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Gunes S, Metin Mahmutoglu A, Hekim N. Epigenetics of nonobstructive azoospermia. Asian J Androl 2024:00129336-990000000-00238. [PMID: 39225008 DOI: 10.4103/aja202463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a severe and heterogeneous form of male factor infertility caused by dysfunction of spermatogenesis. Although various factors are well defined in the disruption of spermatogenesis, not all aspects due to the heterogeneity of the disorder have been determined yet. In this review, we focus on the recent findings and summarize the current data on epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation and different metabolites produced during methylation and demethylation and various types of small noncoding RNAs involved in the pathogenesis of different groups of NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sezgin Gunes
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical Faculty, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun 55139, Türkiye
| | - Asli Metin Mahmutoglu
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical Faculty, Yozgat Bozok University, Yozgat 66100, Türkiye
| | - Neslihan Hekim
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical Faculty, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun 55139, Türkiye
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2
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Ozsait-Selcuk B, Bulgurcuoglu-Kuran S, Sever-Kaya D, Coban N, Aktan G, Kadioglu A. Sperm RNA quantity and PRM1, PRM2, and TH2B transcript levels reflect sperm characteristics and early embryonic development. Asian J Androl 2024:00129336-990000000-00233. [PMID: 39187928 DOI: 10.4103/aja202452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Spermatozoa have a highly complex RNA profile. Several of these transcripts are suggested as biomarkers for male infertility and contribute to early development. To analyze the differences between sperm RNA quantity and expression of protamine (PRM1 and PRM2) and testis-specific histone 2B (TH2B) genes, spermatozoa from 33 patients who enrolled in assisted reproduction treatment (ART) program were analyzed. Sperm RNA of teratozoospermic (T), oligoteratozoospermic (OT), and normozoospermic (N) samples was extracted, and the differences in transcript levels among the study groups were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The correlations of total RNA per spermatozoon and the expression of the transcripts were evaluated in relation to sperm characteristics and preimplantation embryo development. The mean (±standard deviation) RNA amount per spermatozoon was 28.48 (±23.03) femtogram in the overall group and was significantly higher in the OT group than that in N and T groups. Total sperm RNA and gene expression of PRM1 and PRM2 genes were related to preimplantation embryo development and developmental arrest. Specific sperm characteristics were correlated with the expressions of PRM1, PRM2, or TH2B genes. We conclude that the sperm RNA amount and composition are important factors and might influence early embryonic development and also differ in different cases of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilge Ozsait-Selcuk
- Department of Genetics, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34093, Türkiye
- Department of Medical Genetics, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34093, Türkiye
| | - Sibel Bulgurcuoglu-Kuran
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34093, Türkiye
| | - Dilek Sever-Kaya
- Department of Genetics, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34093, Türkiye
- Clinical Nutrition and Microbiota Research Laboratory, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34093, Türkiye
| | - Neslihan Coban
- Department of Genetics, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34093, Türkiye
| | - Gulsen Aktan
- Division of Andrology, Department of Urology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34093, Türkiye
| | - Ates Kadioglu
- Division of Andrology, Department of Urology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34093, Türkiye
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3
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Maghraby H, Elsuity MA, Adel N, Magdi Y, Abdelbadie AS, Rashwan MM, Ahmed OY, Elmahdy M, Khan KS, Fawzy M. Quantifying the association of sperm DNA fragmentation with assisted reproductive technology outcomes: An umbrella review. BJOG 2024; 131:1181-1196. [PMID: 38450853 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17796] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are instrumental in shaping clinical practice. However, their findings can sometimes be marred by discrepancies and potential biases, thereby diluting the strength of the evidence presented. Umbrella reviews serve to comprehensively assess and synthesise these reviews, offering a clearer insight into the quality of the evidence presented. In the context of the relationship between sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) and assisted conception outcomes, there is a divergence in the literature. Some reviews suggest a clear cause-and-effect linkage, whereas others present conflicting or inconclusive results. OBJECTIVES In this umbrella review we aimed to synthesise the evidence collated in systematic reviews and meta-analyses summarising the association of SDF with assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes. SEARCH STRATEGY After preregistration (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/6JHDP), we performed a comprehensive search of the PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Embase databases. We conducted a search for systematic reviews on the association between SDF and ART without any restrictions on language or publication date. SELECTION CRITERIA Systematic reviews and meta-analyses assessing the association between SDF and ART outcomes were eligible. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We assessed the quality of the included reviews using AMSTAR 2 and ROBIS, and determined the degree of overlap of primary studies between reviews estimating the corrected covered area (CCA), adjusted for structural missingness. We evaluated the most recent reviews assessing the association of SDF with live birth, pregnancy, miscarriage, implantation, blastulation and fertilisation. The synthesis of evidence was harmonised across all included quantitative syntheses, re-estimating the odds ratio (eOR) in random-effects meta-analyses with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) and 95% prediction intervals (95% PIs). We categorised the evidence strength into convincing, highly suggestive, suggestive, weak or nonsignificant, according to the meta-analysis re-estimated P-value, total sample size, I2 statistic for heterogeneity, small study effect, excess significance bias and the largest study significance. MAIN RESULTS We initially captured and screened 49 332 records. After excluding duplicate and ineligible articles, 22 systematic reviews, 15 of which were meta-analyses, were selected. The 22 reviews showed a moderate degree of overlap (adjusted CCA 9.2%) in their included studies (overall n = 428, with 180 unique studies). The 15 meta-analyses exhibited a high degree of overlap (adjusted CCA = 13.6%) in their included studies (overall n = 274, with 118 unique studies). AMSTAR 2 categorised the quality of evidence in 18 reviews as critically low and the quality of evidence in four reviews as low. ROBIS categorised all the reviews as having a high risk of bias. The re-estimated results showed that the association of SDF with live birth was weak in one and nonsignificant in four meta-analyses. Similarly, the association of SDF with pregnancy, miscarriage, implantation, blastulation and fertilisation was also weak or nonsignificant. The association of high SDF with different ART outcomes was also weak or nonsignificant for different interventions (IVF, ICSI and IUI) and tests. CONCLUSIONS This umbrella review did not find convincing or suggestive evidence linking SDF with ART outcomes. Caution should be exercised in making any claims, policies or recommendations concerning SDF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Maghraby
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
- Egyptian Foundation for Reproductive Medicine and Embryology (EFRE), Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mohamad AlaaEldein Elsuity
- Egyptian Foundation for Reproductive Medicine and Embryology (EFRE), Alexandria, Egypt
- Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology Department, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
- Ibnsina, Ajyal, Qena, Amshag IVF Facilities, Sohag and Assiut, Egypt
| | - Nehal Adel
- Egyptian Foundation for Reproductive Medicine and Embryology (EFRE), Alexandria, Egypt
- Madina Fertility Centre, Madina Women's Hospital, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Yasmin Magdi
- Egyptian Foundation for Reproductive Medicine and Embryology (EFRE), Alexandria, Egypt
- Al-Yasmeen Fertility and Gynaecology Centre, Benha, Qalubyia, Egypt
| | - Amr S Abdelbadie
- Egyptian Foundation for Reproductive Medicine and Embryology (EFRE), Alexandria, Egypt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt
| | - Mosab M Rashwan
- Ibnsina, Ajyal, Qena, Amshag IVF Facilities, Sohag and Assiut, Egypt
- Forensic Medicine & Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Ola Youssef Ahmed
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
- Egyptian Foundation for Reproductive Medicine and Embryology (EFRE), Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Elmahdy
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
- Egyptian Foundation for Reproductive Medicine and Embryology (EFRE), Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Khalid S Khan
- Centre for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health Network (CIBERESP), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Mohamed Fawzy
- Egyptian Foundation for Reproductive Medicine and Embryology (EFRE), Alexandria, Egypt
- Ibnsina, Ajyal, Qena, Amshag IVF Facilities, Sohag and Assiut, Egypt
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Hallam J, Burton P, Sanders K. Poor Sperm Chromatin Condensation Is Associated with Cryopreservation-Induced DNA Fragmentation and Cell Death in Human Spermatozoa. J Clin Med 2024; 13:4156. [PMID: 39064196 PMCID: PMC11277714 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13144156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Semen cryopreservation is routinely performed in fertility clinics for a variety of reasons, including fertility preservation and storage of donor sperm, yet the freeze-thaw process leads to cellular damage via ice crystal formation, osmotic shock, and supraphysiological levels of oxidative stress. Sperm resistance to damage during the freeze-thaw process varies widely, yet the intrinsic factors associated with sperm cryotolerance are largely unknown. The study aimed to investigate whether poor chromatin condensation renders sperm vulnerable to DNA fragmentation and cell death induced by the freeze-thaw process. Methods: Participants (n = 51) from the general community who met the inclusion criteria collected a semen sample after 3-8 days of abstinence. Neat semen samples underwent traditional semen analysis, aniline blue (AB)-eosin staining for chromatin condensation, the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay for DNA fragmentation, and the Annexin V assay for apoptosis/necrosis, prior to being cryopreserved using the liquid nitrogen vapour method and stored at -196 °C. Stored samples were later thawed at room temperature and processed using density gradient centrifugation. Motile sperm concentration, DNA fragmentation and apoptosis/necrosis were analysed in post-thaw samples. Results: As indicated by a significant interaction effect in linear mixed models, an increased proportion of AB-positive sperm in the pre-freeze sample exacerbated the adverse effect of freezing on sperm DNA fragmentation (p = 0.004), late apoptosis (p = 0.007), and necrosis (p = 0.007). AB-staining was positively correlated with all three parameters in the post-thaw sample (all rs ≥ 0.424, all p < 0.01) and remained significant after adjusting for neat sperm concentration (all partial rs ≥ 0.493, all p < 0.01). Similarly, AB-staining was significantly correlated with the percentage point change in sperm DNA fragmentation (rs = 0.366, p = 0.014) and necrosis (rs = 0.403, p = 0.009), both of which remained significant after adjusting for neat sperm concentration (both partial rs ≥ 0.404, both p < 0.01), and borderline significantly correlated with percentage point change in late apoptosis (rs = 0.307, p = 0.051). Conclusions: Sperm with poorly condensed chromatin may be more susceptible to cellular damage during the freeze-thaw process, independent of pre-freeze sperm concentration. These findings may help to explain the intrinsic variation in sperm resistance to cryodamage within and between individuals that is poorly understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Hallam
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia;
| | - Peter Burton
- Concept Fertility Centre, Subiaco, WA 6008, Australia;
| | - Katherine Sanders
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia;
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Firouzabadi AM, Henkel R, Tofighi Niaki M, Fesahat F. Adverse Effects of Nicotine on Human Sperm Nuclear Proteins. World J Mens Health 2024; 42:42.e66. [PMID: 39028130 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.240072] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The effects of smoking on human health have long been documented. However, only a few studies have highlighted the direct effects of nicotine on sperm function. Nicotine, as a chemical compound found in tobacco, has been shown to modulate different aspects of spermatogenesis and sperm functions. Nicotine can lead to a reduction in the number of sperm, their motility and functionality. It can change the molecular expressions involved in sperm function, including genes encoding sperm nuclear proteins. The most important nuclear proteins that play a critical role in sperm function are known as H2B histone family, member W, testis-specific (H2BFWT), transition protein 1 (TNP1), transition protein 2 (TNP2), protamine-1 (PRM1), and protamine-2 (PRM2). These proteins are involved in sperm chromatin condensation, which in turn affects fertilization and embryonic development. Any alteration in the expression of these genes due to nicotine exposure/usage may lead to adverse implications in couples' fertility and the health of future generations. Since research in this area is still relatively new, it underscores the importance of understanding the potential side effects of environmental factors such as nicotine on reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Masoud Firouzabadi
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Ralf Henkel
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
- LogixX Pharma Ltd., Theale, Berkshire, UK
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Maryam Tofighi Niaki
- Health Reproductive Research Center, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Fesahat
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
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Amor H, Juhasz-Böss I, Bibi R, Hammadeh ME, Jankowski PM. H2BFWT Variations in Sperm DNA and Its Correlation to Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6048. [PMID: 38892236 PMCID: PMC11172515 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116048] [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: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Abnormalities in sperm nuclei and chromatin can interfere with normal fertilization, embryonic development, implantation, and pregnancy. We aimed to study the impact of H2BFWT gene variants in sperm DNA on ICSI outcomes in couples undergoing ART treatment. One hundred and nineteen partners were divided into pregnant (G1) and non-pregnant (G2) groups. After semen analysis, complete DNA was extracted from purified sperm samples. The sequence of the H2BFWT gene was amplified by PCR and then subjected to Sanger sequencing. The results showed that there are three mutations in this gene: rs7885967, rs553509, and rs578953. Significant differences were shown in the distribution of alternative and reference alleles between G1 and G2 (p = 0.0004 and p = 0.0020, respectively) for rs553509 and rs578953. However, there was no association between these SNPs and the studied parameters. This study is the first to shed light on the connection between H2BFWT gene variants in sperm DNA and pregnancy after ICSI therapy. This is a pilot study, so further investigations about these gene variants at the transcriptional and translational levels will help to determine its functional consequences and to clarify the mechanism of how pregnancy can be affected by sperm DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houda Amor
- Departement of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IVF Laboratory, Saarland University Clinic, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (M.E.H.)
- Departement of Obstertics and Gynecology, IVF Laboratory, Freiburg University Clinic, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ingolf Juhasz-Böss
- Departement of Obstertics and Gynecology, IVF Laboratory, Freiburg University Clinic, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Riffat Bibi
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
| | - Mohamad Eid Hammadeh
- Departement of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IVF Laboratory, Saarland University Clinic, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (M.E.H.)
- Departement of Obstertics and Gynecology, IVF Laboratory, Freiburg University Clinic, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter Michael Jankowski
- Departement of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IVF Laboratory, Saarland University Clinic, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (M.E.H.)
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Sanyal D, Arya D, Nishi K, Balasinor N, Singh D. Clinical Utility of Sperm Function Tests in Predicting Male Fertility: A Systematic Review. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:863-882. [PMID: 38012524 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01405-7] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Routine semen analysis provides considerable information regarding sperm parameters; however, it is not solely adequate to predict male fertility potential. In the past two decades, several advance sperm function tests have been developed. The present systematic review intends to assess the clinical utility of available advance sperm function tests in predicting the male fertility potential. A systematic literature search was conducted as per PRISMA guidelines using PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library. Different keywords either singly or in combination were used to retrieve the relevant articles related to sperm function tests, male fertility, and pregnancy outcomes. A total of 5169 articles were obtained, out of which 110 meeting the selection criteria were included in this review. The majorly investigated sperm function tests are hypo-osmotic swelling test, acrosome reaction test, sperm capacitation test, hemizona binding assay, sperm DNA fragmentation test, seminal reactive oxygen species test, mitochondrial dysfunction tests, antisperm antibody test, nuclear chromatin de-condensation (NCD) test, etc. The different advance sperm function tests analyse different aspects of sperm function. Hence, any one test may not be helpful to appropriately predict the male fertility potential. Currently, the unavailability of high-quality clinical data, robust thresholds, complex protocols, high cost, etc., are the limiting factors and prohibiting current sperm function tests to reach the clinics. Further multi-centric research efforts are required to fulfil the existing lacunas and pave the way for these tests to be introduced into the clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debarati Sanyal
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Deepshikha Arya
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Kumari Nishi
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Nafisa Balasinor
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India.
| | - Dipty Singh
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India.
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Bhattacharya I, Sharma SS, Majumdar SS. Etiology of Male Infertility: an Update. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:942-965. [PMID: 38036863 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01401-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex process of germ cell division and differentiation that involves extensive cross-talk between the developing germ cells and the somatic testicular cells. Defective endocrine signaling and/or intrinsic defects within the testes can adversely affect spermatogenic progression, leading to subfertility/infertility. In recent years, male infertility has been recognized as a global public health concern, and research over the last few decades has elucidated the complex etiology of male infertility. Congenital reproductive abnormalities, genetic mutations, and endocrine/metabolic dysfunction have been demonstrated to be involved in infertility/subfertility in males. Furthermore, acquired factors like exposure to environmental toxicants and lifestyle-related disorders such as illicit use of psychoactive drugs have been shown to adversely affect spermatogenesis. Despite the large body of available scientific literature on the etiology of male infertility, a substantial proportion of infertility cases are idiopathic in nature, with no known cause. The inability to treat such idiopathic cases stems from poor knowledge about the complex regulation of spermatogenesis. Emerging scientific evidence indicates that defective functioning of testicular Sertoli cells (Sc) may be an underlying cause of infertility/subfertility in males. Sc plays an indispensable role in regulating spermatogenesis, and impaired functional maturation of Sc has been shown to affect fertility in animal models as well as humans, suggesting abnormal Sc as a potential underlying cause of reproductive insufficiency/failure in such cases of unexplained infertility. This review summarizes the major causes of infertility/subfertility in males, with an emphasis on infertility due to dysregulated Sc function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indrashis Bhattacharya
- Department of Zoology, Central University of Kerala, Periye Campus, Kasaragod, 671320, Kerala, India.
| | - Souvik Sen Sharma
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, 500 032, Telangana, India
| | - Subeer S Majumdar
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, 500 032, Telangana, India.
- Gujarat Biotechnology University, Gandhinagar, GIFT City, Gandhinagar, 382355, Gujarat, India.
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Jiang H, Huang CJ. Aberrant protamination in sperm correlates to anomalous nuclear and cytoplasmic architectures in infertile males with sperm dysmorphology. Asian J Androl 2024; 26:183-188. [PMID: 37921517 PMCID: PMC10919428 DOI: 10.4103/aja202360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant sperm protamination is linked to sperm dysmorphology and nuclear chromatin condensation. Yet, its effects on sperm cytoplasmic maturation remain largely unexplored. The relationships of protamines, sperm morphology, DNA damage, and cytoplasmic remodeling were illustrated in this study to provide fresh perspectives on the mechanisms of male infertility. A total of 205 infertile males were allocated into 5 groups according to the percentage of spermatozoa exhibiting abnormal morphology within their samples. Sperm concentration, motility, abnormal sperm morphology, cytoplasmic droplets (CDs), and excess residual cytoplasm (ERC) were analyzed according to the World Health Organization manual (2010). Sperm nuclear vacuoles (NVs) were determined by propidium iodide (PI) staining. Sperm protamine expressions (P1 and P2) were detected by western blot. DNA damage was measured by acridine orange test (AOT) to calculate the proportion of sperm with single-strand DNA breaks (SSBs). Our data showed that sperm concentration and motility in infertile males significantly decreased with the severity of abnormal sperm morphology (both P < 0.01). P1 level, P1/P2 ratio, and SSB rate increased with the severity of sperm dysmorphology, whilst the P2 level decreased (all P < 0.01). NVs, CDs, and ERC were more common in males with sperm dysmorphology and positively correlated with the SSB rate (all P < 0.01). The relationships between the SSB rate and the P1/P2 ratio were also significant ( P < 0.01). Aberrant protamination may cause sperm dysmorphology and compromise male fertility by impairing sperm's nucleus and cytoplasm maturation, with the P1/P2 ratio potentially serving as a valuable indicator of sperm quality and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Jiang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Longgang District Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital of Shenzhen City (Longgang Maternity and Child Institute of Shantou University Medical College), Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Chu-Jie Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Immunology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
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10
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Fang Y, Li X. Protein lysine four-carbon acylations in health and disease. J Cell Physiol 2024; 239:e30981. [PMID: 36815448 PMCID: PMC10704440 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Lysine acylation, a type of posttranslational protein modification sensitive to cellular metabolic states, influences the functions of target proteins involved in diverse cellular processes. Particularly, lysine butyrylation, crotonylation, β-hydroxybutyrylation, and 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation, four types of four-carbon acylations, are modulated by intracellular concentrations of their respective acyl-CoAs and sensitive to alterations of nutrient metabolism induced by cellular and/or environmental signals. In this review, we discussed the metabolic pathways producing these four-carbon acyl-CoAs, the regulation of lysine acylation and deacylation, and the functions of individual lysine acylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Fang
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Xiaoling Li
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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11
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Takeuchi Y, Sato S, Nagasato C, Motomura T, Okuda S, Kasahara M, Takahashi F, Yoshikawa S. Sperm-specific histone H1 in highly condensed sperm nucleus of Sargassum horneri. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3387. [PMID: 38336896 PMCID: PMC10858212 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53729-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is one of the most dramatic changes in cell differentiation. Remarkable chromatin condensation of the nucleus is observed in animal, plant, and algal sperm. Sperm nuclear basic proteins (SNBPs), such as protamine and sperm-specific histone, are involved in chromatin condensation of the sperm nucleus. Among brown algae, sperm of the oogamous Fucales algae have a condensed nucleus. However, the existence of sperm-specific SNBPs in Fucales algae was unclear. Here, we identified linker histone (histone H1) proteins in the sperm and analyzed changes in their gene expression pattern during spermatogenesis in Sargassum horneri. A search of transcriptomic data for histone H1 genes in showed six histone H1 genes, which we named ShH1.1a, ShH1b, ShH1.2, ShH1.3, ShH1.4, and ShH1.5. Analysis of SNBPs using SDS-PAGE and LC-MS/MS showed that sperm nuclei contain histone ShH1.2, ShH1.3, and ShH1.4 in addition to core histones. Both ShH1.2 and ShH1.3 genes were expressed in the vegetative thallus and the male and female receptacles (the organs producing antheridium or oogonium). Meanwhile, the ShH1.4 gene was expressed in the male receptacle but not in the vegetative thallus and female receptacles. From these results, ShH1.4 may be a sperm-specific histone H1 of S. horneri.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Takeuchi
- Faculty of Marine Science and Technology, Fukui Prefectural University, 1-1 Gakuencho, Obama, Fukui, 917-0003, Japan
| | - Shinya Sato
- Faculty of Marine Science and Technology, Fukui Prefectural University, 1-1 Gakuencho, Obama, Fukui, 917-0003, Japan
| | - Chikako Nagasato
- Field Science Center for Northern Biosphere, Muroran Marine Station, Hokkaido University, Muroran, 051-0013, Japan
| | - Taizo Motomura
- Field Science Center for Northern Biosphere, Muroran Marine Station, Hokkaido University, Muroran, 051-0013, Japan
| | - Shujiro Okuda
- Graduate School of Medical and Dental Science, Niigata University, 1-757 Asahimachi, Chuoku, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8501, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kasahara
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Noji-Higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga, 525-8577, Japan
| | - Fumio Takahashi
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Noji-Higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga, 525-8577, Japan
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University, Funabashi, Chiba, 274-8510, Japan
| | - Shinya Yoshikawa
- Faculty of Marine Science and Technology, Fukui Prefectural University, 1-1 Gakuencho, Obama, Fukui, 917-0003, Japan.
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12
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Lacalle E, Fernández-Alegre E, Gómez-Giménez B, Álvarez-Rodríguez M, Martín-Fernández B, Soriano-Úbeda C, Martínez-Pastor F. Application of Flow Cytometry Using Advanced Chromatin Analyses for Assessing Changes in Sperm Structure and DNA Integrity in a Porcine Model. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1953. [PMID: 38396632 PMCID: PMC10888687 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25041953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Chromatin status is critical for sperm fertility and reflects spermatogenic success. We tested a multivariate approach for studying pig sperm chromatin structure to capture its complexity with a set of quick and simple techniques, going beyond the usual assessment of DNA damage. Sperm doses from 36 boars (3 ejaculates/boar) were stored at 17 °C and analyzed on days 0 and 11. Analyses were: CASA (motility) and flow cytometry to assess sperm functionality and chromatin structure by SCSA (%DFI, DNA fragmentation; %HDS, chromatin maturity), monobromobimane (mBBr, tiol status/disulfide bridges between protamines), chromomycin A3 (CMA3, protamination), and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG, DNA oxidative damage). Data were analyzed using linear models for the effects of boar and storage, correlations, and multivariate analysis as hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis (PCA). Storage reduced sperm quality parameters, mainly motility, with no critical oxidative stress increases, while chromatin status worsened slightly (%DFI and 8-oxo-dG increased while mBBr MFI-median fluorescence intensity-and disulfide bridge levels decreased). Boar significantly affected most chromatin variables except CMA3; storage also affected most variables except %HDS. At day 0, sperm chromatin variables clustered closely, except for CMA3, and %HDS and 8-oxo-dG correlated with many variables (notably, mBBr). After storage, the relation between %HDS and 8-oxo-dG remained, but correlations among other variables disappeared, and mBBr variables clustered separately. The PCA suggested a considerable influence of mBBr on sample variance, especially regarding storage, with SCSA and 8-oxo-dG affecting between-sample variability. Overall, CMA3 was the least informative, in contrast with results in other species. The combination of DNA fragmentation, DNA oxidation, chromatin compaction, and tiol status seems a good candidate for obtaining a complete picture of pig sperm nucleus status. It raises many questions for future molecular studies and deserves further research to establish its usefulness as a fertility predictor in multivariate models. The usefulness of CMA3 should be clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estíbaliz Lacalle
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (E.L.); (B.M.-F.)
- Bianor Biotech SL, 24071 León, Spain
| | | | - Belén Gómez-Giménez
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (E.L.); (B.M.-F.)
| | - Manuel Álvarez-Rodríguez
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology, Spanish Scientific Research Council (INIA-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Beatriz Martín-Fernández
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (E.L.); (B.M.-F.)
- Department of Molecular Biology (Cell Biology), University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Cristina Soriano-Úbeda
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Veterinary Anatomy (Animal Medicine and Surgery), University of León, 24071 León, Spain;
| | - Felipe Martínez-Pastor
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (E.L.); (B.M.-F.)
- Department of Molecular Biology (Cell Biology), University of León, 24071 León, Spain
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13
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Gupta MN, Uversky VN. Biological importance of arginine: A comprehensive review of the roles in structure, disorder, and functionality of peptides and proteins. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 257:128646. [PMID: 38061507 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128646] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Arginine shows Jekyll and Hyde behavior in several respects. It participates in protein folding via ionic and H-bonds and cation-pi interactions; the charge and hydrophobicity of its side chain make it a disorder-promoting amino acid. Its methylation in histones; RNA binding proteins; chaperones regulates several cellular processes. The arginine-centric modifications are important in oncogenesis and as biomarkers in several cardiovascular diseases. The cross-links involving arginine in collagen and cornea are involved in pathogenesis of tissues but have also been useful in tissue engineering and wound-dressing materials. Arginine is a part of active site of several enzymes such as GTPases, peroxidases, and sulfotransferases. Its metabolic importance is obvious as it is involved in production of urea, NO, ornithine and citrulline. It can form unusual functional structures such as molecular tweezers in vitro and sprockets which engage DNA chains as part of histones in vivo. It has been used in design of cell-penetrating peptides as drugs. Arginine has been used as an excipient in both solid and injectable drug formulations; its role in suppressing opalescence due to liquid-liquid phase separation is particularly very promising. It has been known as a suppressor of protein aggregation during protein refolding. It has proved its usefulness in protein bioseparation processes like ion-exchange, hydrophobic and affinity chromatographies. Arginine is an amino acid, whose importance in biological sciences and biotechnology continues to grow in diverse ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munishwar Nath Gupta
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine, USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
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14
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Pardede BP, Karja NWK, Said S, Kaiin EM, Agil M, Sumantri C, Purwantara B, Supriatna I. Bovine nucleoprotein transitions genes and protein abundance as valuable markers of sperm motility and the correlation with fertility. Theriogenology 2024; 215:86-94. [PMID: 38016305 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.11.015] [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: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Bovine nucleoprotein transitions (TNPs), specifically TNP1 and TNP2, are essential molecules in sperm nucleus rich in arginine and lysine. These molecules act in the phase between histone expulsion and before incorporation of protamine in the spermatid nucleus. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze genes and protein abundance of TNP1 and TNP2 in sperm to determine the potential as motility markers and correlation with fertility in the field. An objective evaluation method, CASA-Sperm Vision, was used to separate 22 bulls into two groups (mg-A and mg-B) based on their increasing motility. Sperm quality parameters were also examined including velocity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) by the JC-1 method, head defects using William staining, and DNA fragmentation by Halomax. TNPs genes abundance was performed using the RT-qPCR method, and the protein abundance was examined with the EIA approach. The fertility rate was also analyzed based on the conception rate generated from each bull in the field, with the data obtained from iSIKHNAS. The results showed that TNPs genes and protein abundance were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in mg-A compared to mg-B, followed by various sperm quality parameters and fertility rates (P < 0.05). Positive correlations were found in TNPs genes and protein abundance with motility, velocity, MMP, and fertility (P < 0.01). Meanwhile, a negative correlation (P < 0.01) was found between head defects and DNA fragmentation. These results showed the potential of TNPs as sperm motility markers and bull fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berlin Pandapotan Pardede
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia; Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research, and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, West Java, Indonesia.
| | - Ni Wayan Kurniani Karja
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Syahruddin Said
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research, and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Ekayanti Mulyawati Kaiin
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research, and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Agil
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia.
| | - Cece Sumantri
- Department of Animal Production and Technology, Faculty of Animal Science, IPB University, Indonesia
| | - Bambang Purwantara
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Iman Supriatna
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
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15
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Ferrero G, Festa R, Follia L, Lettieri G, Tarallo S, Notari T, Giarra A, Marinaro C, Pardini B, Marano A, Piaggeschi G, Di Battista C, Trifuoggi M, Piscopo M, Montano L, Naccarati A. Small noncoding RNAs and sperm nuclear basic proteins reflect the environmental impact on germ cells. Mol Med 2024; 30:12. [PMID: 38243211 PMCID: PMC10799426 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00776-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Molecular techniques can complement conventional spermiogram analyses to provide new information on the fertilizing potential of spermatozoa and to identify early alterations due to environmental pollution. METHODS Here, we present a multilevel molecular profiling by small RNA sequencing and sperm nuclear basic protein analysis of male germ cells from 33 healthy young subjects residing in low and high-polluted areas. RESULTS Although sperm motility and sperm concentration were comparable between samples from the two sites, those from the high-pollution area had a higher concentration of immature/immune cells, a lower protamine/histone ratio, a reduced ability of sperm nuclear basic proteins to protect DNA from oxidative damage, and an altered copper/zinc ratio in sperm. Sperm levels of 32 microRNAs involved in intraflagellar transport, oxidative stress response, and spermatogenesis were different between the two areas. In parallel, a decrease of Piwi-interacting RNA levels was observed in samples from the high-polluted area. CONCLUSIONS This comprehensive analysis provides new insights into pollution-driven epigenetic alterations in sperm not detectable by spermiogram.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Ferrero
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
- Department of Computer Science, University of Turin, Corso Svizzera, 185, 10149, Turin, Italy
| | - Rosaria Festa
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Follia
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Gennaro Lettieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Sonia Tarallo
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), c/o IRCCS Candiolo, SP 142 Km. 3,95, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Tiziana Notari
- Check-Up PolyDiagnostic and Research Laboratory, Andrology Unit, Viale Andrea De Luca 5, 84131, Salerno, Italy
| | - Antonella Giarra
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmela Marinaro
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Barbara Pardini
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), c/o IRCCS Candiolo, SP 142 Km. 3,95, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandra Marano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Giulia Piaggeschi
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), c/o IRCCS Candiolo, SP 142 Km. 3,95, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Carla Di Battista
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), c/o IRCCS Candiolo, SP 142 Km. 3,95, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Trifuoggi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Piscopo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy.
| | - Luigi Montano
- Andrology Unit and Service of Lifestyle Medicine in UroAndrology, Local Health Authority (ASL) Salerno, Coordination Unit of the Network for Environmental and Reproductive Health (Eco-FoodFertility Project), S. Francesco di Assisi Hospital, 84020, Oliveto Citra, Salerno, Italy.
- PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessio Naccarati
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), c/o IRCCS Candiolo, SP 142 Km. 3,95, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
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16
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Dhillon VS, Shahid M, Deo P, Fenech M. Reduced SIRT1 and SIRT3 and Lower Antioxidant Capacity of Seminal Plasma Is Associated with Shorter Sperm Telomere Length in Oligospermic Men. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:718. [PMID: 38255792 PMCID: PMC10815409 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020718] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects millions of couples worldwide and has a profound impact not only on their families, but also on communities. Telomere attrition has been associated with infertility, DNA damage and fragmentation. Oxidative stress has been shown to affect sperm DNA integrity and telomere length. Sirtuins such as SIRT1 and SIRT3 are involved in aging and oxidative stress response. The aim of the present study is to determine the role of SIRT1 and SIRT3 in regulating oxidative stress, telomere shortening, and their association with oligospermia. Therefore, we assessed the protein levels of SIRT1 and SIRT3, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase activity (CAT) in the seminal plasma of 272 patients with oligospermia and 251 fertile men. We also measured sperm telomere length (STL) and leukocyte telomere length (LTL) using a standard real-time quantitative PCR assay. Sperm chromatin and protamine deficiency were also measured as per standard methods. Our results for oligospermic patients demonstrate significant reductions in semen parameters, shorter STL and LTL, lower levels of SOD, TAC, CAT, SIRT1 and SIRT3 levels, and also significant protamine deficiency and higher levels of MDA and DNA fragmentation. We conclude that a shorter TL in sperms and leukocytes is associated with increased oxidative stress that also accounts for high levels of DNA fragmentation in sperms. Our results support the hypothesis that various sperm parameters in the state of oligospermia are associated with or caused by reduced levels of SIRT1 and SIRT3 proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varinderpal S. Dhillon
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia; (P.D.); (M.F.)
| | - Mohammad Shahid
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Permal Deo
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia; (P.D.); (M.F.)
| | - Michael Fenech
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia; (P.D.); (M.F.)
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17
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Yoshiakwa‐Terada K, Takeuchi H, Tachibana R, Takayama E, Kondo E, Ikeda T. Age, sexual abstinence duration, sperm morphology, and motility are predictors of sperm DNA fragmentation. Reprod Med Biol 2024; 23:e12585. [PMID: 38807753 PMCID: PMC11131573 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12585] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) has recently received attention as a cause of male infertility. However, SDF cannot be fully assessed using conventional semen parameter evaluations alone. Therefore, the authors aimed to elucidate the relationship between SDF and sperm parameters via computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) to improve treatment strategies in reproductive medicine. Methods This retrospective observational study analyzed the relationship between sperm parameters assessed by CASA and SDF values determined by the TUNEL assay in 359 patients who visited the Mie University Hospital for infertility treatment. The methodology involved semen analyses covering concentration, motility, and morphology, followed by SDF quantification using the flow cytometry. Results Statistical analysis revealed significant correlations between SDF and various factors, including age, sexual abstinence period, and specific CASA-measured parameters. Notably, lower sperm motility rates and abnormal head dimensions were associated with higher SDF values, indicating that these parameters were predictive of SDF. Conclusions This study highlights the importance of sperm motility and head morphology as indicators of SDF, suggesting their usefulness in assessing male fertility. These findings demonstrate the efficacy of detailed sperm analysis, potentially increasing the success rate of assisted reproductive technologies by improving sperm selection criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kento Yoshiakwa‐Terada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of MedicineMie UniversityTsuJapan
- Center of Advanced Reproductive MedicineMie University HospitalTsuJapan
| | - Hiroki Takeuchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of MedicineMie UniversityTsuJapan
- Center of Advanced Reproductive MedicineMie University HospitalTsuJapan
| | - Ryota Tachibana
- Center of Advanced Reproductive MedicineMie University HospitalTsuJapan
| | - Erina Takayama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of MedicineMie UniversityTsuJapan
- Center of Advanced Reproductive MedicineMie University HospitalTsuJapan
- Obstetrics and GynecologyMie University HospitalTsuJapan
| | - Eiji Kondo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of MedicineMie UniversityTsuJapan
- Center of Advanced Reproductive MedicineMie University HospitalTsuJapan
- Obstetrics and GynecologyMie University HospitalTsuJapan
| | - Tomoaki Ikeda
- Center of Advanced Reproductive MedicineMie University HospitalTsuJapan
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18
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Marinaro C, Lettieri G, Chianese T, Bianchi AR, Zarrelli A, Palatucci D, Scudiero R, Rosati L, De Maio A, Piscopo M. Exploring the molecular and toxicological mechanism associated with interactions between heavy metals and the reproductive system of Mytilus galloprovincialis. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2024; 275:109778. [PMID: 37866452 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2023.109778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
A large number of heavy metals resulted toxic to the reproductive system, but invertebrate infertility has been poorly explored, and above all, there are limited molecular, cellular and toxicological studies. In the present work, we exposed Mytilus galloprovincialis to three individual metal chlorides (CuCl2 15 μM, CdCl2 1.5 μM, NiCl2 15 μM) and their mixture for 24 h, to evaluate the effects on the protamine-like proteins (PLs), sperm DNA and on their interaction in the formation of sperm chromatin. Under all exposure conditions, but particularly after exposure to the metals mix, relevant changes in the electrophoretic pattern, by AU-PAGE and SDS-PAGE, and in fluorescence spectroscopy measurements of PLs were shown. In addition, alterations in DNA binding of these proteins were observed by Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA) and through their release from sperm nuclei. Moreover, there was evidence of increased accessibility of micrococcal nuclease to sperm chromatin, which was also confirmed by toluidine blue staining. Furthermore, morphological analyses indicated severe gonadal impairments which was also corroborated by increased PARP expression, by Western blotting, and sperm DNA fragmentation, by comet assay. Finally, we investigated the expression of stress genes, gst, hsp70 and mt10, in gonadal tissue. The latter investigations also showed that exposure to this metals mix was more harmful than exposure to the individual metals tested. The present results suggest that these metals and in particular their mixture could have a negative impact on the reproductive fitness of M. galloprovincialis. Based on these evidences, we propose a molecular mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Marinaro
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro Lettieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Chianese
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Bianchi
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Armando Zarrelli
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Domenico Palatucci
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Scudiero
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Rosati
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Anna De Maio
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Piscopo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy.
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19
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Castillo J, de la Iglesia A, Leiva M, Jodar M, Oliva R. Proteomics of human spermatozoa. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:2312-2320. [PMID: 37632247 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteomic methodologies offer a robust approach to identify and quantify thousands of proteins from semen components in both fertile donors and infertile patients. These strategies provide an unprecedented discovery potential, which many research teams are currently exploiting. However, it is essential to follow a suitable experimental design to generate robust data, including proper purification of samples, appropriate technical procedures to increase identification throughput, and data analysis following quality criteria. More than 6000 proteins have been described so far through proteomic analyses in the mature sperm cell, increasing our knowledge on processes involved in sperm function, intercommunication between spermatozoa and seminal fluid, and the transcriptional origin of the proteins. These data have been complemented with comparative studies to ascertain the potential role of the identified proteins on sperm maturation and functionality, and its impact on infertility. By comparing sperm protein profiles, many proteins involved in the acquisition of fertilizing ability have been identified. Furthermore, altered abundance of specific protein groups has been observed in a wide range of infertile phenotypes, including asthenozoospermia, oligozoospermia, and normozoospermia with unsuccessful assisted reproductive techniques outcomes, leading to the identification of potential clinically useful protein biomarkers. Finally, proteomics has been used to evaluate alterations derived from semen sample processing, which might have an impact on fertility treatments. However, the intrinsic heterogeneity and inter-individual variability of the semen samples have resulted in a relatively low overlap among proteomic reports, highlighting the relevance of combining strategies for data validation and applying strict criteria for proteomic data analysis to obtain reliable results. This mini-review provides an overview of the most critical steps to conduct robust sperm proteomic studies, the most relevant results obtained so far, and potential next steps to increase the impact of sperm proteomic data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Castillo
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alberto de la Iglesia
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina Leiva
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Jodar
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Biomedical Diagnostic Center (CDB), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Oliva
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Biomedical Diagnostic Center (CDB), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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20
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Chhetri KB, Jang YH, Lansac Y, Maiti PK. DNA groove preference shift upon phosphorylation of a protamine-like cationic peptide. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2023; 25:31335-31345. [PMID: 37960891 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp03803c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Protamines, arginine-rich DNA-binding proteins, are responsible for chromatin compaction in sperm cells, but their DNA groove preference, major or minor, is not clearly identified. We herein study the DNA groove preference of a short protamine-like cationic peptide before and after phosphorylation, using all-atom molecular dynamics and umbrella sampling simulations. According to various thermodynamic and structural analyses, a peptide in its non-phosphorylated native state prefers the minor groove over the major groove, but phosphorylation of the peptide bound to the minor groove not only reduces its binding affinity but also brings a serious deformation of the minor groove, eliminating the minor-groove preference. As protamines are heavily phosphorylated before binding to DNA, we expect that the structurally disordered phosphorylated protamines would prefer major grooves to enter into DNA during spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khadka B Chhetri
- Center for Condensed Matter Theory, Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India.
- Department of Physics, Prithvinarayan Campus, Tribhuvan University, Pokhara, Nepal
| | - Yun Hee Jang
- Department of Energy Science and Engineering, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Korea
- GREMAN, CNRS UMR 7347, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
- Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, CNRS UMR 8502, Université Paris Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France
| | - Yves Lansac
- GREMAN, CNRS UMR 7347, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
- Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, CNRS UMR 8502, Université Paris Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France
| | - Prabal K Maiti
- Center for Condensed Matter Theory, Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India.
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21
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Viñolas-Vergés E, Ribas-Maynou J, Barranco I, Peres Rubio C, Bonet S, Roca J, Yeste M. Chromatin condensation but not DNA integrity of pig sperm is greater in the sperm-rich fraction. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2023; 14:139. [PMID: 37926841 PMCID: PMC10626759 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-023-00938-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Protamination and condensation of sperm chromatin as well as DNA integrity play an essential role during fertilization and embryo development. In some mammals, like pigs, ejaculates are emitted in three separate fractions: pre-sperm, sperm-rich (SRF) and post sperm-rich (PSRF). These fractions are known to vary in volume, sperm concentration and quality, as well as in the origin and composition of seminal plasma (SP), with differences being also observed within the SRF one. Yet, whether disparities in the DNA integrity and chromatin condensation and protamination of their sperm exist has not been interrogated. RESULTS This study determined chromatin protamination (Chromomycin A3 test, CMA3), condensation (Dibromobimane test, DBB), and DNA integrity (Comet assay) in the pig sperm contained in the first 10 mL of the SRF (SRF-P1), the remaining portion of the sperm-rich fraction (SRF-P2), and the post sperm-rich fraction (PSRF). While chromatin protamination was found to be similar between the different ejaculate fractions (P > 0.05), chromatin condensation was seen to be greater in SRF-P1 and SRF-P2 than in the PSRF (P = 0.018 and P = 0.004, respectively). Regarding DNA integrity, no differences between fractions were observed (P > 0.05). As the SRF-P1 has the highest sperm concentration and ejaculate fractions are known to differ in antioxidant composition, the oxidative stress index (OSi) in SP, calculated as total oxidant activity divided by total antioxidant capacity, was tested and confirmed to be higher in the SRF-P1 than in SRF-P2 and PSRF (0.42 ± 0.06 vs. 0.23 ± 0.09 and 0.08 ± 0.00, respectively; P < 0.01); this index, in addition, was observed to be correlated to the sperm concentration of each fraction (Rs = 0.973; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION While sperm DNA integrity was not found to differ between ejaculate fractions, SRF-P1 and SRF-P2 were observed to exhibit greater chromatin condensation than the PSRF. This could be related to the OSi of each fraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estel Viñolas-Vergés
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.
| | - Isabel Barranco
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Camila Peres Rubio
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), S08010, Barcelona, Spain
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22
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Agudo-Rios C, Sanchez-Rodriguez A, Idrovo IID, Laborda-Gomariz JÁ, Soler AJ, Teves ME, Roldan ERS. Sperm Chromatin Status and DNA Fragmentation in Mouse Species with Divergent Mating Systems. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15954. [PMID: 37958937 PMCID: PMC10648696 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm DNA integrity and chromatin status serve as pivotal indicators of sperm quality, given their intricate link to sperm function, embryo development, and overall fertility. Defects in chromatin compaction, which are often associated with compromised protamine content, can lead to damaged DNA strands. In this study, the chromatin status and possible correlation with DNA damage was assessed in males of three mouse species: Mus musculus, M. spretus, and M. spicilegus. We employed various staining methods, including aniline blue, methylene blue (Diff-Quik), toluidine blue, and chromomycin A3, to assess chromatin compaction in cauda epididymal sperm. Samples were also analyzed by the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) to estimate DNA fragmentation (%tDFI, %HDS). Analyses were carried out on freshly collected sperm and cells incubated for 3 h in a HEPES-buffered modified Tyrode's medium simulating conditions of the female reproductive tract. Notably, the analysis of chromatin status yielded minimal abnormal values across all three species employing diverse methodologies. SCSA analyses revealed distinct variations in %tDFI between species. Following sperm incubation, the percentages of sperm stained with methylene blue exhibited differences among the species and were significantly correlated to the DNA fragmentation index. HDS demonstrated correlations with the percentages of sperm stained by aniline blue, methylene blue, and chromomycin A3. Overall, chromatin compaction was high across all species, with limited differences among them. The relationship between chromatin status and DNA integrity appeared to be related to levels of sperm competition among species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Agudo-Rios
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Sanchez-Rodriguez
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ingrid I. D. Idrovo
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Ana J. Soler
- SaBio IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), ETSIAM, Campus Universitario, 02071 Albacete, Spain
| | - Maria E. Teves
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Eduardo R. S. Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
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23
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Viñolas-Vergés E, Yeste M, Garriga F, Bonet S, Mateo-Otero Y, Ribas-Maynou J. An intracellular, non-oxidative factor activates in vitro chromatin fragmentation in pig sperm. Biol Res 2023; 56:53. [PMID: 37876007 PMCID: PMC10594720 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-023-00467-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In vitro incubation of epididymal and vas deferens sperm with Mn2+ induces Sperm Chromatin Fragmentation (SCF), a mechanism that causes double-stranded breaks in toroid-linker regions (TLRs). Whether this mechanism, thought to require the participation of topoisomerases and/or DNAses and thus far only described in epididymal mouse sperm, can be triggered in ejaculated sperm is yet to be elucidated. The current study aimed to determine if exposure of pig ejaculated sperm to divalent ions (Mn2+ and Mg2+) activates SCF, and whether this has any impact on sperm function and survival. For this purpose, sperm DNA integrity was evaluated through the Comet assay and Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE); sperm motility and agglutination were assessed with computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA); and sperm viability and levels of total reactive oxygen species (ROS) and superoxides were determined through flow cytometry. RESULTS Incubation with Mn2+/Ca2+ activated SCF in a dose-dependent (P < 0.05) albeit not time-dependent manner (P > 0.05); in contrast, Mg2+/Ca2+ only triggered SCF at high concentrations (50 mM). The PFGE revealed that, when activated by Mn2+/Ca2+ or Mg2+/Ca2+, SCF generated DNA fragments of 33-194 Kb, compatible with the size of one or multiple toroids. Besides, Mn2+/Ca2+ affected sperm motility in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05), whereas Mg2+/Ca2+ only impaired this variable at high concentrations (P < 0.05). While this effect on motility was concomitant with an increase of agglutination, neither viability nor ROS levels were affected by Mn2+/Ca2+ or Mg2+/Ca2+ treatments. CONCLUSION Mn2+/Ca2+ and Mn2+/Ca2+ were observed to induce SCF in ejaculated sperm, resulting in DNA cleavage at TLRs. The activation of this mechanism by an intracellular, non-oxidative factor sheds light on the events taking place during sperm cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estel Viñolas-Vergés
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain.
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain.
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), S08010, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Ferran Garriga
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Yentel Mateo-Otero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, S17003, Girona, Spain
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24
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Zhu Z, Li D, Jia Z, Zhang W, Chen Y, Zhao R, Zhang Y, Zhang W, Deng H, Li Y, Li W, Guang S, Ou G. Global histone H2B degradation regulates insulin/IGF signaling-mediated nutrient stress. EMBO J 2023; 42:e113328. [PMID: 37641865 PMCID: PMC10548168 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022113328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic organisms adapt to environmental fluctuations by altering their epigenomic landscapes and transcriptional programs. Nucleosomal histones carry vital epigenetic information and regulate gene expression, yet the mechanisms underlying chromatin-bound histone exchange remain elusive. Here, we found that histone H2Bs are globally degraded in Caenorhabditis elegans during starvation. Our genetic screens identified mutations in ubiquitin and ubiquitin-related enzymes that block H2B degradation in starved animals, identifying lysine 31 as the crucial residue for chromatin-bound H2B ubiquitination and elimination. Retention of aberrant nucleosomal H2B increased the association of the FOXO transcription factor DAF-16 with chromatin, generating an ectopic gene expression profile detrimental to animal viability when insulin/IGF signaling was reduced in well-fed animals. Furthermore, we show that the ubiquitin-proteasome system regulates chromosomal histone turnover in human cells. During larval development, C. elegans epidermal cells undergo H2B turnover after fusing with the epithelial syncytium. Thus, histone degradation may be a widespread mechanism governing dynamic changes of the epigenome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwen Zhu
- Tsinghua‐Peking Center for Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological StructureTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- School of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- MOE Key Laboratory for Protein ScienceTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Dongdong Li
- Tsinghua‐Peking Center for Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological StructureTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- School of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- MOE Key Laboratory for Protein ScienceTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Zeran Jia
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- Center for Synthetic and Systems BiologyTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Wenhao Zhang
- School of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- MOE Key Laboratory for BioinformaticsTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yuling Chen
- School of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- MOE Key Laboratory for BioinformaticsTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Ruixue Zhao
- Tsinghua‐Peking Center for Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological StructureTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- School of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- MOE Key Laboratory for Protein ScienceTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | | | | | - Haiteng Deng
- School of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- MOE Key Laboratory for BioinformaticsTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yinqing Li
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- Center for Synthetic and Systems BiologyTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- MOE Key Laboratory for BioinformaticsTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Wei Li
- School of MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Shouhong Guang
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Guangshuo Ou
- Tsinghua‐Peking Center for Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological StructureTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- School of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- MOE Key Laboratory for Protein ScienceTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
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25
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Amjadian T, Yaghmaei P, Nasim HR, Yari K. Impact of DNA methylation of the human mesoderm-specific transcript ( MEST) on male infertility. Heliyon 2023; 9:e21099. [PMID: 37928396 PMCID: PMC10622617 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21099] [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: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility accounts for nearly 40%-50% of all infertile cases. One of the most prevalent disorders detected in infertile men is errors in the MEST differentially methylated region (DMR), which has been correlated with poor sperm indexes. The aim of our study was to characterize the methylation pattern of the MEST gene, along with assessing seminal factors and chromatin condensation in sperm samples from both infertile patients and fertile cases, all of whom were candidates for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. We collected forty-five semen specimens from men undergoing routine spermiogram analysis at the Infertility Treatment Center. The specimens consisted of 15 samples of normospermia as the control group, 15 individuals of asthenospermia, and 15 individuals of oligoasthenoteratospermia as the cases group. Standard semen analysis and the chromatin quality and sperm maturity tests using aniline blue staining were performed. The DNA from spermatozoa was extracted and treated with a sodium bisulfite-based procedure. The methylation measure was done quantitatively at the DMRs of the MEST gene by quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (qMSP). The mean percentages of total motility, progression, and morphology in normospermia were significantly higher than oligoasthenoteratospermia and asthenospermia, and they were substantially higher in asthenospermia compared to oligoasthenoteratospermia (P ≤ 0.05). The mean percentages of histone transition abnormality and MEST methylation in oligoasthenoteratospermia were significantly higher than asthenospermia and normospermia (P ≤ 0.05). A negative correlation existed between the histone transition abnormality and MEST methylation with sperm parameters. In conclusion, chromatin integrity, sperm maturity, and MEST methylation may be considered important predictors for addressing male factor infertility. Therefore, we suggest that male infertility may be linked to methylation of the imprinted genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayebeh Amjadian
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parichehreh Yaghmaei
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hayati Roodbari Nasim
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kheirollah Yari
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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26
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Agudo-Rios C, Rogers A, King I, Bhagat V, Nguyen LMT, Córdova-Fletes C, Krapf D, Strauss JF, Arévalo L, Merges GE, Schorle H, Roldan ERS, Teves ME. SPAG17 mediates nuclear translocation of protamines during spermiogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1125096. [PMID: 37766963 PMCID: PMC10520709 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1125096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Protamines (PRM1 and PRM2) are small, arginine-rich, nuclear proteins that replace histones in the final stages of spermiogenesis, ensuring chromatin compaction and nuclear remodeling. Defects in protamination lead to increased DNA fragmentation and reduced male fertility. Since efficient sperm production requires the translocation of protamines from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, we investigated whether SPAG17, a protein crucial for intracellular protein trafficking during spermiogenesis, participates in protamine transport. Initially, we assessed the protein-protein interaction between SPAG17 and protamines using proximity ligation assays, revealing a significant interaction originating in the cytoplasm and persisting within the nucleus. Subsequently, immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry (IP/MS) assays validated this initial observation. Sperm and spermatids from Spag17 knockout mice exhibited abnormal protamination, as revealed by chromomycin A3 staining, suggesting defects in protamine content. However, no differences were observed in the expression of Prm1 and Prm2 mRNA or in protein levels between testes of wild-type and Spag17 knockout mice. Conversely, immunofluorescence studies conducted on isolated mouse spermatids unveiled reduced nuclear/cytoplasm ratios of protamines in Spag17 knockout spermatids compared to wild-type controls, implying transport defects of protamines into the spermatid nucleus. In alignment with these findings, in vitro experiments involving somatic cells, including mouse embryonic fibroblasts, exhibited compromised nuclear translocation of PRM1 and PRM2 in the absence of SPAG17. Collectively, our results present compelling evidence that SPAG17 facilitates the transport of protamines from the cytoplasm to the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Agudo-Rios
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Amber Rogers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Isaiah King
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Virali Bhagat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Le My Tu Nguyen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Carlos Córdova-Fletes
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Diego Krapf
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Jerome F. Strauss
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Lena Arévalo
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gina Esther Merges
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Eduardo R. S. Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Eugenia Teves
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
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27
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Garrido N, Boitrelle F, Saleh R, Durairajanayagam D, Colpi G, Agarwal A. Sperm epigenetics landscape: correlation with embryo quality, reproductive outcomes and offspring's health. Panminerva Med 2023; 65:166-178. [PMID: 37335245 DOI: 10.23736/s0031-0808.23.04871-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetics refers to how gene expression and function are modulated without modifying the DNA sequence but through subtle molecular changes or interactions with it. As spermatogenesis progresses, male germ cells suffer plenty of epigenetic modifications, resulting in the definitive epigenome of spermatozoa conditioning its functionality, and this process can be altered by several internal and external factors. The paternal epigenome is crucial for sperm function, fertilization, embryo development, and offspring's health, and altered epigenetic states are associated with male infertility with or without altered semen parameters, embryo quality impairment, and worse ART outcomes together with the future offspring's health risks mainly through intergenerational transmission of epigenetic marks. Identifying epigenetic biomarkers may improve male factor diagnosis and the development of targeted therapies, not only to improve fertility but also to allow an early detection of risk and disease prevention in the progeny. While still there is much research to be done, hopefully in the near future, improvements in high-throughput technologies applied to epigenomes will permit our understanding of the underlying epigenetic mechanisms and the development of diagnostics and therapies leading to improved reproductive outcomes. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of epigenetics in sperm and how epigenetics behave during spermatogenesis. Additionally, we elaborate on the relationship of sperm epigenetics with sperm parameters and male infertility, and highlight the impact of sperm epigenetic alterations on sperm parameters, embryo quality, ART outcomes, miscarriage rates and offspring's health. Furthermore, we provide insights into the future research of epigenetic alterations in male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Garrido
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Florence Boitrelle
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Reproductive Biology, Fertility Preservation, Andrology, CECOS, Poissy Hospital, Poissy, France
- Paris Saclay University, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Ramadan Saleh
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Damayanthi Durairajanayagam
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Giovanni Colpi
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Next Fertility Procrea, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA -
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
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28
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Zhang X, Peng J, Wu M, Sun A, Wu X, Zheng J, Shi W, Gao G. Broad phosphorylation mediated by testis-specific serine/threonine kinases contributes to spermiogenesis and male fertility. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2629. [PMID: 37149634 PMCID: PMC10164148 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38357-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic studies elucidate a link between testis-specific serine/threonine kinases (TSSKs) and male infertility in mammals, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we identify a TSSK homolog in Drosophila, CG14305 (termed dTSSK), whose mutation impairs the histone-to-protamine transition during spermiogenesis and causes multiple phenotypic defects in nuclear shaping, DNA condensation, and flagellar organization in spermatids. Genetic analysis demonstrates that kinase catalytic activity of dTSSK, which is functionally conserved with human TSSKs, is essential for male fertility. Phosphoproteomics identify 828 phosphopeptides/449 proteins as potential substrates of dTSSK enriched primarily in microtubule-based processes, flagellar organization and mobility, and spermatid differentiation and development, suggesting that dTSSK phosphorylates various proteins to orchestrate postmeiotic spermiogenesis. Among them, the two substrates, protamine-like protein Mst77F/Ser9 and transition protein Mst33A/Ser237, are biochemically validated to be phosphorylated by dTSSK in vitro, and are genetically demonstrated to be involved in spermiogenesis in vivo. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that broad phosphorylation mediated by TSSKs plays an indispensable role in spermiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuedi Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
| | - Ju Peng
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
| | - Menghua Wu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Angyang Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangyu Wu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Zheng
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
| | - Wangfei Shi
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
| | - Guanjun Gao
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China.
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29
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Laqqan MM, Al-Ghora SS, Yassin MM. Impact of waterpipe and tobacco cigarette smoking on global DNA methylation and nuclear proteins genes transcription in spermatozoa: a comparative investigation. Inhal Toxicol 2023:1-10. [PMID: 37145555 DOI: 10.1080/08958378.2023.2208608] [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: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Waterpipe smoking is harmful and dangerous, and it is a growing threat to public health. OBJECTIVES This study was performed to evaluate the influence of waterpipe smoking on global DNA methylation, DNA fragmentation, and protamine deficiency in spermatozoa compared to cigarette heavy smokers and nonsmokers, and to determine whether the transcription levels of spermatozoa nuclear proteins genes 'PRM1, PRM2, and H2BFWT' in waterpipe smokers are different compared to cigarette heavy smokers and nonsmokers. METHODS A total of 900 semen samples were collected from males with a mean age of 32.5 ± 6.3 years (300 waterpipe smokers, 300 cigarette heavy smokers, and 300 nonsmokers). The nucleic acids were isolated from purified spermatozoa, and then the global DNA methylation and transcription levels of the PRM1, PRM2, and H2BFWT genes were assessed using ELISA and qPCR, respectively. RESULTS A significant increase was found in the level of global DNA methylation (8.6 ± 0.6 ng/μl vs. 7.1 ± 0.6 ng/μl and 4.7 ± 0.6 ng/μl, p < 0.001), protamine deficiency (72.8 ± 15.3 vs. 51.7 ± 19.2 and 15.3 ± 5.9%, p < 0.001), and DNA fragmentation (73.4 ± 13.4 vs. 50.5 ± 18.9 and 9.3 ± 4.3%, p < 0.001) in waterpipe smokers compared to cigarette heavy smokers and nonsmokers. A significant increase was shown in the transcription levels of PRM1, PRM2, and H2BFWT genes in waterpipe smokers compared to cigarette heavy smokers and nonsmokers (p < 0.001). A down-regulation was found in the transcription level of these genes in different smoker groups compared to nonsmokers (<0.001). CONCLUSION This study suggests that waterpipe smoking is more harmful than cigarette smoking on semen parameters, global DNA methylation, and transcription of nuclear protein genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed M Laqqan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Said S Al-Ghora
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Maged M Yassin
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Human Physiology, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
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Kirat D, Alahwany AM, Arisha AH, Abdelkhalek A, Miyasho T. Role of Macroautophagy in Mammalian Male Reproductive Physiology. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091322. [PMID: 37174722 PMCID: PMC10177121 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Physiologically, autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved and self-degradative process in cells. Autophagy carries out normal physiological roles throughout mammalian life. Accumulating evidence shows autophagy as a mechanism for cellular growth, development, differentiation, survival, and homeostasis. In male reproductive systems, normal spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis need a balance between degradation and energy supply to preserve cellular metabolic homeostasis. The main process of autophagy includes the formation and maturation of the phagophore, autophagosome, and autolysosome. Autophagy is controlled by a group of autophagy-related genes that form the core machinery of autophagy. Three types of autophagy mechanisms have been discovered in mammalian cells: macroautophagy, microautophagy, and chaperone-mediated autophagy. Autophagy is classified as non-selective or selective. Non-selective macroautophagy randomly engulfs the cytoplasmic components in autophagosomes that are degraded by lysosomal enzymes. While selective macroautophagy precisely identifies and degrades a specific element, current findings have shown the novel functional roles of autophagy in male reproduction. It has been recognized that dysfunction in the autophagy process can be associated with male infertility. Overall, this review provides an overview of the cellular and molecular basics of autophagy and summarizes the latest findings on the key role of autophagy in mammalian male reproductive physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doaa Kirat
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Mohamed Alahwany
- Department of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Cairo, Badr City 11829, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Hamed Arisha
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
- Department of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Cairo, Badr City 11829, Egypt
| | - Adel Abdelkhalek
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Cairo, Badr City 11829, Egypt
| | - Taku Miyasho
- Laboratory of Animal Biological Responses, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Hokkaido 069-8501, Japan
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Bollwein H, Malama E. Review: Evaluation of bull fertility. Functional and molecular approaches. Animal 2023; 17 Suppl 1:100795. [PMID: 37567681 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
With the term "assisted reproduction technologies" in modern cattle farming, one could imply the collection of techniques that aim at the optimal use of bovine gametes to produce animals of high genetic value in a time- and cost-efficient manner. The accurate characterisation of sperm quality plays a critical role for the efficiency of several assisted reproduction-related procedures, such as sperm processing, in vitro embryo production and artificial insemination. Bull fertility is ultimately a collective projection of the ability of a series of ejaculates to endure sperm processing stress, and achieve fertilisation of the oocyte and production of a viable and well-developing embryo. In this concept, the assessment of sperm functional and molecular characteristics is key to bull fertility diagnostics and prognostics. Among others, functional features linked to sperm plasma membrane, acrosome and DNA integrity are usually assessed as a measure of the ability of sperm to express the phenotypes that will allow them to maintain their homeostasis and orchestrate-in a strict temporal manner-the course of events that will enable the delivery of their genetic content to the oocyte upon fertilisation. Nevertheless, measures of sperm functionality are not always adequate indicators of bull fertility. Nowadays, advancements in the field of molecular biology have facilitated the profiling of several biomolecules in male gametes. The molecular profiling of bovine sperm offers a deeper insight into the mechanisms underlying sperm physiology and, thus, can reveal novel candidate markers for bull fertility prognosis. In this review, the importance of three organelles (the nucleus, the plasma membrane and the acrosome) for the characterisation of sperm fertilising capacity and bull fertility is discussed at functional and molecular levels. In particular, information about sperm head morphometry, chromatin structure, viability as well as the ability of sperm to capacitate and undergo the acrosome reaction are presented in relation to the cryotolerance of male gametes and bull fertility. Finally, major spermatozoal coding and non-coding RNAs, and proteins that are involved in the above-mentioned aspects of sperm functionality are also summarised.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Bollwein
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Department for Farm Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - E Malama
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Department for Farm Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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Malla AB, Rainsford SR, Smith ZD, Lesch BJ. DOT1L promotes spermatid differentiation by regulating expression of genes required for histone-to-protamine replacement. Development 2023; 150:dev201497. [PMID: 37082969 PMCID: PMC10259660 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Unique chromatin remodeling factors orchestrate dramatic changes in nuclear morphology during differentiation of the mature sperm head. A crucial step in this process is histone-to-protamine exchange, which must be executed correctly to avoid sperm DNA damage, embryonic lethality and male sterility. Here, we define an essential role for the histone methyltransferase DOT1L in the histone-to-protamine transition. We show that DOT1L is abundantly expressed in mouse meiotic and postmeiotic germ cells, and that methylation of histone H3 lysine 79 (H3K79), the modification catalyzed by DOT1L, is enriched in developing spermatids in the initial stages of histone replacement. Elongating spermatids lacking DOT1L fail to fully replace histones and exhibit aberrant protamine recruitment, resulting in deformed sperm heads and male sterility. Loss of DOT1L results in transcriptional dysregulation coinciding with the onset of histone replacement and affecting genes required for histone-to-protamine exchange. DOT1L also deposits H3K79me2 and promotes accumulation of elongating RNA Polymerase II at the testis-specific bromodomain gene Brdt. Together, our results indicate that DOT1L is an important mediator of transcription during spermatid differentiation and an indispensable regulator of male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aushaq B. Malla
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | | | - Zachary D. Smith
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Yale Stem Cell Center, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Bluma J. Lesch
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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Tan H, Wang W, Zhou C, Wang Y, Zhang S, Yang P, Guo R, Chen W, Zhang J, Ye L, Cui Y, Ni T, Zheng K. Single-cell RNA-seq uncovers dynamic processes orchestrated by RNA-binding protein DDX43 in chromatin remodeling during spermiogenesis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2499. [PMID: 37120627 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38199-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis shows prominent chromatin and transcriptomic switches in germ cells, but it is unclear how such dynamics are controlled. Here we identify RNA helicase DDX43 as an essential regulator of the chromatin remodeling process during spermiogenesis. Testis-specific Ddx43 knockout mice show male infertility with defective histone-to-protamine replacement and post-meiotic chromatin condensation defects. The loss of its ATP hydrolysis activity by a missense mutation replicates the infertility phenotype in global Ddx43 knockout mice. Single-cell RNA sequencing analyses of germ cells depleted of Ddx43 or expressing the Ddx43 ATPase-dead mutant reveals that DDX43 regulates dynamic RNA regulatory processes that underlie spermatid chromatin remodeling and differentiation. Transcriptomic profiling focusing on early-stage spermatids combined with enhanced crosslinking immunoprecipitation and sequencing further identifies Elfn2 as DDX43-targeted hub gene. These findings illustrate an essential role for DDX43 in spermiogenesis and highlight the single-cell-based strategy to dissect cell-state-specific regulation of male germline development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, 400016, Chongqing, Yuzhong District, China
| | - Weixu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Human Phenome Institute, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, School of Life Sciences and Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 200438, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Congjin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanfeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Shu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Pinglan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Human Phenome Institute, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, School of Life Sciences and Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 200438, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Lan Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Yiqiang Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China.
| | - Ting Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Human Phenome Institute, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, School of Life Sciences and Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 200438, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ke Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China.
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Zhang M, Deng YL, Liu C, Lu WQ, Zeng Q. Impacts of disinfection byproduct exposures on male reproductive health: Current evidence, possible mechanisms and future needs. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 331:138808. [PMID: 37121289 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Disinfection byproducts (DBPs) are a class of ubiquitous chemicals in drinking water and inevitably result in widespread human exposures. Potentially adverse health effects of DBP exposures, including reproductive and developmental outcomes, have been increasing public concerns. Several reviews have focused on the adverse pregnancy outcomes of DBPs. This review summarized current evidence on male reproduction health upon exposure to DBPs from toxicological and epidemiological literature. Based on existing experimental studies, there are sufficient evidence showing that haloacetic acids (HAAs) are male reproductive toxicants, including reduced epididymal weight, decreased semen parameters and sperm protein 22, and declined testosterone levels. However, epidemiological evidence remains insufficient to support a link of DBP exposures with adverse male reproductive outcomes, despite that blood and urinary DBP biomarkers are associated with decreased semen quality. Eight potential mechanisms, including germ/somatic cell dysfunction, oxidative stress, genotoxicity, inflammation, endocrine hormones, folate metabolism, epigenetic alterations, and gut microbiota, are likely involved in male reproductive toxicity of DBPs. We also identified knowledge gaps in toxicological and epidemiological studies to enhance future needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, And State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yan-Ling Deng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, And State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Chong Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, And State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Wen-Qing Lu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, And State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Qiang Zeng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, And State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China.
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35
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Park JI, Bell GW, Yamashita YM. Derepression of Y-linked multicopy protamine-like genes interferes with sperm nuclear compaction in D. melanogaster. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2220576120. [PMID: 37036962 PMCID: PMC10120018 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2220576120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Across species, sperm maturation involves the dramatic reconfiguration of chromatin into highly compact nuclei that enhance hydrodynamic ability and ensure paternal genomic integrity. This process is mediated by the replacement of histones by sperm nuclear basic proteins, also referred to as protamines. In humans, a carefully balanced dosage between two known protamine genes is required for optimal fertility. However, it remains unknown how their proper balance is regulated and how defects in balance may lead to compromised fertility. Here, we show that a nucleolar protein, modulo, a homolog of nucleolin, mediates the histone-to-protamine transition during Drosophila spermatogenesis. We find that modulo mutants display nuclear compaction defects during late spermatogenesis due to decreased expression of autosomal protamine genes (including Mst77F) and derepression of Y-linked multicopy Mst77F homologs (Mst77Y), leading to the mutant's known sterility. Overexpression of Mst77Y in a wild-type background is sufficient to cause nuclear compaction defects, similar to modulo mutant, indicating that Mst77Y is a dominant-negative variant interfering with the process of histone-to-protamine transition. Interestingly, ectopic overexpression of Mst77Y caused decompaction of X-bearing spermatids nuclei more frequently than Y-bearing spermatid nuclei, although this did not greatly affect the sex ratio of offspring. We further show that modulo regulates these protamine genes at the step of transcript polyadenylation. We conclude that the regulation of protamines mediated by modulo, ensuring the expression of functional ones while repressing dominant-negative ones, is critical for male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun I. Park
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - George W. Bell
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA02142
| | - Yukiko M. Yamashita
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA02142
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02142
- HHMI, Cambridge, MA02142
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de la Iglesia A, Jodar M, Oliva R, Castillo J. Insights into the sperm chromatin and implications for male infertility from a protein perspective. WIREs Mech Dis 2023; 15:e1588. [PMID: 36181449 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Male germ cells undergo an extreme but fascinating process of chromatin remodeling that begins in the testis during the last phase of spermatogenesis and continues through epididymal sperm maturation. Most of the histones are replaced by small proteins named protamines, whose high basicity leads to a tight genomic compaction. This process is epigenetically regulated at many levels, not only by posttranslational modifications, but also by readers, writers, and erasers, in a context of a highly coordinated postmeiotic gene expression program. Protamines are key proteins for acquiring this highly specialized chromatin conformation, needed for sperm functionality. Interestingly, and contrary to what could be inferred from its very specific DNA-packaging function across protamine-containing species, human sperm chromatin contains a wide spectrum of protamine proteoforms, including truncated and posttranslationally modified proteoforms. The generation of protamine knock-out models revealed not only chromatin compaction defects, but also collateral sperm alterations contributing to infertile phenotypes, evidencing the importance of sperm chromatin protamination toward the generation of a new individual. The unique features of sperm chromatin have motivated its study, applying from conventional to the most ground-breaking techniques to disentangle its peculiarities and the cellular mechanisms governing its successful conferment, especially relevant from the protein point of view due to the important epigenetic role of sperm nuclear proteins. Gathering and contextualizing the most striking discoveries will provide a global understanding of the importance and complexity of achieving a proper chromatin compaction and exploring its implications on postfertilization events and beyond. This article is categorized under: Reproductive System Diseases > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics Reproductive System Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto de la Iglesia
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Jodar
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain.,Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Oliva
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain.,Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Judit Castillo
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
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Kermani T, Hosseini SF, Talaei-Khozani T, Aliabadi E. Effect of Pre-Incubation of Cryopreserved Sperm with either Kisspeptin or Glutathione to Mitigate Freeze-Thaw Damage. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2023; 48:198-208. [PMID: 36895454 PMCID: PMC9989238 DOI: 10.30476/ijms.2022.92300.2354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Background Sperm cryopreservation reduces sperm quality. Kisspeptin (KP) has beneficial effects on sperm functions. This study compares the effect of KP and Glutathione (GSH) on mitigating the detrimental effects of the freeze-thaw cycle on sperm. Methods An experimental study was conducted in Birjand (Iran) during 2018-2020. Thirty normal swim-up semen samples were treated with Ham's F10 medium (negative control), 1 mM GSH (positive control), or KP (10 µM) for 30 min before freezing. The motility, acrosome reaction, capacitation, and DNA quality of the frozen-thawed sperms were assessed according to the WHO guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t test, one-way analysis of variance, and least significant difference. Results Pre-incubation with KP significantly increased the percentage of sperm motility (34.00±6.7, P=0.003) compared to the control (20.44±7.4) and GSH-treated (31.25±12.2) aliquots. The frequency of non-capacitated spermatozoa was significantly higher in the KP-treated group (98.73%) than in the control (96.46%) and GSH-treated (96.49%) aliquots (P<0.001). The percentage of acrosome-intact spermatozoa in the KP-treated group (77.44%) was significantly higher than the control (74.3%) and GSH-treated (74.54%) groups (P<0.001). The sperm frequency with normal histone in the KP-treated group (51.86%) and with normal protamine (65.39%) was significantly higher than the controls (P=0.001 and P=0.002, respectively). The percentage of TUNEL-positive sperm was significantly lower in the KP-treated group (9.09±2.71) than both GSH-treated (11.22±2.73) and control (11.31±2.2) groups (both P=0.002). Conclusion Pre-incubation with KP protects sperm motility and DNA integrity from the detrimental effect of the freeze-thaw cycle. KP is suitable as a pre-treatment to control sperm quality during freezing-thawing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayebeh Kermani
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Syedeh-Fatemeh Hosseini
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Tahereh Talaei-Khozani
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Histomorphometry and Stereology Research center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Elham Aliabadi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Mondal S, Bandyopadhyay A. From oxidative imbalance to compromised standard sperm parameters: Toxicological aspect of phthalate esters on spermatozoa. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 98:104085. [PMID: 36841271 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The exponential rise in global male infertility and subfertility-related issues raises severe concern. One of the major contributors is phthalate esters, typical endocrine disruptors affecting millions of lives. The inevitable exposure to phthalates due to their universal application as plasticizers leaves the human population vulnerable to this silent threat. This review explicitly deals with the spermiotoxic effects of different phthalate esters on in vivo and in vitro models and on surveyed human populations to find the most plausible link between global usage of phthalates and poor sperm health. As the free radicals in spermatozoa are prerequisites for their standard structure and functioning, the precise regulation and phthalate-mediated impairment of pro-oxidant:anti-oxidant balance with subsequent loss of structural and functional integrity have also been critically discussed. Furthermore, we also provided future directives, which, if addressed, will fill the still-existing lacunae in phthalate-mediated male reproductive toxicity research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirsha Mondal
- Department of Zoology, Govt College Dhimarkheda (Rani Durgavati Vishwavidyalaya), Katni, Madhya Pradesh 483332, India.
| | - Arindam Bandyopadhyay
- Department of Zoology, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211002, India.
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Kaltsas A, Moustakli E, Zikopoulos A, Georgiou I, Dimitriadis F, Symeonidis EN, Markou E, Michaelidis TM, Tien DMB, Giannakis I, Ioannidou EM, Papatsoris A, Tsounapi P, Takenaka A, Sofikitis N, Zachariou A. Impact of Advanced Paternal Age on Fertility and Risks of Genetic Disorders in Offspring. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:486. [PMID: 36833413 PMCID: PMC9957550 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The average age of fathers at first pregnancy has risen significantly over the last decade owing to various variables, including a longer life expectancy, more access to contraception, later marriage, and other factors. As has been proven in several studies, women over 35 years of age have an increased risk of infertility, pregnancy problems, spontaneous abortion, congenital malformations, and postnatal issues. There are varying opinions on whether a father's age affects the quality of his sperm or his ability to father a child. First, there is no single accepted definition of old age in a father. Second, much research has reported contradictory findings in the literature, particularly concerning the most frequently examined criteria. Increasing evidence suggests that the father's age contributes to his offspring's higher vulnerability to inheritable diseases. Our comprehensive literature evaluation shows a direct correlation between paternal age and decreased sperm quality and testicular function. Genetic abnormalities, such as DNA mutations and chromosomal aneuploidies, and epigenetic modifications, such as the silencing of essential genes, have all been linked to the father's advancing years. Paternal age has been shown to affect reproductive and fertility outcomes, such as the success rate of in vitro fertilisation (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and premature birth rate. Several diseases, including autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, and paediatric leukaemia, have been linked to the father's advanced years. Therefore, informing infertile couples of the alarming correlations between older fathers and a rise in their offspring's diseases is crucial, so that they can be effectively guided through their reproductive years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aris Kaltsas
- Laboratory of Spermatology, Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Efthalia Moustakli
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics in Clinical Practice, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Athanasios Zikopoulos
- Laboratory of Spermatology, Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ioannis Georgiou
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics in Clinical Practice, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Fotios Dimitriadis
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evangelos N. Symeonidis
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleftheria Markou
- Department of Microbiology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Theologos M. Michaelidis
- Department of Biological Applications and Technologies, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
- Biomedical Research Institute, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, 45500 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Dung Mai Ba Tien
- Department of Andrology, Binh Dan Hospital, Ho chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam
| | - Ioannis Giannakis
- Laboratory of Spermatology, Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | | | - Athanasios Papatsoris
- 2nd Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Sismanoglio Hospital, National and Kapodistrian Univesity of Athens, 15126 Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiota Tsounapi
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
| | - Atsushi Takenaka
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
| | - Nikolaos Sofikitis
- Laboratory of Spermatology, Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Athanasios Zachariou
- Laboratory of Spermatology, Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
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Laqqan MM, Yassin MM. Effect of hubble-bubble smoking on global DNA methylation and transcription levels of protamine and histone genes in human spermatozoa. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2023; 58:53-60. [PMID: 36744325 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2023.2174326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This study was conducted to assess the impact of hubble-bubble smoking on global DNA methylation, DNA fragmentation; protamine deficiency of spermatozoa, and to determine whether the transcription levels of the protamine and histone genes are different in hubble-bubble smokers compared to nonsmokers. Five hundred semen samples were collected from males with an average age of 32.2 ± 6.1 years (300 hubble-bubble smokers "60%" and 200 nonsmokers "40%"). The nucleic acid was isolated from purified sperm, then ELISA and qPCR were used to evaluate the global DNA methylation and transcription level of protamine and histone, respectively. A significant elevation in global DNA methylation, protamine deficiency, and DNA fragmentation was found in hubble-bubble smokers compared to nonsmokers (P < 0.0001). A significant decline was shown in transcription levels of protamine and histone genes in hubble-bubble compared to nonsmokers (P < 0.0001). Additionally, a down-regulation in the transcription levels of protamine and histone was revealed in hubble-bubble compared to nonsmokers with fold change (0.0001 and 0.007, respectively). In conclusion, this study provided proof that hubble-bubble smoking has a negative impact on global DNA methylation, DNA fragmentation, protamine deficiency, and the transcription of protamine and histone genes in spermatozoa, and these findings influence negatively males' fecundity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed M Laqqan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Saarland University "Graduate", Saarbrucken, Germany
| | - Maged M Yassin
- Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
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41
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Belardin LB, Antoniassi MP, Camargo M, Intasqui P, Bertolla RP. Separating the chaff from the wheat: antibody-based removal of DNA-fragmented sperm. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:204-215. [PMID: 36539256 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac260] [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: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is it possible to remove sperm with damaged DNA from a semen sample? SUMMARY ANSWER By using immunomagnetic cell sorting that targets the sperm head-bound epididymal sperm-binding protein 1 (ELSPBP1), it was possible to produce an ELSPBP1(-) sperm fraction characterized by consistently lower levels of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In bovines, ELSPBP1 is bound to dead spermatozoa. Human ejaculates with high SDF have increased detected levels of sperm ELSPBP1 when compared to ejaculates with low native SDF. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We recruited 267 patients who were referred to the clinic for conjugal infertility. After applying exclusion criteria, such as fever within 90 days of the study, history of systemic diseases, alterations or surgical interventions to the genital tract and use of cigarette or drugs, a total of 133 patients were included. A total of 52 samples were used for the evaluation of sperm ELSPBP1 levels (Sub-study 1), 41 samples for determination of ELSPBP1 location in human sperm (Sub-study 2), and 40 samples for immunomagnetic cell sorting targeting ELSPBP1, to produce ELSPBP1(-) (without ELSPBP1) and ELSPBP1(+) (with ELSPBP1) fractions (Sub-study 3). Samples were collected between July 2016 and September 2019. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS In Sub-study 1, sperm ELSPBP1 levels were assessed by western blotting. For Sub-study 2, ELSPBP1 was localized in sperm by immunocytochemistry. Finally, for Sub-study 3, sperm were selected based on incubation of semen samples with antibody-coated magnetic microspheres targeting ELSPBP1. Two fractions were produced (with or without ELSPBP1), and these sub-populations were submitted to an alkaline Comet assay for determination of SDF. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Men with high SDF presented higher sperm ELSPBP1 levels when compared to the control group (low SDF), while no difference between groups was observed in seminal plasma. ELSPBP1 was located in the head region of human sperm. The ELSPBP1(+) fractions presented high and variable levels of SDF, while their paired ELSPBP(-) fractions presented consistently low SDF. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This work did not validate the levels of ELSPBP1 in other functional alterations of sperm, such as acrosome integrity or mitochondrial activity. Moreover, this is still a pre-clinical study, intended to demonstrate proof-of-concept that ELSPBP1 selects sperm with low DNA fragmentation; further investigation is warranted to demonstrate safety for use in ART. Sperm fractions were not assessed for sperm vitality. A clinical trial is still necessary for these findings to be extrapolated to outcomes in ART. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings demonstrate that ELSPBP1 is associated with sperm with higher levels of DNA fragmentation. The finding that the sperm membrane can reflect alterations in DNA integrity could give rise to a novel molecular method for sperm preparation prior to use of assisted reproductive procedures. Moreover, the detection of sperm-bound ELSPBP1 could serve as an indirect method for the determination of DNA fragmentation. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) L.B.B. was a recipient of a Ph.D. scholarship from the Sao Paulo Research Foundation-FAPESP (process number 2016/05487-3). R.P.B. is a recipient of a Scientific Productivity scholarship from the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development-CNPq (process number 306705/2017-6). The authors have no conflict of interest to disclose. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- L B Belardin
- Human Reproduction Section, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - M P Antoniassi
- Human Reproduction Section, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - M Camargo
- Human Reproduction Section, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - P Intasqui
- Human Reproduction Section, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - R P Bertolla
- Human Reproduction Section, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Hospital São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Lara-Cerrillo S, Urda Muñoz C, de la Casa Heras M, Camacho Fernández-Pacheco S, Gijón de la Santa J, Lacruz-Ruiz T, Rosado-Iglesias C, Gonçalves-Aponte V, Badajoz Liébana V, García-Peiró A. Microfluidic sperm sorting improves ICSI outcomes in patients with increased values of Double-Strand Breaks in sperm DNA. Rev Int Androl 2023; 21:100338. [PMID: 36335071 DOI: 10.1016/j.androl.2021.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delays in embryo kinetics, implantation failures in ICSI treatments and recurrent miscarriages have been associated with high values of Double-Strand Breaks (DSB) in sperm DNA. While conventional methods for semen preparation have been shown to be inefficient reducing DSB values, Microfluidic Sperm Sorting (MSS) devices are promising tools to reduce this damage. OBJECTIVE To study the clinical utility of an MSS device in ICSI treatments when the male partner presents increased DSB values, as compared to the use of conventional methods based on sperm motility. METHODS This retrospective cohort study included 28 infertile couples undergoing ICSI treatments. Only couples where the male partner presented increased values of DSB were included. DSB values were evaluated in semen samples by the Neutral Comet assay. Couples performed a first ICSI cycle using conventional methods for semen preparation (Density Gradients and Swim-up) and a second ICSI cycle using the ZyMōt™ICSI (formerly named FertileChip®) microfluidic device. Embryology and clinical outcomes were compared between ICSI cycles. RESULTS Semen parameters and the number of obtained and fertilized oocytes did not show differences between ICSI rounds. Clinical outcomes were statistically better when MSS was used: the biochemical pregnancy rate increased 28.31%; the clinical pregnancy rate increased 35.56% and the number of live births increased 35.29%, as compared to the first ICSI cycle in this group of patients. CONCLUSIONS The ZyMōt™ICSI microfluidic device improved the reproductive outcomes in couples where the male partner presented increased DSB values, when compared to the use of conventional semen preparation techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Lara-Cerrillo
- CIMAB, Barcelona Male Infertility Centre, Sant Quirze del Vallés, Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Tania Lacruz-Ruiz
- CIMAB, Barcelona Male Infertility Centre, Sant Quirze del Vallés, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Agustín García-Peiró
- CIMAB, Barcelona Male Infertility Centre, Sant Quirze del Vallés, Barcelona, Spain.
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Leung ETY, Lee BKM, Lee CL, Tian X, Lam KKW, Li RHW, Ng EHY, Yeung WSB, Ou JP, Chiu PCN. The role of spermatozoa-zona pellucida interaction in selecting fertilization-competent spermatozoa in humans. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1135973. [PMID: 37020592 PMCID: PMC10067631 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1135973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Human fertilization begins when a capacitated spermatozoon binds to the zona pellucida (ZP) surrounding a mature oocyte. Defective spermatozoa-ZP interaction contributes to male infertility and is a leading cause of reduced fertilization rates in assisted reproduction treatments (ARTs). Human ejaculate contains millions of spermatozoa with varying degrees of fertilization potential and genetic quality, of which only thousands of motile spermatozoa can bind to the ZP at the fertilization site. This observation suggests that human ZP selectively interacts with competitively superior spermatozoa characterized by high fertilizing capability and genetic integrity. However, direct evidence for ZP-mediated sperm selection process is lacking. This study aims to demonstrate that spermatozoa-ZP interaction represents a crucial step in selecting fertilization-competent spermatozoa in humans. ZP-bound and unbound spermatozoa were respectively collected by a spermatozoa-ZP coincubation assay. The time-course data demonstrated that ZP interacted with a small proportion of motile spermatozoa. Heat shock 70 kDa protein 2 (HSPA2) and sperm acrosome associated 3 (SPACA 3) are two protein markers associated with the sperm ZP-binding ability. Immunofluorescent staining indicated that the ZP-bound spermatozoa had significantly higher expression levels of HSPA2 and SPACA3 than the unbound spermatozoa. ZP-bound spermatozoa had a significantly higher level of normal morphology, DNA integrity, chromatin integrity, protamination and global methylation when compared to the unbound spermatozoa. The results validated the possibility of applying spermatozoa-ZP interaction to select fertilization-competent spermatozoa in ART. This highly selective interaction might also provide diagnostic information regarding the fertilization potential and genetic qualities of spermatozoa independent of those derived from the standard semen analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica T. Y. Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Brayden K. M. Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Cheuk-Lun Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong – Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xinyi Tian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kevin K. W. Lam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong – Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Raymond H. W. Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong – Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ernest H. Y. Ng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong – Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - William S. B. Yeung
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong – Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jian-Ping Ou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Philip C. N. Chiu, ; Jian-Ping Ou,
| | - Philip C. N. Chiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong – Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Philip C. N. Chiu, ; Jian-Ping Ou,
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Bibi R, Jahan S, Kafeel Qureshi S, Razak S, Afsar T, Almajwal A, Kafeel Qureshi M, Hammadeh ME, Amor H. Analysis of sperm chromatin packaging and reproductive biomarker to evaluate the consequence of advanced male age. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1092603. [PMID: 37124745 PMCID: PMC10140363 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1092603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, the semen parameters, sperm chromatin integrity, antioxidant enzyme levels, and reproductive hormone levels of subfertile male subjects from Pakistan were assessed in relation to their age. Data on the demographic characteristics of the 750 study participants, including their general health, body mass index (BMI), and reproductive status, were collected from subfertile men from Pakistan. Semen and blood were collected to determine standard semen parameters, sperm chromatin dispersion (Halosperm-SCD), sperm chromatin integrity using toluidine blue (TB) staining, sperm chromatin maturity using chromomycin A3 (CMA3+) staining, and reproductive hormone (FSH, LH, prolactin and testosterone levels). The patients were divided into three groups according to their age: Group 1 included male subjects aged 30 years or less (n = 90), Group 2 included male subjects between the ages of 31 and 40 years (n = 330), and Group 3 included male subjects over 40 years of age (n = 330). Conventional semen parameters, reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), and lipid peroxidation (MDA) did not statistically (p > 0.05) differ with increasing male age or between different age groups. When compared to younger men (<30 years), sperm SCD (23.2 ± 0.88%) was significantly (p = 0.01) lower as compared to male patients aged >40 years (26.6 ± 0.6%). The concentration of LH, FSH, and testosterone levels were comparable between the groups (p > 0.05), while a significant (p = 0.04) increase in sperm chromatin immaturity CMA3+ (30 ± 0.71%) was observed in the old age group (>40 years) compared to the <30-year group (26.6 ± 1.03%). A positive association was observed between advanced male age and sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) (r = 0.124, p = 0.001) and decondensation (CMA3+) (r = 0.1, p = 0.009). Despite potential limitations, this study has been carried out with extensive information on the potential risk of male age on sperm integrity. The present study demonstrated the impact of male age on male reproductive health, as these patients had a higher percentage of sperm chromatin damage (SCD) in their semen. Sperm DNA damage assessment will help in the evaluation and diagnosis of the underlying cause of poor fertility and can help clinicians in selecting the right treatment options. Male age is one of the factors that have an impact on the decline in male fertility. As a result, it is preferable for patients receiving assisted reproductive technology to be younger.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riffat Bibi
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
- *Correspondence: Riffat Bibi, ; Suhail Razak,
| | - Sarwat Jahan
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Salma Kafeel Qureshi
- Department of Reproductive Health Sciences, Salma and Kafeel Medical Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Suhail Razak
- Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- *Correspondence: Riffat Bibi, ; Suhail Razak,
| | - Tayyaba Afsar
- Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Almajwal
- Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mashal Kafeel Qureshi
- Department of Reproductive Health Sciences, Salma and Kafeel Medical Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Mohammad Eid Hammadeh
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Saarland University Clinic, Homburg, Germany
| | - Houda Amor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Saarland University Clinic, Homburg, Germany
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Ribas-Maynou J, Novo S, Torres M, Salas-Huetos A, Rovira S, Antich M, Yeste M. Sperm DNA integrity does play a crucial role for embryo development after ICSI, notably when good-quality oocytes from young donors are used. Biol Res 2022; 55:41. [PMID: 36572948 PMCID: PMC9791757 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-022-00409-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on the inconsistent literature published thus far involving infertile patients, whether intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) allows overcoming total fertilization failure due to sperm DNA fragmentation is still unclear. Related to this, female factors, which may have a significant impact on assisted reproduction outcomes, can mask male infertility. In this scenario, evaluating ICSI outcomes following cycles using healthy donor gametes could shed light on this realm, as it would avoid the influence of (un)known confounding factors present in infertile individuals. The present work, therefore, aimed to address whether single- and double-stranded sperm DNA fragmentation leads to impaired ICSI outcomes in double gamete donation cycles. The study also compared these double-gamete donation cycles to cycles in which only sperm were donated and oocytes were obtained from infertile patients. Two cohorts were included: (a) the Donor-Donor (DD) cohort, which included 27 semen donor samples used in 49 ICSI cycles with young healthy oocyte donors; and (b) the Donor-Infertile (DI) cohort, which involved 34 semen donor samples used in 57 ICSI cycles with oocytes from patients. Single- and double-stranded sperm DNA breaks were determined with alkaline and neutral Comet assays, respectively; ICSI was conducted following standard protocols and embryos were monitored through time-lapse microscopy. In the DD cohort, the percentage of sperm with high overall DNA damage correlated with fertilization rates (Rs = - 0.666; P < 0.001) and with the percentage of blastocysts per injected oocyte (Rs = - 0.414; P = 0.040). In addition, sperm DNA damage delayed the first embryo division (Rs = 0.421; P = 0.036), and development from the 8-cell to the morula stage (Rs = 0.424; P = 0.034). In contrast, double-stranded DNA breaks had no effect in this cohort. As far as the DI cohort is concerned, while overall sperm DNA damage was not found to be correlated to fertilization or blastocyst rates, pronuclei formation following ICSI was delayed when the incidence of double-stranded DNA breaks was high (Rs = 0.485; P = 0.005). In conclusion, this study, which is the first involving double donation cycles (i.e., a donor-donor cohort), supports that sperm DNA damage has a detrimental impact on fertilization rates after ICSI, and delays embryo development. Moreover, the use of oocytes from infertile individuals is suggested to hide the male-factor effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- grid.5319.e0000 0001 2179 7512Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, ES-17003 Girona, Spain ,grid.5319.e0000 0001 2179 7512Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Sergi Novo
- Fertilab – Institut Catala de Fertilitat SL, Barcelona, Spain ,Fertibank, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Torres
- grid.5319.e0000 0001 2179 7512Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, ES-17003 Girona, Spain ,grid.5319.e0000 0001 2179 7512Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Albert Salas-Huetos
- grid.5319.e0000 0001 2179 7512Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, ES-17003 Girona, Spain ,grid.5319.e0000 0001 2179 7512Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
| | - Sergi Rovira
- Fertilab – Institut Catala de Fertilitat SL, Barcelona, Spain ,Fertibank, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Antich
- Fertilab – Institut Catala de Fertilitat SL, Barcelona, Spain ,Fertibank, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- grid.5319.e0000 0001 2179 7512Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, ES-17003 Girona, Spain ,grid.5319.e0000 0001 2179 7512Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain ,grid.425902.80000 0000 9601 989XCatalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
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Chhetri KB, Jang YH, Lansac Y, Maiti PK. Effect of phosphorylation of protamine-like cationic peptide on the binding affinity to DNA. Biophys J 2022; 121:4830-4839. [PMID: 36168289 PMCID: PMC9808561 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Protamines are more arginine-rich and more basic than histones and are responsible for providing a highly compacted shape to the sperm heads in the testis. Phosphorylation and dephosphorylation are two events that occur in the late phase of spermatogenesis before the maturation of sperms. In this work, we have studied the effect of phosphorylation of protamine-like cationic peptides using all-atom molecular dynamics simulations. Through thermodynamic analyses, we found that phosphorylation reduces the binding efficiency of such cationic peptides on DNA duplexes. Peptide phosphorylation leads to a less efficient DNA condensation, due to a competition between DNA-peptide and peptide-peptide interactions. We hypothesize that the decrease of peptide bonds between DNA together with peptide self-assembly might allow an optimal re-organization of chromatin and an efficient condensation through subsequent peptide dephosphorylation. Based on the globular and compact conformations of phosphorylated peptides mediated by arginine-phosphoserine H-bonding, we furthermore postulate that phosphorylated protamines could more easily intrude into chromatin and participate to histone release through disruption of histone-histone and histone-DNA binding during spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khadka B Chhetri
- Center for Condensed Matter Theory, Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India; Department of Physics, Prithvinarayan Campus, Tribhuvan University, Pokhara, Nepal
| | - Yun Hee Jang
- Department of Energy Science and Engineering, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Korea; GREMAN, CNRS UMR 7347, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France.
| | - Yves Lansac
- GREMAN, CNRS UMR 7347, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France; Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, CNRS UMR 8502, Université Paris Saclay, Orsay, France.
| | - Prabal K Maiti
- Center for Condensed Matter Theory, Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India.
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47
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Burke ND, Nixon B, Roman SD, Schjenken JE, Walters JLH, Aitken RJ, Bromfield EG. Male infertility and somatic health - insights into lipid damage as a mechanistic link. Nat Rev Urol 2022; 19:727-750. [PMID: 36100661 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-022-00640-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, mounting evidence has shown an alarming association between male subfertility and poor somatic health, with substantial evidence supporting the increased incidence of oncological disease, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders and autoimmune diseases in men who have previously received a subfertility diagnosis. This paradigm is concerning, but might also provide a novel window for a crucial health reform in which the infertile phenotype could serve as an indication of potential pathological conditions. One of the major limiting factors in this association is the poor understanding of the molecular features that link infertility with comorbidities across the life course. Enzymes involved in the lipid oxidation process might provide novel clues to reconcile the mechanistic basis of infertility with incident pathological conditions. Building research capacity in this area is essential to enhance the early detection of disease states and provide crucial information about the disease risk of offspring conceived through assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan D Burke
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shaun D Roman
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Drug Development, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John E Schjenken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jessica L H Walters
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - R John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia.
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.
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48
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Shadman H, Gallops CE, Ziebarth JD, DeRouchey JE, Wang Y. Exploring Structures and Dynamics of Protamine Molecules through Molecular Dynamics Simulations. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:42083-42095. [PMID: 36440140 PMCID: PMC9685783 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c04227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Protamines are arginine-rich proteins that condense DNA in sperm. Despite their importance in reproduction, information on protamine structure is scarce. We, therefore, used molecular dynamics to examine the structures of salmon, bull P1, and human P1 protamines. The sizes and shapes of each protamine varied widely, indicating that they were disordered with structures covering a broad conformational landscape, from hairpin loop structures to extended coils. Despite their general disorder, the protamines did form secondary structures, including helices and hairpin loops. In eutherians, hairpins may promote disulfide bonding that facilitates protamine-DNA condensation, but the specifics of this bonding is not well established. We examined inter-residue distances in the simulations to predict residue pairs likely to form intramolecular bonds, leading to the identification of bonding pairs consistent with previous results in bull and human. These results support a model for eutherian protamine structures where a highly charged center is surrounded by disulfide-bond-stabilized loops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossain Shadman
- Department
of Chemistry, The University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee38154, United States
| | - Caleb Edward Gallops
- Department
of Chemistry, The University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee38154, United States
| | - Jesse D. Ziebarth
- Department
of Chemistry, The University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee38154, United States
| | - Jason E. DeRouchey
- Department
of Chemistry, The University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky40506, United States
| | - Yongmei Wang
- Department
of Chemistry, The University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee38154, United States
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49
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Liu M, Liu P, Chang Y, Xu B, Wang N, Qin L, Zheng J, Liu Y, Wu L, Yan H. Genome-wide DNA methylation profiles and small noncoding RNA signatures in sperm with a high DNA fragmentation index. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:2255-2274. [PMID: 36190595 PMCID: PMC9596664 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02618-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing number of studies have reported that sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) is associated with male infertility. However, no studies have compared genome-wide DNA methylation profiles and sncRNA signatures between sperm with high and low sperm DNA fragmentation indices (DFIs). METHODS Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) was performed on sperm samples from a weak group (DFI ≥ 30%, n = 6) and normal group (DFI ≤ 15%, n = 7). Small noncoding RNA (sncRNA) deep sequencing was conducted for sperm samples from the weak (DFI ≥ 30%, n = 13) and normal (DFI ≤ 15%, n = 17) groups. RESULTS A total of 4939 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified in the weak group sperm samples relative to normal group sperm samples, with 2072 (41.95%) of them located in promoter regions. The percentages of hypermethylated DMRs were higher than those of hypomethylated DMRs in all seven examined gene annotation groups. Hypermethylated DMRs were significantly enriched in terms associated with neurons and microtubules. Compared with the normal group, the global DNA methylation level of the weak group sperm showed a downward trend, with lower correlation for methylation in the weak group sperm; therefore, the chromosomes of high-DFI sperm may be loose. On average, 40.5% of sncRNAs were annotated as rsRNAs, 19.3% as tsRNAs, 10.4% as yRNAs, and 7.1% as miRNAs. A total of 27 miRNAs, 151 tsRNAs, and 70 rsRNAs were differentially expressed between the two groups of sperm samples. Finally, 7 sncRNAs were identified as candidate sperm quality biomarkers, and the target genes of the differentially expressed miRNAs are involved in nervous system development. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that genome-wide DNA methylation profiles and sncRNA signatures are significantly altered in high-DFI sperm. Our study provides potential biomarkers for sperm quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghua Liu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peiru Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunjian Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Beiying Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Nengzhuang Wang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lina Qin
- Reproductive Medical Center, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jufen Zheng
- Reproductive Medical Center, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yun Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ligang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hongli Yan
- Reproductive Medical Center, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
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50
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Perrone P, Lettieri G, Marinaro C, Longo V, Capone S, Forleo A, Pappalardo S, Montano L, Piscopo M. Molecular Alterations and Severe Abnormalities in Spermatozoa of Young Men Living in the "Valley of Sacco River" (Latium, Italy): A Preliminary Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191711023. [PMID: 36078739 PMCID: PMC9518305 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191711023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The Valley of Sacco River (VSR) (Latium, Italy) is an area with large-scale industrial chemical production that has led over time to significant contamination of soil and groundwater with various industrial pollutants, such as organic pesticides, dioxins, organic solvents, heavy metals, and particularly, volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In the present study, we investigated the potential impact of VOCs on the spermatozoa of healthy young males living in the VSR, given the prevalent presence of several VOCs in the semen of these individuals. To accomplish this, spermiograms were conducted followed by molecular analyses to assess the content of sperm nuclear basic proteins (SNBPs) in addition to the protamine-histone ratio and DNA binding of these proteins. We found drastic alterations in the spermatozoa of these young males living in the VSR. Alterations were seen in sperm morphology, sperm motility, sperm count, and protamine/histone ratios, and included significant reductions in SNBP-DNA binding capacity. Our results provide preliminary indications of a possible correlation between the observed alterations and the presence of specific VOCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Perrone
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
- Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro Lettieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Carmela Marinaro
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Longo
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (IMM), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Simonetta Capone
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (IMM), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Angiola Forleo
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (IMM), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Montano
- Andrology Unit and Service of Lifestyle Medicine in UroAndrology, Local Health Authority (ASL) Salerno, Coordination Unit of the Network for Environmental and Reproductive Health (EcoFoodFertility Project),
Oliveto Citra Hospital, 84020 Oliveto Citra, Italy
- PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Piscopo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
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