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Kitaoka M, Yamashita YM. Running the gauntlet: challenges to genome integrity in spermiogenesis. Nucleus 2024; 15:2339220. [PMID: 38594652 PMCID: PMC11005813 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2024.2339220] [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: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Species' continuity depends on gametogenesis to produce the only cell types that can transmit genetic information across generations. Spermiogenesis, which encompasses post-meiotic, haploid stages of male gametogenesis, is a process that leads to the formation of sperm cells well-known for their motility. Spermiogenesis faces three major challenges. First, after two rounds of meiotic divisions, the genome lacks repair templates (no sister chromatids, no homologous chromosomes), making it incredibly vulnerable to any genomic insults over an extended time (typically days-weeks). Second, the sperm genome becomes transcriptionally silent, making it difficult to respond to new perturbations as spermiogenesis progresses. Third, the histone-to-protamine transition, which is essential to package the sperm genome, counterintuitively involves DNA break formation. How spermiogenesis handles these challenges remains poorly understood. In this review, we discuss each challenge and their intersection with the biology of protamines. Finally, we discuss the implication of protamines in the process of evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maiko Kitaoka
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yukiko M. Yamashita
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
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2
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Mirzaei M, Asbagh FA, Safavi M, Yekaninejad MS, Rahimi R, Pourmand G, Karimi M, Farshbaf-Khalili A, Sarrafi S. Phoenix dactylifera L. pollen versus pentoxifylline on improvement of sperm parameters in idiopathic male infertility: A randomized clinical trial. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 330:118168. [PMID: 38604508 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Phoenix dactylifera L. pollen is the male reproductive dust of palm flowers known as a natural product that is considered a strong stimulant of sexual potency and fertility in Iranian traditional medicine (ITM). In this regard, no evidence-based medications are empirically prescribed to treat IMI. However, applying traditional medicine for the treatment of male infertility has attracted more attention in recent years. AIM OF THE STUDY Phoenix dactylifera L. pollen was compared with pentoxifylline (PTX) to evaluate its efficacy on sperm parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS During this parallel randomized controlled trial, 80 adult men with asthenozoospermia, oligozoospermia, or teratozoospermia (age 20-35 years) were enrolled. In two separate groups of participants with a 1:1 ratio, participants received either 6 g of Phoenix dactylifera L. pollen powder daily or 400 mg of PTX tablets daily for 90 days. We measured the sperm parameters as well as the serum sex hormones in the sample. ANCOVA and t-tests were used to compare groups. RESULTS There was no significant difference between the study groups in terms of baseline characteristics or demographic characteristics. According to the results, participants who took Phoenix dactylifera L. pollen powder had significantly improved sperm concentration (p = 0.016), morphology (p = 0.029), sperm counts (p = 0.012), progressive motility (p = 0.016), total motility (p = 0.018), and reduced immotile sperms (p = 0.014) compared to those who took PTX. CONCLUSIONS In light of these results, Phoenix dactylifera L. pollen is recommended as a treatment factor for ameliorating IMI by enhancing sperm functional capacity and semen parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadreza Mirzaei
- Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Iranian Traditional Medicine, School of Traditional Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Firoozeh Akbari Asbagh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IVF Unit, Yas Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Safavi
- Urology Research Center, Sina Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mir Saeed Yekaninejad
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roja Rahimi
- Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Traditional Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Pourmand
- Urology Research Center, Sina Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Karimi
- Department of Iranian Traditional Medicine, School of Traditional Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Azizeh Farshbaf-Khalili
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research Center, Aging Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Somayyeh Sarrafi
- Instructor, Midwifery Department, Bonab Branch, Islamic Azad University, Bonab, Iran
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Solanki M, Joseph T, Muthukumar K, Samuel P, Aleyamma TK, Kamath MS. Impact of sperm DNA fragmentation in couples with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss: A cross-sectional study. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2024. [PMID: 39096059 DOI: 10.1111/jog.16041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) has a multifactorial etiology, with a majority of cases remaining unexplained. To account for these unexplained cases, possible male factors are being explored. Conventional semen analysis lacks a qualitative assessment of sperms and information regarding sperm DNA integrity. Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) has diagnostic value in unexplained RPL, and it may account for a number of unexplained cases. Hence, we planned a study to explore and evaluate the impact of sperm DNA fragmentation in couples with unexplained recurrent pregnancy losses. STUDY DESIGN Analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary-level referral facility in India between August 2021 and July 2023. Participants (n = 70) were divided into two groups-male partners of couples with unexplained RPL (following spontaneous conceptions) (n = 35) and men with at least one previous live birth (spontaneous or following fertility treatments for female factor infertility such as ovulation induction or intrauterine insemination) as controls (n = 35). Neither of the two groups of couples recruited for this study had undergone ART as fertility treatment. Primary outcome assessed was mean DNA fragmentation index (DFI). Secondary outcomes included differences in semen parameters such as sperm concentration, progressive sperm motility and morphology, proportion of men with high (≥30%) and low DFI in the two groups, and the association between various semen parameters and DFI. RESULTS Univariate logistic regression revealed that sperm DNA fragmentation was higher in men with unexplained RPL (30.0; IQR (interquartile range) 19.0, 46.0) as compared to controls (22.0; IQR 14.0, 30.0) although it was not statistically significant (OR, odds ratio, 1.02; 95% CI 1.0-1.1, p = 0.08). A higher proportion of men with unexplained RPL had DFI ≥30% compared to controls (54.2% vs. 25.7%; OR 3.43 (95% CI 1.2-9.4); p = 0.02). No statistically significant differences were observed in semen volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility, and morphology between the two groups. Sperm DNA fragmentation index also showed a weak but significant inverse relationship with sperm morphology (r = -0.336, p = 0.004). CONCLUSION The current study did not show any significant difference in the mean sperm DNA fragmentation levels in male partners of couples with unexplained RPL compared to controls. However, a higher proportion of men with DFI ≥30% were observed in unexplained RPL population when compared to controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megha Solanki
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Treasa Joseph
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, India
| | - K Muthukumar
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, India
| | - Prasanna Samuel
- Department of Biostatistics, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - T K Aleyamma
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, India
| | - Mohan S Kamath
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
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Mohammadi Y, Ranjbaran J, Mamashli M, Marzuni HZ, Dashtgard A, Mohsenizadeh SM. Investigating the effects of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 on sperm parameters and serum levels of male sexual hormones: Prospective observational study. New Microbes New Infect 2024; 60-61:101432. [PMID: 38800713 PMCID: PMC11126988 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2024.101432] [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: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background With the progress and prevalence of COVID-19, concerns have arisen regarding its impact on men's sexual health. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of examining the effects of COVID-19 on serum levels of sex hormones and semen. Methods Sixty participants who met the study inclusion criteria enrolled in this study between January and April 2022. The individuals were divided into three groups (n = 20): healthy, COVID-19 positive, and recovered from COVID-19. Blood and semen samples were collected from the participants. Serum levels of sex hormones and semen were evaluated both macroscopically and microscopically. Results Our study results showed that the most common symptoms observed in the COVID-19 group were cough (100 %), fever (100 %), fatigue (95 %), and runny nose (90 %). Serum levels of sex hormones (testosterone, FSH, and prolactin) in the COVID-19 group were significantly decreased compared to the healthy group. Microscopic examination of semen revealed significant differences in vitality, progressive, and motile parameters among the three groups, with a decrease observed in the COVID-19 group. Conclusion These results indicate that COVID-19 may have a negative impact on men's sexual health, potentially affecting hormone production and sperm quality. Further research is needed to determine the long-term effects of COVID-19 on male fertility and to explore potential treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaser Mohammadi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Ranjbaran
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Morteza Mamashli
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Hadi Zare Marzuni
- Department of Nursing, Qaen School of Medical Sciences, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Ali Dashtgard
- Department of Nursing, Qaen School of Medical Sciences, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Seyed Mostafa Mohsenizadeh
- Department of Nursing, Qaen School of Medical Sciences, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
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Kobayashi H, Uetani M, Yamabe F, Mitsui Y, Nakajima K, Nagao K. A new model for determining risk of male infertility from serum hormone levels, without semen analysis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17079. [PMID: 39085312 PMCID: PMC11291977 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67910-0] [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: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
We investigated a screening method using only serum hormone levels and AI (artificial intelligence) predictive analysis. Among 3662 patients, numbers for NOA (non-obstructive azoospermia), OA (obstructive azoospermia), cryptozoospermia, oligozoospermia and/or asthenozoospermia, normal, and ejaculation disorder were 448, 210, 46, 1619, 1333, and 6, respectively. "Normal" was defined as semen findings normal according to the WHO (World Health Organization) Manual for Human Semen Testing of 2021. We extracted age, LH (luteinizing hormone), FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), PRL (prolactin), testosterone, E2 (estradiol), and T (testosterone)/E2 from medical records. A total motility sperm count of 9.408 × 106 (1.4 ml × 16 × 106/ml × 42%) was defined as the lower limit of normal. The Prediction One-based AI model had an AUC (area under the curve) of 74.42%. For the AutoML Tables-based model, AUC ROC (receiver operating characteristic) was 74.2% and AUC PR (precision-recall) 77.2%. In a ranking of feature importance from 1st to 3rd, FSH came a clear 1st. T/E2 and LH ranked 2nd and 3rd for both Prediction One and AutoML Tables. Using data from 2021 and 2022 to verify the Prediction One-based AI model, the predicted and actual results for NOA were 100% matched in both years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideyuki Kobayashi
- Department of Urology, Toho University School of Medicine, 6-11-1, Omori-Nishi, Ota-Ku, Tokyo, 143-8541, Japan.
| | - Masato Uetani
- Department of Urology, Toho University School of Medicine, 6-11-1, Omori-Nishi, Ota-Ku, Tokyo, 143-8541, Japan
| | - Fumito Yamabe
- Department of Urology, Toho University School of Medicine, 6-11-1, Omori-Nishi, Ota-Ku, Tokyo, 143-8541, Japan
| | - Yozo Mitsui
- Department of Urology, Toho University School of Medicine, 6-11-1, Omori-Nishi, Ota-Ku, Tokyo, 143-8541, Japan
| | - Koichi Nakajima
- Department of Urology, Toho University School of Medicine, 6-11-1, Omori-Nishi, Ota-Ku, Tokyo, 143-8541, Japan
| | - Koichi Nagao
- Department of Urology, Toho University School of Medicine, 6-11-1, Omori-Nishi, Ota-Ku, Tokyo, 143-8541, Japan
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Tenuta M, Mazzotta P, Sesti F, Angelini F, Gelibter AJ, Speranza I, Paoli D, Lombardo F, Anzuini A, Magliocca FM, Franco G, Cortesi E, Santini D, Lenzi A, Gianfrilli D, Isidori AM, Pozza C. Testicular ultrasonographic features predict future risk for bilateral testicular germ cell tumour: A long-term single centre follow-up study. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 39078248 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13704] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bilateral testicular germ cell tumours (B-GCT) are rare, with an incidence of 2-5%, and can be classified as synchronous (sB-GCT) or metachronous (mB-GCT). Our study aimed to identify clinical, biochemical, and radiological risk factors for mB-GCT in a cohort of patients with GCT at a single tertiary referral centre. METHODS This retrospective case-control study included patients with GCT referred to Policlinico Umberto I-Sapienza University of Rome, from 2005 to 2023. We evaluated clinical history, testicular ultrasound features, hormone levels, semen analysis, histological characteristics, staging, and treatments. mB-GCTs were compared with unilateral GCT patients with a follow-up longer than the median time-to-onset of the second tumour. RESULTS Of 319 patients, 52 experienced B-GCT, with a median time-to-onset of the second tumour of 62 months (range: 8-229). The mB-GCT group showed higher gonadotropin levels (FSH 13.6mUI/mL vs. 7.4mUI/mL, p < 0.001; LH 6.6mUI/mL vs. 3.9mUI/mL, p = 0.004), lower sperm concentration (27 × 106/ejaculate vs. 78 × 106/ejaculate, p = 0.009), smaller residual testis volume (10.4 mL vs. 16.3 mL, p < 0.001), more inhomogeneous echotexture [57.5% vs. 14%, p < 0.001], and presence of microlithiasis (75% vs. 19.5%, p < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier curves confirmed that ultrasound features of the residual testis increased the cumulative risk of developing a second tumour. Microlithiasis was a strong independent predictor (OR 30.712, 95% CI 3.357-280.942, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS Histological features of the first tumour or its treatment do not influence the onset of a second tumour. However, low residual testis volume, inhomogeneous echotexture, and microlithiasis significantly increase this risk. A comprehensive evaluation of the residual testis at baseline is essential for developing a personalised surveillance programme in GCT survivors, with regular ultrasound follow-up recommended beyond the conventional 5-year limit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Tenuta
- Division of Endocrinology and Andrology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Mazzotta
- Division of Endocrinology and Andrology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Franz Sesti
- Division of Endocrinology and Andrology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Angelini
- Division of Endocrinology and Andrology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Alain J Gelibter
- Division of Oncology B, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomopathological Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Iolanda Speranza
- Division of Oncology A, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University, Latina, Italy
| | - Donatella Paoli
- Division of Endocrinology and Andrology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Lombardo
- Division of Endocrinology and Andrology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Anzuini
- Division of Endocrinology and Andrology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Massimo Magliocca
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Franco
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Cortesi
- Division of Oncology B, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomopathological Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Santini
- Division of Oncology A, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University, Latina, Italy
| | - Andrea Lenzi
- Division of Endocrinology and Andrology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Gianfrilli
- Division of Endocrinology and Andrology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea M Isidori
- Division of Endocrinology and Andrology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlotta Pozza
- Division of Endocrinology and Andrology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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Wang C, Xie Q, Xia X, Zhang C, Jiang S, Wang S, Zhang X, Hua R, Xue J, Zheng H. ZMYND12 serves as an IDAd subunit that is essential for sperm motility in mice. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:317. [PMID: 39066891 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05344-7] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Inner dynein arms (IDAs) are formed from a protein complex that is essential for appropriate flagellar bending and beating. IDA defects have previously been linked to the incidence of asthenozoospermia (AZS) and male infertility. The testes-enriched ZMYND12 protein is homologous with an IDA component identified in Chlamydomonas. ZMYND12 deficiency has previously been tied to infertility in males, yet the underlying mechanism remains uncertain. Here, a CRISPR/Cas9 approach was employed to generate Zmynd12 knockout (Zmynd12-/-) mice. These Zmynd12-/- mice exhibited significant male subfertility, reduced sperm motile velocity, and impaired capacitation. Through a combination of co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry, ZMYND12 was found to interact with TTC29 and PRKACA. Decreases in the levels of PRKACA were evident in the sperm of these Zmynd12-/- mice, suggesting that this change may account for the observed drop in male fertility. Moreover, in a cohort of patients with AZS, one patient carrying a ZMYND12 variant was identified, expanding the known AZS-related variant spectrum. Together, these findings demonstrate that ZMYND12 is essential for flagellar beating, capacitation, and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Wang
- College of Nursing, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230012, China
| | - Qingsong Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Xun Xia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Chuanying Zhang
- College of Nursing, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230012, China
| | - Shan Jiang
- College of Nursing, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230012, China
| | - Sihan Wang
- College of Nursing, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230012, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Health and Infertility Clinic, The Affiliated Huai'an No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu, 223300, China
| | - Rong Hua
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China.
| | - Jiangyang Xue
- The Central Laboratory of Birth Defects Prevention and Control, Ningbo Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Treatment of Embryogenic Diseases, Women and Children's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315000, China.
| | - Haoyu Zheng
- Department of Gynaecology, The Affiliated Huai'an No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu, 223300, China.
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Wu H, Kalia V, Manz KE, Chillrud L, Dishon NH, Jackson GL, Dye CK, Orvieto R, Aizer A, Levine H, Kioumourtzoglou MA, Pennell KD, Baccarelli AA, Machtinger R. Exposome Profiling of Environmental Pollutants in Seminal Plasma and Novel Associations with Semen Parameters. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39053901 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Indicators of male fertility are in decline globally, but the underlying causes, including the role of environmental exposures, are unclear. This study aimed to examine organic chemical pollutants in seminal plasma, including both known priority environmental chemicals and less studied chemicals, to identify uncharacterized male reproductive environmental toxicants. Semen samples were collected from 100 individuals and assessed for sperm concentration, percent motility, and total motile sperm. Targeted and nontargeted organic pollutant exposures were measured from seminal plasma using gas chromatography, which showed widespread detection of organic pollutants in seminal plasma across all exposure classes. We used principal component pursuit (PCP) on our targeted panel and derived one component (driven by etriadizole) associated with total motile sperm (p < 0.001) and concentration (p = 0.03). This was confirmed by the exposome-wide association models using individual chemicals, where etriadizole was negatively associated with total motile sperm (FDR q = 0.01) and concentration (q = 0.07). Using PCP on 814 nontargeted spectral peaks identified a component that was associated with total motile sperm (p = 0.001). Bayesian kernel machine regression identified one principal driver of this association, which was analytically confirmed to be N-nitrosodiethylamine. These findings are promising and consistent with experimental evidence showing that etridiazole and N-nitrosodiethylamine may be reproductive toxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haotian Wu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Vrinda Kalia
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Katherine E Manz
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Lawrence Chillrud
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Nathalie Hoffmann Dishon
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center (Tel Hashomer), Ramat Gan 5262000, Israel
| | - Gabriela L Jackson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Christian K Dye
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Raoul Orvieto
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center (Tel Hashomer), Ramat Gan 5262000, Israel
| | - Adva Aizer
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center (Tel Hashomer), Ramat Gan 5262000, Israel
| | - Hagai Levine
- Braun School of Public Health, Hadassah Medical Organization, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Marianthi-Anna Kioumourtzoglou
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Kurt D Pennell
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Andrea A Baccarelli
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Ronit Machtinger
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center (Tel Hashomer), Ramat Gan 5262000, Israel
- School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
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9
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Conduit C, Lewin J, Hong W, Sim IW, Ahmad G, Leonard M, O'Haire S, Moody M, Hutchinson AD, Lawrentschuk N, Thomas B, Dhillon HM, Tran B. Pseudoephedrine for ejaculatory dysfunction after retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in testicular cancer. BJU Int 2024. [PMID: 39044467 DOI: 10.1111/bju.16481] [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: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the impact of ejaculatory dysfunction (EjD; failure of emission or retrograde ejaculation) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) for testicular cancer and explore the efficacy of pseudoephedrine hydrochloride as treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS In a single arm, phase II trial, patients at ≥6 months after RPLND were invited to complete patient-reported outcome measures (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer [EORTC] quality of life questionnaire [QLQ]-30-item core, EORTC QLQ-testicular cancer-26, and Brief Male Sexual Function Inventory) evaluating HRQoL and sexual function in follow-up (ACTRN12622000537752/12622000542796). If EjD was reported, post-ejaculatory urine ± semen analysis was undertaken. In eligible patients, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride 60 mg was administered orally every 6 h for six doses. The primary endpoint was sperm count >39 million sperm/ejaculate (>5th centile) following treatment. The trial was powered to detect a clinically relevant 36% achieving sperm count of >39 million sperm/ejaculate. Secondary endpoints included semen volume >1.5 mL, total motile sperm count, safety, and HRQoL impacts. RESULTS Of the 58 patients enrolled, the median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 35 (29-41) years, with a median (IQR) of 37 (18-60) months from RPLND. EjD was reported in 33 (57%), including 27/52 (52%) receiving follow-up at our centre. There were no differences in global HRQoL; however, role functioning (P = 0.045), sexual problems (P < 0.005), and sexual enjoyment (P = 0.005) was poorer if EjD was present. In all, 24/33 (73%) patients with EjD consented to pseudoephedrine treatment. Of 22 evaluable patients, four (18%) achieved a sperm count of >39 million/ejaculate (P = 0.20), and four (18%) had a semen volume of >1.5 mL (P = 0.20). There was a mean increase of 105 million sperm/ejaculate (P = 0.051) and 1.47 mL increase in semen volume (P = 0.01). No safety concerns arose. CONCLUSION Ejaculatory dysfunction is common after RPLND but did not impact global HRQoL in our cohort. Pseudoephedrine improved EjD for some; however, its efficacy was lower than expected. Pseudoephedrine may be considered on an individualised basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciara Conduit
- Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Medical Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Personalised Oncology, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Medical Oncology, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Jeremy Lewin
- Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Medical Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Service, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Wei Hong
- Personalised Oncology, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ie-Wen Sim
- Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Endocrinology, Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Endocrinology, Eastern Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gulfam Ahmad
- Andrology, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matt Leonard
- The Australian and New Zealand Urogenital and Prostate (ANZUP) Cancer Trials Group, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sophie O'Haire
- Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Personalised Oncology, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mary Moody
- Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Personalised Oncology, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amanda D Hutchinson
- Justice and Society, Behaviour-Brain-Body Research Centre, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Nathan Lawrentschuk
- Division of Cancer Surgery, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- EJ Whitten Prostate Cancer Research Centre, Epworth Healthcare, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Benjamin Thomas
- Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Haryana M Dhillon
- Psycho-Oncology Cooperative Research Group, School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ben Tran
- Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Medical Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Personalised Oncology, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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10
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Netherton JK, Ogle RA, Robinson BR, Molloy M, Krisp C, Velkov T, Casagranda F, Dominado N, Silva Balbin Villaverde AI, Zhang XD, Hime GR, Baker MA. The role of HnrnpF/H as a driver of oligoteratozoospermia. iScience 2024; 27:110198. [PMID: 39092172 PMCID: PMC11292545 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Male subfertility or infertility is a common condition often characterized by men producing a low number of sperm with poor quality. To gain insight into this condition, we performed a quantitative proteomic analysis of semen samples obtained from infertile and fertile men. At least 6 proteins showed significant differences in regulation of alternatively spliced isoforms. To investigate this link between aberrant alternative splicing and production of poor-quality spermatozoa, we overexpressed the hnrnpH/F-orthologue Glorund (Glo) in Drosophila, which was also found to be abundant in poor quality human sperm. Transgenic animals produced low numbers of morphologically defective spermatozoa and aberrant formation of the "dense body," an organelle akin to the mammalian manchette. Furthermore, fertility trials demonstrated that transgenic flies were either completely infertile or highly subfertile. These findings suggest that dysregulation of hnrnpH/F is likely to result in the production of low-quality semen, leading to subfertility or infertility in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob K. Netherton
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Rachel A. Ogle
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Benjamin R. Robinson
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Mark Molloy
- Australian Proteome Analysis Facility, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW 2109 Australia
| | - Christoph Krisp
- Australian Proteome Analysis Facility, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW 2109 Australia
| | - Tony Velkov
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Infection & Immunity Program and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Franca Casagranda
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Nicole Dominado
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | | | - Xu Dong Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Gary R. Hime
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Mark A. Baker
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
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11
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Geng H, Wang K, Liang D, Ni X, Yu H, Tang D, Lv M, Wu H, Li K, Shen Q, Gao Y, Xu C, Zhou P, Wei Z, Cao Y, Sha Y, Yang X, He X. Further evidence from DNAH12 supports favorable fertility outcomes of infertile males with dynein axonemal heavy chain gene family variants. iScience 2024; 27:110366. [PMID: 39071892 PMCID: PMC11278020 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110366] [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: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a major concern affecting reproductive health. Biallelic deleterious variants of most DNAH gene family members have been linked to male infertility, with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) being an efficacious way to achieve offspring. However, the association between DNAH12 and male infertility is still limited. Here, we identified one homozygous variant and two compound heterozygous variants in DNAH12 from three infertile Chinese men. Semen analysis revealed severe asthenozoospermia, abnormal morphology, and structure of sperm flagella. Furthermore, the Dnah12 knock-out mouse revealed severe spermatogenesis failure and validated the same male infertility phenotype. Favorable fertility outcomes were achieved through ICSI in three human individuals and Dnah12 knock-out mice. Collectively, our study indicated that biallelic variants of DNAH12 can induce male infertility in both human beings and mice. Notably, evidence from DNAH12 enhanced that ICSI was an optimal intervention to achieve favorable fertility outcomes for infertile males with DNAH gene family variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Geng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Dan Liang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoqing Ni
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hui Yu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Dongdong Tang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Mingrong Lv
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Huan Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Kuokuo Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qunshan Shen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chuan Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhaolian Wei
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yanwei Sha
- School of Public Health & Women and Children's Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
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12
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Pan L, Cai J, Liu L, Liu Z, Chen K, Gao P, Jiang X, Ren J. Ambient air pollution decreased normal fertilization rate via the mediation of seminal prosaposin. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 282:116713. [PMID: 39002374 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study focuses on the association between seminal concentration of prosaposin and ambient air pollutants and whether the association affects the normal fertilization rate in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. METHODS The cohort of 323 couple participants aged 22-46 was recruited from Jan. 2013 to Jun. 2018. At enrollment, resident address information was obtained and semen parameters of male counterparts were evaluated according to WHO criteria. We used inverse distance weighting interpolation to estimate the levels of ambient pollutants (SO2, O3, CO, NO2, PM2.5, and PM10) in the surrounding area. The exposure of each participant was estimated based on the data gathered from air quality monitoring stations and their home address over various periods (0-9, 10-14, and 0-90 days) before semen sampling. The generalized linear regression model (GLM) and the Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were used to analyze the associations between pollutants, semen parameters, prosaposin, and normal fertilization. Additionally, the mediating effect of prosaposin and semen parameters on the link between pollutants and normal fertilization was investigated. RESULTS GLM and BKMR showed exposure to ambient air pollutants was all associated with the concentration of seminal prosaposin, among them, O3 and CO were also associated with normal fertilization (-0.10, 95 %CI: -0.13, -0.06; -26.43, 95 %CI: -33.79, -19.07). Among the semen parameters, only the concentration of prosaposin and total motile sperm count (TMC) was associated with normal fertilization (0.059, 95 %CI: 0.047, 0.071; 0.016, 95 %CI: 0.012, 0.020). Mediation analysis showed that prosaposin played a stronger mediating role than TMC in the relationship between short-term exposure to O3 and fertilization (66.83 %, P<0.001 versus 3.05 %, P>0.05). CONCLUSION Seminal plasma prosaposin showed a stronger meditating effect reflect the correlation between ambient air pollutants and normal fertilization rate than conventional semen parameters, which may be used as one of the indicators between pollution and fertilization in IVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luxiang Pan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiamen University Affiliated Chenggong Hospital, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jiali Cai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiamen University Affiliated Chenggong Hospital, Xiamen, Fujian, China; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Lanlan Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiamen University Affiliated Chenggong Hospital, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Zhenfang Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiamen University Affiliated Chenggong Hospital, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Kaijie Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiamen University Affiliated Chenggong Hospital, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Peng Gao
- Medical Quality Management Department, Xiamen University Affiliated Chenggong Hospital, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaoming Jiang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiamen University Affiliated Chenggong Hospital, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
| | - Jianzhi Ren
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiamen University Affiliated Chenggong Hospital, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
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13
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Bryan ER, McRae J, Kumar V, Trim LK, Maidment TI, Tickner JAD, Sweeney EL, Williams ED, Whiley DM, Beagley KW. A novel murine model mimicking male genital Neisseria species infection using Neisseria musculi†. Biol Reprod 2024:ioae100. [PMID: 38972067 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae100] [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: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
With ~78 million cases yearly, the sexually transmitted bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae is an urgent threat to global public health due to continued emergence of antimicrobial resistance. In the male reproductive tract, untreated infections may cause permanent damage, poor sperm quality, and subsequently subfertility. Currently, few animal models exist for N. gonorrhoeae infection, which has strict human tropism, and available models have limited translatability to human disease. The absence of appropriate models inhibits the development of vital new diagnostics and treatments. However, the discovery of Neisseria musculi, a mouse oral cavity bacterium, offers much promise. This bacterium has already been used to develop an oral Neisseria infection model, but the feasibility of establishing urogenital gonococcal models is unexplored. We inoculated mice via the intrapenile route with N. musculi. We assessed bacterial burden throughout the male reproductive tract, the systemic and tissue-specific immune response 2-weeks postinfection, and the effect of infection on sperm health. Neisseria musculi was found in penis (2/5) and vas deferens (3/5) tissues. Infection altered immune cell counts: CD19+ (spleen, lymph node, penis), F4/80+ (spleen, lymph node, epididymus), and Gr1+ (penis) compared with noninfected mice. This culminated in sperm from infected mice having poor viability, motility, and morphology. We hypothesize that in the absence of testis infection, infection and inflammation in other reproductive is sufficient to damage sperm quality. Many results herein are consistent with outcomes of gonorrhoea infection, indicating the potential of this model as a tool for enhancing the understanding of Neisseria infections of the human male reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Bryan
- Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Science, Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia
- Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4029, Australia
| | - Julia McRae
- Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Science, Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia
| | - Vishnu Kumar
- Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, 35385 Giessen, Germany
| | - Logan K Trim
- Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Science, Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia
| | - Toby I Maidment
- Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Science, Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia
- Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4029, Australia
| | - Jacob A D Tickner
- Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4029, Australia
| | - Emma L Sweeney
- Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4029, Australia
| | - Elizabeth D Williams
- Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Science at Translational Research Institute, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - David M Whiley
- Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4029, Australia
| | - Kenneth W Beagley
- Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Science, Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia
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14
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Hwang JM, Lee WJ, Jo JH, Uwamahoro C, Jang SI, Jung EJ, Bae JW, Kim DH, Yi JK, Ha JJ, Oh DY, Kwon WS. Effects of oridonin on sperm function and the PI3K/PDK1/AKT signaling pathway: Implications for reproductive toxicity. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 128:108659. [PMID: 38972361 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108659] [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: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Oridonin, a natural terpenoid isolated from the leaves of Isodon rubescens (Hemsley) H.Hara, is widely used in oriental medicine for its anticancer properties across various cancer types. Despite its prevalent use, the toxic effects of oridonin on male reproduction, particularly its impact on sperm functions and the mechanisms involved, are not well understood. This study aimed to explore the effects and underlying mechanisms of oridonin on sperm functions. We initially treated Duroc boar spermatozoa with varying concentrations of oridonin (0, 5, 50, 75, 100, and 150 µM) and incubated them to induce capacitation. We then assessed cell viability and several sperm functions, including sperm motility and motion kinematics, capacitation status, and ATP levels. We also analyzed the expression levels of proteins associated with the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDK1)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway and phosphotyrosine proteins. Our results indicate that oridonin adversely affects most sperm functions in a dose-dependent manner. We observed significant decreases in AKT, p-AKT (Thr308), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), p-PDK1, and p-PI3K levels following oridonin treatment, alongside an abnormal increase in phosphotyrosine proteins. These findings suggest that oridonin may disrupt normal levels of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins by inhibiting the PI3K/PDK1/AKT signaling pathway, which is crucial for cell proliferation, metabolism, and apoptosis, thus potentially harming sperm functions. Consequently, we recommend considering the reproductive toxicity of oridonin when using it as a therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Mi Hwang
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Jin Lee
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hwan Jo
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Claudine Uwamahoro
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Ik Jang
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Ju Jung
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Won Bae
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Hyun Kim
- Department of Animal Science, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Koo Yi
- School of Animal Life Convergence Science, Hankyong National University, Anseong 17579, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Jung Ha
- Gyeongbuk Livestock Research Institute, Yeongju 36052, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Yep Oh
- Gyeongbuk Livestock Research Institute, Yeongju 36052, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Sung Kwon
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Republic of Korea; Research Institute for Innovative Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Republic of Korea.
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15
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Li G, Che K, Wu J, Yang B. Construction of m6A-Related Gene Prediction Model and Subtype Analysis in Non-Obstructive Azoospermia Based on Bioinformatics. Am J Reprod Immunol 2024; 92:e13892. [PMID: 38958252 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13892] [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: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a severe and common cause of male infertility. Currently, the most reliable predictor of sperm retrieval success in NOA is histopathology, but preoperative testicular biopsy often increases the difficulty of sperm retrieval surgery. This study aims to explore the characteristics of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification in NOA patients and investigate the potential biomarkers and molecular mechanisms for pathological diagnosis and treatment of NOA using m6A-related genes. METHODS NOA-related datasets were downloaded from the GEO database. Based on the results of LASSO regression analysis, a prediction model was established from differentially expressed m6A-related genes, and the predictive performance of the model was evaluated using ROC curves. Cluster analysis was performed based on differentially expressed m6A-related genes to evaluate the differences in different m6A modification patterns in terms of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), biological features, and immune features. RESULTS There were significant differences in eight m6A-related genes between NOA samples and healthy controls. The ROC curves showed excellent predictive performance for the diagnostic models constructed with ALKBH5 and FTO. DEGs of two m6A modification subtypes indicated the influence of m6A-related genes in the biological processes of mitosis and meiosis in NOA patients, and there were significant immune differences between the two subtypes. CONCLUSION The NOA pathological diagnostic models constructed with FTO and ALKBH5 have good predictive ability. We have identified two different m6A modification subtypes, which may help predict sperm retrieval success rate and treatment selection in NOA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guikang Li
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qing Dao, China
| | - Kai Che
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qing Dao, China
| | - Jie Wu
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qing Dao, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qing Dao, China
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Liffner S, Bladh M, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Sydsjö G, Zalavary S, Nedstrand E. Intravaginal exposure to seminal plasma after ovum pick-up does not increase live birth rates after in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment: a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial. Fertil Steril 2024; 122:131-139. [PMID: 38342372 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.02.002] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To detect whether intravaginal exposure to prepared seminal plasma led to an absolute increase in live birth rate (LBR) after in vitro fertilization (IVF) by 10% compared with placebo. It has been suggested that intravaginal deposition of seminal plasma after ovum pick-up (OPU) for IVF treatment, increases pregnancy and LBRs. DESIGN Double-blind, placebo-controlled prospective study. An outcome assessment was made before the type of intervention was unblinded. The outcome data were analyzed according to an intention-to-treat protocol. SETTING University Hospital. PATIENTS Couples scheduled for an IVF treatment cycle: in total, 792 couples (393 in the seminal plasma group and 399 in the control group) were recruited over a 5-year period of inclusion in a single-center setting. INTERVENTION On the day of OPU, the couples were randomized into groups receiving either vaginal deposition of prepared seminal plasma from the partner or saline. Both participants and the physician were blind to the grouping. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was a live birth (LB). The secondary outcomes were a positive pregnancy test, defined as human chorionic gonadotropin identified in urine 3 weeks after OPU , and clinical pregnancy, defined as an intrauterine viable pregnancy assessed using transvaginal sonography after 5-7 weeks. RESULTS In the index group, 35.4% had a positive pregnancy test (relative risk [RR],0.93; 95% confidence interval {CI} 0.78-1.10), 28.8% had a clinical pregnancy (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.97-1.03), and 26.5% had a LB (RR 0.86; 95% CI 0.70-1.07), adjusted for day of transfer, female age, and number of fertilized oocytes. Corresponding rates in the control group were 37.3%, 33.6%, and 29.8%. No statistically significant differences regarding outcomes between the two intervention groups were found. CONCLUSION Prepared seminal plasma applied in the vagina directly after OPU did not increase the rates of LB or clinical pregnancies. The importance of immunological factors to allow the implantation of an embryo is not questioned, but no improvement in the LBRs in IVF treatment by introducing the male partner's prepared seminal plasma after OPU could be found. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Clinicaltrials.gov, ID NCT02716753. Registration date 17 March, 2016, first enrollment November, 2016, completed March, 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Liffner
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, BKH/Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Marie Bladh
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, BKH/Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, BKH/Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Gunilla Sydsjö
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, BKH/Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Stefan Zalavary
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, BKH/Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Elizabeth Nedstrand
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, BKH/Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Cilio S, Fallara G, Lupo Stanghellini MT, Ciceri F, Montorsi F, Lunghi F, Salonia A. Impact of Hydroxyurea to Treat Haematological Disorders on Male Fertility: Two Case Reports and a Systematic Review. World J Mens Health 2024; 42:531-542. [PMID: 38164027 PMCID: PMC11216956 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.230069] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Hydroxyurea (HU) is a cytoreductive agent used as standard treatment option for sickle cell anaemia/disease (SCD), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and polycythaemia vera (PV). Despite its overall good safety profile, its use also in relatively young patients raises an interest on its potential impact on spermatogenesis. To perform a systematic review of all published articles investigating fertility in male patients affected by SCD, ET, and PV and treated with HU. Two paradigmatic case reports of patients affected by PV and ET, respectively, have been also reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were queried for all the published studies indexed up to November 15th, 2022. A combination of the following keywords was used: "hydroxyurea," "fertility," "male," "sperm," "sickle cell anaemia," "sickle cell disease," "essential thrombocythemia," "polycythaemia vera." RESULTS Of 48 articles identified, 8 studies, involving 161 patients, were eligible for inclusion. Overall, the number of spermatogonia per round cross section of seminiferous tubule were decreased in patients with SCD compared to healthy males. HU treatment was always associated with a worsening of semen parameters, even up to azoospermia. Notably, treatment discontinuation was associated with an improvement of semen parameters and a trend toward normalization in the case of PV and ET, with a less clear amelioration in men with SCD. In both our patients with either PV or ET, HU discontinuation was associated with a significant improvement of spermatogenesis with successful spontaneous pregnancies. CONCLUSIONS Published evidence do not consistently report normalization of spermatogenesis after HU discontinuation in SCD cases. Conversely, the literature almost consistently reported an improvement of semen parameters at the discontinuation of HU therapy in PV and ET cases. Our real-life two cases confirmed those findings. The willing of fatherhood and the need for effective fertility treatment warrant further research to improve work-up management in men with hematological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Cilio
- Division of Experimental Oncology, Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, Urology Unit, University of Naples "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fallara
- Division of Experimental Oncology, Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Ciceri
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Montorsi
- Division of Experimental Oncology, Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Lunghi
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Salonia
- Division of Experimental Oncology, Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
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18
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Zhu SQ, Liao XH, Jiang WW, Sun Y, Xu HL, Chen XJ, Zheng BH. Effect of male HBV infection on the outcomes of IVF/ICSI cycles: a retrospective cohort study based on propensity score matching. Asian J Androl 2024; 26:415-420. [PMID: 38353463 PMCID: PMC11280202 DOI: 10.4103/aja202382] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of male hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection on male fertility, embryonic development, and in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) outcomes. We performed a retrospective cohort study that included 3965 infertile couples who received fresh embryo transfer cycles for the first time at the Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital (Fuzhou, China) from January 2018 to January 2021. Infertile couples were categorized based on their HBV infection status into the HBV group (HBV-positive men and HBV-negative women) and the control group (HBV-negative couples). A 1:1 propensity score matching was performed with relatively balanced covariates. Baseline characteristics, semen parameters, laboratory outcomes, clinical outcomes, and obstetric and neonatal outcomes were compared between groups. After propensity score matching, 821 couples were included in each group. Both groups had similar semen parameters and obstetric and neonatal outcomes. The HBV group showed a significantly lower live birth rate than the control group ( P < 0.05). The HBV group had a significantly higher abortion rate than the control group ( P < 0.05). The rates of high-quality embryos and blastocyst formation were significantly lower in the HBV group than those in the control group (both P < 0.05). In conclusion, in couples who undergo IVF/ICSI, male HBV infection reduces the live birth rate and increases the risk of miscarriage. However, the incidence of low birth weight in women with IVF/ICSI does not increase with male HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Qin Zhu
- Fujian Provincial Reproductive Medicine Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Xiu-Hua Liao
- Fujian Provincial Reproductive Medicine Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Wen-Wen Jiang
- Fujian Provincial Reproductive Medicine Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Fujian Provincial Reproductive Medicine Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Hui-Ling Xu
- Fujian Provincial Reproductive Medicine Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Chen
- Fujian Provincial Reproductive Medicine Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Bei-Hong Zheng
- Fujian Provincial Reproductive Medicine Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
- Fujian Maternal-Fetal Clinical Medicine Research Center, Fuzhou 350001, China
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Breuer J, Garzinsky AM, Thomas A, Nieschlag E, Kliesch S, Fedoruk M, Geyer H, Thevis M. Complementary information concerning the suspected interindividual transmission of GW1516, a substance prohibited in sport, through intimate contact: a case report. Forensic Toxicol 2024; 42:248-254. [PMID: 38704758 PMCID: PMC11269478 DOI: 10.1007/s11419-024-00689-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: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Inadvertent and/or unknowing exposure to drugs and drug residues has been frequently debated in situations of so-called adverse analytical finding (AAF) in the context of sports drug testing programs. Transfer of drug residues via unprotected intercourse is a conceivable scenario but scientific data and authentic case reports are scarce. Herein, investigations into two AAFs with the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARδ) agonist GW1516 are reported and discussed. METHODS To probe for a contamination scenario involving sexual intercourse, two assays were used to determine semenogelin in human urine, with one employing an immunochromatographic lateral flow approach and another based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Further, drug-residue testing using patients' ejaculate was conducted by utilizing liquid chromatography in conjunction with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, followed by re-analysis of suspect samples (i.e., samples indicating the presence of relevant compounds) using high resolution/high mass accuracy mass spectrometry. RESULTS In one case, but not the other, the possibility of intimate contact as the source of the AAF was confirmed after a thorough investigation of potential contamination scenarios. Subsequent research revealed analytical evidence for the presence of seminal fluid in one of the female athlete's doping control urine samples, and the analysis of clinical ejaculate specimens provided first data on an authentic concentration level of GW1516 and its metabolites in human seminal fluid. CONCLUSIONS The combined facts substantiate the possibility of an AAF caused by unprotected sexual intercourse and the plausibility of the case-related arguments.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Breuer
- Institute of Biochemistry, Center for Preventive Doping Research, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933, Cologne, Germany
| | - A M Garzinsky
- Institute of Biochemistry, Center for Preventive Doping Research, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933, Cologne, Germany
| | - A Thomas
- Institute of Biochemistry, Center for Preventive Doping Research, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933, Cologne, Germany
| | - E Nieschlag
- University Hospital Muenster (UKM), Muenster, Germany
| | - S Kliesch
- University Hospital Muenster (UKM), Muenster, Germany
| | - M Fedoruk
- Science and Research, USADA, Colorado Springs, USA
| | - H Geyer
- Institute of Biochemistry, Center for Preventive Doping Research, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933, Cologne, Germany
- European Monitoring Center for Emerging Doping Agents (EuMoCEDA), Cologne, Bonn, Germany
| | - M Thevis
- Institute of Biochemistry, Center for Preventive Doping Research, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933, Cologne, Germany.
- European Monitoring Center for Emerging Doping Agents (EuMoCEDA), Cologne, Bonn, Germany.
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20
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Li C, Wang Y, Mu R, Zhao J, Yao Z, Zhai J, Jin Y, Liu R, Liu D, Hong K, Jiang H, Zhang Z. Urate-lowering agents do not have clinically relevant negative effects on sperm quality and reproductive hormones in men with gout: a prospective open-label cohort study. Rheumatol Int 2024; 44:1245-1253. [PMID: 38538820 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-024-05572-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: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to analyze and compare the effects of different urate-lowering agents on testicular functions in men with gout in a clinical setting. METHODS In this prospective cohort study (Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT04213534), a total of 49 male patients aged 18-45 years with gout were enrolled. They were divided into three groups and received treatment with either allopurinol, febuxostat or benzbromarone for a duration of 3 months. Semen parameters, reproductive hormones and biochemical assessments were evaluated at baseline, month 1, and month 3. RESULTS Overall, 40 individuals (81.6%) completed the follow-up visits. In allopurinol group, there were no significant differences in semen parameters from baseline to month 3. Most of sperm parameters in febuxostat group did not show notable changes, except for a decrease in sperm motility at month 3(33.6%, [22.9-54.3] vs 48.4%, [27.4-67.6], p = 0.033). However, the total motile sperm count did not differ significantly after febuxostat treatment. Surprisingly, administration of benzbromarone resulted in improved sperm concentration (37.19 M/mL, [29.6-69.92] vs 58.5 M/mL, [49.8-116.6], p = 0.001). There were no significant changes observed in sperm DNA integrity and reproductive hormones in the three groups from baseline to month 3. The incidence of adverse events did not differ significantly among the three groups as well. CONCLUSION This study is the first to demonstrate that urate-lowering agents, allopurinol and febuxostat, do not have clinically relevant negative effects on sperm quality and reproductive hormones in men with gout, and benzbromarone presents improving sperm concentration. Results provide important preliminary guidance for the development of reproductive health management guidelines for patients RCID with gout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changhong Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Rong Mu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jinxia Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zhongqiang Yao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jiayu Zhai
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yinji Jin
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Defeng Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Kai Hong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China.
- Institute of Urology, Peking University, Beijing, 100034, China.
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
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Karavani G, Kattan MS, Lau S, Lo KC, Grober ED, Mehra VM, Akroof B, Lajkosz K, Jarvi K. Idiopathic secondary azoospermia occurrence in men with oligospermia over time. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024:10.1007/s10815-024-03179-6. [PMID: 38941005 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03179-6] [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: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the occurrence of idiopathic secondary azoospermia (ISA) in men with oligospermia over time and identify risk factors for ISA in this population. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in a university-affiliated male infertility clinic. A total of 1056 oligospermic men (concentration < 15 million/ml (M/ml) and no azoospermia) with at least two SA done between 2000 and 2019 were included. The primary outcome was the occurrence of ISA by oligospermia severity. RESULTS In the entire cohort, 31 patients (2.9%) eventually became azoospermic with time. The ≤ 1 M/ml extremely severe oligospermia (ESO) group (283 patients) had significantly higher rates of ISA in each time period compared to the 1-5 M/ml severe oligospermia (SO) (310 patients) and 5-15 M/ml mild oligospermia (MO) (463 patients) groups (p < 0.05 for all comparisons), with rates of 21.1% in the ESO, 4.8% in the SO, and 0% in the MO group (p = 0.02) after 3-5 years, reaching 32% after 5 years in the ESO group compared to no cases in the other two groups (p = 0.006). Parameters shown to predict ISA were initial concentration < 1 M/ml (OR 22.12, p < 0.001) and time interval of > 3 and 5 years (OR 4.83 and 6.84, p = 0.009 and < 0.001, respectively), whereas testosterone levels were negatively associated with ISA (OR 0.88, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Men with ≤ 1 M/ml, especially those with low testosterone levels, have a dramatically increased chance of becoming azoospermic with time. Therefore, sperm banking should be recommended in these cases. Men with a sperm concentration above 1 M/ml have low chances of becoming azoospermic, even after 3 or more years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilad Karavani
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Mohamed S Kattan
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Susan Lau
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kirk C Lo
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ethan D Grober
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Vrati M Mehra
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bader Akroof
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Katherine Lajkosz
- Department of Biostatistics, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Keith Jarvi
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Shi S, Tang X, Long S, Yang J, Wang T, Wang H, Hu T, Shi J, Huang G, Qiao S, Lin T. A novel homozygous LRRC6 mutation causes male infertility with asthenozoospermia and primary ciliary dyskinesia in humans. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 38934611 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13685] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysfunction of motile cilia, including respiratory cilia and sperm flagella, typically leads to primary ciliary dyskinesia and male infertility or low fertility in humans. Genetic defects of LRRC6 have been associated with primary ciliary dyskinesia and asthenozoospermia due to abnormal ultrastructure of ciliated axonemes. OBJECTIVES To identify novel mutations of the LRRC6 gene related to multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella and male infertility and investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms involved. MATERIALS AND METHODS The LRRC6 mutations were identified by whole exome sequencing and confirmed with Sanger sequencing. Papanicolaou staining, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy were performed to investigate the morphological and ultrastructural characteristics of spermatozoa. Further tandem mass tagging proteomics analyses were performed to explore the effect of mutations and confirmed by immunostaining and western blotting. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection was applied for the assisted reproductive therapy of males harboring biallelic LRRC6 mutations. RESULTS In this study, we identified a novel homozygous LRRC6 mutation in a consanguineous family, characterized by asthenozoospermia and primary ciliary dyskinesia. Further Semen parameter and morphology analysis demonstrate that the novel LRRC6 mutation leads to a significant reduction in sperm flagella length, a decrease in sperm progressive motility parameters, and abnormalities of sperm ultrastructure. Specifically, the absence of outer dynein arms and inner dynein arms, and incomplete mitochondrial sheath in the flagellar mid-piece were observed by transmission electron microscopy. In addition, tandem mass tagging proteomics analysis revealed that spermatozoa obtained from patients harboring the LRRC6 mutation exhibited a significant decrease in the expression levels of proteins related to the assembly and function of dynein axonemal arms. Functional analysis revealed that this novel LRRC6 mutation disrupted the function of the leucine-rich repeat containing 6 protein, which in turn affects the expression of the dynein arm proteins and leucine-rich repeat containing 6-interacting proteins CCDC40, SPAG1, and ZMYND10. Finally, we reported a successful pregnancy through assisted reproductive technology with intracytoplasmic sperm injection in the female partner of the proband. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION This study highlights the identification of a novel homozygous LRRC6 mutation in a consanguineous family and its impact on sperm progressive motility, morphology, and sperm kinetics parameters, which could facilitate the genetic diagnosis of asthenozoospermia and offer valuable perspectives for future genetic counseling endeavors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengjia Shi
- Reproductive center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiangrong Tang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shunhua Long
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Reproductive center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Tianwei Wang
- Reproductive center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Hongmei Wang
- Basic Medical College, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tingwenyi Hu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Juanzi Shi
- Reproductive center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Guoning Huang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Sen Qiao
- Reproductive center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Tingting Lin
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Choi UE, Nicholson RC, Grutman AJ, Cohen AJ. Personal genital satisfaction is associated with differences in perception of male and female sexual anatomy and function. J Sex Med 2024; 21:589-595. [PMID: 38721677 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdae053] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior studies primarily of men correlated low personal genital satisfaction (PGS) with decreased sexual activity; however, the association between PGS and genital anatomy perceptions is unknown, and there is a paucity of studies examining women. AIM We assessed the relationship between genital satisfaction, survey respondent sexual activity, and perceptions of anatomy and function. METHODS A 54-item REDCap survey was distributed to any-gendered volunteers ≥18 years of age through ResearchMatch from January to March 2023. Responses were split into (1) high PGS and (2) low PGS. Analysis was performed using chi-square tests on survey responses and a Mann Whitney U test on median satisfaction level. OUTCOMES Outcomes were genital anatomy perceptions, sexual activity, and respondents' PGS. RESULTS Of the 649 respondents who started the survey, 560 (86.3%) completed it. Median PGS was 7 of 10, forming subgroups of high (≥7 of 10) satisfaction (n = 317 of 560 [56.6%]) and low (<7 of 10) satisfaction (n = 243 of 560 [43.4%]). The mean age was 45.8 ± 16.8 years, and demographics were notable for 72.1% women (n = 404 of 560), 83.2% White (n = 466 of 560), 47.9% married (n = 268 of 560), and 75.5% bachelor's degree holders (n = 423 of 560). Comparing high- and low-PGS groups, more low-PGS respondents felt normal flaccid penis length to be <2 inches (11.1% vs 5.1%; P = .008). High-PGS respondents more often responded that it is normal for women to have orgasms over half the time (20.8% vs 13.2%; P = .0002) or to identify as being sexually active (81.1% vs 71.6%; P = .008). Women were more likely than men to report larger normal testicle sizes as 60.1 to 90 mL (24.5% vs 10.3%; P < .0001), whereas more men felt that normal testicle size was 7 to 15 mL (26.3% vs 11.4%; P < .0001). Orgasm length perceptions also differed: more women felt female orgasm length was 2.6 to 5 seconds (36.6% vs 16.7%; P < .0001), and more men believed female orgasms to be longer, at 7.6 to 10 seconds (29.5% vs 17.3%; P = .002), 10.1 to 12.5 seconds (11.5% vs 5.2%; P = .0008), and >12.5 seconds (12.2% vs 5.7%; P = .009). Respondents' views on their genitalia differed by gender, with women more likely to feel that their genitals are normal compared with men (89.4% vs 75.0%; P < .0001). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS PGS may be a useful screening tool given its association with sexual activity. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS Our large-scale survey assesses public perceptions of genital anatomy and function. Limitations include a lack of gender nonbinary perceptions. CONCLUSION Gender and PGS interact with perceptions of male anatomy and female sexual activity, and the frequency of sexual activity was higher among high-PGS respondents; however, the direction of these interactions remains unclear and requires future causal analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Una E Choi
- James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - Ryan C Nicholson
- James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - Aurora J Grutman
- James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - Andrew J Cohen
- James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
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24
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Rastegar Panah M, Jarvi K, Lo K, El-Sohemy A. Vitamin B 12 Is Associated with Higher Serum Testosterone Concentrations and Improved Androgenic Profiles Among Men with Infertility. J Nutr 2024:S0022-3166(24)00352-3. [PMID: 38936552 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2024.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility impacts 16% of North American couples, with male factor infertility contributing to ∼30% of cases. Reproductive hormones, especially testosterone, are essential for spermatogenesis. An age-independent population-level decline in testosterone concentrations over the past few decades has been proposed to be a consequence of diet and lifestyle changes. Vitamin B12 is present in the testes and has been suggested as an adjuvant nutritional therapy for male infertility due to its potential to improve sperm parameters. However, evidence examining the relationship between vitamin B12 and reproductive hormones is limited. OBJECTIVES The objective was to cross-sectionally examine the relationship between serum vitamin B12 and male reproductive hormones (luteinizing hormone, follicular stimulating hormone, total testosterone, estradiol, and prolactin). METHODS Men with infertility (n = 303) were recruited from Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, Canada. Serum was analyzed for vitamin B12 and reproductive hormones. Statistical analyses included nonparametric Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, linear regression, logistic regression, and effect modification by age and BMI linear regressions. RESULTS An independent monotonic relationship between serum vitamin B12 and total testosterone (ρ = 0.19, P = 0.001) was observed. Serum vitamin B12 was linearly associated with total testosterone (unadjusted β = 0.0007, P = 0.008 and adjusted β = 0.0005, P = 0.03). Compared to individuals in the lowest tertile of serum vitamin B12, those in the middle tertile (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.25, 0.93, P = 0.03) and the highest tertile (unadjusted OR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.22, 0.77, P = 0.005 and adjusted OR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.22, 0.87, P = 0.02) had reduced odds of testosterone deficiency. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that among men with infertility, low serum vitamin B12 is associated with a higher risk of testosterone deficiency and impaired androgenic hormonal profiles that impact spermatogenesis and consequently, fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Keith Jarvi
- Department of Urology, Murray Koffler Urologic Wellness Center, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kirk Lo
- Department of Urology, Murray Koffler Urologic Wellness Center, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ahmed El-Sohemy
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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25
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Pozzi E, Belladelli F, Corsini C, Boeri L, Capogrosso P, Fallara G, Candela L, Bertini A, Cattafi F, Raffo M, Cazzaniga W, Ventimiglia E, d'Arma A, Alfano M, Matloob R, Papaleo E, Candiani M, Montorsi F, Salonia A. Contemporary Diagnostic Work-Up for Male Infertility: Emphasizing Comprehensive Baseline Assessment. World J Mens Health 2024; 42:42.e63. [PMID: 39028127 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.240069] [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: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a prevalent issue affecting many couples during their reproductive years, with a significant number facing challenges in conceiving despite regular unprotected intercourse. Male factor infertility (MFI) contributes significantly to these cases, with a significant proportion of men lacking an identifiable etiology. As such, a thorough assessment of MFI has become increasingly vital for personalized management. This position paper from the Andrology team at IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele emphasizes a comprehensive and individualized approach to MFI work-up, addressing the evolving challenges encountered in clinical practice. Our approach involves a thorough diagnostic work-up to identify the underlying causes of MFI, integrating insights from extensive literature review and our proprietary data. Our data demonstrates that an extensive diagnostic assessment allows us to identify at least one underlying cause of MFI in most infertile men. However, challenges persist in diagnosing less severe phenotypes with unclear etiology. We discuss the importance of individualized MFI work-up and its implications for developing rational therapeutic protocols. Lastly, this paper highlights the necessity for a personalized diagnostic assessment, addressing the daily clinical challenges and emphasizing tailored approaches to try to improve outcomes among couples seeking first medical help for infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Pozzi
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute (URI), IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Belladelli
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute (URI), IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Christian Corsini
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute (URI), IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Boeri
- Department of Urology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Capogrosso
- Department of Urology, Circolo & Fondazione Macchi Hospital - ASST Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fallara
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute (URI), IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Luigi Candela
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute (URI), IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bertini
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute (URI), IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Cattafi
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute (URI), IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Raffo
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute (URI), IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Walter Cazzaniga
- Department of Urology, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Eugenio Ventimiglia
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute (URI), IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia d'Arma
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute (URI), IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Alfano
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute (URI), IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Rayan Matloob
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute (URI), IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Enrico Papaleo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Candiani
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Montorsi
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute (URI), IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Salonia
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute (URI), IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.
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Zhang J, Li X, Wang R, Feng X, Wang S, Wang H, Wang Y, Li H, Li Y, Guo Y. DNA methylation patterns in patients with asthenospermia and oligoasthenospermia. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:602. [PMID: 38886667 PMCID: PMC11181631 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10491-z] [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: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatogenesis is a highly regulated and complex process in which DNA methylation plays a crucial role. This study aimed to explore the differential methylation profiles in sperm DNA between patients with asthenospermia (AS) and healthy controls (HCs), those with oligoasthenospermia (OAS) and HCs, and patients with AS and those with OAS. RESULTS Semen samples and clinical data were collected from five patients with AS, five patients with OAS, and six age-matched HCs. Reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) was performed to identify differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in sperm cells among the different types of patients and HCs. A total of 6520, 28,019, and 16,432 DMRs were detected between AS and HC, OAS and HC, and AS and OAS groups, respectively. These DMRs were predominantly located within gene bodies and mapped to 2868, 9296, and 9090 genes in the respective groups. Of note, 12, 9, and 8 DMRs in each group were closely associated with spermatogenesis and male infertility. Furthermore, BDNF, SMARCB1, PIK3CA, and DDX27; RBMX and SPATA17; ASZ1, CDH1, and CHDH were identified as strong differentially methylated candidate genes in each group, respectively. Meanwhile, the GO analysis of DMR-associated genes in the AS vs. HC groups revealed that protein binding, cytoplasm, and transcription (DNA-templated) were the most enriched terms in the biological process (BP), cellular component (CC), and molecular function (MF), respectively. Likewise, in both the OAS vs. HC and AS vs. OAS groups, GO analysis revealed protein binding, nucleus, and transcription (DNA-templated) as the most enriched terms in BP, CC, and MF, respectively. Finally, the KEGG analysis of DMR-annotated genes and these genes at promoters suggested that metabolic pathways were the most significantly associated across all three groups. CONCLUSIONS The current study results revealed distinctive sperm DNA methylation patterns in the AS vs. HC and OAS vs. HC groups, particularly between patients with AS and those with OAS. The identification of key genes associated with spermatogenesis and male infertility in addition to the differentially enriched metabolic pathways may contribute to uncovering the potential pathogenesis in different types of abnormal sperm parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingdi Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xiaogang Li
- Medical Science Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Rongrong Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xinxin Feng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Siyu Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Hai Wang
- Department of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yutao Wang
- Department of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongjun Li
- Department of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongzhe Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Ye Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China.
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Hudson BC, Dawson Green T. Modified differential lysis for sexual assault samples using a combined enzymatic and alkaline approach. Forensic Sci Res 2024; 9:owae022. [PMID: 38831792 PMCID: PMC11146638 DOI: 10.1093/fsr/owae022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Sexual assault sample processing, despite recent funding and research efforts, remains time-consuming, labourious, and inefficient. These limitations, combined with the prevalence of sexual assaults, have prompted the need to develop a cheaper, quicker, and more robust method for separating victim and perpetrator contributions within sexual assault evidence so that analysts can keep pace with submissions and cases can be resolved in a timely manner. Thus, this study examined the use of a combined enzymatic and alkaline approach for differential cell lysis-with the goal of developing a quick, cheap, and more efficient DNA isolation method. Quantification results for this assay revealed that (72.0 ± 18.3)%, (15.8 ± 14.2)%, and (29.5 ± 23.7)% of total DNA were retained in sperm fractions for neat semen, neat vaginal, and semen-vaginal mixture eluates, respectively. Short tandem repeat (STR) analysis of mixture samples processed with this technique exhibited sperm fraction DNA profiles with mean male-to-female ratios of 1.74:1, which was a 3.01 ± 2.30-fold improvement in male-to-female ratios and led to the recovery of 5.90 ± 7.80 unshared male contributor alleles in sperm fractions that were otherwise undetected in unseparated controls. Overall, this study presented a modified differential lysis approach using prepGEM™ and sodium hydroxide treatments that can accomplish cell elution and fractional lysis within 25 min. Future studies should investigate alternative "non-sperm" cell lysis methods to enhance lysis efficiency and minimize the potential for inhibition, as well as the optimization and automation of this technique. Key points Traditional sexual assault sample processing methods are time-consuming and inefficient.This modified differential lysis method produces lysates with sufficient DNA yield and quality.A combined technique using enzymatic and alkaline lysis can accomplish fractional separation.Lysis with prepGEM and NaOH absent purification is compatible with downstream processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany C Hudson
- Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Integrative Life Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Tracey Dawson Green
- Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
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28
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Lu W, Li Y, Meng L, Tan C, Nie H, Zhang Q, Song Y, Zhang H, Tan YQ, Tu C, Guo H, Wu L, Du J. Novel SPEF2 variants cause male infertility and likely primary ciliary dyskinesia. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:1485-1498. [PMID: 38568462 PMCID: PMC11224184 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03106-9] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to identify the genetic causes of male infertility and primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD)/PCD-like phenotypes in three unrelated Han Chinese families. METHODS We conducted whole-exome sequencing of three patients with male infertility and PCD/PCD-like phenotypes from three unrelated Chinese families. Ultrastructural and immunostaining analyses of patient spermatozoa and respiratory cilia and in vitro analyses were performed to analyze the effects of SPEF2 variants. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was administered to three affected patients. RESULTS We identified four novel SPEF2 variants, including one novel homozygous splicing site variant [NC_000005.10(NM_024867.4): c.4447 + 1G > A] of the SPEF2 gene in family 1, novel compound heterozygous nonsense variants [NC_000005.10(NM_024867.4): c.1339C > T (p.R447*) and NC_000005.10(NM_024867.4): c.1645G > T (p.E549*)] in family 2, and one novel homozygous missense variant [NC_000005.10(NM_024867.4): c.2524G > A (p.D842N)] in family 3. All the patients presented with male infertility and PCD/likely PCD. All variants were present at very low levels in public databases, predicted to be deleterious in silico prediction tools, and were further confirmed deleterious by in vitro analyses. Ultrastructural analyses of the spermatozoa of the patients revealed the absence of the central pair complex in the sperm flagella. Immunostaining of the spermatozoa and respiratory cilia of the patients validated the pathogenicity of the SPEF2 variants. All patients carrying SPEF2 variants underwent one ICSI cycle and delivered healthy infants. CONCLUSION Our study reported four novel pathogenic variants of SPEF2 in three male patients with infertility and PCD/PCD-like phenotypes, which not only extend the spectrum of SPEF2 mutations but also provide information for genetic counseling and treatment of such conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqing Lu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yong Li
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lanlan Meng
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Chen Tan
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Hongchuan Nie
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Qianjun Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Yuying Song
- Changsha Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Chaofeng Tu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Haichun Guo
- Changsha Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China.
| | - Longxiang Wu
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Juan Du
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China.
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Cohen N, Ben-Meir A, Harlap T, Imbar T, Karavani G. Changes in Sperm Parameters with Time in Men with Normal and Abnormal Baseline Semen Analysis. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:1712-1718. [PMID: 38424405 PMCID: PMC11111536 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01475-1] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The association between paternal age and sperm quality in the population level has been previously studied. Only limited data exists regarding the intra-personal variations in semen parameters among fertile and infertile men over time. We aimed to assess trends over time in semen parameters among men with normal and abnormal baseline sperm parameters and investigate potential risk factors for sperm quality deterioration. This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a university-affiliated medical center in vitro fertilization (IVF) unit. Patients with at least two semen analyses (SA) performed > 1 year apart, with the last SA done between 2017 and 2021, were included. The study consisted of two main analyses-comparison of intra-patient's sperm parameters changes in men with normal and abnormal baseline SA (BSA) and analysis of risk factors for developing abnormal semen parameters over time in men who had normal BSA parameters. This study included a total of 902 men assessed for infertility with normal and abnormal BSA. The average time interval between tests was 1015 days (range 366-7709 days). Among individuals with normal BSA, there was a mild decline in most parameters-concentration (- 6.53 M/ml), motility (- 7.74%), and total motile count (TMC) (- 21.80 M) (p < 0.05 for all parameters). In contrast, a slight improvement in most parameters, except for concentration, was noted in men with abnormal BSA-volume (+ 0.21 ml), motility (+ 8.72%), and TMC (+ 14.38 M) (p < 0.05 for all parameters). Focusing on men with normal BSA, 33.5% of individuals developed abnormality in one or more of their sperm parameters over time, within a mean time of 1013 ± 661 days. We also found that only time between tests emerged as an independent prognostic factor for the development of abnormal SA later. Interestingly, sperm deterioration in participants in their third, fourth, and fifth decades of life with normal initial semen analysis was similar. Our study provides evidence of a decline in semen quality over time in individuals with normal BSA, in contrast to men with abnormal BSA. Longer time intervals between tests independently increase the risk of sperm abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nir Cohen
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Ein-Kerem Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Ein-Kerem Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Assaf Ben-Meir
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Ein-Kerem Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Ein-Kerem Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Tzuf Harlap
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Tal Imbar
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Ein-Kerem Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Ein-Kerem Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Gilad Karavani
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital and New Women's College Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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30
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Baliga S, Patel S, Naqa IE, Li XA, Cohen LE, Howell RM, Hoppe BS, Constine LS, Palmer JD, Hamstra D, Olch AJ. Testicular Dysfunction in Male Childhood Cancer Survivors Treated With Radiation Therapy: A PENTEC Comprehensive Review. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2024; 119:610-624. [PMID: 37791936 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The male reproductive task force of the Pediatric Normal Tissue Effects in the Clinic (PENTEC) initiative performed a comprehensive review that included a meta-analysis of publications reporting radiation dose-volume effects for risk of impaired fertility and hormonal function after radiation therapy for pediatric malignancies. METHODS AND MATERIALS The PENTEC task force conducted a comprehensive literature search to identify published data evaluating the effect of testicular radiation dose on reproductive complications in male childhood cancer survivors. Thirty-one studies were analyzed, of which 4 had testicular dose data to generate descriptive scatter plots. Two cohorts were identified. Cohort 1 consisted of pediatric and young adult patients with cancer who received scatter radiation therapy to the testes. Cohort 2 consisted of pediatric and young adult patients with cancer who received direct testicular radiation therapy as part of their cancer therapy. Descriptive scatter plots were used to delineate the relationship between the effect of mean testicular dose on sperm count reduction, testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. RESULTS Descriptive scatter plots demonstrated a 44% to 80% risk of oligospermia when the mean testicular dose was <1 Gy, but this was recovered by >12 months in 75% to 100% of patients. At doses >1 Gy, the rate of oligospermia increased to >90% at 12 months. Testosterone levels were generally not affected when the mean testicular dose was <0.2 Gy but were abnormal in up to 25% of patients receiving between 0.2 and 12 Gy. Doses between 12 and 19 Gy may be associated with abnormal testosterone in 40% of patients, whereas doses >20 Gy to the testes were associated with a steep increase in abnormal testosterone in at least 68% of patients. FSH levels were unaffected by a mean testicular dose <0.2 Gy, whereas at doses >0.5 Gy, the risk was between 40% and 100%. LH levels were affected at doses >0.5 Gy in 33% to 75% of patients between 10 and 24 months after radiation. Although dose modeling could not be performed in cohort 2, the risk of reproductive toxicities was escalated with doses >10 Gy. CONCLUSIONS This PENTEC comprehensive review demonstrates important relationships between scatter or direct radiation dose on male reproductive endpoints including semen analysis and levels of FSH, LH, and testosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujith Baliga
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio.
| | - Samir Patel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Issam El Naqa
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - X Allen Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Laurie E Cohen
- Division of Endocrinology, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Bronx, New York
| | - Rebecca M Howell
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Bradford S Hoppe
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Louis S Constine
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Joshua D Palmer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Daniel Hamstra
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Arthur J Olch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
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Sakas J, Radin O, Abrahami N, Altshuler O, Younis JS. Testicular fine-needle aspiration in infertile men with absolute non-obstructive azoospermia: A single-centre cohort study. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2024; 64:258-263. [PMID: 38078572 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13783] [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: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The methodology of surgically extracted sperm cells in fertility treatments remains debated, mainly due to the lack of data evaluating its predictive value on treatment outcomes. AIM To gain insight into the effectiveness of testicular fine-needle aspiration (TEFNA) in a cohort of infertile men with absolute non-obstructive azoospermia and to examine whether the number of retrieved sperm cells affects the fertilisation rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 89 infertile men, aged 26-47, meticulously diagnosed with non-obstructive azoospermia, participated in the study. All participants underwent TEFNA. The primary outcome measure was the TEFNA success rate in retrieving mature sperm. The secondary outcome measures included fertilisation rate, clinical pregnancy rates, and live births associated with the retrieved sperm. RESULTS Sperm cells were successfully retrieved from 40 out of 89 patients (45%) with no significant postoperative complications. Retrieval of up to ten sperm cells occurred in 11 procedures (25%); ten procedures (22.7%) resulted in producing dozens of sperm cells, and 100s to 1000s of sperm cells were obtained from the remainder of 23 procedures (52.3%). Patients whose TEFNA resulted in only a few sperm cells had a much lower fertilisation rate (16.6%) than the other two groups (40.1% and 47.2%, respectively, P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS The utilisation of TEFNA for sperm extraction in men with non-obstructive azoospermia is a simple, fast-learning, effective, and safe treatment option. In cases where sperm retrieval was successful, the fertilisation rate was strongly related to the number of sperm cells obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jawad Sakas
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Baruch Padeh Medical Center, Poriya, Israel
| | - Orit Radin
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Baruch Padeh Medical Center, Poriya, Israel
| | - Noa Abrahami
- Department of Anesthesiology, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
| | - Osnat Altshuler
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Baruch Padeh Medical Center, Poriya, Israel
| | - Johnny S Younis
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Baruch Padeh Medical Center, Poriya, Israel
- The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in Galilee, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
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Zong W, Wang Y, Zhang L, Lu W, Li W, Wang F, Cheng J. DNA Methylation Mediates Sperm Quality via piwil1 and piwil2 Regulation in Japanese Flounder ( Paralichthys olivaceus). Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5935. [PMID: 38892123 PMCID: PMC11172970 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115935] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is an important way to regulate gene expression in eukaryotes. In order to reveal the role of DNA methylation in the regulation of germ cell-specific piwi gene expression during spermatogenesis of Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus), the expression profiles of piwil1 (piwi-like 1) and piwil2 (piwi-like 2) genes in the gonads of female, male, and sex-reversed pseudo-male P. olivaceus were analyzed, and the dynamic of DNA methylation was investigated. As a result, piwil1 and piwil2 genes were highly expressed in the testis of both male and pseudo-male P. olivaceus, with significant variation among male individuals. The DNA methylation levels in the promoter regions of both piwil1 and piwil2 were negatively correlated with their expression levels, which may contribute to the transcriptional regulation of piwi genes during spermatogenesis. There was also sperm quality variation among male P. olivaceus, and the sperm curvilinear velocity was positively correlated with the expression of both piwil1 and piwil2 genes. These results indicated that the DNA methylation in piwil1 and piwil2 promoter regions may affect the initiation of piwi gene transcription, thereby regulating gene expression and further affecting the spermatogenesis process and gamete quality in P. olivaceus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyu Zong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yapeng Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Lingqun Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Wei Lu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Weigang Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Fengchi Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Jie Cheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Sanya 572024, China
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
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Ogawa S, Ota K, Nishizawa K, Shinagawa M, Katagiri M, Kikuchi H, Kobayashi H, Takahashi T, Yoshida H. Micronutrient Antioxidants for Men (Menevit ®) Improve Sperm Function by Reducing Oxidative Stress, Resulting in Improved Assisted Reproductive Technology Outcomes. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:635. [PMID: 38929074 PMCID: PMC11200383 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060635] [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: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress (OS) affects men's health and impairs spermatogenesis. Micronutrient antioxidants are available for male infertility as complemental support; however, their efficacy remains debatable. This study aimed to investigate whether antioxidants can help to reduce sperm OS and improve semen analysis and quality. We included 171 male partners of couples planning to undergo assisted reproductive technology (ART). Male partners, aged 29-41 years, of couples intending to conceive were self-selected to take daily antioxidants (n = 84) containing folic acid and zinc, or not to take antioxidants (n = 52) for 6 months. We analyzed the alterations in serum oxidant levels, sperm parameters, OS, and deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation after 3 and 6 months. Additionally, implantation, clinical pregnancy, and miscarriage rates after vitrified-warmed embryo transfer were compared between those taking antioxidants and those not taking them after 6 months. In men with high static oxidation-reduction potential (sORP), we observed a significant improvement in sperm concentration and sORP. The high-quality blastocyst rate tended to increase, and implantation and clinical pregnancy rates also significantly increased after 6 months of intervention. The micronutrient antioxidants could improve sperm function by reducing OS and improving ART outcomes. Therefore, micronutrient antioxidants may be a viable treatment option for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seiji Ogawa
- Sendai ART Clinic, 206-13 Nagakecho, Miyagino, Sendai 983-0864, Miyagi, Japan; (S.O.); (K.N.); (M.S.); (M.K.); (H.K.); (H.K.); (H.Y.)
- Department of Clinical Regenerative Medicine, Fujita Medical Innovation Center, 1-1-4 Hanedakuko, Ota, Tokyo 144-0041, Japan
| | - Kuniaki Ota
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kawasaki Medical School, 577 Matsushima, Kurashiki 701-0192, Okayama, Japan
- Fukushima Medical Center for Children and Women, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima 960-1295, Fukushima, Japan;
| | - Kaori Nishizawa
- Sendai ART Clinic, 206-13 Nagakecho, Miyagino, Sendai 983-0864, Miyagi, Japan; (S.O.); (K.N.); (M.S.); (M.K.); (H.K.); (H.K.); (H.Y.)
| | - Masumi Shinagawa
- Sendai ART Clinic, 206-13 Nagakecho, Miyagino, Sendai 983-0864, Miyagi, Japan; (S.O.); (K.N.); (M.S.); (M.K.); (H.K.); (H.K.); (H.Y.)
| | - Mikiko Katagiri
- Sendai ART Clinic, 206-13 Nagakecho, Miyagino, Sendai 983-0864, Miyagi, Japan; (S.O.); (K.N.); (M.S.); (M.K.); (H.K.); (H.K.); (H.Y.)
| | - Hiroyuki Kikuchi
- Sendai ART Clinic, 206-13 Nagakecho, Miyagino, Sendai 983-0864, Miyagi, Japan; (S.O.); (K.N.); (M.S.); (M.K.); (H.K.); (H.K.); (H.Y.)
| | - Hideyuki Kobayashi
- Sendai ART Clinic, 206-13 Nagakecho, Miyagino, Sendai 983-0864, Miyagi, Japan; (S.O.); (K.N.); (M.S.); (M.K.); (H.K.); (H.K.); (H.Y.)
- Department of Urology, Toho University, 5-21-16 Omori-Nishi, Ota, Tokyo 143-8540, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Takahashi
- Fukushima Medical Center for Children and Women, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima 960-1295, Fukushima, Japan;
| | - Hiroaki Yoshida
- Sendai ART Clinic, 206-13 Nagakecho, Miyagino, Sendai 983-0864, Miyagi, Japan; (S.O.); (K.N.); (M.S.); (M.K.); (H.K.); (H.K.); (H.Y.)
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Dou K, Yang Q, Song T, Zeng X, Yao J, Li Y. Microscopic internal spermatic-inferior epigastric vein anastomosis for treating left varicocele. Int Urol Nephrol 2024:10.1007/s11255-024-04090-w. [PMID: 38782814 DOI: 10.1007/s11255-024-04090-w] [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: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical efficacy of microscopic internal spermatic-inferior epigastric vein anastomosis in the treatment of left varicocele and compare it with microscopic spermatic vein ligation for the same condition. METHODS A retrospective analysis of 74 patients with left varicocele between July 2020 and July 2022 was performed. The patients were divided into two groups based on the surgical method used. Group A consisted of 37 patients who underwent microscopic internal spermatic-inferior epigastric vein anastomosis, while Group B consisted of 37 patients who underwent microscopic spermatic vein ligation. Comparison of preoperative and postoperative semen quality, reproductive hormone levels, scrotal ultrasound results, duration of surgery, length of hospital stay, postoperative recurrence rate, and occurrence of complications with a follow-up time of 12 mo between two groups. RESULTS Both groups showed significant improvements in semen quality and serum reproductive hormone levels. The Group A demonstrated significantly improved sperm forward motility compared to Group B, but had longer operation times and hospital stays (P < 0.05). After 1 year of follow-up, 8 partners in Group A and 6 partners in Group B achieved natural conception, with no significant difference between the two groups. There were no recurrences observed in either group during the follow-up period, and no significant statistical differences were found in other postoperative observation indicators. CONCLUSIONS Both microscopic internal spermatic-inferior epigastric vein anastomosis and microscopic spermatic vein ligation are effective surgical methods for treating left varicocele. Anastomosis surgery provides greater improvement in sperm motility, although it is associated with longer operation times and hospital stays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Dou
- Department of Urology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Qi Yang
- Department of Urology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Tao Song
- Department of Urology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xincheng Zeng
- Department of Urology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Juncheng Yao
- Department of Assisted Reproduction Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No.32, Section 2, West 1 Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yutao Li
- Department of Assisted Reproduction Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No.32, Section 2, West 1 Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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Fang AH, Franco I, Pizzuti JM, Boroda JU, Friedman SC, Fine RG, Horowitz M, Schlussel RN, Landau-Dyer L, Zelkovic PF, Freyle J, Sommer JE, Gitlin JS. Size matters: Total testicular volume predicts sperm count in Tanner V varicocele patients. J Pediatr Urol 2024:S1477-5131(24)00270-5. [PMID: 38876892 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2024.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION It is known the prevalence of varicoceles in adolescent men is 14-29% but there is debate surrounding implications on fertility. As obtaining a semen analysis (SA) may be challenging, there is need for objective tests as measures of fecundity. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between testicular volume differential (TVD), varicocele grade, and total testicular volume (TTV) on seminal parameters including total motile sperm count (TMSC). MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective single-center chart review over 14 years of 486 Tanner V adolescent males. Three hundred and four met inclusion of palpable, non-operated left-sided varicocele who underwent at least one SA and ultrasound. Abnormal TMSC was defined by World Health Organization 2010 criteria for minimal reference ranges. Multivariate logistic regression, receiver operating characteristic analysis with Youden J-statistic and descriptive statistics were performed. RESULTS Three hundred and four Tanner V adolescents with median age of 18.0 years (18.0-19.0), median TTV of 34.5 cc (28.9, 40.2) and median TMSC of 62.5 million/ejaculate (25.4, 123.4) were evaluated. TTV cutoff of 29.5 cc was found to predict TMSC of <9 million/ejaculate with negative predictive value of 96.2% and odds ratio of 6.08 ([2.13-17.42], p < 0.001). TVD greater than 20% did not reach statistical significance with an odds ratio of 1.66 ([0.41-6.62], p = 0.50). DISCUSSION In clinical practice, each patient will need to have an individualized plan. Based on our data, for older adolescents (17 or 18 years) with varicocele and an abnormal TTV, clinicians may have a lower threshold for advising SA, and if unable to obtain, surgical intervention and/or closer surveillance should be stressed. Patients should be informed of their six-fold increase in abnormal SA. Patients with normal TTV should be advised they are at lower risk of having abnormal SA. Younger patients with varicocele and an initial TVD>20%, should be followed closely but intervention delayed until 17 or 18 to better assess TTV. The importance of trending patient data should be emphasized as a single measurement has low predictive value for developing adolescents. Limitations of our study include a retrospective design and the lack of uniform correlation between adolescent SA and paternity. CONCLUSIONS Total testicular volume less than 29.5 cc increased odds of abnormal semen analysis by over six times and had a negative predictive value of 96.2%. Ultrasound results may be useful for risk stratification and counselling on appropriateness of surgical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander H Fang
- SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, College of Medicine, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA.
| | - Israel Franco
- Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
| | - Joseph M Pizzuti
- Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.
| | - Joseph U Boroda
- SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, College of Medicine, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA.
| | - Steven C Friedman
- Maimonides Medical Center, 4802 10th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219, USA.
| | - Ronnie G Fine
- NYU Langone Hospital - Long Island, 259 1st Street, Mineola, NY 11501, USA.
| | - Mark Horowitz
- NYU Langone Hospital - Long Island, 259 1st Street, Mineola, NY 11501, USA.
| | - Richard N Schlussel
- Hackensack University Medical Center, 30 Prospect Avenue, Hackensack, NJ 07601, USA.
| | - Lori Landau-Dyer
- Westchester Medical Center, 100 Woods Road, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA.
| | - Paul F Zelkovic
- Westchester Medical Center, 100 Woods Road, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA.
| | - Jaime Freyle
- Maimonides Medical Center, 4802 10th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219, USA.
| | - Jessica E Sommer
- NYU Langone Hospital - Long Island, 259 1st Street, Mineola, NY 11501, USA.
| | - Jordan S Gitlin
- NYU Langone Hospital - Long Island, 259 1st Street, Mineola, NY 11501, USA.
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Guo R, Wu H, Zhu X, Wang G, Hu K, Li K, Geng H, Xu C, Zu C, Gao Y, Tang D, Cao Y, He X. Bi-allelic variants in chromatoid body protein TDRD6 cause spermiogenesis defects and severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia in humans. J Med Genet 2024; 61:553-565. [PMID: 38341271 DOI: 10.1136/jmg-2023-109766] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between the TDRD6 variants and human infertility remains unclear, as only one homozygous missense variant of TDRD6 was found to be associated with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT). METHODS Whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were employed to identify potential pathogenic variants of TDRD6 in infertile men. Histology, immunofluorescence, immunoblotting and ultrastructural analyses were conducted to clarify the structural and functional abnormalities of sperm in mutated patients. Tdrd6-knockout mice were generated using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. Total RNA-seq and single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) analyses were used to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms, followed by validation through quantitative RT-PCR and immunostaining. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was also used to assess the efficacy of clinical treatment. RESULTS Bi-allelic TDRD6 variants were identified in five unrelated Chinese individuals with OAT, including homozygous loss-of-function variants in two consanguineous families. Notably, besides reduced concentrations and impaired motility, a significant occurrence of acrosomal hypoplasia was detected in multiple spermatozoa among five patients. Using the Tdrd6-deficient mice, we further elucidate the pivotal role of TDRD6 in spermiogenesis and acrosome identified. In addition, the mislocalisation of crucial chromatoid body components DDX4 (MVH) and UPF1 was also observed in round spermatids from patients harbouring TDRD6 variants. ScRNA-seq analysis of germ cells from a patient with TDRD6 variants revealed that TDRD6 regulates mRNA metabolism processes involved in spermatid differentiation and cytoplasmic translation. CONCLUSION Our findings strongly suggest that TDRD6 plays a conserved role in spermiogenesis and confirms the causal relationship between TDRD6 variants and human OAT. Additionally, this study highlights the unfavourable ICSI outcomes in individuals with bi-allelic TDRD6 variants, providing insights for potential clinical treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Huan Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Guanxiong Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Kaiqin Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artifical Organs, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Kuokuo Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artifical Organs, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hao Geng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artifical Organs, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chuan Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artifical Organs, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chenwan Zu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artifical Organs, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artifical Organs, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Dongdong Tang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Wu H, Zhang Y, Li Y, Sun S, Zhang J, Xie Q, Dong Y, Zhou S, Sha X, Li K, Chen J, Zhang X, Gao Y, Shen Q, Wang G, Zha X, Duan Z, Tang D, Xu C, Geng H, Lv M, Xu Y, Zhou P, Wei Z, Hua R, Cao Y, Liu M, He X. Adenylate kinase phosphate energy shuttle underlies energetic communication in flagellar axonemes. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024:10.1007/s11427-023-2539-1. [PMID: 38761355 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2539-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
The complexities of energy transfer mechanisms in the flagella of mammalian sperm flagella have been intensively investigated and demonstrate significant diversity across species. Enzymatic shuttles, particularly adenylate kinase (AK) and creatine kinase (CK), are pivotal in the efficient transfer of intracellular ATP, showing distinct tissue- and species-specificity. Here, the expression profiles of AK and CK were investigated in mice and found to fall into four subgroups, of which Subgroup III AKs were observed to be unique to the male reproductive system and conserved across chordates. Both AK8 and AK9 were found to be indispensable to male reproduction after analysis of an infertile male cohort. Knockout mouse models showed that AK8 and AK9 were central to promoting sperm motility. Immunoprecipitation combined with mass spectrometry revealed that AK8 and AK9 interact with the radial spoke (RS) of the axoneme. Examination of various human and mouse sperm samples with substructural damage, including the presence of multiple RS subunits, showed that the head of radial spoke 3 acts as an adapter for AK9 in the flagellar axoneme. Using an ATP probe together with metabolomic analysis, it was found that AK8 and AK9 cooperatively regulated ATP transfer in the axoneme, and were concentrated at sites associated with energy consumption in the flagellum. These findings indicate a novel function for RS beyond its structural role, namely, the regulation of ATP transfer. In conclusion, the results expand the functional spectrum of AK proteins and suggest a fresh model regarding ATP transfer within mammalian flagella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yanman Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Yuqian Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Shuya Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Jintao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Qingsong Xie
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Yue Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Shushu Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Xuan Sha
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Kuokuo Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jinyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Qunshan Shen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Guanxiong Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Xiaomin Zha
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Zongliu Duan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Dongdong Tang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Chuan Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Hao Geng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Mingrong Lv
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yuping Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Zhaolian Wei
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Rong Hua
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Mingxi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
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Bar-Chama N, Rabinovitch L, Honig S. Amateur vs Professional Users of the YO Home Sperm Test: An Assessment of Usability. Urology 2024:S0090-4295(24)00257-7. [PMID: 38705243 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2024.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the accuracy of the YO home sperm test by real-world/amateur users. METHODS This multisite study investigated whether amateur users could use the FDA-cleared YO Home Sperm Test to obtain accurate motile sperm concentration (MSC) results when compared to trained laboratory technicians. The qualitative MSC results of amateur and professional YO users were compared to each other as well as to the results of an established automated sperm quality analyzer (SQA-V) above and below a 6 m/mL MSC cut-off. RESULTS This was a blinded, prospective study of 316 amateur users and 3 professional laboratory technicians across 3 study sites. Amateur vs Professional YO users demonstrated an accuracy of >97%. Qualitative results of amateurs and professionals vs SQA-V results showed a >95.7% accuracy. CONCLUSION Amateur users with no prior training were able to follow the YO test directions to receive highly accurate qualitative motile sperm concentration (MSC) results. The YO test is user-friendly and can be used as an effective initial home screening tool to gain preliminary insight into the fertility status of the male in a real-world setting. Furthermore, the YO test results correlated with those obtained by the FDA-cleared SQA-V laboratory analyzer, confirming that the YO test delivers accurate MSC results in the hands of amateur users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natan Bar-Chama
- Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York, New York, NY; Department of Urology, The Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY.
| | | | - Stanton Honig
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Urology, Yale University, New Haven, CT
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Abouelgreed TA, Amer MA, Mamdouh H, El-Sherbiny AF, Aboelwafa H, Fahmy SF, Omar OA, Abdelshakour M, Elesawy M, Sonbol M, Maawad AN, Elsayed OK. The influence of oral antioxidants on men with infertility: a systemic review. Arch Ital Urol Androl 2024; 96:12323. [PMID: 38700012 DOI: 10.4081/aiua.2024.12323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the current evidence regarding the impact of oral antioxidant supplementation on semen parameters of infertile men. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, and Cochrane electronic databases, adhering to modified Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The focus was on studies exploring the effects of antioxidant therapy on infertile men, with an examination of antioxidants in terms of types, doses, rationale for use, and their impact on semen parameters measures. RESULTS A total of 18 studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in this study. Out of these, 14 studies reported a significantly positive influence of antioxidant therapy on basic semen parameters and advanced sperm function. These comprised 11 randomized clinical trials and 7 prospective studies. Commonly utilized antioxidants included Vitamin E, Vitamin C, carnitines, co-enzyme Q10, N-acetyl cysteine, zinc, selenium, folic acid, and lycopene. CONCLUSIONS Overall, antioxidants generally demonstrate a favorable effect on semen parameters of infertile men. However, further research is necessary to pinpoint the optimal antioxidant regimen that can be applied safely and effectively in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohamed A Amer
- Department of Dermatology & Andrology, Al-Azhar University, Cairo.
| | - Hassan Mamdouh
- Department of Dermatology & Andrology, Al-Azhar University, Cairo.
| | - Ahmed F El-Sherbiny
- Department of Andrology, International Islamic Center for Population Studies and Research, Al-Azhar University, Cairo.
| | - Hany Aboelwafa
- Department of Dermatology & Andrology, Al-Azhar University, Cairo.
| | - Sameh F Fahmy
- Department of Dermatology & Andrology, Al-Azhar University, Cairo.
| | - Omar A Omar
- Department of Dermatology & Andrology, Al-Azhar University, Cairo.
| | | | - Mohammad Elesawy
- Department of Dermatology & Andrology, Al-Azhar University, Cairo.
| | - Mohamed Sonbol
- Department of Dermatology & Andrology, Al-Azhar University, Cairo.
| | - Ahmed N Maawad
- Department of Dermatology & Andrology, Al-Azhar University, Cairo.
| | - Osama K Elsayed
- Department of Dermatology & Andrology, Al-Azhar University, Cairo.
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Zhang Q, Jin H, Long S, Tang X, Li J, Liu W, Han W, Liao H, Fu T, Huang G, Chen S, Lin T. Deletion of ACTRT1 is associated with male infertility as sperm acrosomal ultrastructural defects and fertilization failure in human. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:880-891. [PMID: 38414365 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae031] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Could actin-related protein T1 (ACTRT1) deficiency be a potential pathogenic factor of human male infertility? SUMMARY ANSWER A 110-kb microdeletion of the X chromosome, only including the ACTRT1 gene, was identified as responsible for infertility in two Chinese males with sperm showing acrosomal ultrastructural defects and fertilization failure. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The actin-related proteins (e.g. ACTRT1, ACTRT2, ACTL7A, and ACTL9) interact with each other to form a multimeric complex in the subacrosomal region of spermatids, which is crucial for the acrosome-nucleus junction. Actrt1-knockout (KO) mice are severely subfertile owing to malformed sperm heads with detached acrosomes and partial fertilization failure. There are currently no reports on the association between ACTRT1 deletion and male infertility in humans. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We recruited a cohort of 120 infertile males with sperm head deformations at a large tertiary hospital from August 2019 to August 2023. Genomic DNA extracted from the affected individuals underwent whole exome sequencing (WES), and in silico analyses were performed to identify genetic variants. Morphological analysis, functional assays, and ART were performed in 2022 and 2023. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The ACTRT1 deficiency was identified by WES and confirmed by whole genome sequencing, PCR, and quantitative PCR. Genomic DNA of all family members was collected to define the hereditary mode. Papanicolaou staining and electronic microscopy were performed to reveal sperm morphological changes. Western blotting and immunostaining were performed to explore the pathological mechanism of ACTRT1 deficiency. ICSI combined with artificial oocyte activation (AOA) was applied for one proband. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We identified a whole-gene deletion variant of ACTRT1 in two infertile males, which was inherited from their mothers, respectively. The probands exhibited sperm head deformations owing to acrosomal detachment, which is consistent with our previous observations on Actrt1-KO mice. Decreased expression and ectopic distribution of ACTL7A and phospholipase C zeta were observed in sperm samples from the probands. ICSI combined with AOA effectively solved the fertilization problem in Actrt1-KO mice and in one of the two probands. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Additional cases are needed to further confirm the genetic contribution of ACTRT1 variants to male infertility. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our results reveal a gene-disease relation between the ACTRT1 deletion described here and human male infertility owing to acrosomal detachment and fertilization failure. This report also describes a good reproductive outcome of ART with ICSI-AOA for a proband. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the Chongqing medical scientific research project (Joint project of Chongqing Health Commission and Science and Technology Bureau, 2023MSXM008 and 2023MSXM054). There are no competing interests to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Huijuan Jin
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Shunhua Long
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiangrong Tang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiaxun Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Weiwei Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Han
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Haiyuan Liao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Tao Fu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Guoning Huang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Suren Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Lin
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
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Zuvela E, Matson P. Effect of the technical variability of counting chambers upon the interpretation of sperm concentration results. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 48:103777. [PMID: 38460281 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103777] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Does the choice of sperm-counting chamber affect the proportion of samples generating results with an erroneous interpretation? DESIGN Laboratories in an external quality assurance programme were sent 141 semen samples over a 12-year period and asked to return the sperm concentration and whether or not the result was abnormal. Only those using 5th edition of the World Health Organization manual (WHO5) interpretation criteria were included. Submissions from specialist fertility laboratories were used to calculate assigned values for each sample. Laboratory50 values determined the sperm concentration at which the laboratories reported a majority transition from abnormal to normal interpretations, i.e. the tipping point, which should coincide with the lower reference limit. RESULTS The median and range of bias from the assigned values of each sample were determined for the Makler (-3.3%; -88.6% to +332.8%), haemocytometer (10.6%; -93.3% to +645.5%), Kova (+65.3%; -71.7% to +581.8%) and Vetriplast (+72.4%; -100.0% to +709.1) chambers. Laboratory50 values for the Makler (17.3 × 106/ml), haemocytometer (13.6 × 106/ml), Kova (10.0 × 106/ml) and Vetriplast chambers (8.8 × 106/ml) reflected the under- and overestimation of the chambers and confirmed a shift in the adjusted lower reference limit then used. The proportion of laboratories reporting erroneous interpretations of the four chambers for oligozoospermic samples were 10.9%, 15.1.%, 40.1% and 44.0%, respectively, and rose as the adjusted lower reference limit decreased. CONCLUSIONS The between-laboratory and within-sample variation for all the chambers was high and remains a concern. The main impact of an increasing bias of the chambers was a lowering of the laboratory50 tipping point, resulting in an under-reporting of abnormal semen samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Zuvela
- External Quality Assurance Schemes for Reproductive Medicine, Northlands, Western Australia, Australia.; City Fertility Perth (formerly Fertility Specialists of WA), Claremont and Applecross, Perth, Western Australia..
| | - Phillip Matson
- External Quality Assurance Schemes for Reproductive Medicine, Northlands, Western Australia, Australia
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Handelsman DJ, Idan A, Sleiman S, Bacha F, Long GV, Menzies AM, Vaishnav T, Litkouhi N, Volckmar X, Ledger W, Anazodo A. Testicular function after non-cytotoxic and immunotherapy drug treatment. Andrology 2024; 12:891-898. [PMID: 37889046 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13546] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of novel non-cytotoxic and immunotherapy drugs for cancer treatment on human testicular function have not been studied systematically. OBJECTIVES The present study aimed to characterize effects of non-cytotoxic and immunotherapy drugs in patients with cancers who had not been previously treated with gonadotoxic chemo- or radiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study involved 34 men, not previously treated with gonadotoxic regimens, in a mixed longitudinal (Cohort 1: 19 men about to start and approximately 1 year on non-cytotoxic and immunotherapy treatment) and cross-sectional (Cohort 2: 15 men already on non-cytotoxic and immunotherapy treatment) study using data modeling to estimate within-person time-course changes in testicular exocrine and endocrine functions. Cohort 1 provided 45 paired semen and blood samples (34 prior to and nine during treatment) and Cohort 2 provided 45 sets of samples (15 pre-treatment, 30 on treatment), including six men in Cohort 2 who had pre-treatment spermatozoa cryostorage prior to the study. Men on non-cytotoxic and immunotherapy treatment had undergone a median of 33.5 months long-term treatment. RESULTS Spermatozoa output and concentration were reduced by about 50%, with corresponding increases in serum follicle-stimulating hormone and decreases in serum inhibin B. Serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and sex hormone-binding globulin were unaffected by non-cytotoxic and immunotherapy treatment. CONCLUSION Within limits of the present study of sample size and duration of on-non-cytotoxic and immunotherapy treatment, non-cytotoxic and immunotherapy drugs have a modest effects on testicular exocrine function (sperm production) or its hormonal correlates (follicle-stimulating hormone, inhibin B), with minimal impact on testicular endocrine (testosterone, luteinizing hormone) function.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Handelsman
- Andrology Department and Clinical Andrology Laboratory, Concord Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amanda Idan
- Andrology Department and Clinical Andrology Laboratory, Concord Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sue Sleiman
- Andrology Department and Clinical Andrology Laboratory, Concord Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Fey Bacha
- Andrology Department and Clinical Andrology Laboratory, Concord Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Georgina V Long
- Melanoma Institute of Australia, University of Sydney, Royal North Shore & Mater Hospitals, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alexander M Menzies
- Melanoma Institute of Australia, University of Sydney, Royal North Shore & Mater Hospitals, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tejnei Vaishnav
- School of Women's and Childrens Health, Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Noosha Litkouhi
- School of Women's and Childrens Health, Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Xanthie Volckmar
- School of Women's and Childrens Health, Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - William Ledger
- School of Women's and Childrens Health, Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Antoinette Anazodo
- School of Women's and Childrens Health, Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Schon SB, Moritz L, Rabbani M, Meguid J, Juliano BR, Ruotolo BT, Aston K, Hammoud SS. Proteomic analysis of human sperm reveals changes in protamine 1 phosphorylation in men with infertility. F&S SCIENCE 2024; 5:121-129. [PMID: 38065301 PMCID: PMC11116066 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2023.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To perform a comprehensive assessment of protamine (P) isoforms and modifications in human sperm with the aim of identifying how P modifications and isoforms are altered in men with reduced sperm motility and low sperm count. DESIGN Cross-sectional. SETTING Academic medical center. PATIENTS A total of 18 men with prior reported pregnancy and normozoospermia (normal sperm), 14 men from couples with infertility and asthenozoospermia (reduced sperm motility), and 24 men from couples with infertility and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (low sperm count and motility and abnormal sperm morphology). INTERVENTION(S) Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Proteomic assessment using both top-down and bottom-up liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (MS) analysis. RESULTS A total of 13 posttranslational modifications were identified on P1 and P2 using bottom-up MS, including both phosphorylation and methylation. Top-down MS revealed an unmodified and phosphorylated isoform of P1 and the 3 major isoforms of P2, HP2, HP3, and HP4. Protamine 1 phosphorylation was overall higher in men with male factor infertility compared with those with normal semen analysis (40.5% vs. 32.6). There was no difference in P posttranslational modifications or isoforms of P2 in men with normal vs. abnormal fertility. CONCLUSION Human protamines bear a number of posttranslational modifications, with alterations in P1 phosphorylation noted in the setting of male factor infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha B Schon
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
| | - Lindsay Moritz
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Mashiat Rabbani
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Julia Meguid
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Brock R Juliano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Brandon T Ruotolo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Kenneth Aston
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Saher Sue Hammoud
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Karagianni M, Papadopoulou MI, Oraiopoulou C, Christoforidis N, Papatheodorou A, Chatziparasidou A. Embryos from vitrified vs. fresh oocytes in an oocyte donation program: a comparative morphokinetic analysis. F&S SCIENCE 2024; 5:174-181. [PMID: 38580180 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2024.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the morphokinetic patterns of human embryos originating from vitrified oocytes (VITRI group) with those derived from freshly collected oocytes (CONTROL group) in oocyte donation cycles. DESIGN This is a retrospective observational study. SETTING Embryolab Fertility Clinic, Embryology Lab, Thessaloniki, Greece. PATIENT(S) The study included embryos from 421 vitrified oocytes from 58 oocyte donation cycles and 196 fresh oocytes from 23 oocyte donation cycles. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Key time parameters, dynamic events, fertilization rates, degeneration rates, cleavage rates, blastocyst rates, pregnancy rates, clinical pregnancy rates, implantation rates, and live birth rates were estimated. RESULTS The mean survival rate of vitrified oocytes was 92.58% (±7.42%). Fertilization rates were significantly different between the 2 groups (VITRI group: 71.92% ± 20.29% and CONTROL group: 80.65% ± 15.22%) whereas the degeneration, cleavage, blastocyst, pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, implantation, and live birth rates were not significantly different between embryos derived from fresh or vitrified oocytes. Time-lapse analysis showed no significant difference in any key time parameter. However, when examining dynamic parameters, first cell cycle (CC1) (t2 - tPB2: from the second polar body extrusion (tPB2) up to 2 cells (t2)) showed a significant difference whereas CC1a (t2 - tPNf: from fading of the pronuclei (tPNf) up to 2 cells (t2)) was at the threshold of significance. CONCLUSION(S) CC1 in vitrified oocytes exhibited a comparatively slower progression in contrast to fresh oocytes. Conversely, CC1a in vitrified oocytes demonstrated faster progression compared with fresh oocytes. It is worth noting that these temporary deviations had minimal impact on the subsequent development. Despite the clinical outcomes showing a decrease in the vitrified group, none of them reached statistical significance. This lack of significance could be attributed to the limited sample size of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Karagianni
- Embryology Department, Embryolab Fertility Clinic, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | | | - Chara Oraiopoulou
- Embryology Department, Embryolab Fertility Clinic, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Christoforidis
- Clinical Department, Embryolab Fertility Clinic, Thessaloniki, Greece; Embryolab Academy, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Alexia Chatziparasidou
- Embryology Department, Embryolab Fertility Clinic, Thessaloniki, Greece; Embryolab Academy, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Karavani G, Akroof B, Lau S, Lo KC, Grober ED, Mehra VM, Kattan MS, Lajkosz K, Jarvi K. Intra-individual changes in sperm parameters and total motile count with time among infertile men. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 38685862 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paternal age association with sperm parameters has been previously studied, demonstrating a decrease in semen volume, sperm motility, and sperm morphology, but not in sperm concentration. However, scarce data exists on the individual intra-personal changes in semen parameters with time. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the changes in semen parameters and total motile count of infertile men over time. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, infertile men without known risk factors for sperm quality deterioration and at least two semen analyses done > 3 months apart, between 2005 and 2021, were evaluated. Allocation to groups was according to time between first and last semen analyses - 3-12 months, 1-3 years, 3-5 years, and > 5 years. Basic characteristics and first and last semen analyses were compared. The primary outcome was the change in sperm parameters and the secondary outcome was the occurrence of a total motile count < 5 million in men with an initial total motile count > 10 million. RESULTS A total of 2018 men were included in the study. The median age at first semen analyses was 36.2 (interquartile range: 32.8-40.1) years and the median time between semen analyses was 323 days (range 90-5810 days). The overall trend demonstrated an increase in concentration in the 3-12 months and the 1-3 years groups, whereas volume, motility, and morphology remained similar in these time groups. Semen analyses done more than 5 years apart showed decreased volume (p < 0.05), motility (p < 0.05) morphology (p < 0.05), and steady sperm concentration. Significant declines in TMCs were found over time (p < 0.001), with 18% and 22% of infertile men with an initial total motile count > 10 million dropping to < 5 million after 3 and 5 years, respectively. The factors independently predictive of total motile count < 5 M in the last semen analyses in men with an initial total motile count of > 10 M in a multivariate logistic regression model were baseline volume (odds ratio 0.80, p = 0.03), baseline total motile count (odds ratio 0.98, p = 0.01) and time between semen analyses - 3-5 years (odds ratio 3.79, p < 0.001) and > 5 years (odds ratio 3.49, p = 0.04) DISCUSSION: Our study demonstrates, at the individual level, that while improvement in sperm concentration is observed in the first year and between 1 and 3 years, possibly due to fertility treatments, fertility-related counseling, and lifestyle changes, semen parameters decline with time over 3 years in individuals. Of significance, close to 22% of men with an initial total motile count > 10 million (a range where spontaneous pregnancy is attainable) declined to < 5 million (a range usually indicating a need for in-vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection) over 5 years. This data could contribute to individualized family planning for infertile men regarding the mode and timing of conception and the need for sperm banking, in order to minimize the need for future fertility treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilad Karavani
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Bader Akroof
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Susan Lau
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kirk C Lo
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ethan D Grober
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Vrati M Mehra
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mohamed S Kattan
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Katherine Lajkosz
- Department of Biostatistics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Keith Jarvi
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Long R, Wang M, Zhou J, Mao R, Wang C, Gu L, Chen Y, Jin L, Zhu L. Decreased embryo developmental potential and lower cumulative pregnancy rate in men with multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1377780. [PMID: 38745955 PMCID: PMC11091255 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1377780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) is characterized by abnormal flagellar phenotypes, which is a particular kind of asthenoteratozoospermia. Previous studies have reported a comparable intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcome in terms of fertilization rate and clinical pregnancy rate in patients with MMAF compared with those with no MMAF; however, others have conflicting opinions. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes in individuals with MMAF are still controversial and open to debate. Methods A total of 38 patients with MMAF treated at an academic reproductive center between January 2014 and July 2022 were evaluated in the current retrospective cohort study and followed up until January 2023. Propensity score matching was used to adjust for the baseline clinical characteristics of the patients and to create a comparable control group. The genetic pathogenesis of MMAF was confirmed by whole exome sequencing. The main outcomes were the embryo developmental potential, the cumulative pregnancy rate (CLPR), and the cumulative live birth rate (CLBR). Results Pathogenic variants in known genes of DNAH1, DNAH11, CFAP43, FSIP2, and SPEF2 were identified in patients with MMAF. Laboratory outcomes, including the fertilization rate, 2PN cleavage rate, blastocyst formation rate, and available blastocyst rate, followed a trend of decline in the MMAF group (p < 0.05). Moreover, according to the embryo transfer times and complete cycles, the CLPR in the cohort of MMAF was lower compared with the oligoasthenospermia pool (p = 0.033 and p = 0.020, respectively), while no statistical differences were observed in the neonatal outcomes. Conclusion The current study presented decreased embryo developmental potential and compromised clinical outcomes in the MMAF cohort. These findings may provide clinicians with evidence to support genetic counseling and clinical guidance in specific patients with MMAF.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lei Jin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lixia Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Wang HT, Gao J, Ou J, Li HY, Hong PP, Shu YM, Li T. Could the presence and proportion of three/multiple pronuclei (3PN/MPN) zygotes indicate the cytoplasmic maturation state of oocyte cohort in conventional IVF patients? J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2024; 53:102738. [PMID: 38336231 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2024.102738] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Although abnormally fertilized zygotes with three or multiple pronuclei (3 PN/MPN) are commonly believed to be associated with improper maturation of the oocyte cytoplasm in conventional IVF cycles, no studies investigated the association between the proportion of MPN zygotes and the maturation state of the oocyte cohort. We compared the cytoplasmic maturity of oocytes from conventional IVF cycles with different proportions of 3 PN/MPN zygotes. A total of 1428 conventional IVF patients with ≥6 oocytes retrieved and fresh embryos transferred were divided into 4 groups according to the proportions of 3 PN/MPN zygotes. The pregnancy outcomes and the proportion of nuclear immature oocytes were analyzed to suggest the cytoplasmic maturation state of the oocyte cohort. Our results showed that the group with a low proportion of 3 PN/MPN zygotes had a higher clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) than those without 3 PN/MPN zygotes (P < 0.05). However, the live birth rate (LBR) was not significantly different between the two groups. The implantation rate (IR), CPR, and LBR did not differ between the low-proportion and high-proportion 3 PN/MPN groups. The proportion of nuclear immature oocytes on day 1 was highest in the group without 3 PN/MPN zygotes (23.8 %) and gradually decreased with an increased proportion of 3 PN/MPN zygotes (P < 0.001). Therefore, the presence of 3 PN/MPN zygotes after conventional IVF may indicate a more mature cytoplasmic state of the oocyte cohort, and the increased proportion of 3 PN/MPN zygotes is associated with an increased maturation state of the whole oocyte cohort. The occurrence and proportion of 3 PN/MPN zygotes may serve as an indicator for the cytoplasmic maturity of the oocyte cohort and help clinicians evaluate the efficiency of ovarian stimulation and optimize the stimulation protocols in subsequent cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Tian Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 6# East Longkou Road, Gangding, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510630, PR China
| | - Jing Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 6# East Longkou Road, Gangding, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510630, PR China
| | - Jianping Ou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 6# East Longkou Road, Gangding, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510630, PR China
| | - Hai-Yang Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 6# East Longkou Road, Gangding, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510630, PR China
| | - Ping-Ping Hong
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 6# East Longkou Road, Gangding, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510630, PR China
| | - Yi-Min Shu
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Women & Infants Hospital/The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Providence, RI, USA
| | - Tao Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 6# East Longkou Road, Gangding, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510630, PR China.
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Alfaiate MI, Tavares RS, Ramalho-Santos J. A ripple effect? The impact of obesity on sperm quality and function. Reprod Fertil Dev 2024; 36:RD23215. [PMID: 38589340 DOI: 10.1071/rd23215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects approximately 15% of couples trying to conceive. Male-related causes account for roughly 50% of cases, with obesity emerging as a possible significant factor. Obesity, defined as a body mass index of 30.0 or higher, has become a widespread epidemic associated with numerous health issues, including a decrease of fertility. This review discusses the relationship between obesity and male infertility, particularly focusing on sperm quality and function. An overview of the literature suggests that obesity may influence the male reproductive system via disruptions in hormonal profiles, oxidative stress, and inflammation, leading to changes in sperm parameters. Several studies have discussed if obesity causes a decrease in sperm concentration, motility, and normal morphology, so far without a consensus being reached. However, available evidence suggests an impairment of sperm function in obese men, due to an increase in DNA damage and oxidative stress, impaired mitochondrial function and acrosome reaction in response to progesterone. Finally, the relationship between obesity and assisted reproductive technologies outcomes remains debatable, with conflicting evidence regarding the influence on fertilisation, pregnancy, and live birth rates. Therefore, the actual impact of obesity on human spermatozoa still needs to be clarified, due to the multiple factors potentially in play.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Inês Alfaiate
- University of Coimbra, CNC-UC, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB, Coimbra, Portugal; and University of Coimbra, Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, Doctoral Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine (PDBEB), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Renata Santos Tavares
- University of Coimbra, CNC-UC, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB, Coimbra, Portugal; and Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra 3000-456, Portugal
| | - João Ramalho-Santos
- University of Coimbra, CNC-UC, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB, Coimbra, Portugal; and Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra 3000-456, Portugal
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Boeri L, Belladelli F, Pozzi E, Pagliardini L, Fallara G, Cilio S, Candela L, Corsini C, Raffo M, Capogrosso P, D'Arma A, Montorsi F, Salonia A. Low Birth Weight is Associated with Sperm DNA Fragmentation and Assisted Reproductive Technology Outcomes in Primary Infertile Men: Results of a Cross-Sectional Study. World J Mens Health 2024; 42:384-393. [PMID: 37635336 PMCID: PMC10949032 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.220283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the relationship between clinical and semen characteristics and assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes with different birth weight (BW) categories in a cohort of infertile men. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data from 1,063 infertile men were analyzed. Patients with BW ≤2,500, 2,500-4,000, and ≥4,000 g were considered as having low BW (LBW), normal BW (NBW), and high BW (HBW), respectively. Testicular volume (TV) was assessed with a Prader orchidometer. Serum hormones were measured in all cases. Semen analyses were categorized based on 2021 World Health Organization reference criteria. Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) was tested in every patient and considered pathological for SDF >30%. ART outcomes were available for 282 (26.5%) patients. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses detailed the association between semen parameters and clinical characteristics and the defined BW categories. RESULTS Of all, LBW, NBW, and HBW categories were found in 79 (7.5%), 807 (76.0%), and 177 (16.5%) men, respectively. LBW men had smaller TV, presented higher follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) but lower total testosterone levels compared to other groups (all p<0.01). Sperm progressive motility (p=0.01) and normal morphology (p<0.01) were lower and SDF values were higher (all p<0.01) in LBW compared to other groups. ART pregnancy outcomes were lower in LBW compared to both NBW and HBW categories (26.1% vs. 34.5% vs. 34.5%, p=0.01). At multivariable logistic regression analysis, LBW was associated with SDF >30% (odd ratio [OR] 3.7; p<0.001), after accounting for age, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), FSH, and TV. Similarly, LBW (OR 2.2; p<0.001), SDF >30% (OR 2.9; p<0.001) and partner's age (OR 1.3; p=0.001) were associated with negative ART outcomes, after accounting for the same predictors. CONCLUSIONS LBW was associated with impaired clinical and semen characteristics in infertile men compared to both NBW and HBW. SDF and ART outcomes were significantly worse in the LBW group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Boeri
- Department of Urology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Belladelli
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Edoardo Pozzi
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Pagliardini
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, Reproductive Sciences Laboratory, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fallara
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Cilio
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, Urology Unit, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Candela
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Christian Corsini
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Raffo
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Capogrosso
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Ospedale di Circolo and Macchi Foundation, Varese, Italy
| | - Alessia D'Arma
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Montorsi
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Salonia
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
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Kulla A, Mirza B, Campbell KJ. Transient Complete Asthenozoospermia. J Hum Reprod Sci 2024; 17:133-135. [PMID: 39091437 PMCID: PMC11290710 DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_28_24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Limited research exists on the mechanisms underlying asthenozoospermia associated with acquired ciliary dyskinesia. Primary ciliary dyskinesia links respiratory pathology with infertility and provides a basis for a potential mechanism. The aetiology of asthenozoospermia is often unclear and may be secondary to direct or indirect effects on sperm motility. Here, we report a case - with a brief clinical review - of recovering sperm motility after diagnosis of complete asthenozoospermia coinciding with resolution of chronic respiratory infections. The patient is a 36-year-old male, with initial semen analysis demonstrating 100% immotile sperm. Following the resolution of chronic respiratory infection, subsequent analysis demonstrated functional improvement with 76 million sperm/mL, 8% progressive motility and 4% strict morphology. Our case reinforces a potentially underappreciated role of environmental risk factors in infertility, with a focus on the patient's history of infections and other risk factors for acquired ciliary dyskinesia, which should be kept in mind when treating patients with asthenozoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artenisa Kulla
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Basil Mirza
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kevin James Campbell
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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