholic University of Santos, Av. Conselheiro Nébias, 300 Vila Matias, CEP: 11015-002, Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniele Pena Carvalho
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Laboratory of Radioisotopes Eduardo Penna Franca, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, CCS, CEP: 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Tatyana Sampaio Ribeiro
- Environmental Epidemiology Study Group, Laboratory of Experimental Air Pollution, Department of Pathology, University of São Paulo Faculty of Medical Sciences, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 455 s1304 Cerqueira César, CEP: 01246-903, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Lourdes Conceição Martins
- Environmental Exposure and Risk Assessment Group, Collective Health Post-graduation Program, Catholic University of Santos, Av. Conselheiro Nébias, 300 Vila Matias, CEP: 11015-002, Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Alfésio Luís Ferreira Braga
- Environmental Epidemiology Study Group, Laboratory of Experimental Air Pollution, Department of Pathology, University of São Paulo Faculty of Medical Sciences, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 455 s1304 Cerqueira César, CEP: 01246-903, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Environmental Exposure and Risk Assessment Group, Collective Health Post-graduation Program, Catholic University of Santos, Av. Conselheiro Nébias, 300 Vila Matias, CEP: 11015-002, Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Luiz Alberto Amador Pereira
- Environmental Epidemiology Study Group, Laboratory of Experimental Air Pollution, Department of Pathology, University of São Paulo Faculty of Medical Sciences, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 455 s1304 Cerqueira César, CEP: 01246-903, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Environmental Exposure and Risk Assessment Group, Collective Health Post-graduation Program, Catholic University of Santos, Av. Conselheiro Nébias, 300 Vila Matias, CEP: 11015-002, Santos, SP, Brazil
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In vitro fertilization embryo development from caffeine-treated murine sperm. Reprod Med Biol 2015; 14:117-121. [PMID: 29259408 DOI: 10.1007/s12522-015-0203-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the effect of long-term caffeine administration on murine sperm and subsequent in vitro fertilization (IVF). Methods Male mice were injected with various doses (0, 0.2 and 1.0 mg/mouse/day) of caffeine for 1 month. After sperm collection, the IVF rate and embryo development to the blastocyst stage were evaluated. Results The mean body weight significantly decreased in the 1.0 mg/day treatment group compared to the control group (P < 0.01). Testicular weight and histological features did not differ, and total blood testosterone was no different in spite of the difference between 0.2 and 1.0 mg/day of caffeine. The IVF rate differed significantly between the control group [100/105 (95.2 %)] and 0.2 mg/day group [106/121 (87.6 %)] (P < 0.05). Furthermore, blastocyst formation was significantly and dose-dependently lower with higher caffeine levels: control group: 85/100 (85.0 %); 0.2 mg/day group: 84/106 (79.2 %) (P < 0.05); 1.0 mg/day group: 64/102 (62.7 %) (P < 0.001). Conclusions Caffeine treatment affected body weight of male mice. However, testicular weight, histological features and total blood testosterone concentration were not statistically different. In addition, following IVF using sperm from these mice, blastocyst formation decreased in a dose-dependent manner. These findings suggest that embryo development from oocytes fertilized with sperm from caffeine-administered male mice is negatively affected.
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Rossi BV, Abusief M, Missmer SA. Modifiable Risk Factors and Infertility: What are the Connections? Am J Lifestyle Med 2014; 10:220-231. [PMID: 27594813 DOI: 10.1177/1559827614558020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a relatively common condition, greatly affecting couples medically and psychologically. Although infertility treatment is safe, it can be time-intensive, expensive and increase the risk of multiple gestations. Thus, to reduce costs and risks, couples may initially consider lifestyle change to increase their fertility and chances of pregnancy. For many of the diet factors studied (for example: caffeine, soy, protein, iron), there are conflicting data. However, there are some items men and women consume that are detrimental to fertility, such as alcohol and tobacco. The data on exercise are varied but may have an effect on ovulation and fertility - positive or negative. Body mass index appears to impact fertility also, with obesity in both men and women negatively affecting pregnancy rates. In addition, there remains concern and a growing body of research on environmental toxin exposures and reproductive health. Finally, supporting patients through infertility diagnosis and treatment is critical, as psychological stress may impact conception. It is imperative that the relationship between lifestyle factors and fertility continue to be explored as to lessen the morbidity associated with infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke V Rossi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals/Case Western Reserve School of Medicine. 1000 Auburn Drive, Suite 310, Beachwood, OH 44122. 216-285-5028
| | - Mary Abusief
- Fertility Physicians of Northern California, Palo Alto, CA 94301
| | - Stacey A Missmer
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology; Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Boston, Massachusetts 02115; Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
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Tanrıkut E, Karaer A, Celik O, Celik E, Otlu B, Yilmaz E, Ozgul O. Role of endometrial concentrations of heavy metals (cadmium, lead, mercury and arsenic) in the aetiology of unexplained infertility. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2014; 179:187-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2014.05.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2014] [Revised: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 05/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Kumar D, Salian SR, Kalthur G, Uppangala S, Kumari S, Challapalli S, Chandraguthi SG, Jain N, Krishnamurthy H, Kumar P, Adiga SK. Association between sperm DNA integrity and seminal plasma antioxidant levels in health workers occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2014; 132:297-304. [PMID: 24834825 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Revised: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/10/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
There is a paucity of data regarding the association between occupational radiation exposure and risk to human fertility. Recently, we provided the first evidence on altered sperm functional characteristics, DNA damage and hypermethylation in radiation health workers. However, there is no report elucidating the association between seminal plasma antioxidants and sperm chromatin integrity in occupationally exposed subjects. Here, we assessed the seminal plasma antioxidants and lipid peroxidation level in 83 men who were occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation and then correlated with the sperm chromatin integrity. Flow cytometry based sperm chromatin integrity assay revealed a significant decline in αt value in the exposed group in comparison to the non-exposed group (P<0.0001). Similarly, both total and reduced glutathione levels and total antioxidant capacity in the seminal plasma were significantly higher in exposed group than the non-exposed group (P<0.01, 0.001 and 0.0001, respectively). However, superoxide dismutase level and malondialdehyde level, which is an indicator of lipid peroxidation in the seminal plasma, did not differ significantly between two groups. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and GSH level exhibited a positive correlation with sperm DNA integrity in exposed subjects. To conclude, this study distinctly shows that altered sperm chromatin integrity in radiation health workers is associated with increase in seminal plasma antioxidant level. Further, the increased seminal plasma GSH and TAC could be an adaptive measure to tackle the oxidative stress to protect genetic and functional sperm deformities in radiation health workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayanidhi Kumar
- Division of Clinical Embryology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Sujith Raj Salian
- Division of Clinical Embryology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Guruprasad Kalthur
- Division of Clinical Embryology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Shubhashree Uppangala
- Division of Clinical Embryology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Sandhya Kumari
- Division of Clinical Embryology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal 576104, India
| | | | | | - Navya Jain
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | | | - Pratap Kumar
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, India
| | - Satish Kumar Adiga
- Division of Clinical Embryology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal 576104, India.
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Ryan A, Wang S, Alvero R, Polotsky AJ. Prolonged gonadotropin stimulation for assisted reproductive technology cycles is associated with decreased pregnancy rates for all women except for women with polycystic ovary syndrome. J Assist Reprod Genet 2014; 31:837-42. [PMID: 24865669 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-014-0253-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine if etiology of infertility modifies the relationship between the duration of ovarian stimulation and success during assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles. METHODS A prospectively collected database was analyzed in an academic infertility practice. Eight hundred and twelve infertile women undergoing their initial fresh embryo, non-donor in vitro fertilization (IVF) or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection ICSI) cycle between January 1999 and December 2010 were evaluated. Clinical pregnancy was the main outcome measured. RESULTS Out of 663 cycles resulting in oocyte retrieval, 299 produced a clinical pregnancy (45.1%). Women who achieved a clinical pregnancy had a significantly shorter stimulation length (11.9 vs. 12.1 days, p = 0.047). Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was the only etiology of infertility that was significantly associated with a higher chance for clinical pregnancy and was a significant confounder for the association of duration and success of treatment. Women with 13 days or longer of stimulation had a 34 % lower chance of clinical pregnancy as compared to those who had a shorter cycle (OR 0.66, 95% CI:0.46-0.95) after adjustment for age, ovarian reserve, number of oocytes retrieved, embryos transferred and PCOS diagnosis. CONCLUSION Prolonged duration of stimulation is associated with decreased ART success for all couples, except for women with PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Ryan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO 12631 East 17th Avenue, Mail Stop B198-3, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
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Abstract
Infertility is a major, multifaceted issue worldwide whose prevalence is increasing in both high- and low-income countries. The reasons are numerous, and may differ among world regions, but lifestyle and nutritional factors, epidemic infections, and sexually transmitted diseases are major determinants in most latitudes. Three other reasons may explain the increasing incidence of infertility. First, owing to the widespread use of contraception, the choice of delaying the first pregnancy until the third decade of life places men and women at higher risk for sexually transmitted diseases, and women at higher risk for uterine fibroids, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, and chronic anovulation. Second, prolonged exposure to chronic stress and environmental pollutants may play a critical role in decreasing fertility. Third, gonadotoxic oncologic treatments allow many patients to survive cancer, at the cost of their fertility. This consideration may justify the development of treatments that preserve fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felice Petraglia
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena, Policlinico "Le Scotte", Siena, Italy.
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Xia Y, Chen M, Zhu P, Lu C, Fu G, Zhou X, Chen D, Wang H, Hang B, Wang S, Zhou Z, Sha J, Wang X. Urinary phytoestrogen levels related to idiopathic male infertility in Chinese men. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2013; 59:161-167. [PMID: 23820060 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2013.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2012] [Revised: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 06/14/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Phytoestrogens (PEs) are naturally occurring chemical constituents of certain plants. The internal PE exposures, mainly from diet, vary among different populations and in different regions due to various eating habits. To investigate the potential relationship between urinary PE levels and idiopathic male infertility and semen quality in Chinese adult males, 608 idiopathic infertile men and 469 fertile controls were recruited by eligibility screening procedures. Individual exposure to PEs was measured using UPLC-MS/MS as spot urinary concentrations of 6 PEs (daidzein, DAI; equol, EQU; genistein, GEN; naringenin, NAR; coumestrol, COU; and secoisolariciresinol, SEC), which were adjusted with urinary creatinine (CR). Semen quality was assessed by sperm concentration, number per ejaculum and motility. We found that exposures to DAI, GEN and SEC were significantly associated with idiopathic male infertility (P-value for trend=0.036; 0.002; and 0.0001, respectively), while these exposures had stronger association with infertile subjects with at least one abnormal semen parameter than those with all normal semen parameters. Exposures to DAI, GEN and SEC were also related to idiopathic male infertility with abnormal sperm concentration, number per ejaculum and motility (P-value for trend<0.05), while these exposures had stronger association with the infertile men with abnormal sperm number per ejaculum. These findings provide the evidence that PE exposures are related to male reproductive function and raise a public health concern because that exposure to PEs is ubiquitous in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yankai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
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Kumar D, Salian SR, Kalthur G, Uppangala S, Kumari S, Challapalli S, Chandraguthi SG, Krishnamurthy H, Jain N, Kumar P, Adiga SK. Semen abnormalities, sperm DNA damage and global hypermethylation in health workers occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation. PLoS One 2013; 8:e69927. [PMID: 23922858 PMCID: PMC3726700 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0069927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Accepted: 06/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cytogenetic studies have demonstrated that low levels of chronic radiation exposure can potentially increase the frequency of chromosomal aberrations and aneuploidy in somatic cells. Epidemiological studies have shown that health workers occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation bear an increased risk of hematological malignancies. OBJECTIVES To find the influence of occupational radiation exposure on semen characteristics, including genetic and epigenetic integrity of spermatozoa in a chronically exposed population. METHODS This cross sectional study included 134 male volunteers of which 83 were occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation and 51 were non-exposed control subjects. Semen characteristics, sperm DNA fragmentation, aneuploidy and incidence of global hypermethylation in the spermatozoa were determined and compared between the non-exposed and the exposed group. RESULTS Direct comparison of the semen characteristics between the non-exposed and the exposed population revealed significant differences in motility characteristics, viability, and morphological abnormalities (P<0.05-0.0001). Although, the level of sperm DNA fragmentation was significantly higher in the exposed group as compared to the non-exposed group (P<0.05-0.0001), the incidence of sperm aneuploidy was not statistically different between the two groups. However, a significant number of hypermethylated spermatozoa were observed in the exposed group in comparison to non-exposed group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS We provide the first evidence on the detrimental effects of occupational radiation exposure on functional, genetic and epigenetic integrity of sperm in health workers. However, further studies are required to confirm the potential detrimental effects of ionizing radiation in these subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayanidhi Kumar
- Division of Clinical Embryology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, India
| | - Sujith Raj Salian
- Division of Clinical Embryology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, India
| | - Guruprasad Kalthur
- Division of Clinical Embryology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, India
| | - Shubhashree Uppangala
- Division of Clinical Embryology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, India
| | - Sandhya Kumari
- Division of Clinical Embryology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, India
| | | | | | | | - Navya Jain
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Pratap Kumar
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, India
| | - Satish Kumar Adiga
- Division of Clinical Embryology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, India
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Kim D, Bloom MS, Parsons PJ, Fitzgerald EF, Bell EM, Steuerwald AJ, Fujimoto VY. A pilot study of seafood consumption and exposure to mercury, lead, cadmium and arsenic among infertile couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2013; 36:30-4. [PMID: 23538324 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2013.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2012] [Accepted: 02/08/2013] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
This cross-sectional pilot study was conducted to assess environmental exposures to toxic elements through seafood consumption, among infertile couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Twenty-five women and 15 men completed a questionnaire, and provided biologic specimens for quantification of Hg, Pb, Cd, and As using ICP-MS. Consumption of 'mollusks' and 'shellfish' are associated with increased blood Hg. Other seafood consumption predicts blood Pb, and urine Cd and As. Though limited by small numbers and the cross-sectional design, these results suggest that consumption of specific seafood items increases exposure to toxic elements in couples undergoing IVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongsul Kim
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
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Zama AM, Uzumcu M. Targeted genome-wide methylation and gene expression analyses reveal signaling pathways involved in ovarian dysfunction after developmental EDC exposure in rats. Biol Reprod 2013; 88:52. [PMID: 23303685 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.112.104802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Transient exposure to methoxychlor (MXC), an environmental endocrine-disrupting chemical, during fetal and neonatal stages causes ovarian dysfunction in pubertal, adult, and aging animals. Adult animals have reduced number of ovulations and abnormal follicular composition associated with altered gene expression and DNA methylation patterns. To test the hypothesis that the ovarian epigenomic changes induced by MXC are detectable following the exposure period, leading to altered gene expression by adulthood, we conducted a targeted genome-wide methylation study using Nimblegen 3x720K CpG Island Plus RefSeq Promoter Arrays. Control (vehicle), low-dose MXC (20 μg/kg/day), or high-dose MXC (100 mg/kg/day) treatments were administered between Embryonic Day 19 and Postnatal Day (PND) 7. Ovaries were collected at PND 7 immediately after exposure or at adulthood, PND 60. Array hybridizations were conducted with genomic DNA after methylated DNA immunoprecipitation and the array data were analyzed. DNA methylation events were functionally annotated, and candidate loci common to all the treatments or unique to some treatments were identified. Specific loci encoding signaling molecules such as the regulatory subunit p85 of phosphoinositide-3-kinase, insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor, Harvey rat sarcoma viral oncogene, insulin receptor, and forkhead box protein O3 were identified to be hypermethylated in MXC-treated ovaries at PND 7 and/or PND 60. Examination of gene expression changes with TaqMan low-density arrays revealed that nearly 25% of the genes that were assayed were downregulated. These data demonstrate that key molecules in specific signaling pathways such as PTEN signaling, IGF-1 signaling, or rapid estrogen signaling are epigenetically altered in MXC-exposed ovaries, which is associated with ovarian dysfunction and female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Mahakali Zama
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
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Bloom MS, Kim K, Kruger PC, Parsons PJ, Arnason JG, Steuerwald AJ, Fujimoto VY. Associations between toxic metals in follicular fluid and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. J Assist Reprod Genet 2012; 29:1369-79. [PMID: 23229520 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-012-9882-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2012] [Accepted: 10/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We previously reported associations between trace concentrations of Hg, Cd and Pb in blood and urine and reproductive outcomes for women undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Here we assess measurements in single follicular fluid (FF) specimens from 46 women as a presumably more relevant marker of dose for reproductive toxicity. METHODS FF specimens were analyzed for Hg, Cd and Pb using sector field-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (SF-ICP-MS). Variability sources were assessed by nested ANOVA. Multivariable regression was used to evaluate associations for square root transformed metals with IVF outcomes, adjusting for confounders. RESULTS An inverse association is detected for FF Pb and fertilization (relative risk (RR) = 0.68, P = 0.026), although positive for Cd (RR = 9.05, P = 0.025). While no other statistically significant associations are detected, odds ratios (OR) are increased for embryo cleavage with Hg (OR = 3.83, P = 0.264) and Cd (OR = 3.18, P = 0.644), and for embryo fragmentation with Cd (OR = 4.08, P = 0.586) and Pb (OR = 2.22, P = 0.220). Positive estimates are observed for Cd with biochemical (RR = 19.02, P = 0.286) and clinical pregnancies (RR = 38.80, P = 0.212), yet with very low precision. CONCLUSIONS We have identified associations between trace amounts of Pb and Cd in FF from a single follicle, and oocyte fertilization. Yet, the likelihood of biological variation in trace element concentrations within and between follicles, coupled with levels that are near the limits of detection suggest that future work should examine multiple follicles using a 'one follicle-one oocyte/embryo' approach. A larger study is merited to assess more definitively the role that these environmental factors could play with respect to egg quality in IVF programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Bloom
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, School of Public Health Rm. #157, One University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA.
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Qu F, Zhou J, Bovey M, Franconi G, Chan K, Smith C, Jiang D, Robinson N. Does acupuncture improve the outcome of in vitro fertilization? Guidance for future trials. Eur J Integr Med 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2012.07.978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Kumari A, Yadav SK, Ali S. Organizational and functional status of the Y-linked genes and loci in the infertile patients having normal spermiogram. PLoS One 2012; 7:e41488. [PMID: 22844483 PMCID: PMC3402420 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0041488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2012] [Accepted: 06/21/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Male fertility is an orchestrated interplay of loci on the Y chromosome with a number of genes from across the other chromosomes. In this context, micro-deletions in the Y chromosome have been correlated with spermatogenic failure often leading to infertility. However, causes of infertility in the patients with the normal spermiogram have remained unclear and therefore pose another level of challenge. In the present study, we analyzed 64 STSs, studied different Y-linked genes and loci and conducted single nucleotide variant (SNV) analyses in 31 infertile males with normal spermiogram along with 67 normal fertile males (NFMs) to gain an insight into the organization of their Y chromosome. Further, employing quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), we studied copy number variation of DYZ1 arrays and three genes and mutational status of SRY by direct sequence analyses. STS analyses of the AZFa, b and c regions in these patients showed known and new mutations. Further, copies of DAZ and BPY2 in the patients were found to be affected compared to those in NFMs. All the patients had normal copy number of the SRY however its sequence analysis (in silico) showed mutations in eight patients. In four of these eight patients, SRY mutations resulted into truncated proteins. Similarly, DYZ1 analysis showed micro-deletions and it's much reduced copy number as compared to those in NFMs. Present study in males with unexplained infertility revealed deletions similar to those observed in oligospermic and azoospermic patients. Thus, there are some common but still unknown factors underlying infertility in these patients irrespective of their spermatogenic status. This work is envisaged to augment DNA diagnosis, proving beneficial in the context of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and genetic counselling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sher Ali
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, India
- * E-mail:
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Beker van Woudenberg A, Gröllers-Mulderij M, Snel C, Jeurissen N, Stierum R, Wolterbeek A. The bovine oocyte in vitro maturation model: a potential tool for reproductive toxicology screening. Reprod Toxicol 2012; 34:251-60. [PMID: 22664270 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2012.05.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2012] [Revised: 05/15/2012] [Accepted: 05/25/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive toxicity testing according to the present guidelines requires a high number of animals. Therefore, the development of alternative in vitro methods is urgently required. The aim of the present study was to investigate the applicability domain of the bovine oocyte in vitro maturation assay (bIVM) to study female reproductive toxicology. Therefore, bovine oocytes were exposed to a broad set of chemicals of two distinct biological function groups: (a) affecting female fertility and (b) affecting embryonic development and having a broad range of physical and chemical properties. The endpoints evaluated were the oocyte nuclear maturation (progression of meiosis) and general cytotoxicity. The oocyte nuclear maturation was negatively affected by all compounds tested and the effect was observed at concentrations lower than the cytotoxic ones. The bIVM assay correctly predicted the classification of compounds between those predefined groups. Additionally, the bIVM model contributes significantly for the 3R principle, since no test animals are used in this assay. In conclusion, the bIVM is a sensitive and valuable alternative assay to identify potential chemical hazard on female fertility.
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