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Kumar M, Zilate S, Gupta C. Effect of Stress and Caffeine on Male Infertility. Cureus 2022; 14:e28487. [PMID: 36176863 PMCID: PMC9513285 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.28487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Caffeine is a natural psychoactive chemical found in beverages made from coffee. In addition, it is added by the manufacturers of a large number of sodas and energy drinks. It does this by stimulating both the brain and the central nervous system, enabling you to avoid being sleepy while still keeping you attentive. A state of emotional or physical tension is defined as stress. It can be induced through the experience of something or thinking of something that causes you to feel uncomfortable, irritated, or nervous. Your body's response to adversity or demand is what we call stress. Among couples, male infertility is common. A failure in spermatogenesis is accountable for nearly half of all occurrences of infertility in marriage. Ageing, psychological stress, diet, physical exercise, coffee, hot water, hot scrotum, and cell phone usage are some of the few modifiable lifestyle variables that have a role in the development of infertility. Many hypotheses have been proposed to establish the link between stress in the workplace, life events (war, earthquake, etc.), and inability to conceive have been linked to inferior or degraded semen quality. In this review, we will discuss the effect on male fertility of elements including quality of life (such as exercise, diet, and other alterations to one's daily routine) and psychological stress. In addition, the effects on male fertility of elevated scrotal temperature, improper dietary habits, and physical inactivity will be discussed. The loss in male fertility, mainly due to ageing, inappropriate lifestyles, and environmental factors, is a significant public health concern in this century. Couples can enhance their quality of life and increase their chances of naturally conceiving a child by altering their way of life and supplementing it with nutraceutical antioxidants and an organised educational, environmental, dietary, and physical exercise program.
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Liu KS, Mao XD, Pan F, An RF. Effect and mechanisms of reproductive tract infection on oxidative stress parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation, and semen quality in infertile males. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:97. [PMID: 34183027 PMCID: PMC8237428 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00781-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent years have seen a rising incidence of male infertility, mostly caused by the decline of sperm quality. The ratio of infertile males to infertile females has escalated from 3:7 in 2013 to current 5:5, which turns male infertility into the research focus of reproductive medicine. This study aimed to clarify the effect of reproductive tract infection by ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) and chlamydia trachomatis (CT) on the DNA integrity and routine semen parameters of infertile males. A retrospective study was performed. A total of 259 infertile males who were treated at the Andrological Laboratory Examination and Reproductive Medicine Center in our hospital were analyzed. qRT-PCR was used to examine the infection status of CT and UU. According to the eligibility criteria, we evaluated the semen parameters and biochemical data of 253 men. Based on the results of PCR, the subjects were divided into four groups: Group I (CT positive, 63 cases), Group II (UU positive, 60 cases), Group III (CT positive and UU positive, 62 cases), and Group IV (no infection, 68 cases). DNA fragmentation index (DFI), sperm count, vitality and morphology, elastase level, seminal plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were assessed. Compared to Group IV, three groups (Group I, Group II and Group III) showed difference in semen volume, proportion of sperm with normal morphology, sperm motility, progressive motility, and vitality (P < 0.05). Compared to Group IV, Group II and Group III showed difference in DFI (P < 0.05). Compared to Group IV, Group II and Group III showed difference in elastase level (P < 0.05). VCL, VSL, VAP, WOB, ROS, TM, HDS showed differences between groups of abnormal/normal WBC (*P < 0.01).UU infection significantly increased the level of seminal leukocytes only in Group II, but not in the other three groups, indicating that UU is a factor to increase the level of seminal leukocytes. Compared with the normal leukocyte group, there were significant differences in total motility, forward motility and normal sperm ratio between the two groups. The proportion of sperm with abnormal morphology (mostly in the head) showed obvious difference between groups of high and normal seminal leukocytic levels. At the same time, in this study, SCGE and SCD verified that leukocytes could damage sperm DNA by increasing ROS, which ultimately affects male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang-Sheng Liu
- grid.452438.cDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shannxi 710061 China
- grid.459791.70000 0004 1757 7869Department of Clinical Laboratory, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210029 Jiangsu China
| | - Xiao-Dong Mao
- grid.410745.30000 0004 1765 1045Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028 Jiangsu China
| | - Feng Pan
- grid.459791.70000 0004 1757 7869Department of Andrology, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210029 Jiangsu China
| | - Rui Fang An
- grid.452438.cDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shannxi 710061 China
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Grèze C, Guttmann A, Pons-Rejraji H, Vasson MP, Lornage J, Ouchchane L, Brugnon F. Can the SCD test and terminal uridine nick-end labeling by flow cytometry technique (TUNEL/FCM) be used interchangeably to measure sperm DNA damage in routine laboratory practice? Basic Clin Androl 2019; 29:17. [PMID: 31890218 PMCID: PMC6933933 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-019-0098-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Numerous tests have been proposed to evaluate sperm DNA integrity. To assess the sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test in an andrology laboratory, twenty-five men attending Clermont-Ferrand (France) University Hospital’s Center for Reproductive Medicine were recruited. Sperm DNA damage was measured in the same semen samples using the SCD test and the Terminal Uridine Nick-end Labeling by flow cytometry technique (TUNEL/FCM) after density gradient centrifugation. Results SCD test reliability between readings, readers or slides was clearly established with very high agreement between measurements (Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) at 0.97, 0.95 and 0.98 respectively). Despite very good agreement between the SCD test and TUNEL/FCM (ICC at 0.94), the SCD test tended to slightly but significantly underestimate DNA damage compared with TUNEL (p = 0.0127). This systematic difference between the two techniques was − 3.39 ± 1.45% (mean ± SE). Conclusions Andrology laboratories using the SCD test to measure sperm DNA damage need to know that it appears to give slightly underestimated measurements compared to TUNEL/FCM. However, this systematic underestimation is very small in amplitude. Both techniques give almost perfectly congruent results. Our study underlines the importance for each laboratory to validate its method to assess sperm DNA damage before implementing it in routine andrology lab practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Grèze
- 1Assistance Médicale à la Procréation, CECOS, Pôle Femme et Enfant, CHU Estaing, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,2Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Laboratoires de Biologie de la Reproduction et de Diagnostic préimplantatoire, Strasbourg, France
| | - Aline Guttmann
- 3Biostatistics Unit, Department of Public Health, Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,4Institut Pascal, UMR 6602-CNRS/UCA/SIGMA, Image Guided Therapy/PEPRADE, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Hanae Pons-Rejraji
- 1Assistance Médicale à la Procréation, CECOS, Pôle Femme et Enfant, CHU Estaing, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,5Imagerie Moléculaire et Stratégies Théranostiques, U 1240 Inserm, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont Ferrand, France
| | - Marie-Paule Vasson
- 6Unité de Nutrition Humaine, UMR 1019 - INRA/UCA, Equipe ECREIN, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,Unité de Nutrition, Centre de Lutte contre le Cancer Jean-Perrin, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jacqueline Lornage
- 8Service de Médecine de la Reproduction, Hôpital Femme-Mère-Enfant, CHU de Lyon, Bron, France
| | - Lemlih Ouchchane
- 3Biostatistics Unit, Department of Public Health, Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,4Institut Pascal, UMR 6602-CNRS/UCA/SIGMA, Image Guided Therapy/PEPRADE, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Florence Brugnon
- 1Assistance Médicale à la Procréation, CECOS, Pôle Femme et Enfant, CHU Estaing, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,8Service de Médecine de la Reproduction, Hôpital Femme-Mère-Enfant, CHU de Lyon, Bron, France
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Agarwal A, Cho CL, Majzoub A, Esteves S. Expanding treatment paradigm of high sperm DNA fragmentation. Transl Androl Urol 2017; 6:S450-S452. [PMID: 29082929 PMCID: PMC5643622 DOI: 10.21037/tau.2017.03.72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Chak-Lam Cho
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Kwong Wah Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ahmad Majzoub
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Referral Center for Male Reproduction, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Sandro Esteves
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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Ricci E, Viganò P, Cipriani S, Somigliana E, Chiaffarino F, Bulfoni A, Parazzini F. Coffee and caffeine intake and male infertility: a systematic review. Nutr J 2017. [PMID: 28646871 PMCID: PMC5482951 DOI: 10.1186/s12937-017-0257-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Semen quality, a predictor of male fertility, has been suggested declining worldwide. Among other life style factors, male coffee/caffeine consumption was hypothesized to influence semen parameters, but also sperm DNA integrity. To summarize available evidence, we performed a systematic review of observational studies on the relation between coffee/caffeine intake and parameters of male fertility including sperm ploidy, sperm DNA integrity, semen quality and time to pregnancy. METHODS A systematic literature search was performed up to November 2016 (MEDLINE and EMBASE). We included all observational papers that reported the relation between male coffee/caffeine intake and reproductive outcomes: 1. semen parameters, 2. sperm DNA characteristics, 3. fecundability. All pertinent reports were retrieved and the relative reference lists were systematically searched in order to identify any potential additional studies that could be included. RESULTS We retrieved 28 papers reporting observational information on coffee/caffeine intake and reproductive outcomes. Overall, they included 19,967 men. 1. Semen parameters did not seem affected by caffeine intake, at least caffeine from coffee, tea and cocoa drinks, in most studies. Conversely, other contributions suggested a negative effect of cola-containing beverages and caffeine-containing soft drinks on semen volume, count and concentration. 2. As regards sperm DNA defects, caffeine intake seemed associated with aneuploidy and DNA breaks, but not with other markers of DNA damage. 3. Finally, male coffee drinking was associated to prolonged time to pregnancy in some, but not all, studies. CONCLUSIONS The literature suggests that caffeine intake, possibly through sperm DNA damage, may negatively affect male reproductive function. Evidence from epidemiological studies on semen parameters and fertility is however inconsistent and inconclusive. Well-designed studies with predefined criteria for semen analysis, subject selection, and life style habits definition, are essential to reach a consistent evidence on the effect of caffeine on semen parameters and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Ricci
- Dipartimento della Donna, del Neonato e del Bambino, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Commenda 12, 20122, Milan, Italy.
| | - Paola Viganò
- Reproductive Sciences Laboratory, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Sonia Cipriani
- Dipartimento della Donna, del Neonato e del Bambino, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Commenda 12, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Edgardo Somigliana
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Neonatology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Chiaffarino
- Dipartimento della Donna, del Neonato e del Bambino, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Commenda 12, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bulfoni
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Humanitas San Pio X Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Parazzini
- Dipartimento della Donna, del Neonato e del Bambino, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Commenda 12, 20122, Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Community Science, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
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6
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Berteli TS, Da Broi MG, Martins WP, Ferriani RA, Navarro PA. Magnetic-activated cell sorting before density gradient centrifugation improves recovery of high-quality spermatozoa. Andrology 2017. [PMID: 28622434 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have evaluated the use of magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) to reduce apoptotic spermatozoa and improve sperm quality. However, the efficiency of using MACS alone, before or after sperm processing by density gradient centrifugation (DGC) has not yet been established. The purpose of this study is to determine the optimal protocol of MACS in assisted reproduction techniques (ART). Thus, we compared sperm quality obtained by DGC alone (DGC), DGC followed by MACS (DGC-MACS), MACS followed by DGC (MACS-DGC), and MACS alone (MACS), and found that the combined methods (MACS-DGC and DGC-MACS) led to retrieval of less spermatozoa with fragmented DNA compared to the single protocols. However, MACS-DGC protocol led to a significantly higher percentage of spermatozoa with progressive motility and normal morphology than DGC-MACS protocol. These findings suggest the potential clinical value of using MACS-DGC to improve sperm quality in seminal preparation for ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- T S Berteli
- Human Reproduction Division, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - M G Da Broi
- Human Reproduction Division, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - W P Martins
- Human Reproduction Division, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - R A Ferriani
- Human Reproduction Division, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - P A Navarro
- Human Reproduction Division, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Simon L, Zini A, Dyachenko A, Ciampi A, Carrell DT. A systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effect of sperm DNA damage on in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcome. Asian J Androl 2017; 19:80-90. [PMID: 27345006 PMCID: PMC5227680 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.182822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm DNA damage is prevalent among infertile men and is known to influence natural reproduction. However, the impact of sperm DNA damage on assisted reproduction outcomes remains controversial. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis of studies on sperm DNA damage (assessed by SCSA, TUNEL, SCD, or Comet assay) and clinical pregnancy after IVF and/or ICSI treatment from MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PUBMED database searches for this analysis. We identified 41 articles (with a total of 56 studies) including 16 IVF studies, 24 ICSI studies, and 16 mixed (IVF + ICSI) studies. These studies measured DNA damage (by one of four assays: 23 SCSA, 18 TUNEL, 8 SCD, and 7 Comet) and included a total of 8068 treatment cycles (3734 IVF, 2282 ICSI, and 2052 mixed IVF + ICSI). The combined OR of 1.68 (95% CI: 1.49–1.89; P < 0.0001) indicates that sperm DNA damage affects clinical pregnancy following IVF and/or ICSI treatment. In addition, the combined OR estimates of IVF (16 estimates, OR = 1.65; 95% CI: 1.34–2.04; P < 0.0001), ICSI (24 estimates, OR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.08–1.59; P = 0.0068), and mixed IVF + ICSI studies (16 estimates, OR = 2.37; 95% CI: 1.89–2.97; P < 0.0001) were also statistically significant. There is sufficient evidence in the existing literature suggesting that sperm DNA damage has a negative effect on clinical pregnancy following IVF and/or ICSI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Simon
- Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Armand Zini
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, St. Mary's Hospital Center, St. Mary's Hospital, 3830 Lacombe Avenue, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1M5, Canada
| | - Alina Dyachenko
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, St. Mary's Hospital Center, St. Mary's Hospital, 3830 Lacombe Avenue, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1M5, Canada
| | - Antonio Ciampi
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, St. Mary's Hospital Center, St. Mary's Hospital, 3830 Lacombe Avenue, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1M5, Canada
| | - Douglas T Carrell
- Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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8
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Simon L, Aston KI, Emery BR, Hotaling J, Carrell DT. Sperm DNA damage output parameters measured by the alkaline Comet assay and their importance. Andrologia 2016; 49. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- L. Simon
- Andrology and IVF Laboratory; Department of Surgery (Urology); University of Utah; Salt Lake City UT USA
| | - K. I. Aston
- Andrology and IVF Laboratory; Department of Surgery (Urology); University of Utah; Salt Lake City UT USA
| | - B. R. Emery
- Andrology and IVF Laboratory; Department of Surgery (Urology); University of Utah; Salt Lake City UT USA
| | - J. Hotaling
- Andrology and IVF Laboratory; Department of Surgery (Urology); University of Utah; Salt Lake City UT USA
| | - D. T. Carrell
- Andrology and IVF Laboratory; Department of Surgery (Urology); University of Utah; Salt Lake City UT USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; University of Utah; Salt Lake City UT USA
- Department of Human Genetics; University of Utah; Salt Lake City UT USA
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Bounartzi T, Dafopoulos K, Anifandis G, Messini CI, Koutsonikou C, Kouris S, Satra M, Sotiriou S, Vamvakopoulos N, Messinis IE. Pregnancy prediction by free sperm DNA and sperm DNA fragmentation in semen specimens of IVF/ICSI-ET patients. HUM FERTIL 2016; 19:56-62. [DOI: 10.3109/14647273.2016.1157629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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10
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Evgeni E, Lymberopoulos G, Gazouli M, Asimakopoulos B. Conventional semen parameters and DNA fragmentation in relation to fertility status in a Greek population. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2015; 188:17-23. [PMID: 25770843 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2015.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Revised: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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11
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Schütte B, El Hajj N, Kuhtz J, Nanda I, Gromoll J, Hahn T, Dittrich M, Schorsch M, Müller T, Haaf T. Broad DNA methylation changes of spermatogenesis, inflammation and immune response-related genes in a subgroup of sperm samples for assisted reproduction. Andrology 2013; 1:822-9. [PMID: 23996961 PMCID: PMC4033565 DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2013.00122.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2013] [Revised: 07/19/2013] [Accepted: 07/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant sperm DNA methylation patterns, mainly in imprinted genes, have been associated with male subfertility and oligospermia. Here, we performed a genome-wide methylation analysis in sperm samples representing a wide range of semen parameters. Sperm DNA samples of 38 males attending a fertility centre were analysed with Illumina HumanMethylation27 BeadChips, which quantify methylation of >27 000 CpG sites in cis-regulatory regions of almost 15 000 genes. In an unsupervised analysis of methylation of all analysed sites, the patient samples clustered into a major and a minor group. The major group clustered with samples from normozoospermic healthy volunteers and, thus, may more closely resemble the normal situation. When correlating the clusters with semen and clinical parameters, the sperm counts were significantly different between groups with the minor group exhibiting sperm counts in the low normal range. A linear model identified almost 3000 CpGs with significant methylation differences between groups. Functional analysis revealed a broad gain of methylation in spermatogenesis-related genes and a loss of methylation in inflammation- and immune response-related genes. Quantitative bisulfite pyrosequencing validated differential methylation in three of five significant candidate genes on the array. Collectively, we identified a subgroup of sperm samples for assisted reproduction with sperm counts in the low normal range and broad methylation changes (affecting approximately 10% of analysed CpG sites) in specific pathways, most importantly spermatogenesis-related genes. We propose that epigenetic analysis can supplement traditional semen parameters and has the potential to provide new insights into the aetiology of male subfertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Schütte
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany; Department of Bioinformatics, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
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Delbes G, Herrero MB, Troeung ET, Chan PTK. The use of complimentary assays to evaluate the enrichment of human sperm quality in asthenoteratozoospermic and teratozoospermic samples processed with Annexin-V magnetic activated cell sorting. Andrology 2013; 1:698-706. [PMID: 23843365 DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2013.00106.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Revised: 05/21/2013] [Accepted: 05/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Sperm chromatin integrity may affect the outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Developing a clinically reliable strategy to enrich sperm samples with high chromatin quality spermatozoa prior to sperm banking or use in ART would thus be advantageous. The objectives of this study were to: (i) assess the sperm chromatin quality in men with different categories of semen parameters; and (ii) evaluate the extents of Annexin-V magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) technology coupled with differential density gradient centrifugation (DGC) in improving sperm chromatin quality. Three categories of men from couples attending a university-based fertility clinic were recruited based on their semen parameters: normozoospermic (n = 13), asthenoteratozoospermic (n = 17) and teratozoospermic (n = 12). For each patient, spermatozoa in semen samples were processed first by DGC to enrich the motility and further by MACS to remove spermatozoa showing apoptotic features. The yield and enrichment of sperm quality was evaluated at each step with conventional semen parameters in conjunction with a combination of five complementary assays, to assess sperm maturity, chromatin structure, compaction and DNA integrity (Hyaluronic Binding Assay, SCSA, chromomycine A3 staining and TUNEL and COMET assays). Our results demonstrated that, compared with normozoospermic samples, raw asthenoteratozoospermic and teratozoospermic samples had a higher proportion of spermatozoa containing DNA breaks, but only asthenoteratozoospermic exhibited altered chromatin structure and decreased binding to hyaluronic acid. Interestingly, the DGC appeared to select for more mature spermatozoa with high DNA compaction. More importantly, in all categories of semen samples, Annexin-V MACS allows enrichment of spermatozoa with good chromatin quality as measured by the TUNEL and SCSA. Because effective treatment modalities to improve sperm DNA damage are limited, our results suggest a potential clinical value of MACS as a mean to enhance sperm quality that may improve assisted reproductive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Delbes
- The Urology Research Department, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
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13
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Larsen EC, Christiansen OB, Kolte AM, Macklon N. New insights into mechanisms behind miscarriage. BMC Med 2013; 11:154. [PMID: 23803387 PMCID: PMC3699442 DOI: 10.1186/1741-7015-11-154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 330] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2013] [Accepted: 05/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sporadic miscarriage is the most common complication of early pregnancy. Two or three consecutive pregnancy losses is a less common phenomenon, and this is considered a distinct disease entity. Sporadic miscarriages are considered to primarily represent failure of abnormal embryos to progress to viability. Recurrent miscarriage is thought to have multiple etiologies, including parental chromosomal anomalies, maternal thrombophilic disorders, immune dysfunction and various endocrine disturbances. However, none of these conditions is specific to recurrent miscarriage or always associated with repeated early pregnancy loss. In recent years, new theories about the mechanisms behind sporadic and recurrent miscarriage have emerged. Epidemiological and genetic studies suggest a multifactorial background where immunological dysregulation in pregnancy may play a role, as well as lifestyle factors and changes in sperm DNA integrity. Recent experimental evidence has led to the concept that the decidualized endometrium acts as biosensor of embryo quality, which if disrupted, may lead to implantation of embryos destined to miscarry. These new insights into the mechanisms behind miscarriage offer the prospect of novel effective interventions that may prevent this distressing condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Clare Larsen
- The Fertility Clinic, Juliane Marie Centre, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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14
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Kim HS, Kang MJ, Kim SA, Oh SK, Kim H, Ku SY, Kim SH, Moon SY, Choi YM. The utility of sperm DNA damage assay using toluidine blue and aniline blue staining in routine semen analysis. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2013; 40:23-8. [PMID: 23614112 PMCID: PMC3630289 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2013.40.1.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2012] [Revised: 01/16/2013] [Accepted: 01/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship among male age, strict morphology, and sperm chromatin structure and condensation. METHODS Sperm samples from a total of 100 men underwent semen analysis, and sperm chromatin structure and condensation were assessed with toluidine blue (TB) and aniline blue (AB) tests. RESULTS Prevalence of strict morphology of less than 4%, and abnormal sperm chromatin structure and condensation did not show any statistically significant differences according to male age (p=0.605, p=0.235, and p=0.080). No significant correlation was demonstrated among age of male partners, strict morphology, and abnormal sperm chromatin structure using TB and AB tests. However, abnormal sperm chromatin condensation was positively associated with sperm chromatin structure (r=0.594, p=0.000) and showed negative correlation with strict morphology (r=-0.219, p=0.029). CONCLUSION The tests for sperm chromatin condensation showed a significant association with strict morphology. Further study is needed to elucidate the relationship between clinical outcome and sperm chromatin tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Sun Kim
- IVF Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Population, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Moon Joo Kang
- IVF Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Population, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Ah Kim
- IVF Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Population, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sun Kyung Oh
- IVF Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Population, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hoon Kim
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Population, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung-Yup Ku
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Population, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seok Hyun Kim
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Population, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Shin Yong Moon
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Population, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Min Choi
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Population, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Humm KC, Sakkas D. Role of increased male age in IVF and egg donation: is sperm DNA fragmentation responsible? Fertil Steril 2013; 99:30-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2012] [Revised: 11/14/2012] [Accepted: 11/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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16
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Balasuriya A, Serhal P, Doshi A, Harper JC. Processes involved in assisted reproduction technologies significantly increase sperm DNA fragmentation and phosphatidylserine translocation. Andrologia 2012; 46:86-97. [PMID: 23230887 DOI: 10.1111/and.12052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm preparation techniques in assisted reproduction technologies (ART) are potential generators of exogenous stresses that cause additional DNA damage. DNA fragmentation tests, such as the sperm chromatin structure assay, involve freezing sperm samples in the absence of cryoprotectant. Thermal, oxidative stress (OS) and freezing are detrimental to sperm DNA fragmentation and phosphatidylserine (PS) translocation. The primary aim of this study was to subject mature sperm to environmental insults that normally occur during ART. We tested the hypotheses that OS, thermal stress and freeze-thawing caused sperm nuclear and membrane damage and that a positive correlation exists between PS translocation and DNA fragmentation. Sperm DNA integrity deteriorates in semen samples from men with advancing age and a sperm concentration of <15 m ml(-1) . The significant increase in sperm DNA fragmentation at 37 °C after merely 1 h is important clinically as semen liquefaction and short-term sperm storage in an ART cycle involve incubating samples at this temperature. Freezing without a cryoprotectant significantly increases the level of sperm nuclear damage, so it is important not to freeze neat semen prior to DNA fragmentation testing. This study highlights the importance of minimising the production of exogenous stresses during sperm preparation in ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Balasuriya
- UCL Centre for PG & D, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
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