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Hosseini M, Khalafiyan A, Zare M, Karimzadeh H, Bahrami B, Hammami B, Kazemi M. Sperm epigenetics and male infertility: unraveling the molecular puzzle. Hum Genomics 2024; 18:57. [PMID: 38835100 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-024-00626-4] [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: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of infertility among couples is estimated to range from 8 to 12%. A paradigm shift has occurred in understanding of infertility, challenging the notion that it predominantly affects women. It is now acknowledged that a significant proportion, if not the majority, of infertility cases can be attributed to male-related factors. Various elements contribute to male reproductive impairments, including aberrant sperm production caused by pituitary malfunction, testicular malignancies, aplastic germ cells, varicocele, and environmental factors. MAIN BODY The epigenetic profile of mammalian sperm is distinctive and specialized. Various epigenetic factors regulate genes across different levels in sperm, thereby affecting its function. Changes in sperm epigenetics, potentially influenced by factors such as environmental exposures, could contribute to the development of male infertility. CONCLUSION In conclusion, this review investigates the latest studies pertaining to the mechanisms of epigenetic changes that occur in sperm cells and their association with male reproductive issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Hosseini
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Anis Khalafiyan
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Zare
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Haniye Karimzadeh
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Basireh Bahrami
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Behnaz Hammami
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Kazemi
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
- Reproductive Sciences and Sexual Health Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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Jiang H, Huang CJ. Aberrant protamination in sperm correlates to anomalous nuclear and cytoplasmic architectures in infertile males with sperm dysmorphology. Asian J Androl 2024; 26:183-188. [PMID: 37921517 PMCID: PMC10919428 DOI: 10.4103/aja202360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant sperm protamination is linked to sperm dysmorphology and nuclear chromatin condensation. Yet, its effects on sperm cytoplasmic maturation remain largely unexplored. The relationships of protamines, sperm morphology, DNA damage, and cytoplasmic remodeling were illustrated in this study to provide fresh perspectives on the mechanisms of male infertility. A total of 205 infertile males were allocated into 5 groups according to the percentage of spermatozoa exhibiting abnormal morphology within their samples. Sperm concentration, motility, abnormal sperm morphology, cytoplasmic droplets (CDs), and excess residual cytoplasm (ERC) were analyzed according to the World Health Organization manual (2010). Sperm nuclear vacuoles (NVs) were determined by propidium iodide (PI) staining. Sperm protamine expressions (P1 and P2) were detected by western blot. DNA damage was measured by acridine orange test (AOT) to calculate the proportion of sperm with single-strand DNA breaks (SSBs). Our data showed that sperm concentration and motility in infertile males significantly decreased with the severity of abnormal sperm morphology (both P < 0.01). P1 level, P1/P2 ratio, and SSB rate increased with the severity of sperm dysmorphology, whilst the P2 level decreased (all P < 0.01). NVs, CDs, and ERC were more common in males with sperm dysmorphology and positively correlated with the SSB rate (all P < 0.01). The relationships between the SSB rate and the P1/P2 ratio were also significant ( P < 0.01). Aberrant protamination may cause sperm dysmorphology and compromise male fertility by impairing sperm's nucleus and cytoplasm maturation, with the P1/P2 ratio potentially serving as a valuable indicator of sperm quality and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Jiang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Longgang District Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital of Shenzhen City (Longgang Maternity and Child Institute of Shantou University Medical College), Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Chu-Jie Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Immunology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
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Yoshiakwa‐Terada K, Takeuchi H, Tachibana R, Takayama E, Kondo E, Ikeda T. Age, sexual abstinence duration, sperm morphology, and motility are predictors of sperm DNA fragmentation. Reprod Med Biol 2024; 23:e12585. [PMID: 38807753 PMCID: PMC11131573 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) has recently received attention as a cause of male infertility. However, SDF cannot be fully assessed using conventional semen parameter evaluations alone. Therefore, the authors aimed to elucidate the relationship between SDF and sperm parameters via computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) to improve treatment strategies in reproductive medicine. Methods This retrospective observational study analyzed the relationship between sperm parameters assessed by CASA and SDF values determined by the TUNEL assay in 359 patients who visited the Mie University Hospital for infertility treatment. The methodology involved semen analyses covering concentration, motility, and morphology, followed by SDF quantification using the flow cytometry. Results Statistical analysis revealed significant correlations between SDF and various factors, including age, sexual abstinence period, and specific CASA-measured parameters. Notably, lower sperm motility rates and abnormal head dimensions were associated with higher SDF values, indicating that these parameters were predictive of SDF. Conclusions This study highlights the importance of sperm motility and head morphology as indicators of SDF, suggesting their usefulness in assessing male fertility. These findings demonstrate the efficacy of detailed sperm analysis, potentially increasing the success rate of assisted reproductive technologies by improving sperm selection criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kento Yoshiakwa‐Terada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of MedicineMie UniversityTsuJapan
- Center of Advanced Reproductive MedicineMie University HospitalTsuJapan
| | - Hiroki Takeuchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of MedicineMie UniversityTsuJapan
- Center of Advanced Reproductive MedicineMie University HospitalTsuJapan
| | - Ryota Tachibana
- Center of Advanced Reproductive MedicineMie University HospitalTsuJapan
| | - Erina Takayama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of MedicineMie UniversityTsuJapan
- Center of Advanced Reproductive MedicineMie University HospitalTsuJapan
- Obstetrics and GynecologyMie University HospitalTsuJapan
| | - Eiji Kondo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of MedicineMie UniversityTsuJapan
- Center of Advanced Reproductive MedicineMie University HospitalTsuJapan
- Obstetrics and GynecologyMie University HospitalTsuJapan
| | - Tomoaki Ikeda
- Center of Advanced Reproductive MedicineMie University HospitalTsuJapan
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Amor H, Jankowski PM, Dahadhah FW, Al Zoubi MS, Hammadeh ME. Impact of tobacco smoking in association with H2BFWT, PRM1 and PRM2 genes variants on male infertility. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14611. [PMID: 36217675 DOI: 10.1111/and.14611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Tobacco's genotoxic components can cause a wide range of gene defects in spermatozoa such as single- or double-strand DNA breaks, cross-links, DNA-adducts, higher frequencies of aneuploidy and chromosomal abnormalities. The aim in this study was to determine the correlation between sperm quality determined by standard parameters, sperm DNA maturity tested by Chromomycin A3 (CMA3) staining, sperm DNA fragmentation tested by TUNEL assay and tobacco smoking in association with the single nucleotides polymorphisms (SNP) of three nuclear protein genes in spermatozoa (H2BFWT, PRM1 and PRM2). In this study, semen samples of 167 male patients were collected and divided into 54 non-smokers and 113 smokers. The target sequences in the extracted sperm DNA were amplified by PCR followed by Sanger sequencing. The results showed the presence of three variants: rs7885967, rs553509 and rs578953 in H2BFWT gene in the study population. Only one variant rs737008 was detected in PRM1 gene, and three variants were detected in the PRM2 gene: rs2070923, rs1646022 and rs424908. No significant association was observed between the concentration, progressive motility, morphology and the occurrence of H2BFWT, PRM1 and PRM2 SNPs. However, sperm parameters were significantly lower in heavy smokers compared to controls (p < 0.01) (sperm count: 46.00 vs. 78.50 mill/ml, progressive motility: 15.00% vs. 22.00%, and morphology 4.00% vs. 5.00%, respectively). Moreover, the heavy smoker individuals exhibited a considerable increase in CMA3 positivity and sDF compared to non-smokers (p < 0.01) (29.50% vs. 20.50% and 24.50% vs. 12.00%, respectively). In conclusion, smoking altered sperm parameters and sperm DNA integrity, but did not show a linkage with genetic variants in H2BFWT, and protamine genes (PRM1 and PRM2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Houda Amor
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | | | - Fatina W Dahadhah
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Mazhar Salim Al Zoubi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
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Amor H, Hammadeh ME, Mohd I, Jankowski PM. Impact of heavy alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking on sperm DNA integrity. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14434. [PMID: 35484935 DOI: 10.1111/and.14434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The purposes of the presents study were to investigate the impact of alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking on semen parameters and sperm DNA quality, as well as to determine whether tobacco smoking, or alcohol consumption causes more deterioration of sperm quality. Two hundred and eleven semen samples of men were included in this study. Four groups were studied: heavy smokers (N = 48), heavy drinkers (N = 52), non-smokers (n = 70), and non-drinkers (n = 41). Semen parameters were determined according to WHO guidelines, protamine deficiency assessed by chromomycin (CMA3) staining, and sperm DNA fragmentation (sDF) evaluated by TUNEL assay. Sperm parameters were significantly higher in non-smokers versus smokers and in non-drinkers versus drinkers (p < 0.005). However, protamine deficiency and sDF were significantly lower in non-smokers versus smokers and in non-drinkers versus drinkers (p < 0.0001). No significant difference in the semen analysis parameters was observed between heavy smokers and heavy drinkers (semen volume: 3.20 ± 1.43 vs. 2.81 ± 1.56 ml, semen count: 65.75 ± 31.32 vs. 53.51 ± 32.67 mill/ml, total motility: 24.27 ± 8.18 vs. 23.75 ± 1.75%, sperm vitality: 36.15 ± 18.57 vs. 34.62 ± 16.65%, functional integrity: 41.56 ± 18.57 vs. 45.96 ± 17.98% and the morphologically normal spermatozoa: 28.77 ± 11.82 vs. 27.06 ± 13.13%, respectively). However, protamine deficiency was significantly higher among drinkers than smokers (37.03 ± 9.75 vs. 33.27 ± 8.56%, p = 0.020). The sDF was also significantly higher among drinkers than smokers (22.37 ± 7.60 vs. 15.55 ± 3.33%, p < 0.0001). Thus, cigarette smoking, and heavy alcohol intake can deteriorate sperm quality. However, alcohol consumption deteriorates sperm maturity and damages DNA integrity at significantly higher rates than cigarette smoking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houda Amor
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Mohamad Eid Hammadeh
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Izzaddin Mohd
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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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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7
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Lu JC. High DNA stainability (HDS) should not be recommended as a marker for the detection of sperm DNA damage. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14442. [PMID: 35415912 DOI: 10.1111/and.14442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
There was a marker of high DNA stainability (HDS) in the detection of sperm DNA damage, which was defined as the sperm with high green stainability (HIGRN). The sperm with normal double-stranded DNA was stained green by acridine orange (AO). However, the sperm with high green fluorescence or HDS were thought of as immature sperm or the sperm with poor chromatin condensation. Some previous literature reported that the proportion of sperm with HDS increased with age, and had a certain correlation with the poor outcome of assisted reproductive technology. Recently, several articles reported that the marker of HDS decreased linearly with age, which was obviously inconsistent with that reported by the previous literature. In this case, what kind of marker is HDS? Is it worth studying? After extensively reading the literature related to HDS and flow cytometry related books and performing a series of studies related to the detection of sperm DNA damage, we believe that the establishment of HDS in the detection of sperm DNA damage has no theoretical basis and also no support of evidence-based medicine and that using HDS as a marker in the detection of sperm DNA integrity is inappropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Chun Lu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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8
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Bibi R, Jahan S, Razak S, Hammadeh ME, Almajwal A, Amor H. Protamines and DNA integrity as a biomarkers of sperm quality and assisted conception outcome. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14418. [PMID: 35267207 DOI: 10.1111/and.14418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Present research aim was to identify functional tests in semen associated with DNA damage and chromatin maturity (protamination) which predict the outcome in assisted reproduction. Couples were grouped according to male partner semen parameters, into normozoospermia (NZs), severe male factor (SMF) and mild male factor (MMF). DNA fragmentation index (DFI) in spermatozoa was analysed by sperms chromatin dispersion (SCD), sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) and acridine orange testing (AOT). Chromomycin A3 (CMA3) and toluidine blue (TB) staining to measure sperm chromatin maturity (CM). DFI and chromatin decondensation were significantly lower in N compared to male factor categories (MMF and SMF). Aneuploidy embryos were significantly higher in couples with male factor infertility (MMF and SMF). A positive correlation was observed between fertilization rate (FR) and live birth rate (LBR) with sperm concentration, motility, vitality, normal sperm morphology and negative correlation between sperm DFI and sperm CM. No correlation was observed between embryo aneuploidy and sperm DFI or CM. Lower percentage of spermatozoa chromatin integrity are associated with low fertilization and live birth rate. Male factor infertility, due to impaired semen parameters and chromatin defects could be regarded in future as an indication of IVF/ICSI, and predictor of assisted reproductive techniques outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riffat Bibi
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sarwat Jahan
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Suhail Razak
- Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Eid Hammadeh
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Saarland University Clinic, Homburg, Germany
| | - Ali Almajwal
- Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Houda Amor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Saarland University Clinic, Homburg, Germany
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Ogle RA, Netherton J, Schneider E, Velkov T, Zhang H, Cole N, Hetherington L, Villaverde AISB, Baker MA. Nuclear heterogeneity is prevalent in high-quality fractionated human sperm cells typically used for assisted conception. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:2073-2082. [PMID: 34097020 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the nuclear heterogeneity of high-density purified human spermatozoa typically used for IVF purposes. SUMMARY ANSWER The data show that while density gradient separation has improved the overall sperm population, there is still a large degree of nuclear heterogeneity within these cells. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Chromomycin A3 (CMA3) is an important DNA binding fluorochrome for the assessment of male-factor fertility. It is typically used to predict IVF outcomes on entire sperm ejaculates with very high receiver operating characteristic. Here we used CMA3 to characterise typical populations of human spermatozoa that would be used for IVF purposes after density gradient separation. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We compared the intensity of CMA3 binding within high-dense sperm populations obtained from men. Binding heterogeneity was confirmed through fluorescence microscopy and FACS analysis independently. We also looked at CMA3 staining directly with head morphology in this sperm population. Finally, we looked at electron micrographs of nuclear heterogeneity (vacuoles, chromatin compaction) of spermatozoa following density gradient sorting of CMA3-stained cells. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We used sperm donors who had fathered one or more children. Semen was collected after 2 days abstinence and purified over Percoll gradients. Only the high-quality spermatozoa, the same used for assisted conception, were then used. Cells were stained with CMA3 and sorted using FACS. Following this, electron micrographs were used to assess nuclear heterogeneity of CMA3-dependent sorted spermatozoa. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE CMA3 staining occurs within morphologically normal as well as abnormal spermatozoa. High-intensity CMA3-stained sperm possessed large vacuoles that were not seen in the low-CMA3 population. In addition, the high-CMA3 stained cells possess higher amounts of nuclear granulation. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The present study only describes the issues within the chromatin of these cells and does not suggest an alternate selection technique. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS CMA3 is one of the better reported prognostic assays in predicting pregnancy outcomes, especially in cases where the male is at fault. However, it is clear that even in fractionated populations of human spermatozoa, there are sperm cells that are morphologically normal yet possess high levels of CMA3 staining and chromatin granulation. The implication of this is that the embryologist, whom selects on the basis of sperm morphology, may choose a cell with poor chromatin, which may lead to poor embryo outcomes. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The project was funded by the National Health and Medical Research council, APP1118943. The authors have no conflict of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Ogle
- Department of Biological Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - J Netherton
- Department of Biological Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - E Schneider
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - T Velkov
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - H Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - N Cole
- Department of Biological Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - L Hetherington
- Department of Biological Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | | | - M A Baker
- Department of Biological Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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10
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Amor H, Zeyad A, Hammadeh ME. Tobacco smoking and its impact on the expression level of sperm nuclear protein genes: H2BFWT, TNP1, TNP2, PRM1 and PRM2. Andrologia 2021; 53:e13964. [PMID: 33440036 DOI: 10.1111/and.13964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this current study was to investigate the influence of tobacco smoke on sperm quality determined by standard parameters, on sperm DNA maturity tested by chromomycin A3 (CMA3) staining, on sperm DNA fragmentation tested by TUNEL assay and on the transcript level of sperm nuclear proteins H2BFWT, PRM1, PRM2, TNP1 and TNP2 genes quantified by RT-PCR. One hundred forty-one (141) sperm samples (43 nonsmokers (G.1) and 98 heavy smokers (G.2)) of couples undergoing ICSI were enrolled in this study. In G2, a significant decrease in standard semen parameters in comparison with nonsmokers was shown (p < .01). In contrast, protamine deficiency (CMA3 positivity) and sperm DNA fragmentation (sDF) were significantly higher in G2 than in G1 (p < .01). Furthermore, the studied genes were differentially expressed (p < .01), down-regulated in the spermatozoa of G.2 compared to that of G.1 (fold change <0.5) and were significantly correlated between each other (p < .01). Moreover, in comparison with G1, the protamine mRNA ratio in G2 was significantly higher (p < .01). It can therefore be concluded that smoking alters mRNA expression levels of H2BFWT, TNP1, TNP2, PRM1 and PRM2 genes and the protamine mRNA ratio and consequently alters normal sperm function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houda Amor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Saarland University Clinic, Homburg, Germany
| | - Ali Zeyad
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Saarland University Clinic, Homburg, Germany
| | - Mohamad Eid Hammadeh
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Saarland University Clinic, Homburg, Germany
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11
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Hekim N, Gunes S, Asci R, Henkel R, Abur U. Semiquantitative promoter methylation of MLH1 and MSH2 genes and their impact on sperm DNA fragmentation and chromatin condensation in infertile men. Andrologia 2020; 53:e13827. [PMID: 33112435 DOI: 10.1111/and.13827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate the semiquantitative methylation alterations of MLH1 and MSH2 and the possible association among methylation of MLH1 and MSH2, sperm DNA fragmentation and sperm chromatin condensation in idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermic men. Seventy-five idiopathic infertile men and 52 fertile and/or normozoospermic men were included in the study. SDF was analysed using the TUNEL assay in semen samples of 100 men. Promoter methylation of MLH1 and MSH2 genes was assessed by semiquantitative methylight analysis in semen samples of 39 and 40 men respectively. Sperm chromatin condensation was evaluated using aniline blue staining in 114 men. MLH1 promoter methylation was positively correlated with the percentage of aniline blue positive spermatozoa (r = 0.401, p = 0.0188). On the other hand, MSH2 promoter methylation was negatively correlated with sperm concentration and total sperm count (r = -0.421, p = 0.0068 and r = 0.4408, p = 0.009 respectively). The percentage of aniline blue positive spermatozoa in the control group was significantly lower than in the OAT group (p < 0.0001) and negatively correlated with total sperm count (r = -0.683, p < 0.0001), progressive sperm motility (r = -0.628, p < 0.0001), total motility (r = -0.639, p < 0.0001) and normal morphology (r = -0.668, p < 0.0001). Promoter methylation profile of MLH1 and MSH2 genes may play role on sperm DNA packaging and conventional semen parameters respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neslihan Hekim
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Sezgin Gunes
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey.,Department of Multidisciplinary Molecular Medicine, Health Sciences Institute, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Ramazan Asci
- Department of Multidisciplinary Molecular Medicine, Health Sciences Institute, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey.,Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Ralf Henkel
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa.,American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Ummet Abur
- Department of Multidisciplinary Molecular Medicine, Health Sciences Institute, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey.,Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
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Mohammadi Z, Tavalaee M, Gharagozloo P, Drevet JR, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Could high DNA stainability (HDS) be a valuable indicator of sperm nuclear integrity? Basic Clin Androl 2020; 30:12. [PMID: 32817794 PMCID: PMC7425160 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-020-00110-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA®), in addition to identifying the DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) also identifies High DNA satiability (HDS), supposed to reflect the nuclear compaction of spermatozoa. However, data on what exactly this parameter reveals, its relevance and usefulness are contradictory. In order to shed light on this situation, spermatozoa of a cohort (N = 397) of infertile men were subjected to the SCSA®, TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling) and CMA3 (Chromomycin A3) tests. In a smaller subcohort (N = 100), aniline blue (AB) and toluidine blue (TB) staining were performed in addition. The objective of this study was thus to answer the question of whether HDS is a relevant and reliable parameter to be taken into account? Results HDS does not appear to be a reliable indicator of nuclear immaturity because it shows a weak correlation with the CMA3, AB and TB stains. The low correlation of HDS with sperm DNA fragmentation (TUNEL and SCSA®) and DNA condensation (CMA3, AB and TB) tests suggests that these two parameters could be decoupled. Unlike DFI and TUNEL, HDS has not been shown to correlate with classic clinical situations of male infertility (asthenozoospermia, teratozoospermia or astheno-teratozoospermia). Conclusion HDS correlates poorly with most tests that focus specifically on the level of maturity of the sperm nucleus. To our knowledge, this study is the first to compare SCSA®, TUNEL, AB, TB and CMA3 assays on identical samples. It shows the potency, consistency and limitations of each test and the care that must be taken in their interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Mohammadi
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - M Tavalaee
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - P Gharagozloo
- CellOxess LLC, 830 Bear Tavern Road, Ewing, NJ 08628 USA
| | - J R Drevet
- GReD Institute, Faculty of Medicine, INSERM-CNRS-Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - M H Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.,Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center, Isfahan, Iran
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