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Fouladvandi R, Masoudi AA, Totonchi M, Hezavehei M, Sharafi M. Effects of different extenders on epigenetic patterns and functional parameters of bull sperm during cryopreservation process. Reprod Domest Anim 2024; 59:e14570. [PMID: 38700367 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14570] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
The cryopreservation process induces alterations in cellular parameters and epigenetic patterns in bull sperm, which can be prevented by adding cryoprotectants in the freezing extenders. The purpose of this study was to compare the protective effects of two extenders based on soybean lecithin (SLE) and egg yolk (EYE) on epigenetic patterns and quality parameters of sperm such as motility parameters, mitochondrial membrane integrity, DNA fragmentation, viability, and apoptotic-like changes of bull sperm after cryopreservation. Results demonstrated that cryopreservation significantly (p < .05) reduced the level of DNA global methylation, H3K9 histone acetylation, and H3K4 histone methylation in both frozen groups compared to the fresh sperm. Also, the level of H3K9 acetylation was lower in the frozen SLE group (21.2 ± 1.86) compared to EYE group (15.2 ± 1.86). In addition, the SLE frozen group had a higher percentage of viability, progressive motility, and linearity (LIN) in SLE frozen group compared to EYE frozen group. However, no difference was observed in mitochondrial membrane integrity and DNA fragmentation between SLE and EYE frozen groups. While soybean-lecithin-based extender showed some initial positive impacts of epigenetics and semen parameters, further investigations can provide useful information for better freezing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razieh Fouladvandi
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Masoudi
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Totonchi
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Hezavehei
- Department of Embryology at Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Research Center for Reproduction and Fertility, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Montreal University, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mohsen Sharafi
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
- Semex Alliance, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Wu Y, Li H, Miao Y, Peng J, Wei H. Effects of Methionine Restriction from Different Sources on Sperm Quality in Aging Mice. Nutrients 2023; 15:4782. [PMID: 38004176 PMCID: PMC10675477 DOI: 10.3390/nu15224782] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Decreased sperm quality causing poor pregnancy outcomes in aging males is a common problem. The aim of this study was to investigate the ameliorative effect of methionine restriction on sperm quality in aging mice, using methionine or 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butanoate (HMTBA) as the methionine source, with a view to providing nutritional strategies to mitigate the decline in sperm quality in aging livestock. Fifty-one 6-week-old male mice were randomly divided into four groups: the non-aging group (NA, 0.86% methionine), the control diet group (CD, 0.86% methionine), the methionine-restricted group (MR, 0.17% methionine) and the HMTBA-restricted group (HR, 0.17% methionine). The mice in the CD, MR and HR groups were injected with a daily dose of 0.25 mL/20 g body weight of 10% D-galactose to establish an aging model. The test period was 42 days. The results showed that aging mice in the CD group had impaired testicular morphology and significantly decreased sperm quality compared to those in the NA group. Aging mice in the MR and HR groups showed attenuated impaired testicular morphology and improved sperm quality, especially sperm acrosomal integrity and membrane integrity, compared to mice in the CD group. In addition, mice in the MR and HR groups had reduced testicular inflammation and oxidative stress, increased spermidine levels, and reduced sperm RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and DNA 5-methylcytosine (5mC) levels. Spermidine levels were positively correlated, whereas sperm RNA m6A and DNA 5mC levels were negatively correlated with sperm quality parameters. Our study suggests that methionine restriction alleviates the decline in sperm quality in aging mice, which may be related to changes in methionine metabolism and inhibition of sperm DNA and RNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghui Wu
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Y.W.); (Y.M.); (J.P.)
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Y.W.); (Y.M.); (J.P.)
| | - Yueyue Miao
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Y.W.); (Y.M.); (J.P.)
| | - Jian Peng
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Y.W.); (Y.M.); (J.P.)
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Hongkui Wei
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Y.W.); (Y.M.); (J.P.)
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Wuhan 430070, China
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Sharma P, Kaushal N, Saleth LR, Ghavami S, Dhingra S, Kaur P. Oxidative stress-induced apoptosis and autophagy: Balancing the contrary forces in spermatogenesis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023; 1869:166742. [PMID: 37146914 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex process in the testis and is a cornerstone of male infertility. The abundance of unsaturated fatty acid and high cell division rate make male germs cells prone to DNA deterioration. ROS-mediated oxidative stress triggers DNA damage, autophagy, and apoptosis in male germ cells, which are critical causative factors that lead to male infertility. The complex connection and molecular crosstalk between apoptosis and autophagy is seen at multifaceted levels that interconnect the signaling pathways of these two processes. Multilevel interaction between apoptosis and autophagy is a seamless state of survival and death in response to various stressors. Interaction between multiple genes and proteins such as the mTor signaling pathway, Atg12 proteins, and the death adapter proteins, such as Beclin 1, p53, and Bcl-2 family proteins, validates such a link between these two phenomena. Testicular cells being epigenetically different from somatic cells, undergo numerous significant epigenetic transitions, and ROS modulates the epigenetic framework of mature sperm. Epigenetic deregulation of apoptosis and autophagy under oxidative stress conditions can cause sperm cell damage. The current review recapitulates the current role of prevailing stressors that generate oxidative stress leading to the induction of apoptosis and autophagy in the male reproductive system. Considering the pathophysiological consequences of ROS-mediated apoptosis and autophagy, a combinatorial approach, including apoptosis inhibition and autophagy activation, a therapeutic strategy to treat male idiopathic infertility. Understanding the crosslink between apoptosis and autophagy under stress conditions in male germ cells may play an essential role in developing therapeutic strategies to treat infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parul Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala, Punjab 147004, India
| | - Naveen Kaushal
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Leena Regi Saleth
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2H 2A6, Canada
| | - Saeid Ghavami
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Research Institute of Hematology and Oncology, Cancer Care Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Canada; Faculty of Medicine in Zabrze, University of Technology in Katowice, Academia of Silesia, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Sanjiv Dhingra
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2H 2A6, Canada
| | - Parminder Kaur
- Department of Biotechnology, University Institute of Engineering & Technology, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160024, India.
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Laqqan MM, Yassin MM. Effect of hubble-bubble smoking on global DNA methylation and transcription levels of protamine and histone genes in human spermatozoa. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2023; 58:53-60. [PMID: 36744325 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2023.2174326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This study was conducted to assess the impact of hubble-bubble smoking on global DNA methylation, DNA fragmentation; protamine deficiency of spermatozoa, and to determine whether the transcription levels of the protamine and histone genes are different in hubble-bubble smokers compared to nonsmokers. Five hundred semen samples were collected from males with an average age of 32.2 ± 6.1 years (300 hubble-bubble smokers "60%" and 200 nonsmokers "40%"). The nucleic acid was isolated from purified sperm, then ELISA and qPCR were used to evaluate the global DNA methylation and transcription level of protamine and histone, respectively. A significant elevation in global DNA methylation, protamine deficiency, and DNA fragmentation was found in hubble-bubble smokers compared to nonsmokers (P < 0.0001). A significant decline was shown in transcription levels of protamine and histone genes in hubble-bubble compared to nonsmokers (P < 0.0001). Additionally, a down-regulation in the transcription levels of protamine and histone was revealed in hubble-bubble compared to nonsmokers with fold change (0.0001 and 0.007, respectively). In conclusion, this study provided proof that hubble-bubble smoking has a negative impact on global DNA methylation, DNA fragmentation, protamine deficiency, and the transcription of protamine and histone genes in spermatozoa, and these findings influence negatively males' fecundity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed M Laqqan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Saarland University "Graduate", Saarbrucken, Germany
| | - Maged M Yassin
- Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
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Olszewska M, Kordyl O, Kamieniczna M, Fraczek M, Jędrzejczak P, Kurpisz M. Global 5mC and 5hmC DNA Levels in Human Sperm Subpopulations with Differentially Protaminated Chromatin in Normo- and Oligoasthenozoospermic Males. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094516. [PMID: 35562907 PMCID: PMC9099774 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications play a special role in the male infertility aetiology. Published data indicate the link between sperm quality and sperm chromatin protamination. This study aimed to determine the relationship between methylation (5mC) and hydroxymethylation (5hmC) in sperm DNA, with respect to sperm chromatin protamination in three subpopulations of fertile normozoospermic controls and infertile patients with oligo-/oligoasthenozoospermia. For the first time, a sequential staining protocol was applied, which allowed researchers to analyse 5mC/5hmC levels by immunofluorescence staining, with a previously determined chromatin protamination status (aniline blue staining), using the same spermatozoa. TUNEL assay determined the sperm DNA fragmentation level. The 5mC/5hmC levels were diversified with respect to chromatin protamination status in both studied groups of males, with the highest values observed in protaminated spermatozoa. The linkage between chromatin protamination and 5mC/5hmC levels in control males disappeared in patients with deteriorated semen parameters. A relationship between 5mC/5hmC and sperm motility/morphology was identified in the patient group. Measuring the 5mC/5hmC status of sperm DNA according to sperm chromatin integrity provides evidence of correct spermatogenesis, and its disruption may represent a prognostic marker for reproductive failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Olszewska
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479 Poznan, Poland; (M.K.); (M.F.)
- Correspondence: (M.O.); (M.K.)
| | - Oliwia Kordyl
- Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, 61-614 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Marzena Kamieniczna
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479 Poznan, Poland; (M.K.); (M.F.)
| | - Monika Fraczek
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479 Poznan, Poland; (M.K.); (M.F.)
| | - Piotr Jędrzejczak
- Division of Infertility and Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecological Oncology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-535 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Maciej Kurpisz
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479 Poznan, Poland; (M.K.); (M.F.)
- Correspondence: (M.O.); (M.K.)
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Chen H, Scott-Boyer MP, Droit A, Robert C, Belleannée C. Sperm Heterogeneity Accounts for Sperm DNA Methylation Variations Observed in the Caput Epididymis, Independently From DNMT/TET Activities. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:834519. [PMID: 35392175 PMCID: PMC8981467 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.834519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Following their production in the testis, spermatozoa enter the epididymis where they gain their motility and fertilizing abilities. This post-testicular maturation coincides with sperm epigenetic profile changes that influence progeny outcome. While recent studies highlighted the dynamics of small non-coding RNAs in maturing spermatozoa, little is known regarding sperm methylation changes and their impact at the post-fertilization level. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) was used to purify spermatozoa from the testis and different epididymal segments (i.e., caput, corpus and cauda) of CAG/su9-DsRed2; Acr3-EGFP transgenic mice in order to map out sperm methylome dynamics. Reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS-Seq) performed on DNA from these respective sperm populations indicated that high methylation changes were observed between spermatozoa from the caput vs. testis with 5,546 entries meeting our threshold values (q value <0.01, methylation difference above 25%). Most of these changes were transitory during epididymal sperm maturation according to the low number of entries identified between spermatozoa from cauda vs. testis. According to enzymatic and sperm/epididymal fluid co-incubation assays, (de)methylases were not found responsible for these sperm methylation changes. Instead, we identified that a subpopulation of caput spermatozoa displayed distinct methylation marks that were susceptible to sperm DNAse treatment and accounted for the DNA methylation profile changes observed in the proximal epididymis. Our results support the paradigm that a fraction of caput spermatozoa has a higher propensity to bind extracellular DNA, a phenomenon responsible for the sperm methylome variations observed at the post-testicular level. Further investigating the degree of conservation of this sperm heterogeneity in human will eventually provide new considerations regarding sperm selection procedures used in fertility clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Chen
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Center for Research in Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | | | - Arnaud Droit
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Claude Robert
- Center for Research in Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Faculty of Animal Sciences, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Clémence Belleannée
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Center for Research in Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health, Quebec, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Clémence Belleannée,
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Faure MC, Khoueiry R, Quanico J, Acloque H, Guerquin MJ, Bertoldo MJ, Chevaleyre C, Ramé C, Fournier I, Salzet M, Dupont J, Froment P. In Utero Exposure to Metformin Reduces the Fertility of Male Offspring in Adulthood. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:750145. [PMID: 34745014 PMCID: PMC8565088 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.750145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin is a drug used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and disorders associated with insulin resistance. Metformin is also used in the treatment of pregnancy disorders such as gestational diabetes. However, the consequences of foetal exposure to metformin on the fertility of exposed offspring remain poorly documented. In this study, we investigated the effect of in utero metformin exposure on the fertility of female and male offspring. We observed that metformin is detectable in the blood of the mother and in amniotic fluid and blood of the umbilical cord. Metformin was not measurable in any tissues of the embryo, including the gonads. The effect of metformin exposure on offspring was sex specific. The adult females that had been exposed to metformin in utero presented no clear reduction in fertility. However, the adult males that had been exposed to metformin during foetal life exhibited a 30% reduction in litter size compared with controls. The lower fertility was not due to a change in sperm production or the motility of sperm. Rather, the phenotype was due to lower sperm head quality - significantly increased spermatozoa head abnormality with greater DNA damage - and hypermethylation of the genomic DNA in the spermatozoa associated with lower expression of the ten-eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenase 1 (TET1) protein. In conclusion, while foetal metformin exposure did not dramatically alter gonad development, these results suggest that metabolic modification by metformin during the foetal period could change the expression of epigenetic regulators such as Tet1 and perturb the genomic DNA in germ cells, changes that might contribute to a reduced fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie C. Faure
- l’Institut National de Recherche Pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE), UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements/Centre national de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR7247/Université François Rabelais de Tours/Institut français du Cheval et de l'Équitation (IFCE), Nouzilly, France
| | - Rita Khoueiry
- Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France
| | - Jusal Quanico
- Université Lille 1, INSERM U1192 - Protéomique Réponse Inflammatoire Spectrométrie de Masse (PRISM), Villeneuve d’Ascq, France
| | - Hervé Acloque
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative (GABI), Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Marie-Justine Guerquin
- UMR967 INSERM, Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique (CEA)/Direction de la Recherche Fondamentale (DRF)/Institut de Radiobiologie Cellulaire et Moléculaire (iRCM)/Service Cellules Souches et Radiation (SCSR)/LDG, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Michael J. Bertoldo
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Claire Chevaleyre
- l’Institut National de Recherche Pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE), UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements/Centre national de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR7247/Université François Rabelais de Tours/Institut français du Cheval et de l'Équitation (IFCE), Nouzilly, France
| | - Christelle Ramé
- l’Institut National de Recherche Pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE), UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements/Centre national de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR7247/Université François Rabelais de Tours/Institut français du Cheval et de l'Équitation (IFCE), Nouzilly, France
| | - Isabelle Fournier
- Université Lille 1, INSERM U1192 - Protéomique Réponse Inflammatoire Spectrométrie de Masse (PRISM), Villeneuve d’Ascq, France
| | - Michel Salzet
- Université Lille 1, INSERM U1192 - Protéomique Réponse Inflammatoire Spectrométrie de Masse (PRISM), Villeneuve d’Ascq, France
| | - Joëlle Dupont
- l’Institut National de Recherche Pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE), UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements/Centre national de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR7247/Université François Rabelais de Tours/Institut français du Cheval et de l'Équitation (IFCE), Nouzilly, France
| | - Pascal Froment
- l’Institut National de Recherche Pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE), UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements/Centre national de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR7247/Université François Rabelais de Tours/Institut français du Cheval et de l'Équitation (IFCE), Nouzilly, France
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Somasundaram S, Satheesh V, Singh M, Anandhan S. A simple flow cytometry-based assay to study global methylation levels in onion, a non-model species. PHYSIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF PLANTS : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 27:1859-1865. [PMID: 34539120 PMCID: PMC8405793 DOI: 10.1007/s12298-021-01047-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED DNA methylation is an important epigenetic mark and global methylation dynamics regulate plant developmental processes. Even though genome sequencing technologies have made DNA methylation studies easier, it is difficult in non-model species where genome information is not available. Therefore in this study, we developed a simple assay for analysing global methylation levels in plants by washless immunolabelling of unfixed nuclei using flow cytometry. Onion leaf tissue was used as a model system, and mean fluorescence intensity due to anti-5- methyl cytosine (5-mC) antibodies were used as a measure of global methylation levels. Among three nuclear isolation buffers evaluated, the highest nuclear yield with the low background was obtained with LB01. To maintain a balance between high DNA fluorescence value and low coefficient of variation of DNA peaks, 45 min of hydrolysis with 0.2 N hydrochloric acid was used for chromatin denaturation resulting in six-fold increase in 5-mC fluorescence compared to control. This method was used successfully to detect 5-Azacytidine induced DNA hypomethylation in onion leaf tissues. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-021-01047-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saravanakumar Somasundaram
- ICAR-Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research, Pune, 410505 India
- Present Address: Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Seeland, Germany
| | - Viswanathan Satheesh
- Shanghai Center for Plant Stress Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Major Singh
- ICAR-Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research, Pune, 410505 India
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Åsenius F, Danson AF, Marzi SJ. DNA methylation in human sperm: a systematic review. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 26:841-873. [PMID: 32790874 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies in non-human mammals suggest that environmental factors can influence spermatozoal DNA methylation, and some research suggests that spermatozoal DNA methylation is also implicated in conditions such as subfertility and imprinting disorders in the offspring. Together with an increased availability of cost-effective methods of interrogating DNA methylation, this premise has led to an increasing number of studies investigating the DNA methylation landscape of human spermatozoa. However, how the human spermatozoal DNA methylome is influenced by environmental factors is still unclear, as is the role of human spermatozoal DNA methylation in subfertility and in influencing offspring health. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The aim of this systematic review was to critically appraise the quality of the current body of literature on DNA methylation in human spermatozoa, summarize current knowledge and generate recommendations for future research. SEARCH METHODS A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases was conducted using the search terms 'semen' OR 'sperm' AND 'DNA methylation'. Publications from 1 January 2003 to 2 March 2020 that studied human sperm and were written in English were included. Studies that used sperm DNA methylation to develop methodologies or forensically identify semen were excluded, as were reviews, commentaries, meta-analyses or editorial texts. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) criteria were used to objectively evaluate quality of evidence in each included publication. OUTCOMES The search identified 446 records, of which 135 were included in the systematic review. These 135 studies were divided into three groups according to area of research; 56 studies investigated the influence of spermatozoal DNA methylation on male fertility and abnormal semen parameters, 20 studies investigated spermatozoal DNA methylation in pregnancy outcomes including offspring health and 59 studies assessed the influence of environmental factors on spermatozoal DNA methylation. Findings from studies that scored as 'high' and 'moderate' quality of evidence according to GRADE criteria were summarized. We found that male subfertility and abnormal semen parameters, in particular oligozoospermia, appear to be associated with abnormal spermatozoal DNA methylation of imprinted regions. However, no specific DNA methylation signature of either subfertility or abnormal semen parameters has been convincingly replicated in genome-scale, unbiased analyses. Furthermore, although findings require independent replication, current evidence suggests that the spermatozoal DNA methylome is influenced by cigarette smoking, advanced age and environmental pollutants. Importantly however, from a clinical point of view, there is no convincing evidence that changes in spermatozoal DNA methylation influence pregnancy outcomes or offspring health. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Although it appears that the human sperm DNA methylome can be influenced by certain environmental and physiological traits, no findings have been robustly replicated between studies. We have generated a set of recommendations that would enhance the reliability and robustness of findings of future analyses of the human sperm methylome. Such studies will likely require multicentre collaborations to reach appropriate sample sizes, and should incorporate phenotype data in more complex statistical models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amy F Danson
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sarah J Marzi
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK.,Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Peris-Frau P, Álvarez-Rodríguez M, Martín-Maestro A, Iniesta-Cuerda M, Sánchez-Ajofrín I, Medina-Chávez DA, Garde JJ, Villar M, Rodríguez-Martínez H, Soler AJ. Unravelling how in vitro capacitation alters ram sperm chromatin before and after cryopreservation. Andrology 2020; 9:414-425. [PMID: 32888251 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sperm chromatin structure provides valuable information for the prediction of male fertility and can be altered during different procedures. Previous studies have shown that sperm chromatin condensation decreased during in vitro capacitation. Moreover, cryopreservation can affect sperm DNA integrity and chromatin compaction. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate dynamic modifications produced in the chromatin structure of ram spermatozoa during in vitro capacitation before and after cryopreservation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Chromatin decondensation (AB+), DNA methylation, DNA fragmentation index (%DFI) and high DNA stainability (HDS) were evaluated in fresh and frozen-thawed ram spermatozoa incubated under capacitating (CAP) conditions at 1, 5, 15, 30, 60, 120, 180 and 240 minutes and under non-capacitating (NC) conditions at 0, 15 and 240 minutes. RESULTS Incubation in NC conditions did not induce significant changes in chromatin condensation (P > .05; AB + and HDS). However, incubation of fresh and cryopreserved ram spermatozoa under CAP conditions significantly increased chromatin decondensation (P < .05), reaching the highest percentage of AB + and HDS from 180 to 240 minutes in fresh samples and from 5 to 30 minutes in cryopreserved samples. Both variables (HDS and AB+) were positively correlated with tyrosine phosphorylation, total motility, progressive motility, curvilinear velocity and amplitude of lateral head displacement, as well as between them under CAP conditions in fresh and cryopreserved spermatozoa. DNA methylation significantly increased in cryopreserved spermatozoa (P < .05), but only after extended incubation under CAP conditions (60-240 minutes), while the %DFI, albeit higher in cryopreserved samples, remained constant under CAP and NC conditions in both types of sample (P > .05). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that sperm chromatin condensation decreased progressively during in vitro capacitation of ram spermatozoa, while sperm DNA integrity remained intact. Such changes in chromatin condensation appeared faster after sperm cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Peris-Frau
- SaBio IREC (CSIC - UCLM-JCCM), ETSIAM, Albacete, Spain.,Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), BHK/Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Manuel Álvarez-Rodríguez
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), BHK/Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Margarita Villar
- SaBio IREC (CSIC - UCLM-JCCM), ETSIAM, Albacete, Spain.,Biochemistry Section, Faculty of Science, Chemical Technologies, and Regional Centre for Biomedical Research (CRIB), Albacete, Spain
| | - Heriberto Rodríguez-Martínez
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), BHK/Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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11
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Stimpfel M, Vrtacnik-Bokal E. Minor DNA methylation changes are observed in spermatozoa prepared using different protocols. Andrology 2020; 8:1312-1323. [PMID: 32470185 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA methylation patterns can show transgenerational inheritance and are influenced by lifestyle and environmental factors. It is suggested that these patterns can be changed by assisted reproductive technology. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the impact of two different sperm preparation methods, conventional density gradient centrifugation (DGC) vs. density gradient centrifugation followed by magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) of non-apoptotic spermatozoa, on sperm DNA methylation profile. MATERIALS AND METHODS We analyzed semen of patients included in our IVF treatment program. Half of the semen from each included patient was prepared for ICSI using the DGC method and the other half with DGC followed by MACS. The remaining samples were processed for DNA methylation analysis with reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS). In addition to the DNA methylation profile, we assessed the morphology and DNA fragmentation of spermatozoa. RESULTS RRBS analysis revealed that the average genome-wide methylation level was similar between both groups (DGC vs. MACS group) and ranged from 0.53 to 0.56. Furthermore, RRBS analysis identified 99 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and 800 differentially methylated positions (DMPs). In the DGC group, 43 DMRs and 392 DMPs were hypermethylated whereas 56 DMRs and 408 DMPs were hypomethylated compared with those in the MACS group. When DMRs and DMPs were annotated to genes, 3 genes associated with imprinting were found: IGF2, PRDM16, and CLF4/BRUNOL4. The percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa (MACS vs. DGC; 14.0 ± 10.8 vs. 13.2 ± 10.0; P = .335) and of spermatozoa with fragmented DNA of patients with RRBS analysis (22.9 ± 21.1% vs. 34.4 ± 21.2; P = .529) were also similar between groups. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Although the average genome-wide level of sperm DNA methylation was similar in both sample groups, a distinctive number of methylation changes were observed in DMR and DMP levels. A larger number of samples should be analyzed and additional sperm preparation methods should be tested to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Stimpfel
- Department of Human Reproduction, Division of Gynaecology, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Eda Vrtacnik-Bokal
- Department of Human Reproduction, Division of Gynaecology, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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12
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Mitochondria, spermatogenesis, and male infertility - An update. Mitochondrion 2020; 54:26-40. [PMID: 32534048 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2020.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The incorporation of mitochondria in the eukaryotic cell is one of the most enigmatic events in the course of evolution. This important organelle was thought to be only the powerhouse of the cell, but was later learnt to perform many other indispensable functions in the cell. Two major contributions of mitochondria in spermatogenesis concern energy production and apoptosis. Apart from this, mitochondria also participate in a number of other processes affecting spermatogenesis and fertility. Mitochondria in sperm are arranged in the periphery of the tail microtubules to serve to energy demand for motility. Apart from this, the role of mitochondria in germ cell proliferation, mitotic regulation, and the elimination of germ cells by apoptosis are now well recognized. Eventually, mutations in the mitochondrial genome have been reported in male infertility, particularly in sluggish sperm (asthenozoospermia); however, heteroplasmy in the mtDNA and a complex interplay between the nucleus and mitochondria affect their penetrance. In this article, we have provided an update on the role of mitochondria in various events of spermatogenesis and male fertility and on the correlation of mitochondrial DNA mutations with male infertility.
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13
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Rahiminia T, Farashahi Yazd E, Ghasemi-Esmailabad S, Talebi AR. Relation between sperm protamine transcripts with global sperm DNA methylation and sperm DNA methyltransferases mRNA in men with severe sperm abnormalities. HUM FERTIL 2019; 24:105-111. [PMID: 31023108 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2019.1574032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between mRNA expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) such as DNMT1, DNMT3A and DNMT3B mRNA and sperm global DNA methylation with protamine transcripts in the sperm from men with severe sperm abnormalities. Sperm from each semen sample were isolated using a standard gradient isolation procedure by layering 1 mL of 40% (v/v) density gradient medium over 1 mL of 80% (v/v). A total of 30 oligoasthenoteratozoospermic ejaculates (OAT) and 30 normozoospermic ejaculates as controls were compared using real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for mRNA expression of DNMT1, 3A, 3B, protamine1 (P1) and protamine2 (P2). The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect global DNA methylation in sperm. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. In OAT ejaculates, the increased level of DNMT3A, 3B mRNA, sperm global methylation, P1 plus P2 mRNA and decrease of P1-P2 ratio were significantly different. Also the content of protamine transcript was not correlated with sperm parameters. The increased total protamine transcript levels were associated with increased mRNA methyltransferases. The increase of DNMT1 may lead to an increased level of global methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Rahiminia
- Gametogenesis Research Center, Fertility and Infertility Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Ehsan Farashahi Yazd
- Stem Cell Biology Research Center Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Saeed Ghasemi-Esmailabad
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Ali Reza Talebi
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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14
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Plasma Farming: Non-Thermal Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Technology for Improving the Growth of Soybean Sprouts and Chickens. PLASMA 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/plasma1020025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-thermal dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma is an innovative and emerging field combining plasma physics, life science and clinical medicine for a wide-range of biological applications. Plasma techniques are applied in treating surfaces, materials or devices to realize specific qualities for subsequent special medical applications, plant seeds to improve the production and quality of crops, and living cells or tissues to realize therapeutic effects. Several studies that are summarized within this review show that non-thermal DBD plasma technique has potential biological applications in soybean sprout growth, chicken embryonic development and postnatal growth rate, and even male chicken reproductive capacity. The current developments in the non-thermal DBD plasma technique may be beneficial to improve plant and poultry productivity.
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15
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Darbandi M, Darbandi S, Agarwal A, Baskaran S, Sengupta P, Dutta S, Mokarram P, Saliminejad K, Sadeghi MR. Oxidative stress-induced alterations in seminal plasma antioxidants: Is there any association with keap1 gene methylation in human spermatozoa? Andrologia 2018; 51:e13159. [PMID: 30298637 DOI: 10.1111/and.13159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (keap1)-nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway is one of the master regulators of cellular defence against oxidative stress. Epigenetic alterations like hypermethylation of keap1 gene impair keap1-Nrf2 system in several oxidative stress-associated diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the epigenetic status of keap1 in sperm DNA of normozoospermic subjects, having different levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in seminal plasma. Semen samples were obtained from 151 apparently healthy male partners of couples who attended the Avicenna infertility clinic. Samples were categorised into four groups according to their ROS levels: group A (n = 39, ROS < 20 RLU/s per 106 spermatozoa), group B (n = 38, 20 ≤ ROS < 40 RLU/s per 106 spermatozoa), group C (n = 31, 40 ≤ ROS < 60 RLU/s per 106 spermatozoa) and group D; (n = 43, ROS ≥ 60 RLU/s per 106 spermatozoa). Keap1 methylation status was assessed using methylation-specific PCR along with seminal total antioxidant capacity. The results showed no significant alterations in keap1 methylation in any groups, whereas the total antioxidant capacity enhanced with increasing levels of ROS exposure. These results indicate that keap1 was not methylated during ROS elevation and oxidative stress, suggesting that the cells have adopted other mechanisms to elevate antioxidant level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Darbandi
- Department of Embryology and Andrology, Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Darbandi
- Department of Embryology and Andrology, Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Saradha Baskaran
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Pallav Sengupta
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, MAHSA University, Jenjarom, Malaysia
| | - Sulagna Dutta
- Faculty of Dentistry, MAHSA University, Jenjarom, Malaysia
| | - Pooneh Mokarram
- Department of Biochemistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Kioomars Saliminejad
- Department of Embryology and Andrology, Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Sadeghi
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute (ARI), ACECR, Tehran, Iran
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16
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Hamad MF, Dayyih WAA, Laqqan M, AlKhaled Y, Montenarh M, Hammadeh ME. The status of global DNA methylation in the spermatozoa of smokers and non-smokers. Reprod Biomed Online 2018; 37:581-589. [PMID: 30366840 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Does regular smoking affect semen quality and the levels of DNA methylation in mature human spermatozoa? DESIGN Spermatozoa from 109 men were evaluated (55 smokers and 54 non-smokers). DNA was extracted from purified spermatozoa, and DNA methylation was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS Global DNA methylation of non-smokers is significantly lower (P < 0.001) than that of smokers (4.85 ± 2.72 and 7.08 ± 1.77 ng/μl, respectively). Moreover, the mean global DNA methylation levels were significantly correlated (r = 0.22;P = 0.02) with non-condensed chromatin in the spermatozoa. Levels of non-condensed chromatin were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in smokers (29.75 ± 9.38%) compared with non-smokers (20.96 ± 11.31%). Furthermore, global sperm DNA methylation was negatively correlated with high significance (P < 0.010) with sperm: count (r = -0.27), motility (r = -0.30) and vitality (r = -0.26). CONCLUSION Smoking interferes with DNA methylation. Also, DNA methylation is significantly correlated with sperm parameters and sperm non-condensed chromatin. These data emphasize another detrimental effect of smoking on male fertility. DNA methylation may, therefore, be considered as a fertility marker in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed F Hamad
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Science and Health Professions, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; IVF and Andrology Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Saarland University Hospital, Building 9, Homburg/Saar 66424, Germany; Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saarland University, Building 44, 66424, Homburg/Saar, Germany.
| | - Wael A Abu Dayyih
- Department of Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Petra, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mohammad Laqqan
- IVF and Andrology Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Saarland University Hospital, Building 9, Homburg/Saar 66424, Germany
| | - Yasir AlKhaled
- IVF and Andrology Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Saarland University Hospital, Building 9, Homburg/Saar 66424, Germany
| | - Mathias Montenarh
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saarland University, Building 44, 66424, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Mohammed E Hammadeh
- IVF and Andrology Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Saarland University Hospital, Building 9, Homburg/Saar 66424, Germany
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17
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Zhang JJ, Do HL, Chandimali N, Lee SB, Mok YS, Kim N, Kim SB, Kwon T, Jeong DK. Non-thermal plasma treatment improves chicken sperm motility via the regulation of demethylation levels. Sci Rep 2018; 8:7576. [PMID: 29765100 PMCID: PMC5953930 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26049-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The quality of avian semen is an important economic trait in poultry production. The present study examines the in vitro effects of non-thermal dielectric barrier discharge plasma on chicken sperm to determine the plasma conditions that can produce the optimum sperm quality. Exposure to 11.7 kV of plasma for 20 s is found to produce maximum sperm motility by controlling the homeostasis of reactive oxygen species and boosting the release of adenosine triphosphate and respiratory enzyme activity in the mitochondria. However, prolonged exposure or further increase in plasma potential impairs the sperm quality in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Optimal plasma treatment of sperm results in upregulated mRNA and protein expression of antioxidant defense-related and energetic metabolism-related genes by increasing their demethylation levels. However, 27.6 kV of plasma exerts significant adverse effects. Thus, our findings indicate that appropriate plasma exposure conditions improve chicken sperm motility by regulating demethylation levels of genes involved in antioxidant defense and energetic metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Jiao Zhang
- Laboratory of Animal Genetic Engineering and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Advanced Convergence Technology and Science, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Huynh Luong Do
- Laboratory of Animal Genetic Engineering and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Advanced Convergence Technology and Science, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Nisansala Chandimali
- Laboratory of Animal Genetic Engineering and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Advanced Convergence Technology and Science, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Baek Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Sun Mok
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Nameun Kim
- Laboratory of Animal Genetic Engineering and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Advanced Convergence Technology and Science, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Bong Kim
- Plasma Technology Research Center, National Fusion Research Institute, Gunsan-si, Jeollabuk-Do, 54004, Republic of Korea
| | - Taeho Kwon
- Laboratory of Animal Genetic Engineering and Stem Cell Biology, Subtropical/Tropical Organism Gene Bank, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, Republic of Korea.
| | - Dong Kee Jeong
- Laboratory of Animal Genetic Engineering and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Advanced Convergence Technology and Science, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, Republic of Korea. .,Laboratory of Animal Genetic Engineering and Stem Cell Biology, Subtropical/Tropical Organism Gene Bank, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, Republic of Korea.
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18
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Rahiminia T, Yazd EF, Fesahat F, Moein MR, Mirjalili AM, Talebi AR. Sperm chromatin and DNA integrity, methyltransferase mRNA levels, and global DNA methylation in oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2018; 45:17-24. [PMID: 29662821 PMCID: PMC5897243 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2018.45.1.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate sperm chromatin/DNA integrity, global DNA methylation, and DNMT mRNA transcription in men with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) compared with normozoospermic men. Methods Semen samples from 32 OAT patients who comprised the case group and 32 normozoospermic men who comprised the control group were isolated and purified using a standard gradient isolation procedure according to World Health Organization criteria. DNMT1, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B transcripts were then compared between groups using real-time quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Global DNA methylation in sperm was determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Protamine deficiency and the proportion of apoptotic spermatozoa were evaluated using chromomycin A3 (CMA3), aniline blue (AB), and toluidine blue (TB) staining, as well as the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The p-values <0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance. Results Significantly higher proportions of AB+, TB+, CMA3+, and TUNEL+ spermatozoa, as well as DNMT3A and DNMT3B transcription, were found in the OAT group. Positive correlations were detected between sperm parameters, DNA/chromatin damage, and DNMT3A and DNMT3B transcripts. Global DNA methylation was significantly higher in the OAT patients and had a significant correlation with abnormal results of all sperm chromatin integrity tests, but was not associated with DNMT1, DNMT3A, or DNMT3B expression. Conclusion Oligoasthenoteratozoospermic men showed abnormal sperm parameters, abnormal chromatin/DNA integrity, and a higher global DNA methylation rate, as well as overexpression of DNMT mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Rahiminia
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Ehsan Farashahi Yazd
- Stem Cell Biology Research Center, Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Fesahat
- Department of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Paramedicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Moein
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Ali Mohammad Mirjalili
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Ali Reza Talebi
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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Olszewska M, Barciszewska MZ, Fraczek M, Huleyuk N, Chernykh VB, Zastavna D, Barciszewski J, Kurpisz M. Global methylation status of sperm DNA in carriers of chromosome structural aberrations. Asian J Androl 2017; 19:117-124. [PMID: 26908061 PMCID: PMC5227660 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.168684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility might be clearly associated with aberrant DNA methylation patterns in human spermatozoa. An association between oxidative stress and the global methylation status of the sperm genome has also been suggested. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the global sperm DNA methylation status was affected in the spermatozoa of carriers of chromosome structural aberrations. The relationships between the 5-methylcytosine (m5C) levels in spermatozoa and chromatin integrity status were evaluated. The study patients comprised male carriers of chromosome structural aberrations with reproductive failure (n = 24), and the controls comprised normozoospermic sperm volunteers (n = 23). The global m5C level was measured using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and immunofluorescence (IF) techniques. The sperm chromatin integrity was assessed using aniline blue (AB) staining and TUNEL assay. The mean m5C levels were similar between the investigated chromosome structural aberrations carriers (P) and controls (K). However, sperm chromatin integrity tests revealed significantly higher values in chromosomal rearrangement carriers than in controls (P < 0.05). Although the potential relationship between sperm chromatin integrity status and sperm DNA fragmentation and the m5C level juxtaposed in both analyzed groups (P vs K) was represented in a clearly opposite manner, the low chromatin integrity might be associated with the high hypomethylation status of the sperm DNA observed in carriers of chromosome structural aberrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Olszewska
- Department of Reproductive Biology and Stem Cells, Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479 Poznan, Poland
| | - Miroslawa Z Barciszewska
- Department of RNA Biology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Monika Fraczek
- Department of Reproductive Biology and Stem Cells, Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479 Poznan, Poland
| | - Nataliya Huleyuk
- Institute of Hereditary Pathology, Ukrainian Academy of Medical Sciences, Lysenko Street 31a, 79000 Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Vyacheslav B Chernykh
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moskvorechie Street 1, 115478 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Danuta Zastavna
- Institute of Hereditary Pathology, Ukrainian Academy of Medical Sciences, Lysenko Street 31a, 79000 Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Jan Barciszewski
- Department of RNA Biology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Maciej Kurpisz
- Department of Reproductive Biology and Stem Cells, Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479 Poznan, Poland
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de Oliveira RA, Scarlet D, Ille N, Aurich C. Cooled-storage of equine semen does not induce major changes in sperm DNA methylation. Theriogenology 2016; 89:289-294. [PMID: 28043365 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Revised: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
A decrease in fertility of equine semen during cooled-storage so far has mainly been attributed to changes in sperm membrane function. In the present study we hypothesized that cooled-storage also changes the sperm DNA methylation level. For this purpose, semen was collected from 10 fertile stallions and processed for cooled-storage at 5 °C. Two final concentrations, 50 × 106 and 100 × 106 cells/mL, were used. Semen was analyzed for total motility, progressive motility, membrane integrity, phosphatidylserine translocation (PST), mitochondrial membrane potential and chromatin condensation, immediately after processing and at 24 h-intervals until 72 h of storage. DNA cytosine methylation was assessed by ELISA after DNA extraction and denaturation. DNA methylation did neither change over time nor was affected by semen concentration. Total motility, progressive motility, membrane integrity, PST, mitochondrial membrane potential and chromatin condensation changed over storage time, but no differences between semen concentrations could be demonstrated. The results demonstrate that cooled-storage of equine semen does not induce changes in sperm DNA cytosine methylation. In cooled-semen of good quality, a concentration of 100 × 106 sperm/mL does not affect semen longevity. It can be concluded that a better fertility of cooled-stored than cryopreserved stallion semen is at least in part a result of only minor influences of cooled-storage on DNA integrity and methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dragos Scarlet
- Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Andrology, Vetmeduni, Vienna, Austria
| | - Natascha Ille
- Centre for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Vetmeduni, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christine Aurich
- Centre for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Vetmeduni, Vienna, Austria.
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21
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Aurich C, Schreiner B, Ille N, Alvarenga M, Scarlet D. Cytosine methylation of sperm DNA in horse semen after cryopreservation. Theriogenology 2016; 86:1347-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.04.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Revised: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Bunkar N, Pathak N, Lohiya NK, Mishra PK. Epigenetics: A key paradigm in reproductive health. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2016; 43:59-81. [PMID: 27358824 PMCID: PMC4925870 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2016.43.2.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2016] [Revised: 02/06/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well established that there is a heritable element of susceptibility to chronic human ailments, yet there is compelling evidence that some components of such heritability are transmitted through non-genetic factors. Due to the complexity of reproductive processes, identifying the inheritance patterns of these factors is not easy. But little doubt exists that besides the genomic backbone, a range of epigenetic cues affect our genetic programme. The inter-generational transmission of epigenetic marks is believed to operate via four principal means that dramatically differ in their information content: DNA methylation, histone modifications, microRNAs and nucleosome positioning. These epigenetic signatures influence the cellular machinery through positive and negative feedback mechanisms either alone or interactively. Understanding how these mechanisms work to activate or deactivate parts of our genetic programme not only on a day-to-day basis but also over generations is an important area of reproductive health research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Bunkar
- Translational Research Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Dr. Hari Singh Central University, Sagar, India
| | - Neelam Pathak
- Translational Research Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Dr. Hari Singh Central University, Sagar, India.; Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Centre for Advanced Studies, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
| | - Nirmal Kumar Lohiya
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Centre for Advanced Studies, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
| | - Pradyumna Kumar Mishra
- Translational Research Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Dr. Hari Singh Central University, Sagar, India.; Department of Molecular Biology, National Institute for Research in Environmental Health (ICMR), Bhopal, India
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Different Levels of DNA Methylation Detected in Human Sperms after Morphological Selection Using High Magnification Microscopy. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:6372171. [PMID: 27148551 PMCID: PMC4842358 DOI: 10.1155/2016/6372171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2015] [Revised: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective. To analyze DNA methylation levels between two groups of spermatozoa taken from the same sample, following morphological selection by high magnification (HM) at 6100x microscopy. A prospective study was conducted and studied 876 spermatozoa from 10 randomly selected men. Sperm morphology was characterized at HM according to criteria previously established. High-scoring Score 6 and low-scoring Score 0 sperm were selected. Sperm DNA methylation level was assessed using an immunoassay method targeting 5-methylcytosine residues by fluorescence microscopy with imaging analysis system to detect DNA methylation in single spermatozoon. Results. In total, 448 S6 spermatozoa and 428 S0 spermatozoa were analyzed. A strong relationship was found between sperm DNA methylation levels and sperm morphology observed at HM. Sperm DNA methylation level in the S6 group was significantly lower compared with that in the S0 group (p < 10(-6)), OR = 2.4; and p < 0.001, as determined using the Wilcoxon test. Conclusion. Differences in DNA methylation levels are associated with sperm morphology variations as observed at HM, which allows spermatozoa with abnormal levels to be discarded and ultimately decrease birth defects, malformations, and epigenetic diseases that may be transmitted from sperm to offspring in ICSI.
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Consales C, Toft G, Leter G, Bonde JPE, Uccelli R, Pacchierotti F, Eleuteri P, Jönsson BAG, Giwercman A, Pedersen HS, Struciński P, Góralczyk K, Zviezdai V, Spanò M. Exposure to persistent organic pollutants and sperm DNA methylation changes in Arctic and European populations. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2016; 57:200-9. [PMID: 26801515 DOI: 10.1002/em.21994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 12/06/2015] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and DDT [1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane], are environmental contaminants with potential endocrine disrupting activity. DNA methylation levels in peripheral blood lymphocytes have been associated with serum concentrations of POPs in Greenland Inuit and Korean populations. Greenland Inuits are characterized by the highest worldwide POP levels. In this cross-sectional study we evaluated the relationship between serum POP concentrations and DNA methylation levels in sperm of non-occupationally exposed fertile men from Greenland, Warsaw (Poland), and Kharkiv (Ukraine). Serum levels of PCB-153 [1,2,4-trichloro-5-(2,4,5-trichlorophenyl)benzene], as a proxy of the total PCBs body burden, and of p,p'-DDE [1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethylene], the main metabolite of DDT were measured. Sperm DNA methylation level was assessed globally by flow cytometric (FCM) immunodetection of 5-methyl-cytosines and at specific repetitive DNA sequences (Alu, LINE-1, Satα) by PCR-pyrosequencing after bisulfite conversion. Multivariate linear regression analysis was applied to investigate correlations between serum POP concentrations and DNA methylation. No consistent associations between exposure to POPs and sperm DNA methylation at repetitive DNA sequences were detected. A statistically significant global decrease in methylation was associated with exposure to either POP by FCM analysis. This is the first study to investigate environmental exposure to POPs and DNA methylation levels considering sperm as the target cells. Although POP exposure appears to have a limited negative impact on sperm DNA methylation levels in adult males, the global hypomethylation detected by one of the methods applied suggests that further investigation is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Consales
- Laboratory of Biosafety and Risk Assessment, Division of Health Technologies, Department of Sustainable Territorial and Production Systems, ENEA Casaccia Research Center, Rome, 00123, Italy
| | - Gunnar Toft
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, DK-8200, Denmark
| | - Giorgio Leter
- Laboratory of Biosafety and Risk Assessment, Division of Health Technologies, Department of Sustainable Territorial and Production Systems, ENEA Casaccia Research Center, Rome, 00123, Italy
| | - Jens Peter E Bonde
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, NV, DK-2400, Denmark
| | - Raffaella Uccelli
- Laboratory of Biosafety and Risk Assessment, Division of Health Technologies, Department of Sustainable Territorial and Production Systems, ENEA Casaccia Research Center, Rome, 00123, Italy
| | - Francesca Pacchierotti
- Laboratory of Biosafety and Risk Assessment, Division of Health Technologies, Department of Sustainable Territorial and Production Systems, ENEA Casaccia Research Center, Rome, 00123, Italy
| | - Patrizia Eleuteri
- Laboratory of Biosafety and Risk Assessment, Division of Health Technologies, Department of Sustainable Territorial and Production Systems, ENEA Casaccia Research Center, Rome, 00123, Italy
| | - Bo A G Jönsson
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, SE-22185, Sweden
| | - Aleksander Giwercman
- Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Department of Translational Medicine, Skåne University Hospital Malmö, Lund University, Malmö, SE-20502, Sweden
| | - Henning S Pedersen
- Centre for Arctic Environmental Medicine, Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Nuuk, Greenland, DK-3900, Denmark
| | - Paweł Struciński
- Department of Toxicology and Risk Assessment, National Institute of Public Health-National Institute of Hygiene, Warsaw, 00791, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Góralczyk
- Department of Toxicology and Risk Assessment, National Institute of Public Health-National Institute of Hygiene, Warsaw, 00791, Poland
| | - Valentyna Zviezdai
- Laboratory of Human Reproduction, Department of Social Medicine and Organization of Public Health, Kharkiv National Medical University, Kharkiv, 61022, Ukraine
| | - Marcello Spanò
- Laboratory of Biosafety and Risk Assessment, Division of Health Technologies, Department of Sustainable Territorial and Production Systems, ENEA Casaccia Research Center, Rome, 00123, Italy
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Denham J, O'Brien BJ, Harvey JT, Charchar FJ. Genome-wide sperm DNA methylation changes after 3 months of exercise training in humans. Epigenomics 2015; 7:717-31. [PMID: 25864559 DOI: 10.2217/epi.15.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM DNA methylation programs gene expression and is involved in numerous biological processes. Accumulating evidence supports transgenerational inheritance of DNA methylation changes in mammals via germ cells. Our aim was to determine the effect of exercise on sperm DNA methylation. MATERIALS & METHODS Twenty-four men were recruited and assigned to an exercise intervention or control group. Clinical parameters were measured and sperm samples were donated by subjects before and after the 3-month time-period. Mature sperm global and genome-wide DNA methylation was assessed using an ELISA assay and the 450K BeadChip (Illumina). RESULTS Global and genome-wide sperm DNA methylation was altered after 3 months of exercise training. DNA methylation changes occurred in genes related to numerous diseases such as schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides the first evidence showing exercise training reprograms the sperm methylome. Whether these DNA methylation changes are inherited to future generations warrants attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Denham
- Faculty of Science & Technology, Federation University Australia, Y Building, University Drive, Mt Helen, Victoria, Australia 3350
| | - Brendan J O'Brien
- Faculty of Health, Federation University Australia, Mt Helen, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jack T Harvey
- Faculty of Health, Federation University Australia, Mt Helen, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fadi J Charchar
- Faculty of Science & Technology, Federation University Australia, Y Building, University Drive, Mt Helen, Victoria, Australia 3350
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Leter G, Consales C, Eleuteri P, Uccelli R, Specht IO, Toft G, Moccia T, Budillon A, Jönsson BAG, Lindh CH, Giwercman A, Pedersen HS, Ludwicki JK, Zviezdai V, Heederik D, Bonde JPE, Spanò M. Exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances and sperm DNA global methylation in Arctic and European populations. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2014; 55:591-600. [PMID: 24889506 DOI: 10.1002/em.21874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2013] [Revised: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are widely used in a variety of industrial processes and products, and have been detected globally in humans and wildlife. PFASs are suspected to interfere with endocrine signaling and to adversely affect human reproductive health. The aim of the present study was to investigate the associations between exposure to PFASs and sperm global methylation levels in a population of non-occupationally exposed fertile men. Measurements of PFASs in serum from 262 partners of pregnant women from Greenland, Poland and Ukraine, were also carried out by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) were detected in 97% of the blood samples. Two surrogate markers were used to assess DNA global methylation levels in semen samples from the same men: (a) average DNA methylation level in repetitive DNA sequences (Alu, LINE-1, Satα) quantified by PCR-pyrosequencing after bisulfite conversion; (b) flow cytometric immunodetection of 5-methyl-cytosines. After multivariate linear regression analysis, no major consistent associations between PFASs exposure and sperm DNA global methylation endpoints could be detected. However, since weak but statistically significant associations of different PFASs with DNA hypo- and hyper-methylation were found in some of the studied populations, effects of PFASs on sperm epigenetic processes cannot be completely excluded, and this issue warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Leter
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Unit of Radiation Biology and Human Health, ENEA Casaccia Research Center, Rome, Italy
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Consales C, Leter G, Bonde JPE, Toft G, Eleuteri P, Moccia T, Budillon A, Jonsson BAG, Giwercman A, Pedersen HS, Ludwicki JK, Zviezdai V, Heederik D, Spano M. Indices of methylation in sperm DNA from fertile men differ between distinct geographical regions. Hum Reprod 2014; 29:2065-72. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deu176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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Abstract
Human spermatozoa are highly complex specialized cells designed to survive a long and perilous journey from the site of insemination to the upper reaches of the female reproductive tract where fertilization occurs. During this journey, these cells have to run the gauntlet laid down by the female immune system and time their physiological maturation so that as soon as an egg appears in the Fallopian tube, they are equipped to recognize this cell and participate in a remarkable cascade of cellular interactions culminating in fertilization. Despite their high level of specialization, human spermatozoa are notoriously inadequate and appear to be major contributors to the poor fertility that characterizes our species. Defective spermatozoa are also known to have a major impact on the progress of pregnancy and the health trajectory of the offspring, resulting in paternally mediated increases in miscarriage rate and a range of diseases in the progeny, including dominant genetic diseases and cancer. The causes of defective sperm function are complex and involve both genetic and environmental impacts, as well as paternal age. Where genetic factors are involved, there is a concern that the widespread use of assisted conception technologies will serve to enhance the retention of poor fertility genes in the population such that the more we use assisted reproductive technologies in one generation the more we shall need them in the next. These observations may have important implications for the health and well-being of children and for the provision of reproductive healthcare services for future generations.
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