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Cannarella R, Shah R, Saleh R, Boitrelle F, Hamoda TAAAM, Singh R, Salvio G, Toprak T, Falcone M, Gul M, Dimitriadis F, Rambhatla A, Russo GI, Ko E, Zini A, Kavoussi P, Phuoc NHV, Kandil H, Ghayda RA, Birowo P, Gherabi N, Ceyhan E, Dong J, Malhotra V, Durairajanayagam D, Kolbasi B, Bahar F, Calik G, Çayan S, Pinggera GM, Calogero AE, Rajmil O, Mostafa T, Atmoko W, Harraz AM, Le TV, de la Rosette J, Hakim L, Pescatori E, Sergeyev O, Rashed A, Saini P, Agarwal A. Effects of Varicocele Repair on Sperm DNA Fragmentation and Seminal Malondialdehyde Levels in Infertile Men with Clinical Varicocele: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. World J Mens Health 2024; 42:321-337. [PMID: 38164034 PMCID: PMC10949029 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.230235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Varicoceles can be a source of elevated seminal oxidative stress (OS) and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF). However, it remains unclear whether varicocele repair (VR) could reduce these parameters. This systematic review and meta-analysis (SRMA) aims to investigate the impact of VR on SDF and seminal malondialdehyde (MDA). MATERIALS AND METHODS A literature search was performed in Scopus, PubMed, Ovid, Embase, and Cochrane databases. This SRMA included randomized controlled trials and observational studies reporting the pre- and postoperative levels of SDF and seminal OS in infertile men with clinical varicocele that underwent VR. Subgroup analyses included techniques of VR and SDF testing. The effect size was expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD). RESULTS Out of 1,632 abstracts assessed for eligibility, 29 studies with 1,491 infertile men were included. The analysis showed a significant reduction in SDF after VR, compared to preoperative values (SMD -1.125, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.410, -0.840; p<0.0001) with high inter-study heterogeneity (I²=90.965%). Reduction in SDF was evident with microsurgical technique and non-microsurgical inguinal approaches (SMD -1.014, 95% CI -1.263, -0.765; p<0.0001, and SMD -1.495, 95% CI -2.116, -0.873; p<0.0001), respectively. Reduction in SDF was significant irrespective of testing was done by sperm chromatin dispersion (SMD -2.197, 95% CI -3.187, -1.207; p<0.0001), sperm chromatin structure assay (SMD -0.857, 95% CI -1.156, -0.559; p<0.0001) or TUNEL (SMD -1.599, 95% CI -2.478, -0.719; p<0.0001). A significant decrease in seminal MDA levels was observed following VR (SMD -2.450, 95% CI -3.903 to -0.997, p=0.001) with high inter-study heterogeneity (I²=93.7%). CONCLUSIONS Using pre- and post-intervention data, this SRMA indicates a significant reduction in SDF and seminal MDA levels in infertile men with clinical varicocele treated with VR. These findings may have important implications for the future management of this selected group of infertile patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Urology, Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
| | - Rupin Shah
- Department of Urology, Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Ramadan Saleh
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Florence Boitrelle
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Reproductive Biology, Fertility Preservation, Andrology, CECOS, Poissy Hospital, Poissy, France
- Department of Biology, Reproduction, Epigenetics, Environment and Development, Paris Saclay University, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Taha Abo-Almagd Abdel-Meguid Hamoda
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Rajender Singh
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Gianmaria Salvio
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Endocrinology, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Tuncay Toprak
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Marco Falcone
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Molinette Hospital, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Murat Gul
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Selçuk University School of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
| | - Fotios Dimitriadis
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Amarnath Rambhatla
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Vattikuti Urology Institute, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Giorgio I Russo
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Urology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Edmund Ko
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Armand Zini
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Parviz Kavoussi
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Reproductive Urology, Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Nguyen Ho Vinh Phuoc
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Andrology, Binh Dan Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Department of Andrology and Nephro-Urology, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Hussein Kandil
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Fakih IVF Fertility Center, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Ramy Abou Ghayda
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Urology Institute, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ponco Birowo
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Nazim Gherabi
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Medicine, Algiers University, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Erman Ceyhan
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Jie Dong
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Reproductive Medical Center, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Vineet Malhotra
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, SCM Clinic and Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Damayanthi Durairajanayagam
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh Campus, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Bircan Kolbasi
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fahmi Bahar
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Andrology Section, Siloam Sriwijaya Hospital, Palembang, Indonesia
| | - Gokhan Calik
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Selahittin Çayan
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, University of Mersin School of Medicine, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Germar-Michael Pinggera
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Aldo E Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
| | - Osvaldo Rajmil
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Andrology Department, Fundació Puigvert, Barcelona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Taymour Mostafa
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Andrology, Sexology and STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Widi Atmoko
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ahmed M Harraz
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of General Surgery, Urology Unit, Farwaniya Hospital, Farwaniya, Kuwait
- Department of Urology, Sabah Al Ahmad Urology Center, Kuwait City, Kuwait
- Department of Urology, Urology and Nephrology Center, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Tan V Le
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Andrology, Binh Dan Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Department of Andrology and Nephro-Urology, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Jean de la Rosette
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Istanbul Medipol Mega University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Lukman Hakim
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Universitas Airlangga Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Edoardo Pescatori
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Andrology and Reproductive Medicine Unit, Next Fertility GynePro, Bologna, Italy
| | - Oleg Sergeyev
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
- Laboratory of Genetics of Reproductive Disorders, Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ayman Rashed
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, 6th October University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Pallavi Saini
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Lira Neto FT, Roque M, Esteves SC. Effect of varicocele and varicocelectomy on sperm deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation rates in infertile men with clinical varicocele. Minerva Obstet Gynecol 2024; 76:49-69. [PMID: 36222786 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-606x.22.05169-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Varicocele is the leading cause of male infertility. It can affect sperm quantity and quality through various non-mutually exclusive pathophysiological mechanisms, mainly oxidative stress. Excessive production of reactive oxygen species may overwhelm the sperm's defenses against oxidative stress and harm the sperm's DNA. Excessive sperm DNA breaks, so-called sperm DNA fragmentation, result from the oxidative stress cascade and are commonly found in the ejaculates of men with varicocele and fertility-related issues. Measuring sperm DNA fragmentation can provide valuable information on the extent of harm and might help select candidates for surgical treatment. Varicocelectomy is beneficial for alleviating oxidative stress-associated infertility and improving sperm DNA integrity. However, reproductive outcomes of infertile men with elevated sperm DNA fragmentation rates and surgically treated varicoceles remain poorly studied, and there is a need for well-designed trials to determine the impact of sperm DNA fragmentation reduction on natural and medically assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipe T Lira Neto
- AndrosRecife, Andrology Clinic, Recife, Brazil
- Department of Urology, Prof. Fernando Figueira Institute of Integrative Medicine, Recife, Brazil
| | - Matheus Roque
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Mater Prime, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sandro C Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Referral Center for Male Reproduction, Campinas, Brazil -
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Dhillon VS, Shahid M, Deo P, Fenech M. Reduced SIRT1 and SIRT3 and Lower Antioxidant Capacity of Seminal Plasma Is Associated with Shorter Sperm Telomere Length in Oligospermic Men. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:718. [PMID: 38255792 PMCID: PMC10815409 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects millions of couples worldwide and has a profound impact not only on their families, but also on communities. Telomere attrition has been associated with infertility, DNA damage and fragmentation. Oxidative stress has been shown to affect sperm DNA integrity and telomere length. Sirtuins such as SIRT1 and SIRT3 are involved in aging and oxidative stress response. The aim of the present study is to determine the role of SIRT1 and SIRT3 in regulating oxidative stress, telomere shortening, and their association with oligospermia. Therefore, we assessed the protein levels of SIRT1 and SIRT3, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase activity (CAT) in the seminal plasma of 272 patients with oligospermia and 251 fertile men. We also measured sperm telomere length (STL) and leukocyte telomere length (LTL) using a standard real-time quantitative PCR assay. Sperm chromatin and protamine deficiency were also measured as per standard methods. Our results for oligospermic patients demonstrate significant reductions in semen parameters, shorter STL and LTL, lower levels of SOD, TAC, CAT, SIRT1 and SIRT3 levels, and also significant protamine deficiency and higher levels of MDA and DNA fragmentation. We conclude that a shorter TL in sperms and leukocytes is associated with increased oxidative stress that also accounts for high levels of DNA fragmentation in sperms. Our results support the hypothesis that various sperm parameters in the state of oligospermia are associated with or caused by reduced levels of SIRT1 and SIRT3 proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varinderpal S. Dhillon
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia; (P.D.); (M.F.)
| | - Mohammad Shahid
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Permal Deo
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia; (P.D.); (M.F.)
| | - Michael Fenech
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia; (P.D.); (M.F.)
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4
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Li F, Duan X, Li M, Ma X. Sperm DNA fragmentation index affect pregnancy outcomes and offspring safety in assisted reproductive technology. Sci Rep 2024; 14:356. [PMID: 38172506 PMCID: PMC10764900 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45091-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) in investigating fertility, embryonic development, and pregnancy is of academic interest. However, there is ongoing controversy regarding the impact of DFI on pregnancy outcomes and the safety of offspring in the context of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). In this study, we conducted an analysis of clinical data obtained from 6330 patients who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) at the reproductive medical center of The First People's Hospital of Shangqiu and The Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. The patients was stratified into two distinct groups: IVF group and ICSI group, Within each group, patients were further classified into three subgroups. IVF: group A (< 15%) included 3123 patients, group B (15-30%) included 561 patients, and group C (≥ 30%) included 46 patients. ICSI: group A (< 15%) included 1967 patients, group B (15-30%) included 462 patients, and group C (≥ 30%) included 171 patients. Data were collected and subjected to statistical analysis. There were no significant differences in the basic characteristics among the three groups, and the sperm DFI did not significantly affect the fertilization rates, pregnancy rates, stillbirth rates and the number of birth defects. However, the incidences of miscarriage rates in IVF/ICSI groups with DFI > 30% and DFI 15-30% were significantly higher than those in IVF/ICSI groups with DFI < 15%, and the miscarriage rates in ICSI group with DFI > 30% were significantly higher than DFI 15-30% group, the smooth fitting curve shows that there is a positive correlation between miscarriage rates and sperm DFI (OR 1.095; 95% CI 1.068-1.123; P < 0.001). The birth weight of infants in the IVF/ICSI groups with DFI > 30% and DFI 15-30% exhibited a statistically significant decrease compared to those in the IVF/ICSI groups with DFI < 15%. Furthermore, the birth weight of infants in the ICSI group with DFI > 30% was lower than that of the DFI 15-30% group. The smooth fitting curve analysis demonstrates a negative association between birth weight and sperm DFI (OR 0.913; 95% CI 0.890-0.937; P < 0.001). Sperm DFI has an impact on both miscarriage rates and birth weight in assisted reproductive technology. The smooth fitting curve analysis reveals a positive correlation between miscarriage rates and DFI, while a negative correlation is observed between birth weight and DFI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Li
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The First People's Hospital of Shangqiu, Henan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaoyan Duan
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The First People's Hospital of Shangqiu, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingming Li
- Graduate School of Zhengzhou University, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing Ma
- Graduate School of Zhengzhou University, Henan, People's Republic of China
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5
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Cannarella R, Shah R, Hamoda TAAAM, Boitrelle F, Saleh R, Gul M, Rambhatla A, Kavoussi P, Toprak T, Harraz AM, Ko E, Çeker G, Durairajanayagam D, Alkahidi N, Kuroda S, Crafa A, Henkel R, Salvio G, Hazir B, Darbandi M, Bendayan M, Darbandi S, Falcone M, Garrido N, Kosgi R, Sawaid Kaiyal R, Karna K, Phuoc NHV, Birowo P, Colpi GM, de la Rosette J, Pinggera GM, Nguyen Q, Zini A, Zohdy W, Singh R, Saini P, Glina S, Lin H, Mostafa T, Rojas-Cruz C, Arafa M, Calogero AE, Dimitriadis F, Kothari P, Karthikeyan VS, Okada K, Chiba K, Kadıoglu A, Altay B, Turunc T, Zilaitiene B, Gokalp F, Adamyan A, Katz D, Chung E, Mierzwa TC, Zylbersztejn DS, Paul GM, Sofikitis N, Sokolakis I, Malhotra V, Brodjonegoro SR, Adriansjah R, Tsujimura A, Amano T, Balercia G, Ziouziou I, Deswanto IA, Martinez M, Park HJ, Bakırcıoglu ME, Ceyhan E, Aydos K, Ramsay J, Minhas S, Al Hashimi M, Ghayda RA, Tadros N, Sindhwani P, Ho CC, Rachman RI, Rodriguez Pena M, Motawi A, Ponnusamy AK, Dipankar S, Amir A, Binsaleh S, Serefoglu EC, Banthia R, Khalafalla K, Basukarno A, Bac NH, Singla K, Ambar RF, Makarounis K, Priyadarshi S, Duarsa GWK, Atmoko W, Jindal S, Arianto E, Akhavizadegan H, El Bardisi H, Shoshany O, Busetto GM, Moussa M, Jamali M, Al-Marhoon MS, Ruzaev M, Farsi HMA, Mutambirwa S, Lee DS, Kulaksiz D, Cheng YS, Bouzouita A, Sarikaya S, Kandil H, Tsampoukas G, Farkouh A, Bowa K, Savira M, Mogharabian N, Le TV, Harjanggi M, Anh DT, Long TQT, Soebadi MA, Hakim L, Tanic M, Ari UC, Parikh FR, Calik G, KV V, Dorji G, Rezano A, Rajmil O, Tien DMB, Yuan Y, Lizarraga-Salas JF, Eze B, Ngoo KS, Lee J, Arslan U, Agarwal A. Does Varicocele Repair Improve Conventional Semen Parameters? A Meta-Analytic Study of Before-After Data. World J Mens Health 2024; 42:92-132. [PMID: 37382284 PMCID: PMC10782123 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.230034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this meta-analysis is to study the impact of varicocele repair in the largest cohort of infertile males with clinical varicocele by including all available studies, with no language restrictions, comparing intra-person conventional semen parameters before and after the repair of varicoceles. MATERIALS AND METHODS The meta-analysis was performed according to PRISMA-P and MOOSE guidelines. A systematic search was performed in Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases. Eligible studies were selected according to the PICOS model (Population: infertile male patients with clinical varicocele; Intervention: varicocele repair; Comparison: intra-person before-after varicocele repair; Outcome: conventional semen parameters; Study type: randomized controlled trials [RCTs], observational and case-control studies). RESULTS Out of 1,632 screened abstracts, 351 articles (23 RCTs, 292 observational, and 36 case-control studies) were included in the quantitative analysis. The before-and-after analysis showed significant improvements in all semen parameters after varicocele repair (except sperm vitality); semen volume: standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.203, 95% CI: 0.129-0.278; p<0.001; I²=83.62%, Egger's p=0.3329; sperm concentration: SMD 1.590, 95% CI: 1.474-1.706; p<0.001; I²=97.86%, Egger's p<0.0001; total sperm count: SMD 1.824, 95% CI: 1.526-2.121; p<0.001; I²=97.88%, Egger's p=0.0063; total motile sperm count: SMD 1.643, 95% CI: 1.318-1.968; p<0.001; I²=98.65%, Egger's p=0.0003; progressive sperm motility: SMD 1.845, 95% CI: 1.537%-2.153%; p<0.001; I²=98.97%, Egger's p<0.0001; total sperm motility: SMD 1.613, 95% CI 1.467%-1.759%; p<0.001; l2=97.98%, Egger's p<0.001; sperm morphology: SMD 1.066, 95% CI 0.992%-1.211%; p<0.001; I²=97.87%, Egger's p=0.1864. CONCLUSIONS The current meta-analysis is the largest to date using paired analysis on varicocele patients. In the current meta-analysis, almost all conventional semen parameters improved significantly following varicocele repair in infertile patients with clinical varicocele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Rupin Shah
- Department of Urology, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Taha Abo-Almagd Abdel-Meguid Hamoda
- Department of Urology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Florence Boitrelle
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Fertility Preservation, Andrology, CECOS, Poissy Hospital, Poissy, France
- Department of Biology, Reproduction, Epigenetics, Environment and Development, Paris Saclay University, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Ramadan Saleh
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Murat Gul
- Department of Urology, Selcuk University School of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
| | - Amarnath Rambhatla
- Department of Urology, Henry Ford Health System, Vattikuti Urology Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Parviz Kavoussi
- Department of Reproductive Urology, Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Tuncay Toprak
- Department of Urology, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ahmed M. Harraz
- Urology and Nephrology Center, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
- Department of Surgery, Urology Unit, Farwaniya Hospital, Farwaniya, Kuwait
- Department of Urology, Sabah Al Ahmad Urology Center, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Edmund Ko
- Department of Urology, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Gökhan Çeker
- Department of Urology, Başakşehir Cam and Sakura City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Damayanthi Durairajanayagam
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh Campus, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Noora Alkahidi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Trinity Health/Mercy Health, Muskegon, MI, USA
| | - Shinnosuke Kuroda
- Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Reproduction Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Andrea Crafa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Ralf Henkel
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Gianmaria Salvio
- Department of Endocrinology, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Berk Hazir
- Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Research Centre, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Mahsa Darbandi
- Fetal Health Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
- Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marion Bendayan
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Fertility Preservation, Andrology, CECOS, Poissy Hospital, Poissy, France
- Department of Biology, Reproduction, Epigenetics, Environment and Development, Paris Saclay University, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Sara Darbandi
- Fetal Health Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
- Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marco Falcone
- Department of Urology, Molinette Hospital, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Nicolas Garrido
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Raghavender Kosgi
- Department of Urology, Andrology and Renal Transplant, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Raneen Sawaid Kaiyal
- Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Keshab Karna
- Department of Molecular Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Nguyen Ho Vinh Phuoc
- Department of Andrology, Binh Dan Hospital, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Ponco Birowo
- Department of Urology, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Giovanni M. Colpi
- Andrology and IVF Center, Next Fertility Procrea, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Jean de la Rosette
- Department of Urology, Istanbul Medipol Mega University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Quang Nguyen
- Center for Andrology and Sexual Medicine, Viet Duc University Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Department of Urology, Andrology and Sexual Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Armand Zini
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Wael Zohdy
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rajender Singh
- Central Drug Research Institute, Male Reproductive Health Research Laboratory, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Pallavi Saini
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Sidney Glina
- Division of Urology, Centro Universitario FMABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Haocheng Lin
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Taymour Mostafa
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Cesar Rojas-Cruz
- Department of Urology, University Hospital of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Mohamed Arafa
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Aldo E. Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Fotios Dimitriadis
- Department of Urology, Aristotle University School of Medicine, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Priyank Kothari
- Department of Urology, Topiwala National Medical College, B.Y.L Nair Ch Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | | | - Keisuke Okada
- Department of Urology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Koji Chiba
- Department of Urology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Ates Kadıoglu
- Department of Urology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Baris Altay
- Department of Urology, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | - Birute Zilaitiene
- Institute of Endocrinology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania, Turkey
| | - Fatih Gokalp
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Antakya, Hatay, Turkey
| | - Aram Adamyan
- Department of Urology, Astghik Medical Center, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Darren Katz
- Men’s Health Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Western Precinct, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Urology, Western Health, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eric Chung
- Department of Urology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | | | - Gustavo Marquesine Paul
- Department of Clinical Surgery, Health Sciences Sector of the Federal University of Parana (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Nikolaos Sofikitis
- Department of Urology, Ioannina University School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ioannis Sokolakis
- 2nd Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Sakti Ronggowardhana Brodjonegoro
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Prof. Dr. Sardjito Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ricky Adriansjah
- Department of Urology, Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Medical Faculty of Padjadjaran University, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Akira Tsujimura
- Department of Urology, Juntendo University Urayasu Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Toshiyasu Amano
- Department of Urology, Nagano Red Cross Hospital, Nagano, Japan
| | - Giancarlo Balercia
- Department of Endocrinology, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Imad Ziouziou
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco
| | | | - Marlon Martinez
- Section of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | - Hyun Jun Park
- Department of Urology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
- Medical Research Institute of Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | | | - Erman Ceyhan
- Department of Urology, Baskent University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kaan Aydos
- Department of Urology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Jonathan Ramsay
- Department of Andrology, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial, London, UK
| | - Suks Minhas
- Department of Urology, Imperial Healthcare NHS Trust, Charing Cross Hospital, London, UK
| | - Manaf Al Hashimi
- Department of Urology, Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Clinical Urology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Ramy Abou Ghayda
- Institute of Urology, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Nicholas Tadros
- Division of Urology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA
| | - Puneet Sindhwani
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Christopher C.K. Ho
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Taylor’s University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Rinaldo Indra Rachman
- Department of Urology, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Marcelo Rodriguez Pena
- Instituto de Ginecología y Fertilidad (IFER) y Universidad Barcelo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ahmad Motawi
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Satish Dipankar
- Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Mangalagiri, Mangalagiri, India
| | - Azwar Amir
- Department of Urology, Dr Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Saleh Binsaleh
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ege Can Serefoglu
- Department of Urology, Biruni University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ravi Banthia
- Department of Urology, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Kareim Khalafalla
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Urology Department, University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Urology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ari Basukarno
- Department of Urology, Dr. Dradjat Hospital, Serang, Indonesia
| | - Nguyen Hoai Bac
- Department of Andrology and Sexual Medicine, Hanoi Medical University’s Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Rafael F. Ambar
- Division of Urology, Centro Universitario FMABC, Santo André, Brazil
- Andrology Department at Ideia Fertil Institute, Santo Andre, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Shivam Priyadarshi
- Department of Urology, Sawai Man Singh Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Gede Wirya Kusuma Duarsa
- Department of Urology, Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G Ngoerah General Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Udayana, Bali, Indonesia
| | - Widi Atmoko
- Department of Urology, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Sunil Jindal
- Department of Andrology & Reproductive Medicine, Jindal Hospital & Fertility Center, Meerut, India
| | - Eko Arianto
- Department of Urology, Prof R.D. Kandou Hospital, Manado, Indonesia
| | | | - Haitham El Bardisi
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ohad Shoshany
- Department of Urology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Gian Maria Busetto
- Department of Urology and Renal Transplantation, Univeristy of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Mohamad Moussa
- Department of Urology, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mounir Jamali
- Department of Urology, Military Teaching Hospital, Rabat, Morocco
| | | | | | - Hasan M. A. Farsi
- Department of Urology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shingai Mutambirwa
- Department of Urology, Dr. George Mukhari Academic Hospital, Sefako Makgatho Health Science University, Medunsa, Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa
| | - Dong Sup Lee
- Department of Urology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Deniz Kulaksiz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Health Sciences, Kanuni Training and Research Hospital, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Yu-Sheng Cheng
- Department of Urology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | | | - Selcuk Sarikaya
- Department of Urology, Gulhane Research and Training Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | | | | | - Kasonde Bowa
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Lusaka, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Missy Savira
- Department of Urology, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Nasser Mogharabian
- Sexual Health and Fertility Research Center, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Tan V. Le
- Department of Andrology, Binh Dan Hospital, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | | | - Dang Tuan Anh
- Tam Anh IVF Center, Tam Anh General Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Tran Quang Tien Long
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hanoi Obstetric and Gynecology Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Mohammad Ayodhia Soebadi
- Department of Urology, Soetomo Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Lukman Hakim
- Department of Urology, Universitas Airlangga Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Marko Tanic
- Department of Urology, General Hospital, Cuprija, Serbia
| | - Umut Cagin Ari
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafkas University, Kars, Turkey
| | - Firuza R. Parikh
- FertilTree-Jaslok International Fertility Centre, Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Gokhan Calik
- Department of Urology, Istanbul Medipol Mega University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Vinod KV
- Cure & SK Hospital, Trivandrum, India
| | - Gyem Dorji
- Department of Anatomy, Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Andri Rezano
- Andrology Study Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Osvaldo Rajmil
- Department of Andrology, Fundacio Puigvert, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dung Mai Ba Tien
- Department of Andrology, Binh Dan Hospital, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Yiming Yuan
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Balantine Eze
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Kay Seong Ngoo
- Urology Unit, Department of Surgery, Hospital Angkatan Tentera Tuanku Mizan, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Joe Lee
- Department of Urology, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Umut Arslan
- Department of Urology, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Lusaka, Lusaka, Zambia
- Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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6
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Farkouh A, Saleh R, Shah R, Agarwal A. Sperm DNA fragmentation in male infertility: From bench to bedside. Arab J Urol 2023; 21:199-203. [PMID: 38178953 PMCID: PMC10763588 DOI: 10.1080/20905998.2023.2278200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) is a molecular marker of sperm chromatin health. Elevated SDF is associated with male infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, and failure of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). In 2021, the sixth edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) Manual for the Laboratory Examination and Processing of Human Semen has listed SDF as an extended test of semen that can be ordered under certain circumstances. However, the manual neither explained the indications for testing nor provided clear guidance on diagnostic thresholds. Methods This article summarizes the current body of knowledge regarding clinical applications of SDF, including the appropriate population to test, methods of testing, and management strategies. Results Several etiologic factors and pathophysiologic mechanisms for SDF have been described including poor lifestyle habits, noxious exposures, and varicocele. Four SDF assays are included in the WHO manual and may be utilized based on resources and expertise. Strategies to lower SDF levels in infertile men include addressing underlying causes, supplementation with antioxidants, shorter abstinence periods, and use of testicular sperm for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Conclusion SDF testing can be implemented in the evaluation of infertile men and couples experiencing ART failure and appropriate management strategies can be offered to improve reproductive outcomes. There is vast potential for future research regarding the clinical utility of SDF in the evaluation and treatment of infertile couples.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ramadan Saleh
- Global Andrology Forum, Ohio, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
- Ajyal IVF Center, Ajyal Hospital, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Rupin Shah
- Global Andrology Forum, Ohio, USA
- Division of Andrology, Department of Urology, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- Global Andrology Forum, Ohio, USA
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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7
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Farkouh A, Agarwal A, Hamoda TAAAM, Kavoussi P, Saleh R, Zini A, Arafa M, Harraz AM, Gul M, Karthikeyan VS, Durairajanayagam D, Rambhatla A, Boitrelle F, Chung E, Birowo P, Toprak T, Ghayda RA, Cannarella R, Phuoc NHV, Dimitriadis F, Russo GI, Sokolakis I, Mostafa T, Makarounis K, Ziouziou I, Kuroda S, Bendayan M, Kaiyal RS, Japari A, Simopoulou M, Rocco L, Garrido N, Gherabi N, Bocu K, Kahraman O, Le TV, Wyns C, Tremellen K, Sarikaya S, Lewis S, Evenson DP, Ko E, Calogero AE, Bahar F, Martinez M, Crafa A, Nguyen Q, Ambar RF, Colpi G, Bakircioglu ME, Henkel R, Kandil H, Serefoglu EC, Alarbid A, Tsujimura A, Kheradmand A, Anagnostopoulou C, Marino A, Adamyan A, Zilaitiene B, Ozer C, Pescatori E, Vogiatzi P, Busetto GM, Balercia G, Elbardisi H, Akhavizadegan H, Sajadi H, Taniguchi H, Park HJ, Maldonado Rosas I, Al-Marhoon M, Sadighi Gilani MA, Alhathal N, Pinggera GM, Kothari P, Mogharabian N, Micic S, Homa S, Darbandi S, Long TQT, Zohdy W, Atmoko W, Sabbaghian M, Ibrahim W, Smith RP, Ho CCK, de la Rosette J, El-Sakka AI, Preto M, Zenoaga-Barbăroșie C, Abumelha SM, Baser A, Aydos K, Ramirez-Dominguez L, Kumar V, Ong TA, Mierzwa TC, Adriansjah R, Banihani SA, Bowa K, Fukuhara S, Rodriguez Peña M, Moussa M, Ari UÇ, Cho CL, Tadros NN, Ugur MR, Amar E, Falcone M, Santer FR, Kalkanli A, Karna KK, Khalafalla K, Vishwakarma RB, Finocchi F, Giulioni C, Ceyhan E, Çeker G, Yazbeck C, Rajmil O, Yilmaz M, Altay B, Barrett TL, Ngoo KS, Roychoudhury S, Salvio G, Lin H, Kadioglu A, Timpano M, Avidor-Reiss T, Hakim L, Sindhwani P, Franco G, Singh R, Giacone F, Ruzaev M, Kosgi R, Sofikitis N, Palani A, Calik G, Kulaksız D, Jezek D, Al Hashmi M, Drakopoulos P, Omran H, Leonardi S, Celik-Ozenci C, Güngör ND, Ramsay J, Amano T, Sogutdelen E, Duarsa GWK, Chiba K, Jindal S, Savira M, Boeri L, Borges E, Gupte D, Gokalp F, Hebrard GH, Minhas S, Shah R. Controversy and Consensus on the Management of Elevated Sperm DNA Fragmentation in Male Infertility: A Global Survey, Current Guidelines, and Expert Recommendations. World J Mens Health 2023; 41:809-847. [PMID: 37118965 PMCID: PMC10523126 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.230008] [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: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) has been associated with male infertility and poor outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART). The purpose of this study was to investigate global practices related to the management of elevated SDF in infertile men, summarize the relevant professional society recommendations, and provide expert recommendations for managing this condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS An online global survey on clinical practices related to SDF was disseminated to reproductive clinicians, according to the CHERRIES checklist criteria. Management protocols for various conditions associated with SDF were captured and compared to the relevant recommendations in professional society guidelines and the appropriate available evidence. Expert recommendations and consensus on the management of infertile men with elevated SDF were then formulated and adapted using the Delphi method. RESULTS A total of 436 experts from 55 different countries submitted responses. As an initial approach, 79.1% of reproductive experts recommend lifestyle modifications for infertile men with elevated SDF, and 76.9% prescribe empiric antioxidants. Regarding antioxidant duration, 39.3% recommend 4-6 months and 38.1% recommend 3 months. For men with unexplained or idiopathic infertility, and couples experiencing recurrent miscarriages associated with elevated SDF, most respondents refer to ART 6 months after failure of conservative and empiric medical management. Infertile men with clinical varicocele, normal conventional semen parameters, and elevated SDF are offered varicocele repair immediately after diagnosis by 31.4%, and after failure of antioxidants and conservative measures by 40.9%. Sperm selection techniques and testicular sperm extraction are also management options for couples undergoing ART. For most questions, heterogenous practices were demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS This paper presents the results of a large global survey on the management of infertile men with elevated SDF and reveals a lack of consensus among clinicians. Furthermore, it demonstrates the scarcity of professional society guidelines in this regard and attempts to highlight the relevant evidence. Expert recommendations are proposed to help guide clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ala’a Farkouh
- Global Andrology Forum, American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- Global Andrology Forum, American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Taha Abo-Almagd Abdel-Meguid Hamoda
- Department of Urology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Parviz Kavoussi
- Department of Reproductive Urology, Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Ramadan Saleh
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
- Ajyal IVF Center, Ajyal Hospital, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Armand Zini
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mohamed Arafa
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STIs, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ahmed M. Harraz
- Urology Department, Urology and Nephrology Center, Mansoura University, Mansura, Egypt
- Department of Surgery, Urology Unit, Farwaniya Hospital, Farwaniya, Kuwait
- Department of Urology, Sabah Al Ahmad Urology Center, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Murat Gul
- Department of Urology, Selçuk University School of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
| | | | - Damayanthi Durairajanayagam
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh Campus, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Amarnath Rambhatla
- Department of Urology, Henry Ford Health System, Vattikuti Urology Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Florence Boitrelle
- Reproductive Biology, Fertility Preservation, Andrology, CECOS, Poissy Hospital, Poissy, France
- Department of Biology, Reproduction, Epigenetics, Environment and Development, Paris Saclay University, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Eric Chung
- Department of Urology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ponco Birowo
- Department of Urology, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Tuncay Toprak
- Department of Urology, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ramy Abou Ghayda
- Urology Institute, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Department of Urology, Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Nguyen Ho Vinh Phuoc
- Department of Andrology, Binh Dan Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Fotios Dimitriadis
- Department of Urology, Aristotle University, School of Medicine, Thessaloniki,
| | | | - Ioannis Sokolakis
- Department of Urology, Aristotle University, School of Medicine, Thessaloniki,
| | - Taymour Mostafa
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STIs, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Imad Ziouziou
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco
| | - Shinnosuke Kuroda
- Department of Urology, Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Marion Bendayan
- Reproductive Biology, Fertility Preservation, Andrology, CECOS, Poissy Hospital, Poissy, France
| | - Raneen Sawaid Kaiyal
- Department of Urology, Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Andrian Japari
- Fertility Clinic, Telogorejo Hospital, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Mara Simopoulou
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Lucia Rocco
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Nicolas Garrido
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Nazim Gherabi
- Department of Urology, University of Algiers, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Kadir Bocu
- Department of Urology, Silopi State Hospital, Sirnak, Turkey
| | - Oguzhan Kahraman
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Tan V. Le
- Department of Andrology, Binh Dan Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Christine Wyns
- Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kelton Tremellen
- Department of Obstetrics Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia
| | - Selcuk Sarikaya
- Department of Urology, Gülhane Research and Training Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | | | - Edmund Ko
- Department of Urology, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Aldo E. Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Fahmi Bahar
- Andrology Section, Siloam Sriwijaya Hospital, Palembang, Indonesia
| | - Marlon Martinez
- Section of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | - Andrea Crafa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Quang Nguyen
- Center for Andrology and Sexual Medicine, Viet Duc University Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Department of Urology, Andrology and Sexual Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Rafael F. Ambar
- Department of Urology, Centro Universitario em Saude do ABC, Santo André, Brazil
- Andrology Group at Ideia Fertil Institute of Human Reproduction, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Giovanni Colpi
- Andrology and IVF Center, Next Fertility Procrea, Lugano, Switzerland
| | | | - Ralf Henkel
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | | | - Ege Can Serefoglu
- Department of Urology, Biruni University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Alarbid
- Department of Surgery, Urology Unit, Farwaniya Hospital, Farwaniya, Kuwait
| | - Akira Tsujimura
- Department of Urology, Juntendo University Urayasu Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Alireza Kheradmand
- Urology Department, Golestan Hospital, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | | | - Angelo Marino
- ANDROS Day Surgery Clinic, Reproductive Medicine Unit, Palermo, Italy
| | - Aram Adamyan
- IVF Department, Astghik Medical Center, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Birute Zilaitiene
- Institute of Endocrinology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Cevahir Ozer
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Edoardo Pescatori
- Andrology and Reproductive Medicine Unit, Gynepro Medical, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paraskevi Vogiatzi
- Andromed Health & Reproduction, Fertility & Reproductive Health Diagnostic Center, Athens, Greece
| | - Gian Maria Busetto
- Department of Urology and Renal Transplantation, University of Foggia, Policlinico Riuniti, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Balercia
- Department of Endocrinology, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Haitham Elbardisi
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STIs, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hamed Akhavizadegan
- Department of Urology, Sina Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hesamoddin Sajadi
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Teheran, Iran
| | - Hisanori Taniguchi
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hyun Jun Park
- Department of Urology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
- Medical Research Institute of Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | | | - Mohamed Al-Marhoon
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Mohammad Ali Sadighi Gilani
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Teheran, Iran
| | - Naif Alhathal
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Priyank Kothari
- Department of Urology, Topiwala National Medical College, B.Y.L Nair Ch Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Nasser Mogharabian
- Sexual Health and Fertility Research Center, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Sava Micic
- Department of Andrology, Uromedica Polyclinic, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sheryl Homa
- Department of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Sara Darbandi
- Fetal Health Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
- Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tran Quang Tien Long
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Wael Zohdy
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STIs, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Widi Atmoko
- Department of Urology, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Marjan Sabbaghian
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Teheran, Iran
| | - Wael Ibrahim
- Department of Obstetrics Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Fertility Care Center in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ryan P. Smith
- Department of Urology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Virginia, USA
| | | | | | | | - Mirko Preto
- Department of Urology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Saad Mohammed Abumelha
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aykut Baser
- Department of Urology, Bandirma Onyedi Eylül University, Balikesir, Turkey
| | - Kaan Aydos
- Department of Urology, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Vijay Kumar
- Department of Microbiology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, India
| | - Teng Aik Ong
- Department of Surgery, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Ricky Adriansjah
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine of Padjadjaran University, Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Saleem A. Banihani
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Kasonde Bowa
- Department of Urology, University of Lusaka, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Shinichiro Fukuhara
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | | | - Mohamad Moussa
- Department of Urology, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Urology, Al Zahraa Hospital, UMC, Lebanon
| | - Umut Çağın Ari
- Department of Reproduction, Kafkas University, Kars, Turkey
| | - Chak-Lam Cho
- S. H. Ho Urology Centre, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | | | | | | | - Marco Falcone
- Department of Urology, Molinette Hospital, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Arif Kalkanli
- Department of Urology, Taksim Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Keshab Kumar Karna
- Department of Molecular Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Kareim Khalafalla
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Urology Department, University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
- Urology Department, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ranjit B. Vishwakarma
- Division of Andrology, Department of Urology, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Federica Finocchi
- Department of Endocrinology, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Carlo Giulioni
- Department of Urology, Polytechnic University of Marche Region, Ancona, Italy
| | - Erman Ceyhan
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gökhan Çeker
- Department of Urology, Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Chadi Yazbeck
- Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Reprogynes Medical Institute, Paris, France
| | - Osvaldo Rajmil
- Department of Andrology, Fundacio Puigvert, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mehmet Yilmaz
- Asklepios Clinic Triberg, Urology, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Baris Altay
- Department of Urology, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | - Kay Seong Ngoo
- Hospital Angkatan Tentera Tuanku Mizan, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Gianmaria Salvio
- Department of Endocrinology, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Haocheng Lin
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ates Kadioglu
- Section of Andrology, Department of Urology, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Massimiliano Timpano
- Department of Urology, Molinette Hospital, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Tomer Avidor-Reiss
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
- Department of Urology and Transplantation, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Lukman Hakim
- Department of Urology, Universitas Airlangga, Rumah Sakit Universitas Airlangga Teaching Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Puneet Sindhwani
- Department of Urology, Universitas Airlangga, Rumah Sakit Universitas Airlangga Teaching Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Giorgio Franco
- Department of Urology, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rajender Singh
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Filippo Giacone
- Centro HERA, Unità di Medicina della Riproduzione, Sant’Agata Li Battiati, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Raghavender Kosgi
- Department of Urology, Andrology and Renal Transplant, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Nikolaos Sofikitis
- Department of Urology, Ioannina University School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ayad Palani
- Research Centre, University of Garmian, Kalar, Iraq
| | - Gokhan Calik
- Department of Urology, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Deniz Kulaksız
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Health Sciences Kanuni Training and Research Hospital, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Davor Jezek
- Department for Transfusion Medicine and Transplantation Biology, Reproductive Tissue Bank, University Hospital Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Manaf Al Hashmi
- Department of Urology, Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine and Health Science, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Panagiotis Drakopoulos
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- IVF Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Huda Omran
- Al Aljenan Medical Center, Pulse Health Training Center, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
| | - Sofia Leonardi
- Central Laboratory, Hospital Público Materno Infantil de Salta, Salta, Argentina
| | - Ciler Celik-Ozenci
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nur Dokuzeylül Güngör
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology and IVF Unit, School of Medicine, Bahcesehir University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Toshiyasu Amano
- Department of Urology, Nagano Red Cross Hospital, Nagano, Japan
| | | | | | - Koji Chiba
- Department of Urology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Sunil Jindal
- Department of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Jindal Hospital, Meerut, India
| | - Missy Savira
- Department of Urology, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Luca Boeri
- Department of Urology, IRCCS Fondazione Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Edson Borges
- Fertility Assisted Fertilization Center, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Deepak Gupte
- Department of Urology, Bombay Hospital and Medical Research Center, Mumbai, India
| | - Fatih Gokalp
- Department of Urology, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Antakya, Turkey
| | | | - Suks Minhas
- Division of Surgery, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Rupin Shah
- Division of Andrology, Department of Urology, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
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8
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Li H, Zhao J, Deng H, Zhong Y, Chen M, Chi L, Luo G, Cao C, Yu C, Liu H, Zhang X. N6-methyladenosine modification of PLOD2 causes spermatocyte damage in rats with varicocele. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2023; 28:72. [PMID: 37670228 PMCID: PMC10481479 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-023-00475-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation modification of mRNA has been studied extensively. It has been reported that m6A determines mRNA fate and participates in many cellular functions and reactions, including oxidative stress. The PLOD2 gene encodes a protein that plays a key role in tissue remodeling and fibrotic processes. METHODS The m6A methylation and expression levels of PLOD2 were determined by m6A methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) and MeRIP-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in the testes of varicocele rats compared with control. To determine whether IGF2BP2 had a targeted effect on the PLOD2 mRNA, RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR) and luciferase assays were performed. CRISPR/dCas13b-ALKBH5 could downregulate m6A methylation level of PLOD2, which plays an important role in PLOD2-mediated cell proliferation and apoptosis in GC-2 cells. RESULTS PLOD2 was frequently exhibited with high m6A methylation and expression level in the testes of varicocele rats compared with control. In addition, we found that IGF2BP2 binds to the m6A-modified 3' untranslated region (3'-UTR) of PLOD2 mRNA, thereby positively regulating its mRNA stability. Targeted specific demethylation of PLOD2 m6A by CRISPR/dCas13b-ALKBH5 system can significantly decrease the m6A and expression level of PLOD2. Furthermore, demethylation of PLOD2 mRNA dramatically promote GC-2 cell proliferation and inhibit cell apoptosis under oxidative stress. CONCLUSION As a result, we found that varicocele-induced oxidative stress promoted PLOD2 expression level via m6A methylation modification. In addition, targeting m6A demethylation of PLOD2 by CRISPR/dCas13b-ALKBH5 system can regulate GC-2 cell proliferation and apoptosis under oxidative stress. Taken together, our study has acquired a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying male infertility associated with oxidative stress, as well as a novel therapeutic target for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Li
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Center, Foshan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Foshan, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Center, Foshan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Foshan, China
| | - Hao Deng
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Center, Foshan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Foshan, China
| | - YuCheng Zhong
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Center, Foshan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Foshan, China
| | - Mian Chen
- Pharmacy Department, Foshan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Foshan, China
| | - LinSheng Chi
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Center, Foshan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Foshan, China
| | - GuoQun Luo
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Center, Foshan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Foshan, China
| | - Cong Cao
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Center, Foshan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Foshan, China
| | - Cong Yu
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Centre, Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital of Meizhou, Meizhou, China
| | - Honghai Liu
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Centre, Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital of Meizhou, Meizhou, China
| | - Xinzong Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Guangzhou, China.
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9
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Agarwal A, Farkouh A, Saleh R, Abdel-Meguid Hamoda TAA, Harraz AM, Kavoussi P, Arafa M, Salvio G, Rambhatla A, Toprak T, Gül M, Phuoc NHV, Boitrelle F, Birowo P, Ghayda RA, Cannarella R, Kuroda S, Durairajanayagam D, Zini A, Wyns C, Sarikaya S, Tremellen K, Mostafa T, Sokolakis I, Evenson DP, Henkel R, Zohdy W, Chung E, Ziouziou I, Falcone M, Russo GI, Al-Hashimi M, Calogero AE, Ko E, Colpi G, Lewis S, Serefoglu EC, Bahar F, Martinez M, Nguyen Q, Ambar RF, Bakircioglu ME, Kandil H, Mogharabian N, Sabbaghian M, Taniguchi H, Tsujimura A, Sajadi H, Ibrahim W, Atmoko W, Vogiatzi P, Gunes S, Gilani MAS, Roychoudhury S, Güngör ND, Hakim L, Adriansjah R, Kothari P, Jindal S, Amar E, Park HJ, Long TQT, Homa S, Karthikeyan VS, Zilaitiene B, Rosas IM, Marino A, Pescatori E, Ozer C, Akhavizadegan H, Garrido N, Busetto GM, Adamyan A, Al-Marhoon M, Elbardisi H, Dolati P, Darbandi M, Darbandi S, Balercia G, Pinggera GM, Micic S, Ho CCK, Moussa M, Preto M, Zenoaga-Barbăroşie C, Smith RP, Kosgi R, de la Rosette J, El-Sakka AI, Abumelha SM, Mierzwa TC, Ong TA, Banihani SA, Bowa K, Fukuhara S, Boeri L, Danacıoğlu YO, Gokalp F, Selim OM, Cho CL, Tadros NN, Ugur MR, Ozkent MS, Chiu P, Kalkanli A, Khalafalla K, Vishwakarma RB, Finocchi F, Andreadakis S, Giulioni C, Çeker G, Ceyhan E, Malhotra V, Yilmaz M, Timpano M, Barrett TL, Kim SHK, Ahn ST, Giacone F, Palani A, Duarsa GWK, Kadioglu A, Gadda F, Zylbersztejn DS, Aydos K, Kulaksız D, Gupte D, Calik G, Karna KK, Drakopoulos P, Baser A, Kumar V, Molina JMC, Rajmil O, Ferreira RH, Leonardi S, Avoyan A, Sogutdelen E, Franco G, Ramsay J, Ramirez L, Shah R. Controversy and Consensus on Indications for Sperm DNA Fragmentation Testing in Male Infertility: A Global Survey, Current Guidelines, and Expert Recommendations. World J Mens Health 2023; 41:575-602. [PMID: 37118960 PMCID: PMC10307662 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.220282] [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: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) testing was recently added to the sixth edition of the World Health Organization laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen. Many conditions and risk factors have been associated with elevated SDF; therefore, it is important to identify the population of infertile men who might benefit from this test. The purpose of this study was to investigate global practices related to indications for SDF testing, compare the relevant professional society guideline recommendations, and provide expert recommendations. MATERIALS AND METHODS Clinicians managing male infertility were invited to take part in a global online survey on SDF clinical practices. This was conducted following the CHERRIES checklist criteria. The responses were compared to professional society guideline recommendations related to SDF and the appropriate available evidence. Expert recommendations on indications for SDF testing were then formulated, and the Delphi method was used to reach consensus. RESULTS The survey was completed by 436 experts from 55 countries. Almost 75% of respondents test for SDF in all or some men with unexplained or idiopathic infertility, 39% order it routinely in the work-up of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), and 62.2% investigate SDF in smokers. While 47% of reproductive urologists test SDF to support the decision for varicocele repair surgery when conventional semen parameters are normal, significantly fewer general urologists (23%; p=0.008) do the same. Nearly 70% would assess SDF before assisted reproductive technologies (ART), either always or for certain conditions. Recurrent ART failure is a common indication for SDF testing. Very few society recommendations were found regarding SDF testing. CONCLUSIONS This article presents the largest global survey on the indications for SDF testing in infertile men, and demonstrates diverse practices. Furthermore, it highlights the paucity of professional society guideline recommendations. Expert recommendations are proposed to help guide clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Agarwal
- Global Andrology Forum, American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ala’a Farkouh
- Global Andrology Forum, American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
| | - Ramadan Saleh
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Taha Abo-Almagd Abdel-Meguid Hamoda
- Department of Urology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M. Harraz
- Urology and Nephrology Center, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
- Department of Surgery, Urology Unit, Farwaniya Hospital, Farwaniya, Kuwait
- Department of Urology, Sabah Al Ahmad Urology Center, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Parviz Kavoussi
- Department of Reproductive Urology, Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Mohamed Arafa
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Andrology, Sexology and STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Gianmaria Salvio
- Department of Endocrinology, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Amarnath Rambhatla
- Department of Urology, Henry Ford Health System, Vattikuti Urology Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Tuncay Toprak
- Department of Urology, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Murat Gül
- Department of Urology, Selçuk University School of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
| | - Nguyen Ho Vinh Phuoc
- Department of Andrology, Binh Dan Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Florence Boitrelle
- Reproductive Biology, Fertility Preservation, Andrology, CECOS, Poissy Hospital, Poissy, France
- Department of Biology, Reproduction, Epigenetics, Environment and Development, Paris Saclay University, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Ponco Birowo
- Department of Urology, Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ramy Abou Ghayda
- Urology Institute, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Damayanthi Durairajanayagam
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh Campus, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Armand Zini
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Christine Wyns
- Department of Gynaecology-Andrology, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Selcuk Sarikaya
- Department of Urology, Gülhane Research and Training Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kelton Tremellen
- Department of Obstetrics Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Australia
| | - Taymour Mostafa
- Department of Andrology, Sexology and STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ioannis Sokolakis
- Department of Urology, Martha-Maria Hospital Nuremberg, Nuremberg, Germany
| | | | - Ralf Henkel
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
- LogixX Pharma, Theale, Berkshire, UK
| | - Wael Zohdy
- Department of Andrology, Sexology and STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eric Chung
- Department of Urology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Imad Ziouziou
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco
| | - Marco Falcone
- Department of Urology, Molinette Hospital, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Manaf Al-Hashimi
- Department of Urology, Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Department of Urology, Clinical Urology, Khalifa University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Aldo E. Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Edmund Ko
- Department of Urology, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Giovanni Colpi
- Andrology and IVF Center, Next Fertility Procrea, Lugano, Switzerland
| | | | - Ege Can Serefoglu
- Department of Urology, Biruni University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fahmi Bahar
- Andrology Section, Siloam Sriwijaya Hospital, Palembang, Indonesia
| | - Marlon Martinez
- Section of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | - Quang Nguyen
- Center for Andrology and Sexual Medicine, Viet Duc University Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Department of Urology, Andrology and Sexual Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Rafael F. Ambar
- Department of Urology, Centro Universitario em Saude do ABC, Santo André, Brazil
- Andrology Group at Ideia Fertil Institute of Human Reproduction, Santo André, Brazil
| | | | | | - Nasser Mogharabian
- Sexual Health and Fertility Research Center, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Marjan Sabbaghian
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hisanori Taniguchi
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Osaka, Japan
| | - Akira Tsujimura
- Department of Urology, Juntendo University Urayasu Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hesamoddin Sajadi
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Wael Ibrahim
- Department of Obstetrics Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Fertility Care Center in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Widi Atmoko
- Department of Urology, Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Paraskevi Vogiatzi
- Andromed Health & Reproduction, Fertility & Reproductive Health Diagnostic Center, Athens, Greece
| | - Sezgin Gunes
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical Faculty, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Mohammad Ali Sadighi Gilani
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Nur Dokuzeylül Güngör
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology and IVF Unit, School of Medicine, Bahcesehir University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Lukman Hakim
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Airlangga, Universitas Airlangga Teaching Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Ricky Adriansjah
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjajaran, Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Priyank Kothari
- Department of Urology, Topiwala National Medical College, B.Y.L Nair Ch Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Sunil Jindal
- Department of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Jindal Hospital, Meerut, India
| | - Edouard Amar
- Department of Urology, American Hospital of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Hyun Jun Park
- Department of Urology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
- Medical Research Institute of Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Tran Quang Tien Long
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hanoi Obstetric and Gynecology Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Sheryl Homa
- Department of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | | | - Birute Zilaitiene
- Institute of Endocrinology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | | | - Angelo Marino
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, ANDROS Day Surgery Clinic, Palermo, Italy
| | - Edoardo Pescatori
- Andrology and Reproductive Medicine Unit, Gynepro Medical, Bologna, Italy
| | - Cevahir Ozer
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hamed Akhavizadegan
- Department of Urology, Sina Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nicolas Garrido
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Gian Maria Busetto
- Department of Urology and Renal Transplantation, University of Foggia, Policlinico Riuniti, Foggia, Italy
| | - Aram Adamyan
- IVF Department, Astghik Medical Center, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Mohamed Al-Marhoon
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Haitham Elbardisi
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Parisa Dolati
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mahsa Darbandi
- Fetal Health Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
- Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Darbandi
- Fetal Health Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
- Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
| | - Giancarlo Balercia
- Department of Endocrinology, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Sava Micic
- Department of Andrology, Uromedica Polyclinic, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Mohamad Moussa
- Department of Urology, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Urology, Al Zahraa Hospital, UMC, Lebanon
| | - Mirko Preto
- Department of Urology, Molinette Hospital, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Ryan P. Smith
- Department of Urology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Virginia, USA
| | - Raghavender Kosgi
- Department of Urology, Andrology and Renal Transplant, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Jean de la Rosette
- Department of Urology, Istanbul Medipol Mega University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Saad Mohammed Abumelha
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Teng Aik Ong
- Department of Surgery, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Saleem A. Banihani
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Kasonde Bowa
- Department of Urology, University of Lusaka, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Shinichiro Fukuhara
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Luca Boeri
- Department of Urology, IRCCS Fondazione Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Yavuz Onur Danacıoğlu
- Department of Urology, University of Health Science Istanbul Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fatih Gokalp
- Department of Urology, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Antakya, Turkey
| | - Osama Mohamed Selim
- Department of Andrology, Sexology and STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Chak-Lam Cho
- S. H. Ho Urology Centre, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | | | | | | | - Peter Chiu
- S. H. Ho Urology Centre, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Arif Kalkanli
- Department of Urology, Taksim Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kareim Khalafalla
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Urology, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Federica Finocchi
- Department of Endocrinology, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Giulioni
- Department of Urology, Polytechnic University of Marche Region, Ancona, Italy
| | - Gökhan Çeker
- Department of Urology, Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Embryology and Histology, Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University Institute of Health Sciences, Zonguldak, Turkey
| | - Erman Ceyhan
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Vineet Malhotra
- Department of Urology, SCM Clinic and Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Mehmet Yilmaz
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg-Medical Centre, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Massimiliano Timpano
- Department of Urology, Molinette Hospital, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Shannon Hee Kyung Kim
- IVF Australia, Sydney, Australia
- Macquarie School of Medicine, Macquaire University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sun-Tae Ahn
- Department of Urology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Filippo Giacone
- Centro HERA, Unità di Medicina della Riproduzione, Sant'Agata Li Battiati, Catania, Italy
| | - Ayad Palani
- Research Centre, University of Garmian, Kalar, Iraq
| | | | - Ates Kadioglu
- Section of Andrology, Department of Urology, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Franco Gadda
- Department of Urology, IRCCS Fondazione Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Kaan Aydos
- Department of Urology, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Deniz Kulaksız
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Health Sciences Kanuni Training and Research Hospital, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Deepak Gupte
- Department of Urology, Bombay Hospital and Medical Research Center, Mumbai, India
| | - Gokhan Calik
- Department of Urology, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Keshab Kumar Karna
- Department of Molecular Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Panagiotis Drakopoulos
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- IVF Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Aykut Baser
- Department of Urology, Bandirma Onyedi Eylül University, Balikesir, Turkey
| | - Vijay Kumar
- Department of Microbiology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, India
| | | | - Osvaldo Rajmil
- Department of Andrology, Fundacio Puigvert, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Sofia Leonardi
- Central Laboratory, Hospital Publico Materno Infantil de Salta, Salta, Argentina
| | - Armen Avoyan
- Urology Department, Astghik Medical Center, Yerevan, Armenia
| | | | - Giorgio Franco
- Department of Urology, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Liliana Ramirez
- IVF Laboratory, CITMER Reproductive Medicine, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rupin Shah
- Department of Urology, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
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Liu K, Mao X, Pan F, Chen Y, An R. Correlation analysis of sperm DNA fragmentation index with semen parameters and the effect of sperm DFI on outcomes of ART. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2717. [PMID: 36792684 PMCID: PMC9931767 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28765-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Routine semen analysis provides limited information about a man's male reproductive potential and can not always fully explain male infertility. Many male infertilities are caused by sperm DNA defects that routine semen quality analyses fail to detect. In this study, we analyzed the association of sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) with the semen routine, sperm morphology, in vitro fertilization embryo transfer (IVF-ET)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Further, we explored the predictive value of sperm DFI in evaluating male fertility and the outcome of IVF-ET/ICSI. Data on sperm DFI, sperm routine, and sperm morphology were collected from 1462 males with infertility. According to DFI levels, there were 468 cases in group I (DFI ≤ 15%), 518 cases in group II (15% < DFI < 30%), and 476 cases in group III (DFI ≥ 30%). The correlations of sperm DFI with semen routine and malformation rate were analyzed. Seminal plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were assessed. Sperm DFI, semen routine, and sperm morphology were detected in male patients of 101 pairs of IVF-ET/ICSI infertile couples and subdivided into IVF-I group (DFI ≤ 15%), IVF-II group (15% < DFI < 30%), IVF-III group (DFI ≥ 30%), ICSI-I group (DFI ≤ 15%), ICSI-II group (15% < DFI < 30%) and ICSI-III group (DFI ≥ 30%) according to DFI value. The effect of sperm DFI on the outcome of IVF-ET/ICSI was analyzed. There were significant differences in sperm survival rate, sperm concentration, and PR% between groupIII and group II (P < 0.01). There were significant differences in sperm survival rate, sperm concentration and PR% between group III and group I (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in semen volume, age, abstinence days, or percentage of normal sperm between the three groups (P > 0.05). DFI was positively correlated with MDA content ( P < 0.01) and negatively correlated with TAC (P < 0.01). Sperm DFI was negatively correlated with sperm survival rate, sperm concentration, and PR% (P < 0.01). There was no correlation with age, abstinence days, semen volume, or percentage of normal-form sperm (r = 0.16, 0.05, 0.04, -0.18, p > 0.05). Compared with IVF-I group, the sperm concentration and PR were decreased in IVF-III group. The sperm malformation rate was higher in IVF-III group than that in IVF-II group. Comparatively, the PR was decreased in ICSI-III group. The sperm malformation rate was higher in ICSI-III group than that of the ICSI-I group (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in fertilization rate, cleavage rate, embryo rate, and clinical pregnancy rate between IVF group or ICSI group, and between all subgroups (P > 0.05). Sperm DFI is negatively associated with sperm survival rate, sperm concentration, and PR%. Antioxidants can decrease the rate of DNA fragmentation. Sperm DFI has proven to be very valuable in the male fertility evaluation, but its significance as a predictor of pregnancy outcomes following assisted reproductive technology. (ART) requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- KangSheng Liu
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shannxi China ,grid.459791.70000 0004 1757 7869Department of Clinical Laboratory, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210029 Jiangsu China
| | - XiaoDong Mao
- grid.410745.30000 0004 1765 1045Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028 Jiangsu China
| | - Feng Pan
- grid.459791.70000 0004 1757 7869Department of Andrology, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210029 Jiangsu China
| | - YaJun Chen
- grid.459791.70000 0004 1757 7869Department of Clinical Laboratory, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210029 Jiangsu China
| | - Ruifang An
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shannxi, China.
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Lv D, Ji Y, Zhang Q, Shi Z, Chen T, Zhang C, Wang X, Ren T, Gao Z, Zhong C. Mailuoshutong pill for varicocele-associated male infertility—Phytochemical characterisation and multitarget mechanism. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:961011. [PMID: 36160417 PMCID: PMC9500298 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.961011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Varicocele (VC) is a relatively common and treatable cause of male infertility. Mailuoshutong pill (MLST), a traditional Chinese patent medicine, is widely used for treating varicose vein disease, but the underlying mechanism of MLST on varicocele-associated male infertility is unclear. Objective: To reveal the phytochemical characterisation and multitarget mechanism of MLST on varicocele-associated male infertility. Methods: The components in MLST were determined using UHPLC-MS/MS. Through network analysis, we constructed the “Drug-Components-Targets-Disease” network and predicted the potential biological functions and signaling pathways of MLST. Finally, the therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms of MLST were discovered by pharmacological experiments. Results: By network analysis, the “Drug-Components-Targets-Disease” network was constructed, 62 components such as apigenin, limonin, kaempferol, and obacunoic acid may be the main active components of MLST for varicocele-associated male infertility, 28 targets such as VEGFA, PIK3CA, AKT1, and MTOR are considered as hub targets, signaling pathways such as HIF-1, Estrogen, PI3K/Akt, and mTOR may be key pathways for MLST against varicocele-associated male infertility. Through pharmacological experiments, we found that MLST ameliorated VC-induced testicular atrophy. Further histomorphology showed that MLST reduced VC-induced damage to testicular spermatogonia and seminiferous tubule, while MLST reduced ROS and MDA levels and increased antioxidant enzymes (GSH, GSH-Px, SOD, and CAT) levels. TUNEL staining and immunofluorescence showed that MLST reduced VC-induced apoptosis in testicular tissue, decreased BAX, and increased BCL2. Western blot results showed that MLST decreased the phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR proteins, and decreased the expression of HIF1α. Conclusion: The phytochemical characterisation and multitarget mechanism of MLST on varicocele-associated male infertility were discovered using network analysis and pharmacological experiments. We verified that MLST can inhibit the activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, reduce the expression of HIF1α, and further attenuate VC-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in the testis. These findings provide evidence for the therapeutic role of MLST in varicocele-associated male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongfang Lv
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yun Ji
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Zhuozhuo Shi
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Tengfei Chen
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xiangyun Wang
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Taotao Ren
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Zhaowang Gao
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Chongfu Zhong
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Chongfu Zhong,
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12
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Llavanera M, Delgado-Bermúdez A, Ribas-Maynou J, Salas-Huetos A, Yeste M. A systematic review identifying fertility biomarkers in semen: a clinical approach through Omics to diagnose male infertility. Fertil Steril 2022; 118:291-313. [PMID: 35718545 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the most robust molecular biomarkers in sperm and seminal plasma for the diagnosis of male infertility, and to evaluate their clinical use. DESIGN Systematic review. SETTING Not applicable. PATIENT(S) Accessible studies reporting well-defined (in)fertile populations and semen molecular biomarkers were included in this review. INTERVENTION(S) A systematic search of the literature published in MEDLINE-PubMed and EMBASE databases was performed, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The primary outcome was the content, expression, or activity of molecular biomarkers in human semen samples. Only studies reporting a receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis values were included. RESULT(S) Eighty-nine studies were included. Direct evaluation of sperm DNA damage has high potential as a diagnostic biomarker of fertility and assisted reproductive technology outcomes (area under the curve [AUCs] median = 0.67). Regarding strand break-associated chromatin modifications, γH2AX levels show good predictive value for the diagnosis of male infertility (AUCs median = 0.93). Some noncoding ribonucleic acid (RNA) exhibit excellent predictive values; miR-34c-5p in semen is the most well-characterized and robust transcriptomic biomarker (AUCs median = 0.78). While many proteins in semen show fair diagnostic value for sperm quality and fertilizing capacity, the levels of some, such as TEX101, in seminal plasma have an excellent diagnostic potential (AUCs median = 0.69). Although individual metabolites and metabolomic profiles in seminal plasma present good predictive value, the latter seem to be better than the former when inferring sperm quality and fertilizing capacity. CONCLUSION(S) The current review supports that some Omics (e.g., DNA structure and integrity, genomics and epigenomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics) could be considered relevant molecular biomarkers that may help identify infertility etiologies and fertilization prognosis with cost-effective, simple, and accurate diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Llavanera
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain; Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Ariadna Delgado-Bermúdez
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain; Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain; Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Albert Salas-Huetos
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain; Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain; Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts; Consorcio CIBER, M.P., Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Marc Yeste
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain; Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
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Abdulla JM, Al-Okaily BN. Histomorphometric and Histopathological Alterations of Rat Testis Following Exposure to Hydrogen Peroxide: Protective Role of Resveratrol Supplement. THE IRAQI JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.30539/ijvm.v46i1.1313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Resveratrol (RS) is widely used in medical fields as an antioxidant. Current research investigated the protective role of RS supplement on histomorphometric and histopathological alterations in testes were caused by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) of rats as an animal model. Thirty-two adult rats were utilized in this study, divided randomly into 4 equal groups as follows. The group C was given tap water only and served as control, the 2nd group (G1) was given 0.5% of H2O2 of tap water, the 3rd group (G2) was given tap water containing 0.5% of H2O2 and intubated RS supplement at 87 mg/kg BW, and 4th group intubated RS supplement 87 mg/kg BW. after 56 days of treatment, rats were euthanized, dissected then, specimens of testes tissue were collected for histomorphometric and histopathological evaluation. Our results showed that administration of H2O2 caused a significant histomorphometric with histopathological changes in the form of a thickness of fibrous tunica albuginea, disarrangement of germ cells, necrosis of spermatogonia, edema, and loss of sperms as compared to other groups. Meanwhile, these histological alterations were partially attenuated in the G2 group that intubated resveratrol. Thus, the current study concluded that resveratrol may have therapeutic value in the treatment of induced testicular injury by H2O2 due to its antioxidant activity and attenuation of harmful effects of oxidative stress through a mechanism that should be elucidated in future studies.
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14
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Lai TCT, Roychoudhury S, Cho CL. Oxidative Stress and Varicocele-Associated Male Infertility. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1358:205-235. [PMID: 35641872 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-89340-8_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Despite being regarded as one of the most common causes of male subfertility, the pathophysiology of varicocele remains largely unknown. Recently, oxidative stress (OS) is proposed to be the mediator in how varicocele may negatively impact fertility. The imbalance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and seminal antioxidants results in damage to sperm DNA and lipid membrane. There is evidence demonstrating higher OS level in men with varicocele which is also positively correlated with clinical grading of varicocele. Moreover, a number of studies have revealed the negative correlation between OS and conventional semen parameters. Furthermore, various interventions have shown their potential in alleviating OS in men with varicocele-associated infertility. Although direct evidence on improving pregnancy rate is not available at the moment, varicocelectomy has demonstrated promising results in relieving OS. Oral antioxidants represent another option with a favourable safety profile. The supplement can be used alone or as adjunct to varicocelectomy. However, most of the studies are hampered by heterogenous dose regime and high-level evidence is lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terence Chun-Ting Lai
- Department of Surgery, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | | | - Chak-Lam Cho
- S. H. Ho Urology Centre, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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15
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Is seminal quality worsening? A 20-year experience in Córdoba, Argentina. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:1125-1134. [PMID: 35296953 PMCID: PMC9107558 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02458-4] [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: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the possible variations in semen quality during the last 20 years in Córdoba, Argentina, and to identify possible causal lifestyle or genitourinary factors. METHODS Retrospective study of 23,130 patients attending an andrology laboratory. The 20-year period (2001-2020) was divided into four quinquenniums. Seminal parameters (sperm concentration, motility, morphology, viability, and membrane functional integrity) were classified as normal or abnormal according to WHO, and results were expressed as percentage of patients abnormal for each parameter per quinquennium. In addition, the percentage of patients per quinquennium exposed to the different risk factors (daily alcohol and/or tobacco consumption; occupational exposure to heat or toxics; history of parotitis or varicocele; and high body mass index, BMI) was reported. RESULTS Patients included in our study did not show impairment in seminal quality over time. Beyond a transient decrease in normozoospermia in the second and third quinquennium, possibly explained by a parallel increase in teratozoospermia, other important parameters of the spermogram did not change. In fact, abnormalities in sperm concentration (oligozoospermia), total sperm count, viability and response to hypoosmotic test showed a decreasing trend over time. On the other hand, parotitis, varicocele, morbid obesity and regular exposition to heat/toxics were the factors more frequently associated with semen abnormalities; the last two increased their frequency over the study period. CONCLUSION The population included in this study did not show a clear impairment in semen quality during the last 20 years. The decreasing patterns found were associated with high BMI and exposure to heat/toxics.
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16
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Bisphenol A and Male Infertility: Role of Oxidative Stress. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1391:119-135. [PMID: 36472820 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-12966-7_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical that is capable of mimicking, antagonizing, and interfering with the normal biological functioning of the endocrine system. BPA is used in diverse industries, hence its vast sources of exposure. Although the half-life of BPA is relatively short (<24 hours), studies have reported its detection in the urine of different populations. It, therefore, became important to investigate its effect on general health, including male reproductive health. The adverse effects of BPA on male fertility have been evaluated and reported from both in vivo and in vitro studies. Up to date, reports from randomized controlled trials remain controversial, as some revealed decreased sperm quality, sperm concentration, and total sperm count, while others reported that no adverse effect was seen after exposure. Findings from animal model studies and in vitro experiments have shown that exposure to BPA led to a reduction in sperm quality and increased sperm DNA fragmentation, and some even revealed altered expression of the gene that encodes gonadotropin-releasing hormone. This shows that BPA not only may adversely affect male fertility by acting as an endocrine disruptor but also can potentially impact male fertility via its possible contribution to oxidative stress. Therefore, this book chapter aims to identify and elucidate the effect of BPA exposure on male fertility, and to as well illustrate the mechanisms through which this occurs, while emphasizing the role of oxidative stress as a potential pathway.
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Alahmar A, Singh R, Palani A. Sperm DNA fragmentation in reproductive medicine: A review. J Hum Reprod Sci 2022; 15:206-218. [PMID: 36341018 PMCID: PMC9635374 DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_82_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 15% of the world's couples suffer from infertility during their reproductive period of which the male factor is responsible for 50% of cases. Male factor infertility is multifactorial in origin, and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) has also been linked to male infertility including idiopathic male infertility. Some degree of controlled DNA nicking is essential for adequate DNA compaction, but excessive SDF is usually associated with reduced male fertility potential, reduced fertilisation, poor embryo quality, recurrent pregnancy loss and poor assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) outcomes. Although semen analysis remains the gold standard for diagnosis of male factor infertility worldwide, its limitations motivated the search and the development of complementary tests of sperm function and integrity. SDF assay is an emerging diagnostic tool in infertile men, and several indications for SDF testing in infertile couples have also been proposed. The use of SDF in routine male infertility assessment is, however, still controversial. Furthermore, both direct and indirect SDF tests are now available. Hence, the present review was conducted to summarise the recent evidence of SDF, underlying mechanisms, clinical indications, diagnostic tests, as well as the role of SDF in male factor infertility, pregnancy and ART outcomes.
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18
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Farkouh A, Finelli R, Agarwal A. Beyond conventional sperm parameters: the role of sperm DNA fragmentation in male infertility. Minerva Endocrinol (Torino) 2021; 47:23-37. [PMID: 34881857 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-6507.21.03623-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Infertility is a condition that widely affects the couples all over the world. In this regard, sperm DNA fragmentation can lead to harmful reproductive consequences, including male infertility and poor outcomes after assisted reproductive techniques. The investigation of SDF in male infertility diagnostics has constantly increased over time, becoming more common in clinical practice with the recent publication of several guidelines regarding its testing. This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the pathogenesis and causes of sperm DNA fragmentation, as well as the assays which are more commonly performed for testing. Moreover, we discussed the most recently published evidence regarding the use of SDF testing in clinical practice, highlighting the implications of high sperm DNA fragmentation rate on human reproduction, and the therapeutic approaches for the clinical management of infertile patients. Our review confirms a significant harmful impact of sperm DNA fragmentation on reproduction, and points out several interventions which can be applied in clinics to reduce sperm DNA fragmentation and improve reproductive outcomes. Sperm DNA fragmentation has been shown to adversely impact male fertility potential. As high sperm DNA fragmentation levels have been associated with poor reproductive outcomes, its testing may significantly help clinicians in defining the best therapeutic strategy for infertile patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ala'a Farkouh
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Renata Finelli
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA -
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19
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Diagnostic and therapeutic workup of male infertility: results from a Delphi consensus panel. Int J Impot Res 2021:10.1038/s41443-021-00511-x. [PMID: 34853436 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-021-00511-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Male factor infertility (MFI) is a rising issue worldwide with significant socioeconomic costs and negative psychological consequences for the couple. Current guidelines provide recommendations for its diagnosis and treatment but several gaps in the management of MFI are encountered in clinical practice due to the lack of available evidence in published literature. Uncertainty in the management of MFI cases leads to a high degree of variability in therapeutic approaches. We planned a Delphi consensus method to provide insights and help bridge the gaps that separate clinical guidelines from real-world practice. The Advisory Board collected 41 statements on debated topics in the management of MFI, each including multiple items designed as a 5-point Likert scale. The questionnaire was sent by e-mail to a panel of Italian experts for a first round of voting; members of the panel were later invited to a second round of voting, preceded by discussion of the "hot topics" identified in the first round. At both rounds of the Delphi consensus 68 experts participated to the voting process. After the first round 25 statements were identified as hot topics, and these underwent the second round of voting. Consensus was reached on many, but not all cases, leaving vagueness on few debated topics where decisions are unsupported by clinical studies or driven by controversial results. In conclusion, indications emerging from this large panel of experts may help guide the management of male factor infertility in clinical practice. Studies are needed to address unanswered questions left by cases for whom no consensus was reached.
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20
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Finelli R, Leisegang K, Kandil H, Agarwal A. Oxidative Stress: A Comprehensive Review of Biochemical, Molecular, and Genetic Aspects in the Pathogenesis and Management of Varicocele. World J Mens Health 2021; 40:87-103. [PMID: 34666421 PMCID: PMC8761243 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.210153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a condition due to an imbalance between the concentrations of oxidants and antioxidants, and it is a well-recognized contributor in several male infertility conditions. Varicocele, a common vascular condition, may cause male infertility due to hyperthermia, hypoxia and/or exposure to toxic adrenal and renal metabolites. In this review, the mechanisms by which oxidative stress can affect cellular integrity and functions are described, along with molecular markers of cellular oxidative damage, and the most commonly performed techniques for their detection in seminal fluid. Moreover, we focus on the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of varicocele based on recently published evidence from omics based studies, such as proteomics and genomics. Finally, we discuss strategies for the management of oxidative stress and the clinical guidelines for testing oxidative stress-related sperm DNA fragmentation in this group of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Finelli
- Department of Urology, American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Kristian Leisegang
- School of Natural Medicine, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Hussein Kandil
- Fakih IVF Fertility Center, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- Department of Urology, American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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21
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Eini F, Kutenaei MA, Shirzeyli MH, Dastjerdi ZS, Omidi M, Novin MG. Normal seminal plasma could preserve human spermatozoa against cryopreservation damages in Oligozoospermic patients. BMC Mol Cell Biol 2021; 22:50. [PMID: 34610788 PMCID: PMC8491377 DOI: 10.1186/s12860-021-00390-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryopreservation of human spermatozoa has been identified as an efficient procedure to preserve fertility in men before any cancer therapy or surgical infertility treatment. Despite the benefits of the procedure, the deleterious effects of cryopreservation have been proven on sperm structure and function. This study aimed to evaluate seminal plasma effects on human sperm characteristics after cryopreservation, and compare the addition of normozoospermic and oligozoospermic seminal plasma in the prepared oligozoospermic samples. Semen samples were collected from fifty-five oligozoospermic men and the twenty fertile individuals who referred to the infertility center. At first, a semen analysis was carried out on each neat ejaculate, and then some were cryopreserved. The remainder of the semen was divided into two, one for seminal plasma removal and the other for sperm preparation. Then, the prepared spermatozoa were cryopreserved in three groups: one with, and another without the addition of oligozoospermic seminal plasma, and still another with the addition of normal seminal plasma. After thawing, sperm DNA integrity, viability, motility, and morphology were determined. RESULTS The percentages of all parameters were significantly lower after cryopreservation in all groups compared to the fresh sample. However, this reduction was lower in the oligozoospermic samples cryopreserved with normal seminal plasma. CONCLUSION The results indicated that seminal plasma in oligozoospermic patients could not support sperm against cryo-injuries, an indication likely due to insufficient antioxidants and other protective components in oligozoospermic patients. However, normal seminal plasma could slightly preserve sperm characteristics after cryopreservation in oligozoospermic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Eini
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
| | - Maryam Azizi Kutenaei
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Maryam Hosseinzadeh Shirzeyli
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mahmoud Omidi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Marefat Ghaffari Novin
- Men's health and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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22
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Li Z, Wang S, Gong C, Hu Y, Liu J, Wang W, Chen Y, Liao Q, He B, Huang Y, Luo Q, Zhao Y, Xiao Y. Effects of Environmental and Pathological Hypoxia on Male Fertility. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:725933. [PMID: 34589489 PMCID: PMC8473802 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.725933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a widespread health problem affecting approximately 6%-8% of the male population, and hypoxia may be a causative factor. In mammals, two types of hypoxia are known, including environmental and pathological hypoxia. Studies looking at the effects of hypoxia on male infertility have linked both types of hypoxia to poor sperm quality and pregnancy outcomes. Hypoxia damages testicular seminiferous tubule directly, leading to the disorder of seminiferous epithelium and shedding of spermatogenic cells. Hypoxia can also disrupt the balance between oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis of spermatogenic cells, resulting in impaired self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogonia, and failure of meiosis. In addition, hypoxia disrupts the secretion of reproductive hormones, causing spermatogenic arrest and erectile dysfunction. The possible mechanisms involved in hypoxia on male reproductive toxicity mainly include excessive ROS mediated oxidative stress, HIF-1α mediated germ cell apoptosis and proliferation inhibition, systematic inflammation and epigenetic changes. In this review, we discuss the correlations between hypoxia and male infertility based on epidemiological, clinical and animal studies and enumerate the hypoxic factors causing male infertility in detail. Demonstration of the causal association between hypoxia and male infertility will provide more options for the treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhibin Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Medicine, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
| | - Sumin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chunli Gong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yiyang Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiao Liu
- Department of Endoscope, The General Hospital of Shenyang Military Region, Liaoning, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiushi Liao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bing He
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiang Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yongbing Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yufeng Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
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23
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Li Y, Zhou T, Su YF, Hu ZY, Wei JJ, Wang W, Liu CY, Zhao K, Zhang HP. Prokineticin 2 overexpression induces spermatocyte apoptosis in varicocele in rats. Asian J Androl 2021; 22:500-506. [PMID: 31744994 PMCID: PMC7523614 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_109_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Varicocele is one of the most important causes of male infertility, as this condition leads to a decline in sperm quality. It is generally believed that the presence of varicocele induces an increase in reactive oxygen species levels, leading to oxidative stress and sperm apoptosis; however, the specific pathogenic mechanisms affecting spermatogenesis remain elusive. Prokineticin 2 (PK2), a secretory protein, is associated with multiple biological processes, including cell migration, proliferation, and apoptosis. In the testis, PK2 is expressed in spermatocytes under normal physiological conditions. To investigate the role of PK2 in varicocele, a rat varicocele model was established to locate and quantify the expression of PK2 and its receptor, prokineticin receptor 1 (PKR1), by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR assays (qPCR). Moreover, H2O2 was applied to mimic the oxidative stress state of varicocele through coculturing with a spermatocyte-derived cell line (GC-2) in vitro, and the apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry. Here, we illustrated that the expression levels of PK2 and PKR1 were upregulated in the spermatocytes of the rat model. Administration of H2O2 stimulated the overexpression of PK2 in GC-2. Transfection of recombinant pCMV-HA-PK2 into GC-2 cells promoted apoptosis by upregulating cleaved-caspase-3, caspase-8, and B cell lymphoma 2-associated X; downregulating B cell lymphoma 2; and promoting the accumulation of intracellular calcium. Overall, we revealed that the varicocele-induced oxidative stress stimulated the overexpression of PK2, leading to apoptosis of spermatocytes. Our study provides new insight into the mechanisms underlying oxidative stress-associated male infertility and suggests a novel therapeutic target for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Family Planning Research Institute/Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Ting Zhou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huangzhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yu-Fang Su
- Family Planning Research Institute/Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Zhi-Yong Hu
- Family Planning Research Institute/Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jia-Jing Wei
- Family Planning Research Institute/Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Family Planning Research Institute/Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Chun-Yan Liu
- Family Planning Research Institute/Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Kai Zhao
- Family Planning Research Institute/Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Hui-Ping Zhang
- Family Planning Research Institute/Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
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24
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Talebi-Yazdabadi Z, Jahanbakhsh N, Dormiani K, Forouzanfar M, Lachinani L, Zohrabi D, Tavalaee M, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Assessment of MUSASHI 1 and MUSASHI 2 expression in spermatozoa and testicular tissue. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14187. [PMID: 34309875 DOI: 10.1111/and.14187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
MUSASHI (MSI) family plays the main role in the spermatogenesis process. The purpose of this study was the assessment of sperm MSI1 and MSI2, and sperm functional tests in infertile men (n = 30) with varicocele and fertile men (n = 30). Furthermore, MSI1 and MSI2 proteins were assessed in testicular tissue of azoospermic men (n = 9) as well as epididymal spermatozoa and testis of mice. Expression of MSI1 and MSI2 was assessed at RNA and protein levels in human spermatozoa. Sperm concentration and motility were significantly lower, while abnormal sperm morphology, lipid peroxidation, DNA fragmentation and protamine deficiency were significantly higher in men with varicocele compared to fertile individuals. Any significant difference was not observed in the expression of MSI1 and MSI2 mRNA between the two groups. Unlike MSI1 protein that was not detectable in humans, the relative expression of MSI2 protein was similar in varicocele and fertile individuals. The expression level of both Msi1 and Msi2 proteins was also observable in mouse spermatozoa. No significant relationship was observed between sperm functional parameters with expression of these genes. The data of this study demonstrated that although MSI1 and MSI2 play important roles during spermatogenesis, their relative expression in spermatozoa was not affected by varicocele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh Talebi-Yazdabadi
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.,ACECR Institute of Higher Education, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Neda Jahanbakhsh
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, NourDanesh Institute of Higher Education, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Kianoush Dormiani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahboobeh Forouzanfar
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Liana Lachinani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Dina Zohrabi
- ACECR Institute of Higher Education, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Marziyeh Tavalaee
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.,Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center, Isfahan, Iran
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25
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Liu KS, Mao XD, Pan F, An RF. Effect and mechanisms of reproductive tract infection on oxidative stress parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation, and semen quality in infertile males. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:97. [PMID: 34183027 PMCID: PMC8237428 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00781-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent years have seen a rising incidence of male infertility, mostly caused by the decline of sperm quality. The ratio of infertile males to infertile females has escalated from 3:7 in 2013 to current 5:5, which turns male infertility into the research focus of reproductive medicine. This study aimed to clarify the effect of reproductive tract infection by ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) and chlamydia trachomatis (CT) on the DNA integrity and routine semen parameters of infertile males. A retrospective study was performed. A total of 259 infertile males who were treated at the Andrological Laboratory Examination and Reproductive Medicine Center in our hospital were analyzed. qRT-PCR was used to examine the infection status of CT and UU. According to the eligibility criteria, we evaluated the semen parameters and biochemical data of 253 men. Based on the results of PCR, the subjects were divided into four groups: Group I (CT positive, 63 cases), Group II (UU positive, 60 cases), Group III (CT positive and UU positive, 62 cases), and Group IV (no infection, 68 cases). DNA fragmentation index (DFI), sperm count, vitality and morphology, elastase level, seminal plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were assessed. Compared to Group IV, three groups (Group I, Group II and Group III) showed difference in semen volume, proportion of sperm with normal morphology, sperm motility, progressive motility, and vitality (P < 0.05). Compared to Group IV, Group II and Group III showed difference in DFI (P < 0.05). Compared to Group IV, Group II and Group III showed difference in elastase level (P < 0.05). VCL, VSL, VAP, WOB, ROS, TM, HDS showed differences between groups of abnormal/normal WBC (*P < 0.01).UU infection significantly increased the level of seminal leukocytes only in Group II, but not in the other three groups, indicating that UU is a factor to increase the level of seminal leukocytes. Compared with the normal leukocyte group, there were significant differences in total motility, forward motility and normal sperm ratio between the two groups. The proportion of sperm with abnormal morphology (mostly in the head) showed obvious difference between groups of high and normal seminal leukocytic levels. At the same time, in this study, SCGE and SCD verified that leukocytes could damage sperm DNA by increasing ROS, which ultimately affects male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang-Sheng Liu
- grid.452438.cDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shannxi 710061 China
- grid.459791.70000 0004 1757 7869Department of Clinical Laboratory, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210029 Jiangsu China
| | - Xiao-Dong Mao
- grid.410745.30000 0004 1765 1045Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028 Jiangsu China
| | - Feng Pan
- grid.459791.70000 0004 1757 7869Department of Andrology, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210029 Jiangsu China
| | - Rui Fang An
- grid.452438.cDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shannxi 710061 China
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26
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Rasmussen JJ, Albrethsen J, Frandsen MN, Jørgensen N, Juul A, Kistorp C. Serum Insulin-like Factor 3 Levels Are Reduced in Former Androgen Users, Suggesting Impaired Leydig Cell Capacity. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:e2664-e2672. [PMID: 33693710 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Illicit use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) is frequently observed in men and is associated with subsequent testosterone deficiency although the long-term effect on gonadal function is still unclear. Serum insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) has been suggested to be a superior biomarker of Leydig cell secretory capacity compared to testosterone. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate serum INSL3 concentrations in AAS users. METHODS This community-based, cross-sectional study included men aged 18 to 50 years, involved in recreational strength training and allocated to 1 of 3 groups: never-AAS users as controls (n = 44), current (n = 46), or former AAS users (n = 42) with an average duration since AAS cessation of 32 (23 ; 45) months. RESULTS Serum INSL3 was lower in current AAS users and former AAS users than in controls, median (interquartile range), 0.04 µg/L (nondetectable [ND]-0.07 µg/L) and 0.39 µg/L (0.24-0.62 µg/L) vs 0.59 µg/L (0.45-0.72 µg/L), P less than .001. Former AAS users exhibited lower serum INSL3 levels than controls in a multivariable linear regression even after adjusting for serum total testosterone (TT) and other relevant confounders, (B) (95% CI), -0.16 µg/L (95% CI, -0.29 to -0.04 µg/L), P equal to .011. INSL3 and TT were not associated in the model, P equal to .821. Longer accumulated AAS duration (log2) was associated with lower serum INSL3 in former AAS users, (B) (95% CI), -0.08 (95% CI, -0.14 to -0.01), P equal to .022. Serum INSL3, but not inhibin B or testosterone, was associated with testicular size in a multivariate linear regression, (B) (95% CI); 4.7 (95% CI, 0.5 to 8.9), P equal to .030. CONCLUSION Serum INSL3 is reduced years following AAS cessation in men, independently of testosterone, suggesting persistently impaired Leydig cell capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Jarløv Rasmussen
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jakob Albrethsen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Centre for Research and Research Training in Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | | | - Niels Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Centre for Research and Research Training in Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Centre for Research and Research Training in Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Caroline Kistorp
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Lira Neto FT, Roque M, Esteves SC. Effect of varicocelectomy on sperm deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation rates in infertile men with clinical varicocele: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Fertil Steril 2021; 116:696-712. [PMID: 33985792 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of varicocelectomy on sperm deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation (SDF) rates in infertile men with clinical varicocele. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. SETTING Not applicable. PATIENT(S) Infertile men with clinical varicocele subjected to varicocelectomy. INTERVENTION(S) Systematic search using PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane's central database, Scielo, and Google Scholar to identify relevant studies published from inception until January 2021. We included studies comparing SDF rates before and after varicocelectomy in infertile men with clinical varicocele. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The primary outcome was the difference between the SDF rates before and after varicocelectomy. A meta-analysis of weighted data using random-effects models was performed. Results were reported as weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses were performed on the basis of the SDF assay, varicocelectomy technique, preoperative SDF levels, varicocele grade, follow-up time, and study design. RESULT(S) Nineteen studies involving 1,070 patients provided SDF data. Varicocelectomy was associated with reduced postoperative SDF rates (WMD -7.23%; 95% CI: -8.86 to -5.59; I2 = 91%). The treatment effect size was moderate (Cohen's d = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.77 to 0.60). The pooled results were consistent for studies using sperm chromatin structure assay, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling, sperm chromatin dispersion test, and microsurgical varicocele repair. Subgroup analyses showed that the treatment effect was more pronounced in men with elevated vs. normal preoperative SDF levels, but the impact of varicocele grade remained equivocal. Meta-regression analysis demonstrated that SDF decreased after varicocelectomy as a function of preoperative SDF levels (coefficient: 0.23; 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.39). CONCLUSION(S) We concluded that pooled results from studies including infertile men with clinical varicocele indicated that varicocelectomy reduced the SDF rates. The treatment effect was greater in men with elevated (vs. normal) preoperative SDF levels. Further research is required to determine the full clinical implications of SDF reduction for these men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipe Tenório Lira Neto
- Andros Recife, Andrology Clinic, Recife, Brazil; Department of Urology, Instituto de Medicina Integral Professor Fernando Figueira, Recife, Brazil
| | - Matheus Roque
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Mater Prime, 04029-200 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sandro C Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Referral Center for Male Reproduction, 13075-460 Campinas, Brazil; Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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28
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Agarwal A, Finelli R, Selvam MKP, Leisegang K, Majzoub A, Tadros N, Ko E, Parekh N, Henkel R, Durairajanayagam D, Colpi GM, Cho CL, Sallam HN, Park HJ, Saleh R, Micic S, Ambar RF, Zini A, Tremellen K, Alvarez JG, Palani A, Arafa M, Gava MM, Jindal S, Amar E, Kopa Z, Moein MR, Busetto GM, Sengupta P, Kavoussi P, Maldonado I, Fikri J, Borges E, Martinez M, Bojovic D, Rajmil O, Aydos K, Parekattil S, Marmar JL, Sefrioui O, Jungwirth A, Peña MGR, Cordts EB, Elbardisi H, Mostafa T, Sabbaghian M, Sadighi Gilani MA, Morimoto Y, Alves MG, Spasic A, Kenic U, Ramsay J, Akande EO, Oumeziane A, Dozortsev D, Chung E, Bell EG, Allegra A, Tanos V, Fiadjoe M, Gurgan T, Abou-Abdallah M, Al-Rumaih H, Oborna I, Arab H, Esteves S, Amer M, Kadioglu A, Yuzko O, Korsak V, Shah R. A Global Survey of Reproductive Specialists to Determine the Clinical Utility of Oxidative Stress Testing and Antioxidant Use in Male Infertility. World J Mens Health 2021; 39:470-488. [PMID: 33831977 PMCID: PMC8255391 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.210025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The use of antioxidants is common practice in the management of infertile patients. However, there are no established guidelines by professional societies on antioxidant use for male infertility. Materials and Methods Using an online survey, this study aimed to evaluate the practice pattern of reproductive specialists to determine the clinical utility of oxidative stress (OS) testing and antioxidant prescriptions to treat male infertility. Results Responses from 1,327 participants representing 6 continents, showed the largest participant representation being from Asia (46.8%). The majority of participants were attending physicians (59.6%), with 61.3% having more than 10 years of experience in the field of male infertility. Approximately two-thirds of clinicians (65.7%) participated in this survey did not order any diagnostic tests for OS. Sperm DNA fragmentation was the most common infertility test beyond a semen analysis that was prescribed to study oxidative stress-related dysfunctions (53.4%). OS was mainly tested in the presence of lifestyle risk factors (24.6%) or sperm abnormalities (16.3%). Interestingly, antioxidants were prescribed by 85.6% of clinicians, for a duration of 3 (43.7%) or 3–6 months (38.6%). A large variety of antioxidants and dietary supplements were prescribed, and scientific evidence were mostly considered to be modest to support their clinical use. Results were not influenced by the physician's age, geographic origin, experience or training in male infertility. Conclusions This study is the largest online survey performed to date on this topic and demonstrates 1) a worldwide understanding of the importance of this therapeutic option, and 2) a widely prevalent use of antioxidants to treat male infertility. Finally, the necessity of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines from professional societies is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, USA.
| | - Renata Finelli
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, USA
| | - Manesh Kumar Panner Selvam
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, USA.,Department of Urology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Kristian Leisegang
- School of Natural Medicine, University of the Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Ahmad Majzoub
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nicholas Tadros
- Division of Urology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA
| | - Edmund Ko
- Department of Urology, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Neel Parekh
- Department of Urology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ralf Henkel
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, USA.,Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | | | | | - Chak Lam Cho
- S. H. Ho Urology Centre, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Hassan N Sallam
- Alexandria University Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Hyun Jun Park
- Department of Urology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea.,Medical Research Institute of Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Ramadan Saleh
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Sava Micic
- Uromedica Polyclinic, Andrology Department, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Rafael F Ambar
- Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Urology, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, Santo André, Brazil.,Andrology Group at Ideia Fertil Institute of Human Reproduction, Santo Andre, Brazil
| | - Armand Zini
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, St. Mary's Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kelton Tremellen
- Department of Obstetrics Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia
| | | | - Ayad Palani
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Garmian, Kalar, Iraq
| | - Mohamed Arafa
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, USA.,Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Andrology, Sexology & STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marcello M Gava
- Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Urology, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, Santo André, Brazil.,Andrology Group at Ideia Fertil Institute of Human Reproduction, Santo Andre, Brazil
| | - Sunil Jindal
- Department of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Jindal Hospital, Meerut, India
| | - Edouard Amar
- Cabinet D'Andrologie Victor Hugo, American Hospital of Paris Reproductive Center, Paris, France
| | - Zsolt Kopa
- Andrology Centre, Department of Urology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Gian Maria Busetto
- Department of Urology and Renal Transplantation, University of Foggia Policlinico Riuniti of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Pallav Sengupta
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing, MAHSA University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Parviz Kavoussi
- Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, Austin, TX, USA
| | | | - Jamal Fikri
- IVF Unit, Al Boustane Clinic, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Edson Borges
- Fertility Medical Group, Sapientiae Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marlon Martinez
- Department of Urology, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | | | - Osvaldo Rajmil
- Deparment of Andrology, Fundacio Puigvert, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kaan Aydos
- Department of Urology, University of Ankara, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sijo Parekattil
- Avant Concierge Urology & University of Central Florida, Winter Garden, FL, USA
| | - Joel L Marmar
- Honorary Staff of Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ, USA
| | | | | | | | - Emerson B Cordts
- Instituto Ideia Fertil-Human Reproduction Centre-Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Taymour Mostafa
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marjan Sabbaghian
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Sadighi Gilani
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Marco G Alves
- Department of Anatomy and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Eric Chung
- Department of Urology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Adolfo Allegra
- ANDROS Day Surgery Clinic, Reproductive Medicine Unit, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vasilios Tanos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - Timur Gurgan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bahcesehir University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Michel Abou-Abdallah
- Middle East Fertility Society, Canadian Foundation for Reproductive Medicine, Lebanon
| | - Hazem Al-Rumaih
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, New Jahra Hospital, Ministry of Health, Al Jahra, Kuwait
| | | | - Hesham Arab
- RMU Dr. Arab Medical Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sandro Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology & Human Reproduction Clinic, Campinas, Brazil.,Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Medhat Amer
- Department of Andrology, Sexology & STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ates Kadioglu
- Section of Andrology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Oleksandr Yuzko
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bukovinian State Medical University, Chernivtsi, Ukraine
| | - Vladislav Korsak
- International Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Rupin Shah
- Department of Urology, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
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Yusuf I, Emokpae MA. Association between a marker of sperm DNA damage and sperm indices in infertile males in Benin City, Nigeria: A cross-sectional study. Int J Reprod Biomed 2021; 19:137-146. [PMID: 33718758 PMCID: PMC7922296 DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v19i2.8472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Studies have shown oxidative DNA damage is associated with male infertility. Objective This study determines the levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and some markers of oxidative stress in seminal fluid of males investigated for infertility and men of proven fertility in Benin City, Nigeria. Materials and Methods Semen samples produced by self or assisted masturbation were analyzed by microscopic technique according to the World Health Organization guidelines. Thereafter, samples were centrifuged and seminal fluid plasma separated and stored at -20°C prior to assay for 8-OHdG and oxidative stress biomarkers. Based on the sperm concentration/count, the overall samples were grouped into the following categories: normospermia (n = 20), oligozoospermia (n = 30), and azoospermia (n = 20). The control group comprised of 30 age-matched males of proven fertility. The seminal fluid 8-OHdG, total antioxidant status, superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assayed through ELISA and spectrophotometric methods, respectively. Results Seminal plasma level of 8-OHdG and MDA were significantly higher (p = 0.01) in infertile subjects than controls. The mean levels of 8-OHdG and MDA in infertile subjects were higher in azoospermia than oligospermia than normospermia and so, was least in the normospermia. Conversely, the mean levels of total antioxidant status and superoxide dismutase were significantly lower (p = 0.01) in infertile than fertile the control male subjects with levels higher in normospermia than oligospermia and least in azoospermia. Moreover, the seminal 8-OHdG correlated negatively with sperm count (r = -0.359, p = 0.01), percent motility (r = -0.388, p = 0.04), and percent morphology (r = -0.327, p = 0.02). Conclusion The assessment of sperm DNA damage in addition to routine seminal fluid analysis may play an important role in specific diagnosis and management of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilyas Yusuf
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
| | - Mathias Abiodun Emokpae
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
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30
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Jeremias JT, Belardin LB, Okada FK, Antoniassi MP, Fraietta R, Bertolla RP, Intasqui P. Oxidative origin of sperm DNA fragmentation in the adult varicocele. Int Braz J Urol 2021; 47:275-283. [PMID: 33146981 PMCID: PMC7857753 DOI: 10.1590/s1677-5538.ibju.2019.0827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Sperm DNA fragmentation is a major cellular mechanism underlying varicocele-related male infertility. However, the type of DNA fragmentation - whether oxidative or of another nature - remains unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate single- and double-stranded sperm DNA fragmentation, and oxidative-induced sperm DNA damage in men with varicocele. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed, including 94 normozoospermic adults, of which 39 men without varicocele (controls) and 55 men with varicocele grades II or III, uni- or bilaterally. All men collected semen by masturbation. After semen analysis, the remaining volume was used for evaluation of three types of sperm DNA damage: (i) total DNA fragmentation, using an alkaline comet assay, (ii) double-stranded DNA fragmentation, using a neutral comet assay, and (iii) oxidative DNA damage, using an alkaline comet assay associated with the DNA glycosylase formamidopyrimidine enzyme. In each assay, percentage of sperm with any degree of DNA fragmentation, and with high DNA fragmentation were compared between the groups using an unpaired Student's t test or a Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS The varicocele group presented a higher rate of sperm with fragmented DNA (both any and high DNA fragmentation), considering single-stranded DNA fragmentation, double-stranded DNA fragmentation, or a combination of both, as well as oxidative-induced DNA fragmentation. CONCLUSIONS Patients with varicocele have an increase in sperm DNA fragmentation levels, particularly in oxidative stress-induced sperm DNA damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Timóteo Jeremias
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UnifespDivisão de UrologiaDepartamento de CirurgiaSão PauloSPBrasilDepartamento de Cirurgia, Divisão de Urologia, Seção de Reprodução Humana, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Unifesp, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Larissa Berloffa Belardin
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UnifespDivisão de UrologiaDepartamento de CirurgiaSão PauloSPBrasilDepartamento de Cirurgia, Divisão de Urologia, Seção de Reprodução Humana, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Unifesp, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Fatima Kazue Okada
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UnifespDivisão de UrologiaDepartamento de CirurgiaSão PauloSPBrasilDepartamento de Cirurgia, Divisão de Urologia, Seção de Reprodução Humana, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Unifesp, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Mariana P. Antoniassi
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UnifespDivisão de UrologiaDepartamento de CirurgiaSão PauloSPBrasilDepartamento de Cirurgia, Divisão de Urologia, Seção de Reprodução Humana, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Unifesp, São Paulo, SP, Brasil,Correspondence address: Mariana Pereira Antoniassi, MD, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Napoleão de Barros, 715 – 2° andar, São Paulo, SP, 04024-002, Brasil. Telephone: +55 11 5576-4848 R. 4086. E-mail:
| | - Renato Fraietta
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UnifespDivisão de UrologiaDepartamento de CirurgiaSão PauloSPBrasilDepartamento de Cirurgia, Divisão de Urologia, Seção de Reprodução Humana, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Unifesp, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Ricardo Pimenta Bertolla
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UnifespDivisão de UrologiaDepartamento de CirurgiaSão PauloSPBrasilDepartamento de Cirurgia, Divisão de Urologia, Seção de Reprodução Humana, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Unifesp, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Paula Intasqui
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UnifespDivisão de UrologiaDepartamento de CirurgiaSão PauloSPBrasilDepartamento de Cirurgia, Divisão de Urologia, Seção de Reprodução Humana, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Unifesp, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
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31
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Camargo M, Ibrahim E, Intasqui P, Belardin LB, Antoniassi MP, Lynne CM, Brackett NL, Bertolla RP. Seminal inflammasome activity in the adult varicocele. HUM FERTIL 2021; 25:548-556. [PMID: 33432865 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2020.1870756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Varicocele has been hypothesized to lead to seminal inflammation, which in turn interferes with sperm function. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of inflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of decreased semen quality observed in adult men with varicocele, and to determine if varicocelectomy corrects these potential alterations. A prospective study was carried out including fifteen control men without varicocele and with normal semen quality and 15 men with varicocele with surgical indication. Men with varicocele grades II or III underwent microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy. Controls collected one semen sample and men with varicocele collected one before and one 6 months after the surgery. Semen analysis, sperm function, and seminal lipid peroxidation levels were assessed. Seminal plasma inflammasome activity was evaluated by ELISA assays for IL-1β, IL-18 and caspase-1 and by Western blotting for ASC (apoptosis-associated speck-like protein). Groups were compared by an unpaired Student's T test. Varicocelectomy samples were compared using a paired Student's T test (α = 5%). Men with varicocele had decreased semen quality, and increased seminal IL-1β levels, when compared to control men. Varicocelectomy decreased levels of caspase-1, IL-18, and IL1β. Thus, varicocelectomy improves sperm morphology and decreases seminal plasma inflammatory activity, after a six-month post-operative period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Camargo
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Emad Ibrahim
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and Department of Urology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Paula Intasqui
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Larissa B Belardin
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariana P Antoniassi
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Charles M Lynne
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and Department of Urology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Nancy L Brackett
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and Department of Urology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ricardo P Bertolla
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Hospital São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Tsampoukas G, Dellis A, Katsouri A, Brown D, Deliveliotis K, Moussa M, Buchholz N, Papatsoris A. Role of total motile sperm count in the evaluation of young men with bilateral subclinical varicocele and asthenospermia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 92. [PMID: 33348969 DOI: 10.4081/aiua.2020.4.366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In comparison to its clinical analogue, the subclinical varicocele represents a questionable entity and specific guidelines for the optimal management are lacking. In our previous study of patients with subclinical varicocele, we showed that bilateral condition is associated with risk of dyspermia. In the present study, we evaluated the risk of deterioration of semen quality in men with bilateral disease and impaired motility according to WHO criteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS Men with bilateral subclinical varicocele, not desiring fatherhood at the time of presentation, were included in study. During initial evaluation, the number of Total Motile Sperm Count (TMSC) was calculated and the patients' age, total testicular volume (TTV), maximum venous size and mean resistive index (RI) of the intratesticular arteries were recorded. We classified the participants in five classes according to the TMSC reading: class A-: TMSC < 5 x 106, class A: TMSC between 5-10 x 106, class B: TMSC between 10-15 x 106, class C: TMSC between 15-20 x 106, and class D: TMSC > 20 x 106 per ejaculate. The participants were seen after 6 months for a repeat spermiogram and physical examination. If clinical varicocele was diagnosed or a new abnormality in the spermiogram was noted, the participants were excluded from the study. The remaining patients were allocated to two groups according to the repeat TMSC reading: patients sub-classified into a lower class (group 1), and patients remaining at the same class (group 2). A comparative analysis was performed between two groups. RESULTS Nineteen men were included. Nine patients were subclassified (group 1). Three patients moved to A- class (< 5 x 106). Ten patients remained in the same class having no deterioration (group 2). Comparing the two groups, no statistically significant difference was recognized for age, TTV, maximum venous size on both sides, and mean RI (p > 0.05). However, the initial reading for TMSC was 14.57 x 106 in group 1, and 22.84 x 106 in group 2, respectively. This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Additionally, in a paired analysis there was a significant difference in TMSC after 6 months (p < 0.05), too. Summary Conclusions: Young men with bilateral varicocele and asthenospermia seem to be at risk of deterioration in their semen quality after a follow-up of 6 months. The measurement of TMSC can unmask patients at risk, whereas men with the lowest readings seem to be at highest risk for deterioration. The possibility of a worsening sperm quality should be considered in the appropriate clinical context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Tsampoukas
- U-merge Ltd. (Urology for emerging countries), London, UK; Department of Urology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, UK; Department of Urology, Agios Andreas Hospital, Patras.
| | - Athanasios Dellis
- U-merge Ltd. (Urology for emerging countries), London; Department of Urology, Aretaieion Academic Hospital, Athens.
| | | | - Dominic Brown
- Department of Urology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow.
| | | | - Mohamad Moussa
- Al Zahraa Hospital, University Medical Center, Lebanese University, Beirut.
| | - Noor Buchholz
- U-merge Ltd. (Urology for emerging countries), London.
| | - Athanasios Papatsoris
- U-merge Ltd. (Urology for emerging countries), London; 2nd Department of Urology, University Hospital of Athens, Athens.
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Two resveratrol analogs, pinosylvin and 4,4′-dihydroxystilbene, improve oligoasthenospermia in a mouse model by attenuating oxidative stress via the Nrf2-ARE pathway. Bioorg Chem 2020; 104:104295. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.104295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Esteves SC, Zini A, Coward RM, Evenson DP, Gosálvez J, Lewis SEM, Sharma R, Humaidan P. Sperm DNA fragmentation testing: Summary evidence and clinical practice recommendations. Andrologia 2020; 53:e13874. [PMID: 33108829 PMCID: PMC7988559 DOI: 10.1111/and.13874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We herein summarise the evidence concerning the impact of sperm DNA fragmentation in various clinical infertility scenarios and the advances on sperm DNA fragmentation tests. The collected evidence was used to formulate 41 recommendations. Of these, 13 recommendations concern technical aspects of sperm DNA fragmentation testing, including pre‐analytical information, clinical thresholds and interpretation of results. The remaining 28 recommendations relate to indications for sperm DNA fragmentation testing and clinical management. Clinical scenarios like varicocele, unexplained infertility, idiopathic infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilisation/intracytoplasmic sperm injection, fertility counselling for men with infertility risk factors and sperm cryopreservation have been contemplated. The bulk evidence supporting the recommendations has increased in recent years, but it is still of moderate to low quality. This guideline provides clinicians with advice on best practices in sperm DNA fragmentation testing. Also, recommendations are provided on possible management strategies to overcome infertility related to sperm DNA fragmentation, based on the best available evidence. Lastly, we identified gaps in knowledge and opportunities for research and elaborated a list of recommendations to stimulate further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro C Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Referral Center for Male Reproduction, Campinas, SP, Brazil.,Department of Surgery (Division of Urology), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil.,Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Armand Zini
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, St. Mary's Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Robert Matthew Coward
- Department of Urology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,UNC Fertility, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Donald P Evenson
- SCSA Diagnostics, Brookings, SD, USA.,Sanford Medical School, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Jaime Gosálvez
- Unit of Genetics, Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sheena E M Lewis
- Queens University Belfast, Belfast, UK.,Examenlab Ltd., Belfast, UK
| | - Rakesh Sharma
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Peter Humaidan
- Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Fertility Clinic Skive, Skive Regional Hospital, Skive, Denmark
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35
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Agarwal A, Majzoub A, Baskaran S, Panner Selvam MK, Cho CL, Henkel R, Finelli R, Leisegang K, Sengupta P, Barbarosie C, Parekh N, Alves MG, Ko E, Arafa M, Tadros N, Ramasamy R, Kavoussi P, Ambar R, Kuchakulla M, Robert KA, Iovine C, Durairajanayagam D, Jindal S, Shah R. Sperm DNA Fragmentation: A New Guideline for Clinicians. World J Mens Health 2020; 38:412-471. [PMID: 32777871 PMCID: PMC7502318 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.200128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm DNA integrity is crucial for fertilization and development of healthy offspring. The spermatozoon undergoes extensive molecular remodeling of its nucleus during later phases of spermatogenesis, which imparts compaction and protects the genetic content. Testicular (defective maturation and abortive apoptosis) and post-testicular (oxidative stress) mechanisms are implicated in the etiology of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), which affects both natural and assisted reproduction. Several clinical and environmental factors are known to negatively impact sperm DNA integrity. An increasing number of reports emphasizes the direct relationship between sperm DNA damage and male infertility. Currently, several assays are available to assess sperm DNA damage, however, routine assessment of SDF in clinical practice is not recommended by professional organizations. This article provides an overview of SDF types, origin and comparative analysis of various SDF assays while primarily focusing on the clinical indications of SDF testing. Importantly, we report four clinical cases where SDF testing had played a significant role in improving fertility outcome. In light of these clinical case reports and recent scientific evidence, this review provides expert recommendations on SDF testing and examines the advantages and drawbacks of the clinical utility of SDF testing using Strength-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Ahmad Majzoub
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Saradha Baskaran
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Chak Lam Cho
- Department of Surgery, Union Hospital, Hong Kong
- S. H. Ho Urology Centre, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ralf Henkel
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Renata Finelli
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Kristian Leisegang
- School of Natural Medicine, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Pallav Sengupta
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing, MAHSA University, Jenjarom, Malaysia
| | - Catalina Barbarosie
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Neel Parekh
- Department of Urology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Marco G Alves
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology & Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Edmund Ko
- Department of Urology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Mohamed Arafa
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Andrology Department, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Nicholas Tadros
- Division of Urology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA
| | | | - Parviz Kavoussi
- Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Rafael Ambar
- Urology Department of Centro Universitario em Saude do ABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | | | - Kathy Amy Robert
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Concetta Iovine
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | | | - Sunil Jindal
- Department of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Jindal Hospital, Meerut, India
| | - Rupin Shah
- Department of Urology, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
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36
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Panner Selvam MK, Ambar RF, Agarwal A, Henkel R. Etiologies of sperm DNA damage and its impact on male infertility. Andrologia 2020; 53:e13706. [PMID: 32559347 DOI: 10.1111/and.13706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Male factor is responsible for up to 50% of infertility cases in the world. Semen analysis is considered the cornerstone of laboratory evaluation of male infertility, but it has its own drawbacks and fails to predict the male fertility potential with high sensitivity and specificity. Different etiologies have been linked with male infertility, of which sperm DNA damage has gained significant attention with extensive research on sperm function tests. The associations between sperm DNA damage and a variety of disorders such as varicocele, obesity, cancer, radiation and lifestyle factors are explored in this review. Furthermore, we discuss the mechanisms of DNA damage as well as its impact in different scenarios of male infertility, associated with spontaneous and assisted reproduction. Finally, we review the clinical applicability of sperm DNA fragmentation testing in the management of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rafael F Ambar
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Sexual and Reproductive Medicine - Department of Urology, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ralf Henkel
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
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37
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Lara-Cerrillo S, Gual-Frau J, Benet J, Abad C, Prats J, Amengual MJ, Ribas-Maynou J, García-Peiró A. Microsurgical varicocelectomy effect on sperm telomere length, DNA fragmentation and seminal parameters. HUM FERTIL 2020; 25:135-141. [PMID: 31916507 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2019.1711204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Varicocele is one of the main causes of male infertility and microsurgical varicocelectomy (MV) seems to be the best procedure for its repair and to reduce testicular oxidative stress (ROS). As ROS causes guanine modifications, we postulated that DNA damage could be more intense in telomeres due to their G-rich nature. We studied the effect of MV on sperm telomere length (TL), single- and double-strand DNA fragmentation (ssSDF and dsSDF) and seminal parameters. Sperm telomeres from 12 fertile donors and 20 varicocele patients before and nine months after MV were labelled using FITC-PNA qFISH (a new method to obtain absolute TL from relative fluorescence intensity using FITC-fluorescent spheres). Both ssSDF and dsSDF were analysed using the alkaline and neutral Comet assays, respectively. The results showed that varicocele and MV had no effect on TL. Seminal parameters, ssSDF and dsSDF of varicocele patients were altered. Although these parameters improved after MV, values did not reach those seen in fertile donors. A good estimation of absolute TL was developed based on FITC-fluorescent spheres. The results showed that TL is not affected by varicocele or surgery. However, MV is able to partially reduce altered seminal parameters, ssSDF and dsSDF values in varicocele patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Josep Gual-Frau
- Servei d'Urologia, Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Institut Universitari Parc Taulí - Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Sabadell, Spain
| | - Jordi Benet
- Unitat de Biologia Cel·lular i Genètica Mèdica, Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Carlos Abad
- Servei d'Urologia, Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Institut Universitari Parc Taulí - Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Sabadell, Spain
| | - Juan Prats
- Servei d'Urologia, Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Institut Universitari Parc Taulí - Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Sabadell, Spain
| | - María José Amengual
- Centre Diagnòstic UDIAT, Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Institut Universitari Parc Taulí - UAB, Sabadell, Spain
| | - Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Unitat de Biologia Cel·lular i Genètica Mèdica, Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
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38
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Elbardisi H, Finelli R, Agarwal A, Majzoub A, Henkel R, Arafa M. Predictive value of oxidative stress testing in semen for sperm DNA fragmentation assessed by sperm chromatin dispersion test. Andrology 2020; 8:610-617. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Haitham Elbardisi
- Male Infertility Unit Urology Department Hamad General Hospital Doha Qatar
- Urology Department Weill Cornell Medical‐Qatar Doha Qatar
| | - Renata Finelli
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine Cleveland Clinic Cleveland OH USA
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine Cleveland Clinic Cleveland OH USA
| | - Ahmad Majzoub
- Male Infertility Unit Urology Department Hamad General Hospital Doha Qatar
- Urology Department Weill Cornell Medical‐Qatar Doha Qatar
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine Cleveland Clinic Cleveland OH USA
| | - Ralf Henkel
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine Cleveland Clinic Cleveland OH USA
- Department of Medical Bioscience University of the Western Cape Bellville South Africa
| | - Mohamed Arafa
- Male Infertility Unit Urology Department Hamad General Hospital Doha Qatar
- Urology Department Weill Cornell Medical‐Qatar Doha Qatar
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine Cleveland Clinic Cleveland OH USA
- Andrology Department Cairo University Cairo Egypt
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39
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Esteves SC, Santi D, Simoni M. An update on clinical and surgical interventions to reduce sperm DNA fragmentation in infertile men. Andrology 2019; 8:53-81. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sandro C. Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic Referral Center for Male Reproduction Campinas Brazil
- Department of Surgery (Division of Urology) University of Campinas (UNICAMP) Campinas Brazil
- Faculty of Health Aarhus University Aarhus Denmark
| | - Daniele Santi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Modena Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology Department of Medical Specialties Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Modena Italy
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Modena Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology Department of Medical Specialties Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Modena Italy
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40
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Resistin in Human Seminal Plasma: Relationship with Lipid Peroxidation, CAT Activity, GSH/GSSG Ratio, and Semen Parameters. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2019; 2019:2192093. [PMID: 31772701 PMCID: PMC6854241 DOI: 10.1155/2019/2192093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Resistin is an adipokine involved in inflammation and able to induce the expression of other proinflammatory cytokines. It is known that, in human semen, resistin is correlated with inflammatory cytokines and sperm quality. The aim of this prospective study was to explore the potential relationship between resistin, lipid peroxidation (LPO), catalase (CAT) activity, and reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio in semen samples of infertile patients with leukocytospermia (no. 19), infertile patients with varicocele (no. 17), and fertile men (no. 17). Semen analysis was performed following the WHO guidelines, and sperm apoptosis and necrosis were evaluated with annexin V/propidium iodide assay. Seminal plasma samples were used to determine resistin levels by an immunological method, MDA concentration by a HPLC analysis with UV detection, GSH/GSSG ratio by an enzymatic method, CAT activity by a spectrophotometric method. The results showed that, in both groups of infertile patients, semen parameters were significantly reduced (P < 0.001) and sperm apoptosis and necrosis percentages were increased. Resistin levels were significantly higher in leukocytospermia and varicocele groups (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively) as well as MDA concentration (P < 0.001) compared to controls. The MDA level was also significantly increased in the leukocytospermia group versus the varicocele group (P < 0.05). The GSH/GSSG ratio was higher in fertile controls than the leukocytospermia group (P < 0.05) and the varicocele group (P < 0.001) and in the leukocytospermia group versus the varicocele group (P < 0.05). Both the leukocytospermia and varicocele groups showed increased values of CAT activities (P < 0.001) than controls. Briefly, the correlation between variables, calculated in the whole patient population, showed that resistin levels positively correlated with MDA levels, CAT activity, sperm apoptosis, and necrosis and negatively with sperm parameters and GSH/GSSG ratio. These results support an active role of resistin in an inflammatory process causing LPO, increase of CAT activity, and decrease of GSH/GSSG ratio in seminal plasma of infertile men vs. fertile controls.
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41
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Hassani-Bafrani H, Tavalaee M, Arbabian M, Dattilo M, Nasr-Esfahani MH. The effect of vitamin E & vitamin B on sperm function in rat varicocele model. Andrologia 2019; 51:e13429. [PMID: 31613021 DOI: 10.1111/and.13429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
We assessed the effect of vitamin E and vitamin B (Vit E & Vit B) and their combination on sperm functional parameters in the rat varicocele model. Male rats (n = 120) were divided into control (n = 30), sham (n = 30) and varicocele induction (n = 60) groups. After 2 months, 10 rats from each group were sacrificed to verify varicocele model. This part of results showed that sperm parameters, DNA damage, lipid peroxidation and residual histone were adversely effected in the varicocele group. From the 50 remaining rats in varicocele group, 10 rats received Vit B complex (6, 9.6, 30.4, 9.6 and 0.006 mg/kg for B6, B2, B9, B1 and B12 respectively), 10 rats received Vit E (40 mg/kg), 10 rats received Vit B & E, 10 rats only received water and 10 rats were only received sesame oil as a solvent for Vit E, for 2 months. From 40 remaining rats in control and sham groups, 20 rats only received water and other 20 rats only received sesame oil for 2 months. Then, all the aforementioned parameters were assessed. These results showed that Vit B antioxidant was more efficient in improvement of sperm parameters, chromatin integrity and lipid peroxidation in varicocelized rats compared with Vit E.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Hassani-Bafrani
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.,Gametogenesis Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Marziyeh Tavalaee
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Maryam Arbabian
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.,Parthenogen, Lugano, Switzerland
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42
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Esteves SC. Interventions to Prevent Sperm DNA Damage Effects on Reproduction. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1166:119-148. [PMID: 31301050 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-21664-1_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Excessive oxidation and antioxidant imbalance resulting from several conditions may cause sperm DNA damage, which, in turn, affect male fertility, both natural and assisted. Sperm DNA damage transferred to the embryo might also affect the health of offspring. Several conditions associated with excessive oxidative stress are modifiable by the use of specific treatments, lifestyle changes, and averting exposure to environmental/occupational toxicants. Here, we discuss the strategies to reduce sperm DNA damage with a focus on clinical and surgical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro C Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Referral Center for Male Reproduction, Campinas, SP, Brazil. .,Department of Surgery (Division of Urology), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil. .,Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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43
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Mahran AM, Mosad E, Abdel-Raheem MA, Ahmed EH, Abdel Motaleb AA, Hofny ER. The correlation between mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) gene expression and sperm DNA damage among infertile patients with and without varicocele. Andrologia 2019; 51:e13341. [PMID: 31195431 DOI: 10.1111/and.13341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the possible correlation between mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) gene expression and sperm DNA damage among infertile patients with and without varicocele. The study included sixty infertile males and fifty fertile males as controls. The infertile group was subdivided into the following subgroups: thirty males with varicocele and thirty males without varicocele. All subjects underwent medical history collection, clinical examination, semen analysis, sperm DNA integrity assessment, mTOR gene expression assessment and scrotal colour Doppler ultrasound. The mean mTOR gene expression in infertile patients with varicocele (23.52 ± 14.65) was significantly higher than that in infertile patients without varicocele (12.24 ± 12.44) and fertile control subjects (3.92 ± 3.26; p = 0.003 and p < 0.001 respectively). In the infertile varicocele-positive group, mTOR gene expression showed a significant negative correlation with sperm count (p = 0.028, r = -0.400) and progressive sperm motility (p = 0.038, r = -0.381), as well as a significant positive correlation with the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI; p = 0.001, r = 0.578). In the infertile varicocele-negative group, mTOR gene expression showed a significant negative correlation with progressive sperm motility (p = 0.018, r = -0.429) and a significant positive correlation with sperm DFI (p < 0.001, r = 0.673). In conclusion, according to these results, there is a significant positive correlation between mTOR gene expression and sperm DFI among infertile patients with and without varicocele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali M Mahran
- Dermatology, Venereolgy and Andrology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Eman Mosad
- Clinical Pathology Department, South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | | | - Eman H Ahmed
- Clinical Pathology Department, South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Amira Ali Abdel Motaleb
- Dermatology, Venereolgy and Andrology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Eman R Hofny
- Dermatology, Venereolgy and Andrology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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44
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Yan S, Shabbir M, Yap T, Homa S, Ramsay J, McEleny K, Minhas S. Should the current guidelines for the treatment of varicoceles in infertile men be re-evaluated? HUM FERTIL 2019; 24:78-92. [PMID: 30905210 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2019.1582807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Male infertility is a major health burden worldwide. In the United Kingdom, the diagnostic and treatment pathway for male factor fertility is fragmented with wide variance in management and funding protocols. There is now a focus on potential overtreatment of couples with IVF and failure to treat male factors before considering assisted reproductive technology (ART). Despite this, contemporary Urological guidelines are not definitive in the indications for varicocele treatment, whilst the current National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines do not advocate surgical intervention. While controversy exists concerning the effects of varicocele treatment on natural pregnancy rates, there is growing evidence that varicocele treatment can have additional positive effects on fertility by reducing their impact on sperm DNA fragmentation and improving ART outcomes. Studies have demonstrated that azoospermic men may become oligospermic following varicocele intervention, obviating the need for surgical sperm retrieval. Sperm retrieval rates also increase following varicocele treatment in men with non-obstructive azoospermia. The contemporary literature demonstrates a clear clinical benefit for treating varicoceles in infertile men, which may be more cost-effective than proceeding to immediate ART. This review comprehensively evaluates the current indications for varicocele treatment, and it is proposed that these should be redefined in contemporary guidelines to reflect current advances in male fertility research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Yan
- The Urology Centre, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Maj Shabbir
- The Urology Centre, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Tet Yap
- The Urology Centre, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Sheryl Homa
- Department of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Jonathan Ramsay
- Department of Men's Health and Andrology, Imperial College Healthcare, London, UK
| | - Kevin McEleny
- Newcastle Fertility Centre, The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Suks Minhas
- Department of Men's Health and Andrology, Imperial College Healthcare, London, UK
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45
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Tahamtan S, Tavalaee M, Izadi T, Barikrow N, Zakeri Z, Lockshin RA, Abbasi H, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Reduced sperm telomere length in individuals with varicocele is associated with reduced genomic integrity. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4336. [PMID: 30867501 PMCID: PMC6416405 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40707-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Varicocele, defined as enlarged varicose veins in the scrotum, is the most common identifiable cause of male infertility. There are significant correlations between oxidative stress and varicocele-related infertility due to testicular hyperthermia, which can result in low sperm function. In addition, recent excessive oxidative stress can affect sperm telomere length and integrity of sperm DNA. Therefore, we assessed sperm telomere length as a potential marker of paternal genome integrity and leukocyte telomere length as an internal control (real-time PCR), along with sperm chromatin status (TUNEL and chromomycin A3 assay), and lipid peroxidation (Bodipy probe) in 18 infertile men with grade II or III varicocele, and 20 fertile men. Means of sperm parameters, sperm and leukocyte telomere length were significantly lower, while means of sperm DNA fragmentation, protamine deficiency, and lipid peroxidation were significantly higher in infertile men with varicocele compared to fertile men. Therefore, shortened telomere length in sperm and leukocytes is likely associated with increased oxidative stress related to the state of varicocele, which also accounts for increase in sperm DNA fragmentation. Thus, assessment of leukocyte telomere length could be taken as an indicator of antioxidant capacity in an individual, which also affects sperm function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Tahamtan
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Sciences & Technology, Pharmaceutical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, (IAUPS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Marziyeh Tavalaee
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Tayebeh Izadi
- Department of Cellular Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Nooshin Barikrow
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Sciences & Technology, Pharmaceutical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, (IAUPS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Zakeri
- Department of Biology, Queens College and Graduate Center of the City University of New York, Flushing, New York, USA
| | - Richard A Lockshin
- Department of Biology, Queens College and Graduate Center of the City University of New York, Flushing, New York, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, St. John's University, Jamaica, New York, USA
| | | | - Mohammad Hosseini 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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46
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Abstract
Current evidence links oxidative stress (OS) to male infertility, reduced sperm motility, sperm DNA damage and increased risk of recurrent abortions and genetic diseases. A review of PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, and Cochrane review databases of published articles from years 2000–2018 was performed focusing on physiological and pathological consequences of reactive oxygen species (ROS), sperm DNA damage, OS tests, and the association between OS and male infertility, pregnancy and assisted reproductive techniques outcomes. Generation of ROS is essential for reproductive function, but OS is detrimental to fertility, pregnancy, and genetic status of the newborns. Further, there is a lack of consensus on selecting OS test, type, and duration of antioxidants treatment as well as on the target patients group. Developing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic options for OS is essential to improve fertility potential and limit genetic diseases transmitted to offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed T Alahmar
- Department of Pathological Analysis, College of Science, University of Sumer, Thi-Qar, Iraq
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47
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Zavattaro M, Ceruti C, Motta G, Allasia S, Marinelli L, Di Bisceglie C, Tagliabue MP, Sibona M, Rolle L, Lanfranco F. Treating varicocele in 2018: current knowledge and treatment options. J Endocrinol Invest 2018; 41:1365-1375. [PMID: 30284221 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-018-0952-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Varicocele is defined as a state of varicosity and tortuosity of the pampiniform plexus around the testis caused by retrograde blood flow through the internal spermatic vein. The prevalence of clinically relevant varicocele ranges from 5 to 20% in the male population and is often associated with infertility and reduction of sperm quality. In this review, the pathophysiology and clinical aspects of varicocele are reviewed along with therapeutic options and treatment effects on sperm parameters and fertility both in adult and in pediatric/adolescent subjects. METHODS We conducted a Medline and a PubMed search from 1965 to 2018 to identify publications related to varicocele clinical aspects, treatment procedures and treatment outcomes. Keywords used for the search were: "varicocele", "varicocelectomy", "sclerotherapy", "male infertility", "subfertility", and "semen abnormalities". RESULTS Data from a large number of studies in adolescent and adult males indicate that varicocele correction improves semen parameters in the majority of patients, reducing oxidative stress and improving sperm nuclear DNA integrity either with surgical or percutaneous approach. CONCLUSIONS Varicocele repair seems to represent a cost-effective therapeutic option for all males (both adolescent and adults) with a clinical varicocele in the presence of testicular hypotrophy, worsening sperm alterations or infertility. On the other hand, some investigators questioned the role of varicocelectomy in the era of assisted reproduction. Thus, a better understanding of the pathophysiology of varicocele-associated male subfertility is of paramount importance to elucidating the deleterious effects of varicocele on spermatogenesis and possibly formulating new treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Zavattaro
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - C Ceruti
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - G Motta
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - S Allasia
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - L Marinelli
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - C Di Bisceglie
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - M P Tagliabue
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - M Sibona
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - L Rolle
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - F Lanfranco
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy.
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48
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Foroozan-Broojeni S, Tavalaee M, Lockshin RA, Zakeri Z, Abbasi H, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Comparison of main molecular markers involved in autophagy and apoptosis pathways between spermatozoa of infertile men with varicocele and fertile individuals. Andrologia 2018; 51:e13177. [PMID: 30353556 DOI: 10.1111/and.13177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal dilatation and tortuosity of the pampiniform plexus within the spermatic cord are termed varicocele which leads to impaired spermatogenesis due to heat-related oxidative stress and cell death. Previously, it was shown that both apoptosis and autophagy pathways were activated by heat in germ cells of mouse in vivo and in vitro. But, status of these pathways is not clear in chronic state of heat stress such as varicocele. Therefore, we aimed to access sperm apoptotic markers (active caspases 3/7 and DNA fragmentation), and autophagic markers (Atg7 and LC3 proteins) as primary outcomes, and also sperm parameters and protamine deficiency as secondary outcomes between 23 infertile men with varicocele and 16 fertile individuals. Sperm parameters were assessed according to World Health Organization 2010 protocol. Apoptotic markers (active caspases 3/7 and DNA fragmentation), autophagic markers (Atg7 and LC3 proteins), and protamine deficiency were evaluated by flow cytometry, fluorescence microscope, and western blotting techniques. Mean of autophagy and apoptosis markers, and also protamine deficiency have significantly increased in infertile men with varicocele compared to fertile individuals, but autophagy and apoptosis markers did not significantly correlate with each other. In conclusion, it seems that both apoptosis and autophagy pathways are independently active in spermatozoa of infertile men with varicocele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaghayegh Foroozan-Broojeni
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Marziyeh Tavalaee
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Richard A Lockshin
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John's University, Jamaica, New York.,Department of Biology, Queens College and Graduate Center of the City University of New York, Flushing, New York
| | - Zahra Zakeri
- Department of Biology, Queens College and Graduate Center of the City University of New York, Flushing, New York
| | | | - Mohammad Hossein 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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Ghandehari-Alavijeh R, Zohrabi D, Tavalaee M, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Association between expression of TNF-α, P53 and HIF1α with asthenozoospermia. HUM FERTIL 2018; 22:145-151. [PMID: 30222022 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2018.1493750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Reduced sperm motility (asthenozoospermia) accounts for a significant percentage of male infertility and numerous factors have been suggested to explain this phenomenon among which hypoxic and inflammatory markers are the least studied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the main molecular markers involved in hypoxia (P53 and HIF-1α) and inflammation (TNF-α) pathways in infertile men with asthenozoospermia. Expression of these markers were assessed by qRT-PCR, and analysis of data show that mean of hypoxia markers (P53, HIF-1α) and also TNF- α were significantly higher in infertile men with asthenozoospermia compared to fertile men (p < 0.05). Unlike TNF-α, significant negative correlations were observed between expression of P53 (r = -0.568; p = 0.002) and HIF-1α (r = -0.403; p = 0.046) with sperm motility. In addition, a significant negative correlation was observed between expression of P53 with sperm concentration (r = -0.576; p < 0.001). In addition, a significant positive correlation was observed between hypoxia markers (P53, HIF-1α) and TNF-α (p < 0.01). However, no significant relation was observed between TNF-α and semen parameters. Taken together, the results of this study suggest the involvement of hypoxia pathway is more pronounced than the inflammatory pathway in asthenozoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Ghandehari-Alavijeh
- a Department of Reproductive Biotechnology , Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR , Isfahan , Iran
| | - Dina Zohrabi
- b Department of Biology, Faculty of Science , NourDanesh Institute of Higher Education , Isfahan , Iran
| | - Marziyeh Tavalaee
- a Department of Reproductive Biotechnology , Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR , Isfahan , Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- a Department of Reproductive Biotechnology , Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR , Isfahan , Iran.,c Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center , Isfahan , Iran
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50
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Sperm DNA fragmentation index as a promising predictive tool for male infertility diagnosis and treatment management – meta-analyses. Reprod Biomed Online 2018; 37:315-326. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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