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Verón GL, Manjon AA, Bello R, Catalano D, Arévalo L, Santiago J, Vazquez-Levin MH. A 2-step remote TUNEL approach for sperm DNA fragmentation assessment. Analysis in donors and patients. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2024; 299:231-239. [PMID: 38905966 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2024.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Infertility is a disease of the male or female reproductive systems. Male reproductive workup is based on routine semen analysis, although of limited value. The 2021 WHO Manual incorporated Sperm DNA Fragmentation (SDF) assessment, and highlighted the need for individual laboratories to define suitable thresholds. This study aimed to present an alternative to address this issue, determine an SDF cut-off value with fertile donors, and characterize SDF in a patient cohort and their relationship with semen parameters. STUDY DESIGN A service unit was established to remotely perform TUNEL assay in a 2 step-process. Semen samples were received at andrology laboratories, subjected to routine semen analysis (WHO, 2010), partially processed and transported to the service unit for SDF evaluation. Using this setting, studies were done in fertile donors (n = 15) to define the cut-off value, and in men undergoing infertility workup (n = 318). RESULTS A cut-off value of 9.17 % was determined with the fertile donor cohort. With this cut-off, a 64.46 % abnormal SDF incidence was determined in the patient cohort. SDF negatively correlated with sperm number, vitality and motility, and positively with abnormal morphology and male age (P < 0.05). TUNEL-positive cases depicted lower sperm quality and higher male age (P < 0.05). A similar abnormal SDF incidence was determined among patients with semen abnormalities. Asthenozoospermic and ≥40 years patient samples depicted higher (P < 0.05) SDF than those of the general population. SDF incidence was also high in normozoospermic patients. CONCLUSIONS Using a 2-step remote approach with a standardized procedure and an SDF cut-off value established with fertile donors, high SDF incidence in semen samples depicting normal and abnormal quality were identified in men consulting for infertility, highlighting the relevance of its evaluation as part of the male fertility workup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Luis Verón
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ania Antonella Manjon
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ricardo Bello
- Universidad de Tres de Febrero. Sáenz Peña, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Débora Catalano
- Centro de Diagnóstico Enrique Rossi (CDRossi), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | | | | | - Mónica Hebe Vazquez-Levin
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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2
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Tomita K, Udayanga KGS, Satoh M, Hashimoto S, Morimoto Y. Relation between semen oxidative reduction potential in initial semen examination and IVF outcomes. Reprod Med Biol 2023; 22:e12501. [PMID: 36726595 PMCID: PMC9884324 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The MiOXSYS system is a new technique to analyze the semen oxidative reduction potential (ORP) that may use to classify the level of sperm DNA integrity. It does not clearly explain how the semen ORP values could help to change the IVF outcomes. We have analyzed correlations between semen ORP value and the IVF results. Methods Four hundred and thirty couples were enrolled. The male counterparts were divided into two groups according to their semen ORP values and compared the fertilization rate, cell cleavage rate, and embryo quality, following the IVF procedures. The relations between ORP values and the clinical pregnancy, live birth, and abortion rates were analyzed. Results The ORP values show negative and positive correlations with some conventional semen parameters. The fertilization and the cleavage rate did not show any differences in those two groups, but the transferable embryo rate was significantly high in patients with high semen ORP. However, the patients with high ORP show a tendency to lower clinical pregnancy with a low abortion rate compared to the low ORP group. Conclusion The main purpose of measuring the ORP value in semen is still questionable and shows controversial results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Manabu Satoh
- HORAC Grand Front Osaka ClinicOsakaJapan,IVF Namba ClinicOsakaJapan
| | - Shu Hashimoto
- Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of MedicineOsakaJapan
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3
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Heydari A, Zabetian Targhi M, Halvaei I, Nosrati R. A novel microfluidic device with parallel channels for sperm separation using spermatozoa intrinsic behaviors. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1185. [PMID: 36681743 PMCID: PMC9867731 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28315-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Isolating high-quality motile sperm cells is considered to be the main prerequisite for a successful artificial pregnancy. Microfluidics has emerged as a promising platform capable of mimicking in-vivo environments to separate motile sperm cells and bypassing the need for the current invasive clinical sperm separation methods. In this study, the proposed microfluidic device exploits the parallelization concept through symmetry to increase both the processed sample volume and the injected flow rate compared with the previous conventional devices, which used rheotaxis as their primary method of sperm separation. Using the finite element method (FEM) and flow simulations, the trajectories of sperm cells exhibiting rheotaxis behavior were predicted inside the proposed device. Different flow rates, including 0, 0.5, 1.5, 3, 4.5 and 6 μl/min, were experimentally injected into the device, and the effect of flow rate on the size of the hypothetical rheotaxis zone and the number of isolated sperm cells was investigated. Furthermore, it was illustrated that 100% of the isolated motile sperm cells are motile, and by manipulating the injected flow rate into the device, different classes of sperm cells in terms of motility parameters can be separated and utilized for further uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Heydari
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Iman Halvaei
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Nosrati
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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4
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Adler A, Roth B, Lundy SD, Takeshima T, Yumura Y, Kuroda S. Sperm DNA fragmentation testing in clinical management of reproductive medicine. Reprod Med Biol 2023; 22:e12547. [PMID: 37915974 PMCID: PMC10616814 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Approximately 8%-12% of couples worldwide face infertility, with infertility of individuals assigned male at birth (AMAB) contributing to at least 50% of cases. Conventional semen analysis commonly used to detect sperm abnormalities is insufficient, as 30% of AMAB patients experiencing infertility show normal results in this test. From a genetic perspective, the assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) is important as a parameter of sperm quality. Methods In this narrative study, we review and discuss pathophysiological causes, DNA repair mechanisms, and management of high SDF. We then summarize literature exploring the association between SDF and reproductive outcomes. Main Findings Recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses have revealed a significant association between high SDF in AMAB individuals and adverse reproductive outcomes including embryo development, natural conception, intrauterine insemination, and in vitro fertilization. However, the association with live birth rates and pregnancy rates following intracytoplasmic injection remains inconclusive. The disparities among quantitative assays, inconsistent reference range values, absent high-quality prospective clinical trials, and clinical heterogeneity in AMAB patients with elevated SDF represent the main limitations affecting SDF testing. Conclusion The evaluation and management of SDF plays an important role in a subset of AMAB infertility, but widespread integration into clinical guidelines will require future high-quality clinical trials and assay standardization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ava Adler
- Glickman Urological & Kidney InstituteCleveland Clinic FoundationClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Bradley Roth
- Glickman Urological & Kidney InstituteCleveland Clinic FoundationClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Scott D. Lundy
- Glickman Urological & Kidney InstituteCleveland Clinic FoundationClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Teppei Takeshima
- Department of Urology, Reproduction CenterYokohama City University Medical CenterYokohamaJapan
| | - Yasushi Yumura
- Department of Urology, Reproduction CenterYokohama City University Medical CenterYokohamaJapan
| | - Shinnosuke Kuroda
- Glickman Urological & Kidney InstituteCleveland Clinic FoundationClevelandOhioUSA
- Department of Urology, Reproduction CenterYokohama City University Medical CenterYokohamaJapan
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Expression of estrogen receptors, PELP1, and SRC in human spermatozoa and their associations with semen quality. Hum Cell 2023; 36:554-567. [PMID: 36577884 PMCID: PMC9947025 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-022-00847-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Sperm cells are target cells for both estrogens and xenoestrogens. Due to the specific structure of spermatozoa, these hormonal compounds may act on sperm in a non-genomic mechanism only. However, the ESR-mediated signaling pathways are still poorly understood. In this study, we obtained 119 samples from male participants of Caucasian descent who donated semen for standard analysis. We analyzed gene expression of estrogen receptors (ESR1 and ESR2) and their coregulators-proline-, glutamic acid-, and leucine-rich protein 1 (PELP1), and cellular kinase c-Src (SRC). RNA level was established using reverse-transcribed RNA as a template, followed by a polymerase chain reaction. Proteins' presence was confirmed by western blot and immunocytochemistry techniques. "Normal" values of semen parameters were defined as follows: > 32% sperm with progressive motility, > 4% sperm cells with normal morphology, > 15 × 106 sperm per mL, > 58% live spermatozoa and leukocyte amount < 106 cells per mL, according to WHO 2010 reference. Semen parameters that deviated from these "normal" values were labeled as "abnormal". Gene expression ratios revealed significant, moderate, and negative correlations for ESR1/ESR2 and weak, negative ESR2/PELP1 correlations in the subgroup of patients with abnormal values of semen parameters. In addition, SRC/PELP1 was moderately and positively correlated in the subgroup with parameters within the reference values established by WHO 2010. Our study showed that both PELP1 scaffolding protein and SRC kinase might influence semen quality via ESRs. It seems that not the expression of a single gene may affect the sperm quality, but more gene-to-gene mutual ratio. Characterization of estrogen-signaling pathway-related genes' modulated expression in sperm cells could aid in better understanding sperm biology and quality.
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6
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Electrophysiology and Fluorescence Spectroscopy Approaches for Evaluating Gamete and Embryo Functionality in Animals and Humans. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12111685. [DOI: 10.3390/biom12111685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This review has examined two of the techniques most used by our research group for evaluating gamete and embryo functionality in animal species, ranging from marine invertebrates to humans. Electrophysiology has given access to fundamental information on some mechanisms underpinning the biology of reproduction. This technique demonstrates the involvement of ion channels in multiple physiological mechanisms, the achievement of homeostasis conditions, and the triggering of profound metabolic modifications, often functioning as amplification signals of cellular communication. Fluorescence spectrometry using fluorescent probes to mark specific cell structures allows detailed information to be obtained on the functional characteristics of the cell populations examined. The simple and rapid execution of this methodology allowed us to establish a panel helpful in elucidating functional features in living cells in a simultaneous and multi-parameter way in order to acquire overall drafting of gamete and embryo functionality.
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7
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Comparison of sperm preparation methods to improve the recovery of mature spermatozoa in sub-fertile males. ZYGOTE 2022; 30:664-673. [PMID: 35799417 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199422000132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The integrity of chromatin in the spermatozoon is essential for reproductive outcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the most effective and cost-effective method to reduce the percentage of spermatozoa with defects in chromatin decondensation for use in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) procedures. Sperm samples from 15 sub-fertile males were examined at CFA Naples to determine the sperm decondensation index (SDI), using the aniline blue test, before and after preparation, comparing density gradients with two different swim-up approaches. All three techniques led to a reduction in decondensed spermatozoa with no statistical difference (P > 0.05) between the control and the treated sperm. In contrast, we found a highly significant decrease in SDI (P < 0.01) after the two swim-up methods in all the samples, confirming the efficacy of these methods in lowering the percentage of chromatin compaction damage. There was no statistical difference between the two swim-up methods, however swim-up from the pellet led to improved count, motility and the percentage of normal condensed spermatozoa. We suggest that swim-up from the pellet be used in ART on sub-fertile males, both to reduce cell stress by multiple centrifugation and improve the recovery rate of mature spermatozoa.
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8
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Grosen A, Bellaguarda E, Nersting J, Hvas CL, Liljeqvist-Soltic I, Stein A, Christensen LA, Ruderman EM, Brown CR, Schmiegelow K, Zhang JX, Kelsen J, Hanauer SB. Low-dose Methotrexate Therapy Does Not Affect Semen Parameters and Sperm DNA. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2022; 28:1012-1018. [PMID: 34463329 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izab205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methotrexate is widely used in inflammatory diseases during the patients' reproductive years. The effect on male fertility and sperm DNA integrity is largely unknown. We evaluated sperm DNA integrity and basic semen parameters according to the World Health Organization (WHO) in male patients with inflammatory diseases treated with methotrexate. METHODS Semen samples from 14 patients on low-dose maintenance methotrexate were compared with samples from 40 healthy volunteers. Further, 5 patients delivered samples on and off methotrexate therapy for paired comparison. Sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI), concentration, motility, and morphology were evaluated. Blood sex hormones and methotrexate levels were measured in blood and semen. RESULTS DNA fragmentation index in methotrexate-treated patients was comparable with that in healthy volunteers (DFI, 11.5 vs 15.0; P = .06), and DFI did not change significantly on and off methotrexate in the paired samples (DFI, 12.0 vs 14.0; P = 0.35). Sperm concentration, motility, and morphology did not differ between men treated with methotrexate and healthy volunteers. Sperm progressive motility increased off therapy compared with on therapy (65.0% vs 45.0%, P = .04), but all fluctuations in progressive motility were within the WHO reference interval. All methotrexate polyglutamates1-5 were detected in blood, but only methotrexate polyglutamate1 in semen. Serum testosterone was unaffected by methotrexate therapy. CONCLUSIONS Patients treated with low-dose methotrexate have a sperm quality comparable with that of healthy volunteers, and methotrexate treatment does not increase sperm DNA fragmentation. This study does not support cryopreservation of semen before treatment initiation nor a 3-month methotrexate-free interval prior to conception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Grosen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Emanuelle Bellaguarda
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jacob Nersting
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Lodberg Hvas
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Adam Stein
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Lisbet Ambrosius Christensen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Eric M Ruderman
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Calvin R Brown
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Kjeld Schmiegelow
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John X Zhang
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jens Kelsen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Stephen B Hanauer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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9
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Mirsanei JS, Sheibak N, Zandieh Z, Mehdizadeh M, Aflatoonian R, Tabatabaei M, Mousavi AS, Amjadi F. Microfluidic chips as a method for sperm selection improve fertilization rate in couples with fertilization failure. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2022; 306:901-910. [PMID: 35650258 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-022-06618-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Sperm quality plays a vital role in successful fertilization and pregnancy. Patients with fertilization failure (total failure or low-fertilization rate) despite having normal semen parameters are a challenging group whose sperm cannot fertilize the oocyte via the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) technique. Microfluidics is offered as a new method for proper sperm sorting. METHODS This study aimed to evaluate sperm parameters, DNA fragmentation index (DFI), expression of phospholipase C zeta 1 (PLCZ1), and transition nuclear proteins 1 (TNP1) mRNAs in sperm selected by microfluidic sperm sorting (MSS) chip compared with conventional density gradient centrifugation technique in patients with fertilization failure following ICSI. Subsequence fertilization rate and embryo quality were assayed. RESULTS Normal morphology and total motility were significantly higher, and DFI was significantly lower in sperm selected by the MSS chip in fertilization failure and control groups. The RT-PCR results demonstrated a significant increase in the expression of PLCZ1 and TNP1 genes in sperm of both groups selected by MSS chips compared to the DGC method. In addition, with the selected sperm by MSS chip, an increase in fertilization rate and improvement of embryo quality was obtained. CONCLUSION The present study findings show that sperm sorting by the microfluidic method improves fertilization rate in patients with poor fertilization outcomes following ICSI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamileh Sadat Mirsanei
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nadia Sheibak
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Zandieh
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mehdizadeh
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Aflatoonian
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryamsadat Tabatabaei
- Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atieh Sadat Mousavi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemehsadat Amjadi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Henkel R, Morris A, Vogiatzi P, Saleh R, Sallam H, Boitrelle F, Garrido N, Arafa M, Gül M, Rambhatla A, Rosas IM, Agarwal A, Leisegang K, Siebert TI. Predictive value of seminal oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) analysis for reproductive outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. Reprod Biomed Online 2022; 45:1007-1020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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11
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Mohammadi R, Mousavi SO, Sheibak N, Amjadi F, Zandieh Z, Aghajanpour S, Aflatoonian K, Sabbaghian M, Eslami M, Aflatoonian R. Sperm-oviduct interaction: Differential gene expression of growth factors induced by sperm DNA fragmentation. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14378. [PMID: 35274330 DOI: 10.1111/and.14378] [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: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the effects of DNA fragmentation of spermatozoa on the growth factors expression by a human oviduct epithelial cell line (OE-E6/E7). Two separate groups were examined in this study. The cell line was cultured in the presence of spermatozoa with normal DNA fragmentation index (DFI) or abnormal DFI. Total RNA from the cell line in each group was isolated, and relative expression of objective genes was analysed using PCR array. Also, the concentration of VEGF, BMP-2, BMP-7 and MSTN in the supernatant of cell culture was analysed by the ELISA method. The PCR array analysis revealed that most of the growth factors had been upregulated in the abnormal group. However, the differences between groups were statistically significant (p < 0.05) for five genes, including VEGF-A, BMP-2, BMP-6, BMP-7 and OSM. Furthermore, MSTN was the only gene that down-regulated significantly under the influence of the spermatozoa with abnormal DFI. Moreover, the results of ELISA analysis were in agreement with the data of the PCR array. It has been concluded that DNA fragmentation in human spermatozoa can probably change regular events throughout the oviducts. Consequently, the genes of interest may change sperm function and probably its fate in the female reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roudabeh Mohammadi
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Omidreza Mousavi
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nadia Sheibak
- Department of Anatomical Science, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemehsadat Amjadi
- Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Zandieh
- Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samaneh Aghajanpour
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Anatomical Science, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Marjan Sabbaghian
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Eslami
- Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Aflatoonian
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
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12
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Pang T, Zhang X. Technical Evaluation of Commercial Sperm DFI Quality Control Products in SCSA Testing. JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE ENGINEERING 2022; 2022:9552123. [PMID: 35281543 PMCID: PMC8916875 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9552123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
With the increase in population and the advancement of medicine, people even more hope that their offspring will be healthier. DNA fragmentation rate is currently one of the more common indicators for evaluating sperm fertility and predicting the outcome of pregnancy. In order to evaluate the technical performance and application value of commercial sperm DFI (DNA fragmentation index) quality control products in the flow cytometry sperm chromatin structure analysis (SCSA), this paper uses flow cytometry to test commercial sperm DFI quality control products (Celula) and laboratory routine self-made DFI quality control products. In this paper, the quality control of new commercial sperm DFI and laboratory-made quality control were compared and tested for 30 consecutive days. And this paper monitors the response of commercial quality control products to the interference of key reagent parameters. This paper compares the stability of the test results of two quality control products and their sensitivity to the interference of key performance parameters of the detection reagent. Experimental results show that commercial sperm DFI quality control products can simulate sperm DNA damage to achieve accurate detection of DNA integrity. The stability of commercial sperm DFI quality control (CV = 2.47%) is better than that of laboratory-made quality control (CV = 11.22%). The new commercial sperm DFI quality control product can sensitively detect changes in the concentration of acidified solution and staining solution at the same time. It can effectively control the quality of detection reagents and experimental procedures. The new commercial sperm DFI quality control product can effectively control sperm DNA integrity testing. It can be used as an external quality control product for quality control of test results to ensure that more accurate test results are provided to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Pang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Guangzhou 510600, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinzong Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Guangzhou 510600, Guangdong, China
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13
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Omics and Male Infertility: Highlighting the Application of Transcriptomic Data. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12020280. [PMID: 35207567 PMCID: PMC8875138 DOI: 10.3390/life12020280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a multifaceted disorder affecting approximately 50% of male partners in infertile couples. Over the years, male infertility has been diagnosed mainly through semen analysis, hormone evaluations, medical records and physical examinations, which of course are fundamental, but yet inefficient, because 30% of male infertility cases remain idiopathic. This dilemmatic status of the unknown needs to be addressed with more sophisticated and result-driven technologies and/or techniques. Genetic alterations have been linked with male infertility, thereby unveiling the practicality of investigating this disorder from the “omics” perspective. Omics aims at analyzing the structure and functions of a whole constituent of a given biological function at different levels, including the molecular gene level (genomics), transcript level (transcriptomics), protein level (proteomics) and metabolites level (metabolomics). In the current study, an overview of the four branches of omics and their roles in male infertility are briefly discussed; the potential usefulness of assessing transcriptomic data to understand this pathology is also elucidated. After assessing the publicly obtainable transcriptomic data for datasets on male infertility, a total of 1385 datasets were retrieved, of which 10 datasets met the inclusion criteria and were used for further analysis. These datasets were classified into groups according to the disease or cause of male infertility. The groups include non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), obstructive azoospermia (OA), non-obstructive and obstructive azoospermia (NOA and OA), spermatogenic dysfunction, sperm dysfunction, and Y chromosome microdeletion. Findings revealed that 8 genes (LDHC, PDHA2, TNP1, TNP2, ODF1, ODF2, SPINK2, PCDHB3) were commonly differentially expressed between all disease groups. Likewise, 56 genes were common between NOA versus NOA and OA (ADAD1, BANF2, BCL2L14, C12orf50, C20orf173, C22orf23, C6orf99, C9orf131, C9orf24, CABS1, CAPZA3, CCDC187, CCDC54, CDKN3, CEP170, CFAP206, CRISP2, CT83, CXorf65, FAM209A, FAM71F1, FAM81B, GALNTL5, GTSF1, H1FNT, HEMGN, HMGB4, KIF2B, LDHC, LOC441601, LYZL2, ODF1, ODF2, PCDHB3, PDHA2, PGK2, PIH1D2, PLCZ1, PROCA1, RIMBP3, ROPN1L, SHCBP1L, SMCP, SPATA16, SPATA19, SPINK2, TEX33, TKTL2, TMCO2, TMCO5A, TNP1, TNP2, TSPAN16, TSSK1B, TTLL2, UBQLN3). These genes, particularly the above-mentioned 8 genes, are involved in diverse biological processes such as germ cell development, spermatid development, spermatid differentiation, regulation of proteolysis, spermatogenesis and metabolic processes. Owing to the stage-specific expression of these genes, any mal-expression can ultimately lead to male infertility. Therefore, currently available data on all branches of omics relating to male fertility can be used to identify biomarkers for diagnosing male infertility, which can potentially help in unravelling some idiopathic cases.
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14
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Catford SR, Halliday J, Lewis S, O'Bryan MK, Handelsman DJ, Hart RJ, McBain J, Rombauts L, Amor DJ, Saffery R, McLachlan RI. Reproductive function in men conceived with in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Fertil Steril 2022; 117:727-737. [PMID: 35120745 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the semen quality and reproductive hormones of men conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) compared with men conceived without assisted reproductive technology (ART). DESIGN Cohort study. SETTING IVF centers in Victoria and the Western Australian Raine Study. PATIENT(S) Men conceived with IVF/ICSI and men conceived without ART aged 18-25 years. INTERVENTION(S) Clinical review. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The primary outcome was the prevalence of severe oligozoospermia (sperm concentration, <5 million/mL). The secondary outcomes were total sperm count, total and progressive motility, total motile count, normal morphology, and serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). RESULTS There was no difference in the prevalence of severe oligozoospermia between 120 men conceived with IVF/ICSI and 356 men conceived without ART (9% vs. 5.3%). Men conceived with IVF/ICSI had similar sperm concentration, total sperm count, and total motile count but lower mean total (55.3% vs. 60.6%) and progressive (44.7% vs. 53.9%) sperm motility with higher mean normal morphology (8.5% vs. 5.4%). Differences in progressive motility (ß, -9.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], -16.7 - -3.0), normal morphology (ß, 4.3; 95% CI, 3.0-5.7), and proportion with abnormal morphology (adjusted odds ratios, 0.1; 95% CI, 0.04-0.5) remained significant after adjusting for confounders. Men conceived with IVF/ICSI had lower mean FSH (3.3 IU/L) and LH (3.9 IU/L) levels and higher mean testosterone levels (19.1 nmol/L) than controls (4.2 IU/L, 11.0 IU/L, and 16.8 nmol/L). CONCLUSION This study of men conceived with IVF/ICSI found similar sperm output to men conceived without ART. Overall, the results are reassuring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R Catford
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Jane Halliday
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sharon Lewis
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- The School of BioSciences, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David J Handelsman
- ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney and Department of Andrology, Concord Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Roger J Hart
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Fertility Specialists of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - John McBain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Luk Rombauts
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Monash IVF Group Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David J Amor
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Richard Saffery
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Robert I McLachlan
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Monash IVF Group Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Australia
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15
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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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16
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Sadeghi N, Tavalaee M, Kiani-Esfahani A, Moazamian A, Gharagozloo P, Aitken RJ, Drevet JR, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Apoptotic M540 bodies present in human semen interfere with flow cytometry-assisted assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation and oxidation. Basic Clin Androl 2021; 31:23. [PMID: 34670490 PMCID: PMC8529777 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-021-00143-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The use of flow cytometry (FC) to evaluate sperm DNA fragmentation via deoxynucleotidyl transferase terminal fluorescein dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) has shown inconsistencies compared with conventional fluorescent microscopic analyses. It has been hypothesized that the observed discrepancies could be attributed to the presence of apoptotic bodies that can be labeled with merocyanine 540, the so-called M540 bodies. In order to verify this hypothesis and determine the accuracy of our in-house FC-assisted evaluation of spermatozoa parameters, we used FC to evaluate both the fragmentation of sperm DNA using the TUNEL assay and the oxidation of sperm DNA using the 8-OHdG assay on semen samples with or without M540 bodies. Results We show that the presence of M540 bodies lead to underestimation of both the level of sperm DNA fragmentation and sperm DNA oxidation when using FC assisted detection systems. We also observed that this situation is particularly pertinent in semen samples classified as abnormal with respect to the routine WHO semen evaluation as they appear to contain more M540 bodies than normal samples. Conclusions We conclude that M540 bodies interfere with both FC-conducted assays designed to evaluate sperm nuclear/DNA integrity. Exclusion of these contaminants in unprepared semen samples should be performed in order to correctly appreciate the true level of sperm DNA/nuclear damage which is known to be a critical male factor for reproductive success. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12610-021-00143-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niloofar Sadeghi
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Marziyeh Tavalaee
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Abbas Kiani-Esfahani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Aron Moazamian
- CelloXess LLC, 830 Bear Tavern Road, Ewing, NJ, 08628, USA.,Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Sciences, Faculty of Science and Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | | | - Robert J Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Sciences, Faculty of Science and Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Joël R Drevet
- GReD Institute, CRBC, Faculté de Médecine, INSERM U1103-CNRS UMR6293-Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri-Dunant, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - 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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17
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Rheotaxis-based sperm separation using a biomimicry microfluidic device. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18327. [PMID: 34526568 PMCID: PMC8443654 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97602-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm selection is crucial to assisted reproduction, influencing the success rate of the treatment cycle and offspring health. However, in the current clinical sperm selection practices, bypassing almost all the natural selection barriers is a major concern. Here, we present a biomimicry microfluidic method, inspired by the anatomy of the female reproductive tract, that separates motile sperm based on their rheotaxis behavior to swim against the flow into low shear rate regions. The device includes micropocket geometries that recall the oval-shaped microstructures of the female fallopian tube to create shear protected zones for sperm separation. Clinical tests with human samples indicate that the device is capable of isolating viable and highly motile sperm based on their rheotaxis responses, resulting in a separation efficiency of 100%. The device presents an automated alternative for the current sperm selection practices in assisted reproduction.
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18
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Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome Leads to Impaired Semen Parameters, Increased Sperm DNA Fragmentation and Unfavorable Changes of Sperm Protamine mRNA Ratio. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22157854. [PMID: 34360620 PMCID: PMC8346101 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a frequent disease affecting men of every age and accounting for a great number of consultations at urology departments. Previous studies suggested a negative impact of CP/CPPS on fertility. As increasing attention has been attributed to additional aspects, such as sperm DNA integrity and sperm protein alterations, besides the WHO standard semen analysis when assessing male fertility, in this prospective study, we aimed to further characterize the fertility status in CP/CPPS patients with a focus on these parameters. METHODS Sperm DNA fragmentation measured by sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) and protamine 1 to protamine 2 mRNA ratio assessed by RT-qPCR were analyzed along with conventional ejaculate parameters and inflammatory markers in 41 CP/CPPS patients and 22 healthy volunteers. RESULTS We found significant differences between the groups concerning multiple conventional ejaculate parameters. A significant increase in sperm DNA fragmentation was shown in CP/CPPS patients with association to other sperm parameters. The majority of CP/CPPS patients exhibited protamine mRNA ratios out of the range of regular fertility. CONCLUSIONS This is a pioneering study with a strong practical orientation revealing that CP/CPPS leads to increased sperm DNA damage and changes in sperm protamine levels, emphasizing an unfavorable impact of CP/CPPS on fertility.
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19
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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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20
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Rex AS, Wu C, Aagaard J, Fedder J. Implementation of an in-house flow cytometric analysis of DNA fragmentation in spermatozoa. Asian J Androl 2021; 22:246-251. [PMID: 31339111 PMCID: PMC7275795 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_51_19] [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] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
An increased amount of DNA fragmentation in the spermatozoa (SDF) is linked to male infertility. The Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA) is widely used for analysis of SDF. However, the current software (SCSASoft®) linked to this assay is licensed and often located within larger diagnostic centers. In this study, we present a protocol for using other types of software than SCSASoft® to determine the SDF index (DFI) with clinical relevance. This protocol is engineered after collecting and analyzing 254 samples from fertility patients and sperm donors over a 15-month period. DFI is analyzed using a strict protocol where the spermatozoa are treated with a strong acid (pH 1.2) followed by acridine orange. DFI is determined by a standard flow cytometric software, FACSDiva 6.1.3. Analysis of the outcome of the fertility treatment is included for 137 patients receiving either intrauterine inseminations (IUI) or timed coitus (TC). The results show that the chance of pregnancy declines as DFI increases. We also found that the male DFI affects the chance of pregnancy independent of the female age. We have shown that a standard flow cytometric software can be used when determining a clinical relevant DFI. These findings are a significant step toward implementing the analysis as a part of the routine, in-house diagnosing of the male fertility patient and subsequently optimizing the treatment course of the couple with reduced human and financial costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Sofie Rex
- Centre of Andrology and Fertility Clinic, Odense University Hospital, Odense 5000, Denmark.,Aagaard Gynaecological Clinic, Skejby 8200, Aarhus, Denmark.,Research Unit of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense 5000, Denmark
| | - Chunsen Wu
- Centre of Andrology and Fertility Clinic, Odense University Hospital, Odense 5000, Denmark.,Research Unit of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense 5000, Denmark
| | - Jørn Aagaard
- Aagaard Gynaecological Clinic, Skejby 8200, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jens Fedder
- Centre of Andrology and Fertility Clinic, Odense University Hospital, Odense 5000, Denmark.,Research Unit of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense 5000, Denmark
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21
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Depuydt C, Donders G, Verstraete L, Beert J, Salembier G, Bosmans E, Dhont N, Kerkhofs C, Ombelet W. Negative Impact of Elevated DNA Fragmentation and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Presence in Sperm on the Outcome of Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI). J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10040717. [PMID: 33670283 PMCID: PMC7917808 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10040717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
We wanted to determine the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) cutoff for clinical pregnancies in women receiving intra-uterine insemination (IUI) with this sperm and to assess the contribution of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection on sperm DNA damage and its impact on clinical pregnancies. Prospective non-interventional multi-center study with 161 infertile couples going through 209 cycles of IUI in hospital fertility centers in Flanders, Belgium. Measurement of DFI and HPV DNA with type specific quantitative PCRs (HPV 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 53, 56, 58, 59, 66 and 68) in sperm before its use in IUI. Clinical pregnancy (CP) rate was used as the outcome to analyze the impact on fertility outcome and to calculated the clinical cutoff value for DFI. A DFI criterion value of 26% was obtained by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Couples with a male DFI > 26% had significantly less CPs than couples with DFI below 26% (OR 0.0326; 95% CI 0.0019 to 0.5400; p = 0.017). In sperm, HPV prevalence was 14.8%/IUI cycle. Sperm samples containing HPV had a significantly higher DFI compared to HPV negative sperm samples (29.8% vs. 20.9%; p = 0.011). When HPV-virions were present in sperm, no clinical pregnancies were observed. More than 1 in 5 of samples with normal semen parameters (17/78; 21.8%) had an elevated DFI or was HPV positive. Sperm DFI is a robust predictor of clinical pregnancies in women receiving IUI with this sperm. When DFI exceeds 26%, clinical pregnancies are less likely and in vitro fertilization techniques should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Depuydt
- Department of Hormonology and Reproductive Health, AML, Sonic Healthcare, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium; (C.D.); (L.V.); (J.B.); (E.B.)
- Intermediate Structure for Human Body Material, AML, Sonic Healthcare, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Gilbert Donders
- Femicare, Clinical Research for Women, 3300 Tienen, Belgium
- University Hospital Antwerpen, 2650 Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Regional Hospital Heilig Hart, 3300 Tienen, Belgium
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +32-16-808102
| | - Ludo Verstraete
- Department of Hormonology and Reproductive Health, AML, Sonic Healthcare, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium; (C.D.); (L.V.); (J.B.); (E.B.)
- Intermediate Structure for Human Body Material, AML, Sonic Healthcare, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Johan Beert
- Department of Hormonology and Reproductive Health, AML, Sonic Healthcare, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium; (C.D.); (L.V.); (J.B.); (E.B.)
- Intermediate Structure for Human Body Material, AML, Sonic Healthcare, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, AML, Sonic Healthcare, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium;
| | - Geert Salembier
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, AML, Sonic Healthcare, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium;
| | - Eugene Bosmans
- Department of Hormonology and Reproductive Health, AML, Sonic Healthcare, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium; (C.D.); (L.V.); (J.B.); (E.B.)
- Intermediate Structure for Human Body Material, AML, Sonic Healthcare, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Dhont
- Genk Institute for Fertility Technology, ZOL Hospitals, 3600 Genk, Belgium; (N.D.); (C.K.); (W.O.)
| | - Carmen Kerkhofs
- Genk Institute for Fertility Technology, ZOL Hospitals, 3600 Genk, Belgium; (N.D.); (C.K.); (W.O.)
| | - Willem Ombelet
- Genk Institute for Fertility Technology, ZOL Hospitals, 3600 Genk, Belgium; (N.D.); (C.K.); (W.O.)
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
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22
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Martinet B, Zambra E, Przybyla K, Lecocq T, Anselmo A, Nonclercq D, Rasmont P, Michez D, Hennebert E. Mating under climate change: Impact of simulated heatwaves on the reproduction of model pollinators. Funct Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Baptiste Martinet
- Laboratory of Zoology Research Institute of Biosciences University of Mons Mons Belgium
- Evolutionary Biology & Ecology Université Libre de Bruxelles Bruxelles Belgium
| | - Ella Zambra
- Laboratory of Zoology Research Institute of Biosciences University of Mons Mons Belgium
| | - Kimberly Przybyla
- Laboratory of Zoology Research Institute of Biosciences University of Mons Mons Belgium
| | - Thomas Lecocq
- Laboratory of Zoology Research Institute of Biosciences University of Mons Mons Belgium
- INRAEURAFPAUniversity of Lorraine Nancy France
| | - Abigaël Anselmo
- Laboratory of Zoology Research Institute of Biosciences University of Mons Mons Belgium
| | - Denis Nonclercq
- Laboratory of Histology Research Institute of BiosciencesUniversity of Mons Mons Belgium
| | - Pierre Rasmont
- Laboratory of Zoology Research Institute of Biosciences University of Mons Mons Belgium
| | - Denis Michez
- Laboratory of Zoology Research Institute of Biosciences University of Mons Mons Belgium
| | - Elise Hennebert
- Laboratory of Cell Biology Research Institute of BiosciencesUniversity of Mons Mons Belgium
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23
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Catford SR, Lewis S, Halliday J, Kennedy J, O'Bryan MK, McBain J, Amor DJ, Rombauts L, Saffery R, Hart RJ, McLachlan RI. Health and fertility of ICSI-conceived young men: study protocol. Hum Reprod Open 2020; 2020:hoaa042. [PMID: 33033755 PMCID: PMC7532549 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoaa042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTIONS What are the long-term health and reproductive outcomes for young men conceived using ICSI whose fathers had spermatogenic failure (STF)? Are there epigenetic consequences of ICSI conception? WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Currently, little is known about the health of ICSI-conceived adults, and in particular the health and reproductive potential of ICSI-conceived men whose fathers had STF. Only one group to date has assessed semen parameters and reproductive hormones in ICSI-conceived men and suggested higher rates of impaired semen quality compared to spontaneously conceived (SC) peers. Metabolic parameters in this same cohort of men were mostly comparable. No study has yet evaluated other aspects of adult health. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION This cohort study aims to evaluate the general health and development (aim 1), fertility and metabolic parameters (aim 2) and epigenetic signatures (aim 3) of ICSI-conceived sons whose fathers had STF (ICSI study group). There are three age-matched control groups: ICSI-conceived sons whose fathers had obstructive azoospermia (OAZ) and who will be recruited in this study, as well as IVF sons and SC sons, recruited from other studies. Of 1112 ICSI parents including fathers with STF and OAZ, 78% (n = 867) of mothers and 74% (n = 823) of fathers were traced and contacted. Recruitment of ICSI sons started in March 2017 and will finish in July 2020. Based on preliminary participation rates, we estimate the following sample size will be achieved for the ICSI study group: mothers n = 275, fathers n = 225, sons n = 115. Per aim, the sample sizes of OAZ-ICSI (estimated), IVF and SC controls are: Aim 1-OAZ-ICSI: 28 (maternal surveys)/12 (son surveys), IVF: 352 (maternal surveys)/244 (son surveys), SC: 428 (maternal surveys)/255 (son surveys); Aim 2-OAZ-ICSI: 12, IVF: 72 (metabolic data), SC: 391 (metabolic data)/365 (reproductive data); Aim 3-OAZ-ICSI: 12, IVF: 71, SC: 292. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS Eligible parents are those who underwent ICSI at one of two major infertility treatment centres in Victoria, Australia and gave birth to one or more males between January 1994 and January 2000. Eligible sons are those aged 18 years or older, whose fathers had STF or OAZ, and whose parents allow researchers to approach sons. IVF and SC controls are age-matched men derived from previous studies, some from the same source population. Participating ICSI parents and sons complete a questionnaire, the latter also undergoing a clinical assessment. Outcome measures include validated survey questions, physical examination (testicular volumes, BMI and resting blood pressure), reproductive hormones (testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, FSH, LH), serum metabolic parameters (fasting glucose, insulin, lipid profile, highly sensitive C-reactive protein) and semen analysis. For epigenetic and future genetic analyses, ICSI sons provide specimens of blood, saliva, sperm and seminal fluid while their parents provide a saliva sample. The primary outcomes of interest are the number of mother-reported hospitalisations of the son; son-reported quality of life; prevalence of moderate-severe oligozoospermia (sperm concentration <5 million/ml) and DNA methylation profile. For each outcome, differences between the ICSI study group and each control group will be investigated using multivariable linear and logistic regression for continuous and binary outcomes, respectively. Results will be presented as adjusted odds ratios and 95% CIs. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This study is funded by an Australian National Health and Medical Research Council Partnership Grant (NHMRC APP1140706) and was partially funded by the Monash IVF Research and Education Foundation. L.R. is a minority shareholder and the Group Medical Director for Monash IVF Group, and reports personal fees from Monash IVF group and Ferring Australia, honoraria from Ferring Australia, and travel fees from Merck Serono, MSD and Guerbet; R.J.H. is the Medical Director of Fertility Specialists of Western Australia and has equity in Western IVF; R.I.M. is a consultant for and a shareholder of Monash IVF Group and S.R.C. reports personal fees from Besins Healthcare and non-financial support from Merck outside of the submitted work. The remaining authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Not applicable. TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE Not applicable. DATE OF FIRST PATIENT’S ENROLMENT Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- S R Catford
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne 3168, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne 3168, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne 3052, Australia
| | - S Lewis
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3052, Australia
| | - J Halliday
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3052, Australia
| | - J Kennedy
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3052, Australia
| | - M K O'Bryan
- The School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne 3168, Australia
| | - J McBain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3052, Australia.,Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne 3002, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne 3052, Australia
| | - D J Amor
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3052, Australia
| | - L Rombauts
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne 3168, Australia.,Monash IVF Group Pty Ltd, Melbourne 3121, Australia
| | - R Saffery
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3052, Australia
| | - R J Hart
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, Australia.,Fertility Specialists of Western Australia, Claremont 6010, Australia
| | - R I McLachlan
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne 3168, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne 3168, Australia.,Monash IVF Group Pty Ltd, Melbourne 3121, Australia
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Zhang X, Wang H, Feng T, Yang J, Huang Q, Lu C, Guan Y, Sun R, Chen M, Qian Y. The relationship between semen factors and unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion. Clin Chim Acta 2020; 510:605-612. [PMID: 32827532 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2020.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The male factor may contribute to unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA). The relationship between semen factors and URSA is largely unknown. The analysis of metabolomics which is broadly acknowledged as the omics closest to the phenotype is suitable for providing assistance in the semen parameters analysis. METHODS We conducted a study including couples with URSA and controls which was next combined with a meta-analysis, and finally the study included 2352 subjects on semen parameters and URSA. Metabolomics analysis was conducted to detect semen metabolic factors related to URSA in total of 106 samples including seminal plasma and sperm cells. RESULTS The URSA group had significantly lower total sperm count, sperm concentration, motility and normal morphology percentage. Meta-analysis next showed consistent findings. Metabolomics revealed that 4 metabolites and one pathway and 8 metabolites and one pathway were significantly associated with URSA in sperm and seminal plasma, respectively. The combination of ascorbic acid and guanine in seminal plasma and hexadecanedioic acid and pyroglutamic acid in sperm showed ability for URSA prediction. CONCLUSION We provided novel insights into semen indices in relation to URSA. Lower sperm number and quality might increase the risk of URSA, and oxidative stress and hormone metabolism in sperm as well as nucleic acid synthesis and oxidative stress in seminal plasma were related to URSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Zhang
- Reproductive Medical Center of Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210011, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Ting Feng
- Reproductive Medical Center of Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210011, China
| | - Jihong Yang
- Reproductive Medical Center of Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210011, China
| | - Qianqian Huang
- Reproductive Medical Center of Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210011, China
| | - Chaoyi Lu
- Reproductive Medical Center of Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210011, China
| | - Yusheng Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Rongli Sun
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Minjian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
| | - Yun Qian
- Reproductive Medical Center of Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210011, China.
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25
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Beyond fertilisation: How the paternal environment influences future generations. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 220:106503. [PMID: 32536524 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In light of the relatively ignored role of paternal influences on offspring development and increasing societal concerns regarding possible health consequences of chemical exposures, our team has addressed the overall hypothesis that environmentally-relevant levels of contaminants have long-lasting effects that are transmitted through the paternal lineage. This review focuses on our research examining the impact of developmental exposure to toxicants and nutrients on the phenotype and epigenome of the male and of his subsequent generations. This report is intended to encourage animal andrologists as well as the domestic animal production industry to increase their consideration of the sire's environment in the context of agricultural productivity.
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26
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Marzano G, Chiriacò MS, Primiceri E, Dell’Aquila ME, Ramalho-Santos J, Zara V, Ferramosca A, Maruccio G. Sperm selection in assisted reproduction: A review of established methods and cutting-edge possibilities. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 40:107498. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2019.107498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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27
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Yifu P, Lei Y, Shaoming L, Yujin G, Xingwang Z. Sperm DNA fragmentation index with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2020; 49:101740. [PMID: 32348878 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2020.101740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A high sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) influences human reproduction and is observed in infertile men. However, the influence of DFI on unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) remains controversial. OBJECTIVE We explored the influence of DFI on unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion. DATA SOURCES We conducted a meta-analysis of DFI (assessed by sperm chromatin structure assay(SCSA), terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine (TdT)triphosphate (dUTP) nick end labeling assay(TUNEL), sperm chromatin dispersion(SCD), single cell gel electrophoresis assay(COMET assay), and acridine orange test(AOT) with unexplained RSA from the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Pubmed and Web of Science database. METHODS Records were screened for eligible studies and data were extracted to an online data extraction form. The main outcome was the sperm DFI. Summary measures were reported as the mean difference(MD) and Odds Ratio(OR) with 95 % confifidence interval (CI). RESULT We identified 27 articles including 3, 2, 9, 9, and 8 studies using AO, COMET, SCSA, SCD and TUNEL respectively; 7 articles used qualitative methods and 21 articles used in quantitative methods. The combined MD estimates of 7 SCSA studies (MD=5.4; 95 % CI: 1.76-9.03; P<0.01), 9 SCD studies (MD=11.16; 95 % CI:6.70-15.62; P<0.01), and 8 TUNEL studies (MD=12.12; 95 % CI: 3.34-20.91; P<0.01) showed significant differences. Notably, qualitative studies showed consistent results with quantitative studies. CONCLUSION(S) These findings support an association between sperm DFI and recurrent pregnancy loss. Previous studies revealed that DFI negatively impacts unexplained RSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu Yifu
- Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Shan Dong University, Jinan, China.
| | - Yan Lei
- Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Shan Dong University, Jinan, China; School of Medicine, Shan Dong University, No. 44 Wenhuaxi RD, Jinan, 250000, Shan Dong Province, China.
| | - Lu Shaoming
- Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Shan Dong University, Jinan, China.
| | - Guo Yujin
- Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Shan Dong University, Jinan, China.
| | - Zhu Xingwang
- Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Shan Dong University, Jinan, China.
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28
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Krzastek SC, Smith RP, Kovac JR. Future diagnostics in male infertility: genomics, epigenetics, metabolomics and proteomics. Transl Androl Urol 2020; 9:S195-S205. [PMID: 32257860 PMCID: PMC7108983 DOI: 10.21037/tau.2019.10.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A male factor is involved in 50% of couples with infertility. Unfortunately, the etiology of male factor infertility remains classified as idiopathic in nearly 50% of cases. The semen analysis (SA) continues to be first line for the workup of male infertility, but it is an imperfect test with high variability between samples. This lack of diagnostic capability has led to the desire to develop minimally invasive tests to aid with understanding the etiology of male factor infertility. Genetic factors are known to play a role in male infertility, and much work has been done to identify the many genes involved. The study of the genes involved, the impact of epigenetic modifications, proteins and metabolites produced are attractive targets for development of biomarkers which may be used to diagnose the etiology of male infertility. This review aims to explore recent advances in these fields as they pertain to the diagnosis of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C Krzastek
- Department of Urology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Ryan P Smith
- Department of Urology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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29
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Vargas-Baquero E, Johnston S, Sánchez-Ramos A, Arévalo-Martín A, Wilson R, Gosálvez J. The incidence and etiology of sperm DNA fragmentation in the ejaculates of males with spinal cord injuries. Spinal Cord 2020; 58:803-810. [PMID: 32001796 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-020-0426-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective descriptive study. OBJECTIVES To determine the incidence and probable etiology of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) in a sample of males with spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING Hospital in Toledo, Spain; University-based Genetics laboratory in Madrid, Spain. METHODS Semen collected by vibro-stimulation from 27 males with various levels of spinal cord injury. Classical semen parameters, SDF, leukocytospermia and pro-oxidant capacity were assessed and compared with a cohort of normozoospermic fertile donors (n = 10). RESULTS Males with SCI presented with lower semen quality compared with normozoospermic donors with respect to progressive motility (p = 0.0002), SDF (p < 0.00005), pro-oxidant capacity (p = 0.0191) and leukocytospermia (p < 0.00005). Although there was no significant correlation between semen quality and time since the lesion occurred, the period of abstinence appeared to be positively correlated with SDF (r = 0.486; p = 0.041). When the semen parameters of males with SCI were categorized based on those with cervical and thoracic lesions, sperm concentration was higher for those with cervical damage (p = 0.0257). Males with complete lesions (AIS A) had ejaculates that were lower in progressive motility (p = 0.0040) than those with incomplete injuries (AIS B-D). CONCLUSIONS Ejaculates of males with SCI have excessively elevated SDF when compared with normozoospermic donors, which is likely to be associated with coincident high levels of leucocytospermia and pro-oxidant capacity. We propose that these phenomena are caused by the accumulation and degeneration of spermatozoa in the cauda epididymidis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Vargas-Baquero
- Unidad de Sexualidad y Fertilidad, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos de Toledo, Toledo, Spain
| | - Stephen Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, Australia.
| | | | - Angel Arévalo-Martín
- Unidad de Sexualidad y Fertilidad, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos de Toledo, Toledo, Spain
| | - Richard Wilson
- School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Jaime Gosálvez
- Unidad de Genética, Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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30
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Peña FJ, O’Flaherty C, Ortiz Rodríguez JM, Martín Cano FE, Gaitskell-Phillips GL, Gil MC, Ortega Ferrusola C. Redox Regulation and Oxidative Stress: The Particular Case of the Stallion Spermatozoa. Antioxidants (Basel) 2019; 8:antiox8110567. [PMID: 31752408 PMCID: PMC6912273 DOI: 10.3390/antiox8110567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Redox regulation and oxidative stress have become areas of major interest in spermatology. Alteration of redox homeostasis is recognized as a significant cause of male factor infertility and is behind the damage that spermatozoa experience after freezing and thawing or conservation in a liquid state. While for a long time, oxidative stress was just considered an overproduction of reactive oxygen species, nowadays it is considered as a consequence of redox deregulation. Many essential aspects of spermatozoa functionality are redox regulated, with reversible oxidation of thiols in cysteine residues of key proteins acting as an “on–off” switch controlling sperm function. However, if deregulation occurs, these residues may experience irreversible oxidation and oxidative stress, leading to malfunction and ultimately death of the spermatozoa. Stallion spermatozoa are “professional producers” of reactive oxygen species due to their intense mitochondrial activity, and thus sophisticated systems to control redox homeostasis are also characteristic of the spermatozoa in the horse. As a result, and combined with the fact that embryos can easily be collected in this species, horses are a good model for the study of redox biology in the spermatozoa and its impact on the embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando J. Peña
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain; (J.M.O.R.); (F.E.M.C.); (G.L.G.-P.); (M.C.G.); (C.O.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-927-257-167
| | - Cristian O’Flaherty
- Departments of Surgery (Urology Division) and Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada;
| | - José M. Ortiz Rodríguez
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain; (J.M.O.R.); (F.E.M.C.); (G.L.G.-P.); (M.C.G.); (C.O.F.)
| | - Francisco E. Martín Cano
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain; (J.M.O.R.); (F.E.M.C.); (G.L.G.-P.); (M.C.G.); (C.O.F.)
| | - Gemma L. Gaitskell-Phillips
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain; (J.M.O.R.); (F.E.M.C.); (G.L.G.-P.); (M.C.G.); (C.O.F.)
| | - María C. Gil
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain; (J.M.O.R.); (F.E.M.C.); (G.L.G.-P.); (M.C.G.); (C.O.F.)
| | - Cristina Ortega Ferrusola
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain; (J.M.O.R.); (F.E.M.C.); (G.L.G.-P.); (M.C.G.); (C.O.F.)
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31
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Bassiri F, Nasr-Esfahani MH, Forozanfar M, Tavalaee M. Relationship between Sperm Parameters with Sperm Function Tests in Infertile Men with at Least One Failed Cycle after Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Cycle. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2019; 13:324-329. [PMID: 31710194 PMCID: PMC6875861 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2020.5750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Background Imbalance between production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and total antioxidant capacity in testis, epididymis, and seminal fluid can eventually lead to infertility. Abnormal sperm chromatin packaging, and DNA fragmentation is considered as the main underlying causes of infertility. Therefore, we aimed to assess relationship between sperm parameters with DNA damage, protamine deficiency, persistent histones, and lipid peroxidation in infertile men with at least one failed cycle after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Materials and Methods In this experimental study, semen samples were collected from infertile men with at least
one failed intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycle (n=20). Sperm parameters, DNA damage, protamine de-
ficiency, persistent histones, and lipid peroxidation were assessed using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA)
system, sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) and Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling
(TUNEL) assays, chromomycin A3, aniline blue, and BODIPY C11 staining, respectively. Results A negative significant correlation was observed between sperm concentration with percentage of sperm
persistent histones (r=-0.56, P=0.02), while positive significant correlations were found between percentage of sperm
persistent histones with percentage of abnormal morphology (r=0.54, P=0.02), CMA3-positive spermatozoa (r=o.6,
P=0.008) and intensity of lipid peroxidation (r=0.6, P=0.01). In addition, significant correlation was observed be-
tween sperm DNA damage with intensity and percentage of lipid peroxidation (r=0.62, P=0.009). Correlation between
CMA3-positive spermatozoa and intensity of lipid peroxidation (r=0.5, P=0.03) were also significant. Conclusion Observed significant correlations between sperm functional tests in infertile men with at least one failed
ICSI cycle, indicated that the reduction of oxidative stress by antioxidant supplementation may be considered as one
therapy approach that can improve sperm function and increase the chance of successful clinical outcomes in next
assisted reproductive cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Bassiri
- Department of Biology, Fars Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Fars, Iran.,Department of Biology, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - 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
| | - Mohsen Forozanfar
- Department of Biology, Fars Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Fars, Iran.,Department of Biology, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Biology, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Marziyeh Tavalaee
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
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32
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Bezerra Espinola MS, Aragona C. New perspectives on male fertility evaluation: Innovative approach for the qualitative analysis of spermatozoa. Andrologia 2019; 52:e13378. [PMID: 31691338 DOI: 10.1111/and.13378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of idiopathic infertility cases, actually, is impossible. Among new functional tests, developed to improve the male fertility diagnosis, the evaluation of spermatic myo-inositol (MI) level, known as Andrositol® test (AT), is one of the most interesting, considering its weak economic burden and ease of use. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive power of AT and its potential use for a preliminary evaluation of semen samples. To evaluate the predictive power of AT, 87 sperm samples were analysed in comparison with spermiogram and sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) Test, the gold standard analyses for male fertility evaluation. The application of AT resulted very useful for a preliminary sample evaluation, predicting the absence of DNA fragmentation in case of Low Responder samples precisely, and the presence of DNA fragmentation in case of medium or High Responder samples with abnormal morphology, predicting SCD results with a probability of 80% for Medium Responder sample and of 96.7% for High Responder sample. Considering the predictive power of this method, we could imagine, as preliminary qualitative analysis, its application before SCD test, deepening sperm analysis, improving the daily activities of laboratory operators and maintaining a good reliability of sperm evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cesare Aragona
- System Biology Group Lab (SBGLab), University of Rome, Alma Res Fertility Center, Rome, Italy
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33
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Cao W, Pan X, Ye F, Zhou J, Huang Z, Li C, Zhang Y, Fang J, Jiang Y, Lian H, Fu Z, Du Y, Wang L. Association between semen quality among men with different occupational exposures and risk of recurrent spontaneous abortion in island residents. TRADITIONAL MEDICINE AND MODERN MEDICINE 2019. [DOI: 10.1142/s257590001950006x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the semen quality of male adults whose spouses suffer from recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) in the island area, and to explore the association between RSA and occupational exposures. Methods: A total of 131 male patients were recruited and divided into two groups: spouse with recurrent spontaneous abortion group (RSA group, [Formula: see text]) and the normal fertility group (control group, [Formula: see text]). Information such as height, weight and occupational exposure history of 131 men were obtained. Semen samples were collected and analyzed. Differences in semen parameters and DNA fragmentation index (DFI) between the two groups were compared. Odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated to evaluate the association between occupational exposures and RSA status. Results: Overall, no significant difference was found in sperm concentration, progressive motility and normal morphology rate between RSA and control groups. Only DFI was observed to be significantly higher in the RSA group. Evaluation of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed DFI (AUC: 0.623, [Formula: see text]) could discriminate between males from the couples with RSA and without RSA. Conclusion: The analysis of conventional semen parameters could not directly reflect their influence on embryonic development, and test of integrity of the sperm DNA is of paramount importance to fully understand male fertility. It is crucial to conduct studies regarding occupational exposures and pregnancy loss and/or RSA risk, since it will provide population-level data to aid in the identification of important risk factors that warrant further mechanistic investigation, and eventually lead to effective prevention and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center of Zhoushan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Xinyao Pan
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, P. R. China
- The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive, Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Feijun Ye
- Reproductive Medicine Center of Zhoushan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, P. R. China
- The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive, Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Zengshu Huang
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, P. R. China
- The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive, Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Chuyu Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, P. R. China
- The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive, Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Yanpu Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center of Zhoushan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Jianwei Fang
- Reproductive Medicine Center of Zhoushan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Yan Jiang
- Reproductive Medicine Center of Zhoushan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Hongyu Lian
- Reproductive Medicine Center of Zhoushan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Zhongxing Fu
- Ningguo Bio-Leader Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Anhui, P. R. China
| | - Yan Du
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, P. R. China
- The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Ling Wang
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, P. R. China
- The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive, Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, P. R. China
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Utility and Predictive Value of Human Standard Semen Parameters and Sperm DNA Dispersion for Fertility Potential. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16112004. [PMID: 31195656 PMCID: PMC6603873 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16112004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Because the assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) plays a key role in male fertility, our study was designed to find the relationships between SDF and standard semen parameters. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that 18% SDF is a prognostic parameter for discriminating between men with normal and abnormal standard semen parameters (n = 667). Men with > 18% SDF had significantly lower quality semen, a higher prevalence of abnormal semen characteristics, and a higher odds ratio for abnormal semen parameters compared to men with ≤ 18% SDF. An ROC analysis provided predictive values for age and semen parameters to distinguish between men with SDF > 18% and men with ≤ 18% SDF. SDF was positively correlated with male age and teratozoospermia index but negatively with sperm concentration, total number of spermatozoa, sperm morphology, progressive motility, and vitality. Our study shows that 18% SDF has a predictive value for distinguishing between men with normal and abnormal semen characteristics. Men with >18% SDF have a higher risk for abnormal semen parameters, while age and obtained semen parameters have a predictive value for SDF. There is a relationship between SDF and conventional sperm characteristics, and thus, SDF can be incorporated into male fertility assessment.
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Kabartan E, Gunes S, Arslan MA, Asci R. Investigating the relationship between
BRCA1
and
BRCA2
genes methylation profile and sperm DNA fragmentation in infertile men. Andrologia 2019; 51:e13308. [DOI: 10.1111/and.13308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Emel Kabartan
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine Ondokuz Mayis University Samsun Turkey
- Scientific Research Projects Office Ordu University Ordu Turkey
| | - Sezgin Gunes
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine Ondokuz Mayis University Samsun Turkey
- Department of Multidisciplinary Molecular Medicine Health Sciences Institute, Ondokuz Mayis University Samsun Turkey
| | - Mehmet Alper Arslan
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine Ondokuz Mayis University Samsun Turkey
- Department of Multidisciplinary Molecular Medicine Health Sciences Institute, Ondokuz Mayis University Samsun Turkey
| | - Ramazan Asci
- Department of Multidisciplinary Molecular Medicine Health Sciences Institute, Ondokuz Mayis University Samsun Turkey
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine Ondokuz Mayis University Samsun Turkey
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Independent and combined effects of diethylhexyl phthalate and polychlorinated biphenyl 153 on sperm quality in the human and dog. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3409. [PMID: 30833626 PMCID: PMC6399337 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39913-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
A temporal decline in human and dog sperm quality is thought to reflect a common environmental aetiology. This may reflect direct effects of seminal chemicals on sperm function and quality. Here we report the effects of diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and polychlorinated biphenyl 153 (PCB153) on DNA fragmentation and motility in human and dog sperm. Human and dog semen was collected from registered donors (n = 9) and from stud dogs (n = 11) and incubated with PCB153 and DEHP, independently and combined, at 0x, 2x, 10x and 100x dog testis concentrations. A total of 16 treatments reflected a 4 × 4 factorial experimental design. Although exposure to DEHP and/or PCB153 alone increased DNA fragmentation and decreased motility, the scale of dose-related effects varied with the presence and relative concentrations of each chemical (DEHP.PCB interaction for: DNA fragmentation; human p < 0.001, dog p < 0.001; Motility; human p < 0.001, dog p < 0.05). In both human and dog sperm, progressive motility negatively correlated with DNA fragmentation regardless of chemical presence (Human: P < 0.0001, r = −0.36; dog P < 0.0001, r = −0.29). We conclude that DEHP and PCB153, at known tissue concentrations, induce similar effects on human and dog sperm supporting the contention of the dog as a sentinel species for human exposure.
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Cankut S, Dinc T, Cincik M, Ozturk G, Selam B. Evaluation of Sperm DNA Fragmentation via Halosperm Technique and TUNEL Assay Before and After Cryopreservation. Reprod Sci 2019; 26:1575-1581. [PMID: 30717629 DOI: 10.1177/1933719119828096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
AIM Human sperm DNA fragmentation is one of the factors suggested for male infertility. The ratio of sperm DNA damage in semen may adversely affect both the fertilization rate and the embryo development of in vitro fertilization/ intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles. Sperm cryopreservation both increases the success rates in assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) and contributes to the preservation of fertility before testis surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. The aim of the current study is to determine sperm DNA fragmentation, following cryopreservation. METHODS A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted at a university hospital infertility clinic. One hundred (n = 100) volunteer fertile men (ages between 21 and 39 years) with normozoospermic sperm parameters were involved in the current study. Sperm DNA damage was evaluated with the Halosperm technique and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Fresh samples were studied in liquid form. The remaining samples were kept frozen and then thawed after 1 month and reevaluated with the Halosperm technique and TUNEL assay. Results were then compared between the fresh and frozen samples. RESULTS Sperm DNA fragmentation results with the Halosperm technique both before and after cryopreservation were 25% (5%-65%) and 40% (6%-89%), respectively, with a statistically significant increase (15%; P < .001). Sperm DNA fragmentation results by TUNEL assay before and after cryopreservation were 17% (3%-43%) and 36% (7%-94%), respectively, with a statistically significant increase (19%; P <.001). CONCLUSION The current data demonstrate increased sperm DNA damage after cryopreservation. Further studies may contribute to development of less harmful techniques and cryoprotectants in order to improve the results of ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senay Cankut
- Acibadem Altunizade Hospital, Unit of ART, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Turgay Dinc
- Institute of Health Sciences, Maltepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Cincik
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Maltepe University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Guler Ozturk
- Department of Physiology, Istanbul Medeniyet University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Belgin Selam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University School of Medicine, Acibadem Altunizade Hospital, Unit of ART, Istanbul, Turkey
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Zandieh Z, Ashrafi M, Aflatoonian K, Aflatoonian R. Human sperm DNA damage has an effect on immunological interaction between spermatozoa and fallopian tube. Andrology 2019; 7:228-234. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Z. Zandieh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center School of Medicine Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
- Anatomy Department School of Medicine Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - M. Ashrafi
- Shahid Akbar Abadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU) Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - K. Aflatoonian
- School of Medicine Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - R. Aflatoonian
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine ACECR Tehran Iran
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Malm G, Rylander L, Giwercman A, Haugen TB. Association between semen parameters and chance of fatherhood - a long-term follow-up study. Andrology 2018; 7:76-81. [PMID: 30525303 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evaluation of male fertility includes standard semen analysis; however, there is uncertainty about the value of sperm parameters in predicting fertility. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between semen parameters and fatherhood during a long-time period. MATERIALS AND METHODS Semen parameters (total sperm count, concentration, motility, and morphology) and sperm DNA fragmentation Index (DFI) assessed on samples collected from 195 Norwegian men from the general population in 2001/2002 were matched with information about fatherhood until 2015, obtained from the Medical Birth Register. The parameters were dichotomized as normal vs. abnormal according to the WHO reference values from 1999 and 2010. Cut-offs at 20% and 30% were used for DFI. RESULTS Among men who had no children before 2003, those with normal progressive sperm motility had more often become fathers (WHO 1999, cut-off ≥50%, adjusted OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.3-6.1 and WHO 2010, cut-off ≥32%; aOR 4.2, 95% CI 1.1-15). Based on the WHO 1999 reference value, men with normal sperm concentration (≥20 × 106 /mL) had more often become fathers (aOR 3.1, 95% CI 1.1-8.6). Men with progressive sperm motility ≥50% and concentration ≥20 × 106 /mL did more often achieve fatherhood (aOR 8.4, 95% CI 2.1-34). For DFI, there was a borderline significance at cut-off 20% in the group of men who had ever been fathers (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.0-7.0 p < 0.05). DISCUSSION The results indicate that sperm progressive motility, sperm concentration, and DFI are associated with fatherhood during a longer time period, with sperm motility being most consistent. Although the sample size is relatively small and our results should be replicated in larger studies, they may be of clinical relevance. CONCLUSION Semen parameters may have a diagnostic value not only in a short time frame but also for predicting future fertility potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Malm
- Molecular Reproductive Research, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Skane University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - L Rylander
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - A Giwercman
- Molecular Reproductive Research, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Skane University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - T B Haugen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet-Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
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40
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Heidari M, Darbani S, Darbandi M, Lakpour N, Fathi Z, Zarnani AH, Zeraati H, Akhondi MM, Sadeghi MR. Assessing the potential of HSPA2 and ADAM2 as two biomarkers for human sperm selection. HUM FERTIL 2018; 23:123-133. [PMID: 30463455 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2018.1534277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Selection of the best sperm, with the least defects, is a critical factor in the success of ART especially in male factor infertility. This study assessed the potential Heat shock protein (HSPA2) and metallopeptidase domain2 (ADAM2) biomarkers for sperm selection. Sperm were obtained from 72 asthenoteratozoospermic and 42 normospermic ejaculates. The semen characteristic, DNA fragmentation (DFI), chromatin maturation index (CMI), ADAM2 and HSPA2 levels on sperm, and their correlation with embryo quality were assessed in both groups. Results showed the significant reduction in HSPA2 and ADAM2 in asthenoteratozoospermic compared to normazoospermic ejaculates regarding the cut-off value of 14 and 13% for these two biomarkers. The specificity of HSPA2 and ADAM2 separately, and the combination of these two biomarkers, were 95.2, 90.5 and 93.5%, respectively, for sperm from normozoospermic ejaculates. However, they were 48.6, 50.0 and 54.5% for asthenoteratozoospermic ones. A significant correlation was observed with HSPA2, ADAM2 and a combination of these two biomarkers with CMI, DFI and embryo quality. Although a combination of these two biomarkers have the potential to be a good choice for selecting sperm with the lowest level of chromatin damage, it seems that selection according to HSPA2 has priority over ADAM2 or a combination of the two.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahnaz Heidari
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute (ARI), ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Darbani
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute (ARI), ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Darbandi
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute (ARI), ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Niknam Lakpour
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute (ARI), ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohreh Fathi
- Avicenna Infertility Clinical Fertility and Infertility (ARI), Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Hasan Zarnani
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute (ARI), ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hodjat Zeraati
- Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Tehran Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Akhondi
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute (ARI), ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Sadeghi
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute (ARI), ACECR, Tehran, Iran
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Oxidative Stress in the Male Germline: A Review of Novel Strategies to Reduce 4-Hydroxynonenal Production. Antioxidants (Basel) 2018; 7:antiox7100132. [PMID: 30282920 PMCID: PMC6209867 DOI: 10.3390/antiox7100132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Germline oxidative stress is intimately linked to several reproductive pathologies including a failure of sperm-egg recognition. The lipid aldehyde 4-hydroxynonenal (4HNE) is particularly damaging to the process of sperm-egg recognition as it compromises the function and the stability of several germline proteins. Considering mature spermatozoa do not have the capacity for de novo protein translation, 4HNE modification of proteins in the mature gametes has uniquely severe consequences for protein homeostasis, cell function and cell survival. In somatic cells, 4HNE overproduction has been attributed to the action of lipoxygenase enzymes that facilitate the oxygenation and degradation of ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Accordingly, the arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15) enzyme has been intrinsically linked with 4HNE production, and resultant pathophysiology in various complex conditions such as coronary artery disease and multiple sclerosis. While ALOX15 has not been well characterized in germ cells, we postulate that ALOX15 inhibition may pose a new strategy to prevent 4HNE-induced protein modifications in the male germline. In this light, this review focuses on (i) 4HNE-induced protein damage in the male germline and its implications for fertility; and (ii) new methods for the prevention of lipid peroxidation in germ cells.
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Pacey A. Is sperm DNA fragmentation a useful test that identifies a treatable cause of male infertility? Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2018; 53:11-19. [PMID: 30482660 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The present-day laboratory methods of sperm analysis are a poor predictor of reproductive outcome, and for many years it has been clear that newer and better tests are required. Although many such tests have been proposed, only those which determine sperm DNA quality are still being considered. Of these, several tests of sperm DNA fragmentation are available, although there is presently no consensus about the most appropriate test, the best test specimen (fresh or washed sperm) or what level of fragmentation is of clinical concern. Moreover, although several strategies have been proposed to reduce DNA fragmentation, there is no universal approach and few randomised trials have tested these in a clinical context. As such, most professional bodies do not presently support the use of sperm DNA fragmentation tests, and it is clear that large randomised trials are still required to further evaluate their clinical effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan Pacey
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Level 4, The Jessop Wing, Tree Root Walk, Sheffield, S10 2SF, United Kingdom.
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43
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Peña FJ, Ortiz Rodriguez JM, Gil MC, Ortega Ferrusola C. Flow cytometry analysis of spermatozoa: Is it time for flow spermetry? Reprod Domest Anim 2018; 53 Suppl 2:37-45. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.13261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fernando J. Peña
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Spermatology; University of Extremadura; Cáceres Spain
| | - Jose M. Ortiz Rodriguez
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Spermatology; University of Extremadura; Cáceres Spain
| | - María C. Gil
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Spermatology; University of Extremadura; Cáceres Spain
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Hassanin AM, Ahmed HH, Kaddah AN. A global view of the pathophysiology of varicocele. Andrology 2018; 6:654-661. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2017] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A. M. Hassanin
- Department of Andrology and Sexology; Faculty of Medicine; Cairo University; Cairo Egypt
| | - H. H. Ahmed
- Department of Andrology and Sexology; Faculty of Medicine; Cairo University; Cairo Egypt
| | - A. N. Kaddah
- Department of Andrology and Sexology; Faculty of Medicine; Cairo University; Cairo Egypt
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Bejarano I, Rodríguez AB, Pariente JA. Apoptosis Is a Demanding Selective Tool During the Development of Fetal Male Germ Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2018; 6:65. [PMID: 30003081 PMCID: PMC6031705 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2018.00065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis is widely known to play a major role on diseases related to male infertility. Diseases of the male genital tract as defective spermatogenesis, decreased sperm motility, sperm DNA fragmentation, testicular torsion, varicocele and immunological infertility are strongly related to apoptotic cell death. Apoptosis must not be considered only as a fail on germ cell physiology or a secondary effect of certain pathologies and exogenous hazardous agents. Apoptosis orchestrates correct function and development of the male germ cell from the early embryonic stages of gonadal differentiation to the fertilization. In this review we have tried to address a reading frame of the main knowledge about apoptosis in male germ cell development. Focussing on mechanisms concerning cellular apoptosis, which are independent of exogenous stimuli, we aimed to highlight that apoptosis is a selective instrument that guarantees the delivery of genetic message to offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - José A. Pariente
- Neuroimmunophysiology and Chrononutrition Research Group, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
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46
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Al Omrani B, Al Eisa N, Javed M, Al Ghedan M, Al Matrafi H, Al Sufyan H. Associations of sperm DNA fragmentation with lifestyle factors and semen parameters of Saudi men and its impact on ICSI outcome. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2018; 16:49. [PMID: 29778100 PMCID: PMC5960110 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-018-0369-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male factor infertility is quite common as 30-50% of infertility cases are due to sperm defects. The high sperm DNA fragmentation is one of the causes of male factor infertility. Many factors cause sperm DNA fragmentation and could be testicular or post-testicular. The purpose of this study was to assess relationships among sperm DNA fragmentation, lifestyle factors and semen values of Saudi men and to determine impact of sperm DNA fragmentation on ICSI cycle outcome. METHODS The duration of this study was from January 2015 to June 2016. The cases with female factor infertility were excluded. In total 94 couples were selected for investigation. The study parameters were male age, body mass index, smoking, semen values, % sperm DNA fragmentation, fertilization rate and pregnancy outcome. The ICSI procedure was performed in all patients per standard protocol. The semen samples were grouped based on % sperm DNA fragmentation into < 15%, 15-30 and > 30% which corresponded to low, moderate and high sperm DNA fragmentation, respectively. RESULTS There was no difference in ICSI outcome in low and moderate sperm DNA fragmentation, however, in high sperm DNA fragmentation no patient achieved pregnancy. In this study, 53.19% Saudi men had low, 32.98% moderate and 13.83% high DFI. Semen volume, sperm morphology and fertilization rate did not show any correlation trend with DNA fragmentation, however, sperm concentration and motility were negatively correlated in all DFI categories. The BMI was positively correlated in moderate DFI category and smoking was positively correlated with low DFI category. The age was positively correlated in moderate and high DFI categories. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study indicated that 14% Saudi men had high DNA fragmentation. The BMI was positively correlated in moderate DFI category and smoking was positively correlated with low DFI category. The age was positively correlated in moderate and high DFI categories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basmah Al Omrani
- 0000 0004 1773 5396grid.56302.32Zoology Department, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nadia Al Eisa
- 0000 0004 1773 5396grid.56302.32Zoology Department, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Murid Javed
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Laboratories, Thuriah Medical Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maher Al Ghedan
- Genetics Laboratory, Thuriah Medical Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamoud Al Matrafi
- Urology and Andrology Unit, Thuriah Medical Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamad Al Sufyan
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Laboratories, Thuriah Medical Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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47
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Heidari M, Darbandi S, Darbani M, Amirjanati N, Bozorgmehr M, Zeraati H, Akhondi MM, Sadeghi MR. Evaluating the Potential of Three Sperm Surface Antigens as Egg-adhesion Biomarkers for Human Sperm Selection. J Reprod Infertil 2018; 19:203-210. [PMID: 30746335 PMCID: PMC6328979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The selection of sperm with good genomic integrity and surface antigens is suggested for improving assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcome. The aim of this study was evaluating the heat shock protein (HSPA2), Dj-1 and serum amyloid P compound (SAP) three sperm surface proteomes as biomarkers for this purpose. METHODS In this study, semen samples were obtained from 114 men who presented at Avicenna Fertility Clinic for their treatment. The semen characteristics, DNA fragmentation Index (DFI), chromatin maturation index (CMI), biomarker levels, and their embryo quality were considered. The paired-samples t-test and independent-samples t-test were used for analyzing the data and p-values<0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS Outcomes exhibited the major reduction in HSPA2, DJ-1 and SAP following reduction in sperm quality and DNA integrity (p<0.001) with cut-off value of 14% (HSPA2), 12% (DJ-1) and 10% (SAP). The specificity of these three biomarkers was 95.2, 73.8 and 88.1%, respectively. Also, DFI (p<0.001), CMI (p<0.05), cleavage (p<0.05), and embryos quality (p<0.001) decreased significantly in abnormal spermiogram (ANS) group in compared with normal spermiogram (NS) group. It was shown that DFI was 97.1% in HSPA2, 76.5% in DJ-1 and 94.1% in SAP, and CMI was 95.0%, 75.50% and 87.5%, respectively. The significant correlation was found between of the three biomarkers and CMI (p<0.001), DFI (p<0.001) and embryos quality (p<0.001). CONCLUSION By comparing the efficiency of these three biomarkers for selecting sperm with the lowest level of chromatin damages, it seems that selection based on HSPA2 has significance over others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahnaz Heidari
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Darbandi
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Darbani
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Naser Amirjanati
- Department of Andrology, Avicenna Fertility Clinic, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmood Bozorgmehr
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACERCR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hojjat Zeraati
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Akhondi
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Sadeghi
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACERCR, Tehran, Iran,Corresponding Author: Mohammad Reza Sadeghi, Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Shahid Beheshti University, Evin, Tehran, Iran E-mail:
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Muratori M, Baldi E. Effects of FSH on Sperm DNA Fragmentation: Review of Clinical Studies and Possible Mechanisms of Action. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:734. [PMID: 30619081 PMCID: PMC6297197 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm DNA fragmentation (sDF) is an important reproductive problem, associated to an increased time-to-pregnancy and a reduced success rate in natural and in vitro fertilization. sDF may virtually originate at any time of sperm's life: in the testis, in the epididymis, during transit in the ejaculatory ducts and even following ejaculation. Studies demonstrate that an apoptotic pathway, mainly occurring in the testis, and oxidative stress, likely acting in the male genital tract, are responsible for provoking the DNA strand breaks present in ejaculated spermatozoa. Although several pharmacological anti-oxidants tools have been used to reduce sDF, the efficacy of this type of therapies is questioned. Clearly, anti-apoptotic agents cannot be used because of the ubiquitous role of the apoptotic process in the body. A notable exception is represented by Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which regulates testis development and function and has been demonstrated to exert anti-apoptotic actions on germ cells. Here, we review the existing clinical studies evaluating the effect of FSH administration on sDF and discuss the possible mechanisms through which the hormone may reduce sDF levels in infertile subjects. Although there is evidence for a beneficial effect of the hormone on sDF, further studies with clear and univocal patient inclusion criteria, including sDF cut-off levels and considering the use of a pharmacogenetic approach for patients selection are warranted to draw firm conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Muratori
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- *Correspondence: Monica Muratori
| | - Elisabetta Baldi
- Department Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Elisabetta Baldi
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