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Gianzo M, Urizar-Arenaza I, Muñoa-Hoyos I, Labaka G, Larreategui Z, Garrido N, Irazusta J, Subirán N. Sperm aminopeptidase N identifies the potential for high-quality blastocysts and viable embryos in oocyte-donation cycles. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:2246-2254. [PMID: 35984316 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is there a relationship between human sperm aminopeptidase N (APN) and embryo development in humans? SUMMARY ANSWER Human sperm APN could possibly become a new molecular biomarker for identifying the potential for high-quality and usable embryos. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The diagnosis of male fertility is one of the major concerns of reproductive medicine. Approximately 30-40% of men with otherwise normal fertility parameters are still unable to achieve pregnancy. The predictive clinical value of semen analysis to identify fertile or infertile males is limited; therefore, new diagnostic methodologies for sperm are urgently required. Sperm APN may be a relevant molecular marker due to its high concentration in sperm cells and its important roles in sperm physiology, such as its functions in motility, acrosome reaction and embryo development. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This study included 81 couples who underwent oocyte-donation cycles at Clínica IVI Bilbao (Spain), yielding 611 embryos, between September 2014 and July 2015. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS This study was conducted in an assisted reproduction unit and an academic research laboratory. All the semen samples were examined and classified following World Health Organization guidelines. Spermatozoa were isolated from semen using the discontinuous colloidal silica gradient (45-90%) technique. Embryo quality and development were determined according to the Spanish Association of Reproduction Biology Studies (ASEBIR) criteria. Human sperm APN levels were analyzed by quantitative and semiquantitative flow cytometry. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The most well-developed and usable blastocysts were associated with low sperm APN levels. Semen samples that had lower APN levels generated more expanded, hatched and usable blastocysts and fewer early, arrested and non-usable blastocysts. The cumulative probability of having well-developed blastocysts increased by 1.38-fold at Day 5 and 1.90-fold at Day 6 of embryo development, and the likelihood of having usable embryos increased by 1.48-fold, when semen samples with low APN levels were used during the ICSI technique. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The data were obtained from a single fertility clinic. A multicentre study will be required to confirm the results. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Human sperm APN has the potential to become a new molecular biomarker to help identify the potential for high-quality embryos and diagnose male infertility, especially when seminal parameters are close to the threshold values. It could be a crucial tool for couples for whom the number of usable blastocysts is critical for ART success. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by grants from the Basque Government (GIC15/165) and the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) (EHUA14/17). The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Gianzo
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursery, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Itziar Urizar-Arenaza
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursery, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain.,Innovation in Assisted Reproduction Group, Biocruces-Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Iraia Muñoa-Hoyos
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursery, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain.,Innovation in Assisted Reproduction Group, Biocruces-Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Gorka Labaka
- Hitz Center, Ixa, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Donostia-San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | | | - Nicolás Garrido
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Jon Irazusta
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursery, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Nerea Subirán
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursery, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain.,Innovation in Assisted Reproduction Group, Biocruces-Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.,MEPROlife, Medical Reproductive Solutions, Research and Development Department, Donostia-San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain
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Experimentally altered male mating behaviour affects offspring exploratory behaviour via nongenetic paternal effects. Behav Brain Res 2020; 401:113062. [PMID: 33316325 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.113062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Evidence is emerging that fathers can have nongenetic effects on the phenotypes of their offspring. Most studies have focused on the role that nongenetic modifications to sperm can have on offspring phenotype; however, fathers can also have nongenetic effects on offspring through their interactions with females, called female-mediated paternal effects. These effects can occur in situations where male phenotype, e.g. behaviour or morphology, affects female stress and/or provisioning of offspring. These effects are potentially widespread, but few studies have explicitly investigated the role of female-mediated paternal effects on offspring phenotype. Here, we asked if male mating interactions can affect offspring via female mediated paternal effects in the Trinidadian guppy, Poecilia reticulata. To do this, we manipulated mating behaviour by: (i) administering a drug known to affect the neurotransmitter dopamine, and (ii) varying the familiarity of potential mates, which affects attractiveness in this species. With these treatments, we successfully manipulated the mating behaviour of male guppies and female preference for those males. Further, we found significant effects of sire mating behaviour, sire drug treatment, and parental familiarity status on behavioural measures of offspring anxiety in response to a novel object. Because Control offspring of 'familiar' and 'unfamiliar' pairs differed in their behaviour, our results cannot be solely attributed to potential nongenetic modifications to sperm caused by the drug. These results emphasize the importance of female-mediated paternal effects, including those caused by altered male mating behaviour, in shaping offspring phenotype.
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Nazmara Z, Shirinbayan P, Reza Asgari H, Ahadi R, Asgari F, Maki CB, Fattahi F, Hosseini B, Janzamin E, Koruji M. The epigenetic alterations of human sperm cells caused by heroin use disorder. Andrologia 2020; 53:e13799. [PMID: 33099803 DOI: 10.1111/and.13799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms of drug use on sexual health are largely unknown. We investigated, the relationship between heroin use disorder and epigenetic factors influencing histone acetylation in sperm cells. The volunteers included twenty-four 20- to 50-year-old men with a normal spermogram who did not consume any drugs and twenty-four age- to BMI-matched men who consume only the drug heroin for more than last four months. HDAC1 and HDAC11 mRNA expression levels in spermatozoa and miR-34c-5p and miR-125b-5p expression levels in seminal plasma were measured. The heroin-user group showed significantly increased white blood cell counts and decreased sperm motility and survival rates (8.61 ± 1.73, 21.50 ± 3.11, 69.90 ± 4.69 respectively) as compared to the control group (1.49 ± 0.32, 38.82 ± 3.05, 87.50 ± 0.99 respectively) (p ≤ .001). An increase in DNA fragmentation index (DFI) (heroin-user group: 41.93 ± 6.59% and control group: 10.14 ± 1.43%, p = .003), a change in frequency of HDAC1 (heroin-user group: 1.69 ± 0.55 and control group: 0.45 ± 0.14, p = .045) and HDAC11 (heroin-user group: 0.29 ± 0.13 and control group: 2.36 ± 0.76, p = .019) in spermatozoa and a significant decrease in seminal miR-125b-5p abundance (heroin-user group: 0.37 ± 0.11 and control group: 1.59 ± 0.47, p = .028) were reported in heroin consumers. Heroin use can lead to male infertility by causing leukocytospermia, asthenozoospermia, DFI elevation in sperm cells and alterations in seminal RNA profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh Nazmara
- Legal Medicine Research Center, Legal Medicine Organization, Tehran, Iran
| | - Peymaneh Shirinbayan
- Pediatric Neuro-Rehabilitation Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Asgari
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center & Department of Anatomy, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Ahadi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center & Department of Anatomy, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Asgari
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center & Department of Anatomy, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Chad B Maki
- VetCell Therapeutics USA, Santa Ana, CA, USA
| | - Fahimeh Fattahi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bitasadat Hosseini
- Department of Biochemistry, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Janzamin
- Department of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Royan Institute, Tehran, Iran
| | - Morteza Koruji
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center & Department of Anatomy, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Sarasa J, Enciso M, García L, Leza A, Steger K, Aizpurua J. Comparison of ART outcomes in men with altered mRNA protamine 1/protamine 2 ratio undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection with ejaculated and testicular spermatozoa. Asian J Androl 2020; 22:623-628. [PMID: 32217836 PMCID: PMC7705981 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_146_19] [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: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies involving the use of spermatozoa and eggs for in vitro fertilization (IVF) have come as the solution for many infertile couples to become parents. However, in some cases, the use of ejaculated spermatozoa delivers poor IVF performance. Some studies have suggested the use of testicular spermatozoa in severe male infertility cases, but no guidelines regarding their utilization are currently available. In the present study, we found the mRNA protamine 1/protamine 2 (P1/P2) ratio to be a valuable biomarker of poor sperm function that could be used as a diagnostic key for the identification of cases that would benefit from the use of testicular spermatozoa. A total of 23 couples undergoing egg donation cycles with at least one previous cycle failure were studied. All couples underwent two consecutive intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles with either ejaculated or testicular spermatozoa (TESA). The sperm mRNA P1/P2 ratio, fertilization rate, blastocyst rate, and pregnancy and live birth rate were compared. Results showed improved ICSI and clinical outcomes in cycles with testicular spermatozoa in men with altered mRNA P1/P2 ratios. TESA cycles presented significantly higher rates of fertilization (mean ± standard deviation: 76.1% ± 15.1% vs 65.5% ± 18.8%), blastocyst formation (55.0% ± 20.3% vs 30.8% ± 23.8%), and good morphological quality blastocyst (28.9% ± 22.9% vs 13.5% ± 17.9%) and also improvements on pregnancy (60.9% vs 0%) and healthy birth rates (56.5% vs 0%) than EJACULATE cycles. The results described here suggest that in patients with previous IVF/ICSI failures and aberrant mRNA protamine ratios, the use of testicular spermatozoa may be a good alternative to improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Klaus Steger
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Molecular Andrology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen 35385, Germany
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Schuppe HC, Pilatz A, Fietz D, Diemer T, Köhn FM, Tüttelmann F, Kliesch S. Kinderwunsch bei Azoospermie. GYNAKOLOGISCHE ENDOKRINOLOGIE 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10304-019-00271-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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6
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Nordhoff V, Kliesch S. Das eine unter vielen – Spermienqualität und Möglichkeiten der Selektion. GYNAKOLOGISCHE ENDOKRINOLOGIE 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10304-019-00274-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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7
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Llamas Luceño N, de Souza Ramos Angrimani D, de Cássia Bicudo L, Szymańska KJ, Van Poucke M, Demeyere K, Meyer E, Peelman L, Mullaart E, Broekhuijse MLWJ, Van Soom A. Exposing dairy bulls to high temperature-humidity index during spermatogenesis compromises subsequent embryo development in vitro. Theriogenology 2019; 141:16-25. [PMID: 31494458 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The possible impact of natural heat stress on animal fertility is currently a major concern for breeding companies. Here, we aimed to address this concern by determining the effects of natural heat stress on the fertility of Holstein bulls located in the Netherlands. Semen samples were collected from six bulls at two locations in March 2016 (low temperature-humidity index (THI) group; maximum THI of 51.8 and 55 at their respective locations) or August (high THI group; maximum THI of 77.9 and 80.5 during meiotic and spermiogenic stages of spermatogenesis, 42 to 14 days prior to semen collection). The effect of heat stress on semen quality was assessed by sperm morphology, motility, reactive oxygen species production, lipid peroxidation, viability, and DNA fragmentation. Moreover, we evaluated the development of embryos generated in vitro by low and high THI semen, and determined inner cell mass/trophectoderm ratio, apoptotic cell ratio, and embryonic gene expression in day-8 blastocysts. An increase in cell death (propidium iodide-positive cells; P = 0.039) was observed in the high THI group (31.5%) compared to the low THI group (27.6%). Moreover, a decrease (P < 0.001) was observed in the total blastocyst rates at day 7 post-insemination (15.3 vs 20.9%) and day 8 (23.2 vs 29.6%) in the high THI compared to the low THI group, respectively. There were no differences in the relative abundance of candidate transcripts examined. In conclusion, sperm samples from dairy bulls obtained during a period with higher THI had reduced viability and led to a decrease in blastocyst development and delayed hatching, compared to semen collected during a period with low THI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Núria Llamas Luceño
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Daniel de Souza Ramos Angrimani
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium; Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luana de Cássia Bicudo
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium; Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Katarzyna J Szymańska
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mario Van Poucke
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Kristel Demeyere
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Evelyne Meyer
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Luc Peelman
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | | | | | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
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Champagne FA. Interplay between paternal germline and maternal effects in shaping development: The overlooked importance of behavioural ecology. Funct Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Hamad M, Shelko N, Montenarh M, Hammadeh ME. The impact of cigarette smoking on protamines 1 and 2 transcripts in human spermatozoa. HUM FERTIL 2017; 22:104-110. [DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2017.1382733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Hamad
- College of Science and Health Professions, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
- IVF & Andrology Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Nyaz Shelko
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
- IVF & Andrology Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Mathias Montenarh
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Mohammed Eid Hammadeh
- IVF & Andrology Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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Susilowati S, Triana IN, Malik A. The effects of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) complex from seminal plasma on capacitation, membrane integrity and DNA fragmentation in goat spermatozoa. ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTION 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apjr.2015.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Kim J, Kim JH, Jee BC, Suh CS, Kim SH. Is There a Link Between Expression Levels of Histone Deacetylase/Acetyltransferase in Mouse Sperm and Subsequent Blastocyst Development? Reprod Sci 2015; 22:1387-92. [PMID: 25868580 DOI: 10.1177/1933719115580997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Histone acetylation has been known to be significant in spermatogenesis. Histone acetylation is regulated by the act of histone deacetylases (HDACs) and histone acetyltransferases (HATs). We investigated the link between expression levels of HDACs and HATs in mouse sperm and subsequent blastocyst formation rate. In the univariate analysis, expression levels of HDAC1 and HAT were generally not associated with the blastocyst formation rate. When divided by the mature oocyte number category, a significant positive association was observed between the expression levels of HDAC1 and the blastocyst-forming rate in the highest (> 75th) percentile group (a group with ≥34 mature oocytes). In conclusion, expression of sperm HDAC1 could be considered as a possible predictor of embryo development in mice with high ovarian response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayeon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cha Gangnam Hospital, Cha University, Seoul, South Korea Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ji-Hee Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Bundang, South Korea
| | - Byung-Chul Jee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Chang-Suk Suh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seok-Hyun Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Bundang, South Korea
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de Boer P, de Vries M, Ramos L. A mutation study of sperm head shape and motility in the mouse: lessons for the clinic. Andrology 2014; 3:174-202. [PMID: 25511638 DOI: 10.1111/andr.300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Revised: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mouse mutants that show effects on sperm head shape, the sperm tail (flagellum), and motility were analysed in a systematic way. This was achieved by grouping mutations in the following classes: manchette, acrosome, Sertoli cell contact, chromatin remodelling, and mutations involved in complex regulations such as protein (de)phosphorylation and RNA stability, and flagellum/motility mutations. For all mutant phenotypes, flagellum function (motility) was affected. Head shape, including the nucleus, was also affected in spermatozoa of most mouse models, though with considerable variation. For the mutants that were categorized in the flagellum/motility group, generally normal head shapes were found, even when the flagellum did not develop or only poorly so. Most mutants are sterile, an occasional one semi-sterile. For completeness, the influence of the sex chromosomes on sperm phenotype is included. Functionally, the genes involved can be categorized as regulators of spermiogenesis. When extrapolating these data to human sperm samples, in vivo selection for motility would be the tool for weeding out the products of suboptimal spermiogenesis and epididymal sperm maturation. The striking dependency of motility on proper sperm head development is not easy to understand, but likely is of evolutionary benefit. Also, sperm competition after mating can never act against the long-term multi-generation interest of genetic integrity. Hence, it is plausible to suggest that short-term haplophase fitness i.e., motility, is developmentally integrated with proper nucleus maturation, including genetic integrity to protect multi-generation fitness. We hypothesize that, when the prime defect is in flagellum formation, apparently a feedback loop was not necessary as head morphogenesis in these mutants is mostly normal. Extrapolating to human-assisted reproductive techniques practice, this analysis would supply the arguments for the development of tools to select for motility as a continuous (non-discrete) parameter.
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Affiliation(s)
- P de Boer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Kim JH, Jee BC, Lee JM, Suh CS, Kim SH. Histone acetylation level and histone acetyltransferase/deacetylase activity in ejaculated sperm from normozoospermic men. Yonsei Med J 2014; 55:1333-40. [PMID: 25048493 PMCID: PMC4108820 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2014.55.5.1333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this work was to evaluate nuclear histone acetylation level and total histone acetyltransferase (HAT) and deacetylase (HDAC) activity in ejaculated sperm and their relevance to conventional sperm parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-three normozoospermic men were included in this study. Semen samples were processed by swim-up and then immunostained by six acetylation antibodies (H3K9ac, H3K14ac, H4K5ac, H4K8ac, H4K12ac, and H4K16ac). Our preliminary study verified the expression of HAT/HDAC1 in mature human sperm. From vitrified-warmed sperm samples, total HAT/HDAC activity was measured by commercially available kits. Nuclear DNA integrity was also measured by TUNEL assay. RESULTS The levels of six acetylation marks were not related with conventional sperm parameters including sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) as well as HAT/HDAC activity. However, sperm DFI was positively correlated with HAT activity (r=0.038 after adjustment, p<0.02). HAT activity showed a negative relationship with HDAC activity (r=-0.51, p<0.01). Strict morphology was negatively correlated with acetylation enzyme index (=HAT activity/HDAC activity) (r=-0.53, p<0.01). CONCLUSION Our works demonstrated a significant relationship of acetylation-associated enzyme activity and strict morphology or sperm DFI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jee Hyun Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea. ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Byung Chul Jee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea. ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jang Mi Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Chang Suk Suh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea. ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seok Hyun Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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Paradowska-Dogan A, Fernandez A, Bergmann M, Kretzer K, Mallidis C, Vieweg M, Waliszewski P, Zitzmann M, Weidner W, Steger K, Kliesch S. Protamine mRNA ratio in stallion spermatozoa correlates with mare fecundity. Andrology 2014; 2:521-30. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2014.00211.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2014] [Revised: 02/26/2014] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Paradowska-Dogan
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology; Justus Liebig University of Giessen; Giessen Germany
| | - A. Fernandez
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology; University Clinic Muenster; Muenster Germany
| | - M. Bergmann
- Institute for Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology; Justus Liebig University of Giessen; Giessen Germany
| | - K. Kretzer
- Institute for Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology; Justus Liebig University of Giessen; Giessen Germany
| | - C. Mallidis
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology; University Clinic Muenster; Muenster Germany
| | - M. Vieweg
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology; Justus Liebig University of Giessen; Giessen Germany
| | - P. Waliszewski
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology; Justus Liebig University of Giessen; Giessen Germany
| | - M. Zitzmann
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology; University Clinic Muenster; Muenster Germany
| | - W. Weidner
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology; Justus Liebig University of Giessen; Giessen Germany
| | - K. Steger
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology; Justus Liebig University of Giessen; Giessen Germany
| | - S. Kliesch
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology; University Clinic Muenster; Muenster Germany
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Rahman MB, Vandaele L, Rijsselaere T, El-Deen MS, Maes D, Shamsuddin M, Van Soom A. Bovine spermatozoa react to in vitro heat stress by activating the mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 signalling pathway. Reprod Fertil Dev 2014; 26:245-57. [DOI: 10.1071/rd12198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2012] [Accepted: 11/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Heat stress has long been recognised as a cause of subfertility in farm animals. The objectives of the present study were to elucidate the effect of heat stress on sperm function and involvement of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) 14 signalling pathway. Spermatozoa incubated for 4 h at a physiological temperature (38.5°C) exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) reduced motility, plasma membrane integrity and mitochondrial potential compared with non-incubated spermatozoa; the reductions in these parameters were more severe following incubation at a hyperthermic (41°C) temperature (P < 0.01). Percentages of fertilisation and embryo development were highly affected in spermatozoa incubated at 41°C compared with non-incubated spermatozoa (P < 0.01). Similarly, embryo quality was adversely affected by sperm incubation at 41°C, as indicated by a higher apoptotic cell ratio in Day 7 blastocysts compared with that in the non-incubated control group (14.6% vs 6.7%, respectively; P < 0.01). Using SB203580 (10 µg mL–1), a specific inhibitor of the p38 MAPK pathway, during sperm hyperthermia reduced MAPK14 activation (24.9% vs 35.6%), increased sperm motility (45.8% vs 26.5%) and reduced DNA fragmentation (16.9% vs 23.4%) compared with the untreated control group, but did not improve subsequent fertilisation and embryo development. In conclusion, heat stress significantly affects the potential of spermatozoa to penetrate oocytes, as well as subsequent embryo development and quality. Notably, the data show that the MAPK14 signalling pathway is largely involved in heat-induced sperm damage. However, further research is needed to elucidate other signalling pathways possibly involved in heat-induced sperm damage.
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16
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PaGenBase: a pattern gene database for the global and dynamic understanding of gene function. PLoS One 2013; 8:e80747. [PMID: 24312499 PMCID: PMC3846610 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0080747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2013] [Accepted: 10/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pattern genes are a group of genes that have a modularized expression behavior under serial physiological conditions. The identification of pattern genes will provide a path toward a global and dynamic understanding of gene functions and their roles in particular biological processes or events, such as development and pathogenesis. In this study, we present PaGenBase, a novel repository for the collection of tissue- and time-specific pattern genes, including specific genes, selective genes, housekeeping genes and repressed genes. The PaGenBase database is now freely accessible at http://bioinf.xmu.edu.cn/PaGenBase/. In the current version (PaGenBase 1.0), the database contains 906,599 pattern genes derived from the literature or from data mining of more than 1,145,277 gene expression profiles in 1,062 distinct samples collected from 11 model organisms. Four statistical parameters were used to quantitatively evaluate the pattern genes. Moreover, three methods (quick search, advanced search and browse) were designed for rapid and customized data retrieval. The potential applications of PaGenBase are also briefly described. In summary, PaGenBase will serve as a resource for the global and dynamic understanding of gene function and will facilitate high-level investigations in a variety of fields, including the study of development, pathogenesis and novel drug discovery.
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17
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Vassoler FM, Sadri-Vakili G. Mechanisms of transgenerational inheritance of addictive-like behaviors. Neuroscience 2013; 264:198-206. [PMID: 23920159 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.07.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2013] [Revised: 07/23/2013] [Accepted: 07/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Genetic factors are implicated in the heritability of drug abuse. However, even with advances in current technology no specific genes have been identified that are critical for the transmission of drug-induced phenotypes to subsequent generations. It is now evident that epigenetic factors contribute to disease heritability and represent a link between genes and the environment. Recently, epigenetic mechanisms have been shown to underlie drug-induced structural, synaptic, and behavioral plasticity by coordinating the expression of gene networks within the brain. Therefore, the epigenome provides a direct mechanism for drugs of abuse to influence the genetic events involved in the development of addiction as well as its heritability to subsequent generations. In this review we discuss the mechanisms underlying intergenerational epigenetic transmission, highlight studies that demonstrate this phenomenon with particular attention to the field of addiction, and identify gaps for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- F M Vassoler
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, Grafton, MA 01536, United States
| | - G Sadri-Vakili
- MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, United States.
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18
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Changes in DNA fragmentation during sperm preparation for intracytoplasmic sperm injection over time. Fertil Steril 2013; 100:69-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2012] [Revised: 02/18/2013] [Accepted: 03/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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19
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Rogenhofer N, Dansranjavin T, Schorsch M, Spiess A, Wang H, von Schönfeldt V, Cappallo-Obermann H, Baukloh V, Yang H, Paradowska A, Chen B, Thaler CJ, Weidner W, Schuppe HC, Steger K. The sperm protamine mRNA ratio as a clinical parameter to estimate the fertilizing potential of men taking part in an ART programme. Hum Reprod 2013; 28:969-78. [PMID: 23340056 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/des471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Could the protamine-1 to protamine-2 mRNA ratio serve as a biomarker to estimate the fertilizing capacity of sperm from men taking part in an IVF/ICSI programme? SUMMARY ANSWER The protamine mRNA ratio clearly discriminates between fertile and subfertile men and sperm with a normal protamine mRNA ratio exhibit a higher fertilizing capacity in IVF/ICSI. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Aberrant sperm protamine ratios are associated with male factor infertility and mRNA ratio is comparable with protein ratio (due to transcriptional stop in elongating spermatids). STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The study population was drawn from subfertile men, whose female partners participated in IVF or ICSI programmes between September 2010 and February 2012. Normozoospermic healthy volunteers served as controls. Sperm cells were lysed, mRNA extracted, reverse transcribed and subjected to real-time quantitative PCR using specific primer pairs for protamine-1 and protamine-2. Relative protamine-1 and protamine-2 mRNA levels were analysed with the Mann-Whitney U-test (two-tailed). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Quantitative RT-PCR for protamines 1 and 2 has been performed in ejaculates from 32 normozoospermic volunteers (control, University Clinic Giessen, Germany) and 306 patients, whose female partners took part in an IVF (n = 76; University Clinic Hamburg, Germany and Shanghai Jiaotong University, China) or an ICSI (n = 230; University Clinic Munich, Germany and Kinderwunschzentrum Wiesbaden, Germany) programme. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The sperm protamine mRNA ratio in normozoospermic men (0.98 ± 0.3) differed significantly from that of ICSI patients (Munich 0.81 ± 0.1; Wiesbaden 0.78 ± 0.2; P < 0.001), while processed samples obtained from IVF patients revealed a normal protamine mRNA ratio (Hamburg 1.0 ± 0.07; Shanghai 1.0 ± 0.54). Normal protamine mRNA ratios were associated with a significantly higher total motile sperm count and a significantly higher percentage of progressively motile sperm. Sperm with a normal protamine mRNA ratio revealed a higher fertilization capacity (fc) in both IVF (53.6% of patients with fc > 80%; P = 0.017) and ICSI (65.1% of patients with fc > 70%; P = 0.028). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The protamine mRNA ratio in an individual sperm cell used for ICSI may be different from the overall value obtained from a semen aliquot. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Data are in line with current literature and suggest the protamine mRNA ratio as a diagnostic marker to estimate the fertilizing capacity of sperm. STUDY FUNDING The German Research Foundation (DFG) to K.S., W.W. and A.P. (STE 892/9-2), as well as to A.S. and H.C.O. (SP721/1-3). COMPETING INTEREST(S) None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Rogenhofer
- Division of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Campus Grosshadern, Munich, Germany
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20
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Epigenetic inheritance of a cocaine-resistance phenotype. Nat Neurosci 2012; 16:42-7. [PMID: 23242310 PMCID: PMC3531046 DOI: 10.1038/nn.3280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 268] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2012] [Accepted: 11/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A heritable phenotype resulting from the self-administration of cocaine in rats was delineated. We observed delayed acquisition and reduced maintenance of cocaine self-administration in male, but not female, offspring of sires that self-administered cocaine. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA and protein were increased in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and there was an increased association of acetylated histone H3 with BDNF promoters only in the male offspring of cocaine-experienced sires. Administration of a BDNF receptor antagonist (the TrkB receptor antagonist ANA-12) reversed the diminished cocaine self-administration in male cocaine-sired rats. In addition, the association of acetylated histone H3 with BDNF promoters was increased in the sperm of sires that self-administered cocaine. Collectively, these findings indicate that voluntary paternal ingestion of cocaine results in epigenetic reprograming of the germline resulting in profound effects on mPFC gene expression and resistance to cocaine reinforcement in male offspring.
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21
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Ferens-Sieczkowska M, Kowalska B, Kratz EM. Seminal plasma glycoproteins in male infertility and prostate diseases: is there a chance for glyco-biomarkers? Biomarkers 2012; 18:10-22. [DOI: 10.3109/1354750x.2012.719035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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22
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Schagdarsurengin U, Paradowska A, Steger K. Analysing the sperm epigenome: roles in early embryogenesis and assisted reproduction. Nat Rev Urol 2012; 9:609-19. [PMID: 23045264 DOI: 10.1038/nrurol.2012.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
An understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms involved in sperm production and their impact on the differentiating embryo is essential if we are to optimize fertilization and assisted reproduction techniques in the future. Male germ cells are unique in terms of size, robustness, and chromatin structure, which is highly condensed owing to the replacement of most histones by protamines. Analysis of sperm epigenetics requires specific techniques that enable the isolation of high quality chromatin and associated nucleic acids. Histone modification, DNA methylation and noncoding RNAs have important, but so far underestimated, roles in the production of fertile sperm. Aberrations in these epigenetic processes have detrimental consequences for both early embryo development and assisted reproductive technology. Emerging computational techniques are likely to improve our understanding of chromatin dynamics in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Undraga Schagdarsurengin
- Justus Liebig University, Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Section Molecular Andrology, Giessen, Germany
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23
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De Vries M, Ramos L, Housein Z, De Boer P. Chromatin remodelling initiation during human spermiogenesis. Biol Open 2012; 1:446-57. [PMID: 23213436 PMCID: PMC3507207 DOI: 10.1242/bio.2012844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
During the last phase of spermatogenesis, spermiogenesis, haploid round spermatids metamorphose towards spermatozoa. Extensive cytoplasmic reduction and chromatin remodelling together allow a dramatic decrease of cellular, notably nuclear volume. DNA packing by a nucleosome based chromatin structure is largely replaced by a protamine based one. At the cytoplasmic level among others the acrosome and perinuclear theca (PNT) are formed. In this study we describe the onset of chromatin remodelling to occur concomitantly with acrosome and PNT development. In spread human round spermatid nuclei, we show development of a DAPI-intense doughnut-like structure co-localizing with the acrosomal sac and sub acrosomal PNT. At this structure we observe the first gradual decrease of nucleosomes and several histones. Histone post-translational modifications linked to chromatin remodelling such as H4K8ac and H4K16ac also delineate the doughnut, that is furthermore marked by H3K9me2. During the capping phase of acrosome development, the size of the doughnut-like chromatin domain increases, and this area often is marked by uniform nucleosome loss and the first appearance of transition protein 2 and protamine 1. In the acrosome phase at nuclear elongation, chromatin remodelling follows the downward movement of the marginal ring of the acrosome. Our results indicate that acrosome development and chromatin remodelling are interacting processes. In the discussion we relate chromatin remodelling to the available data on the nuclear envelope and the linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex of spermatids, suggesting a signalling route for triggering chromatin remodelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke De Vries
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre , P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen , Netherlands
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Sperm DNA integrity assays: diagnostic and prognostic challenges and implications in management of infertility. J Assist Reprod Genet 2011; 28:1073-85. [PMID: 21904910 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-011-9631-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2011] [Accepted: 08/24/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm is not a simple carrier of paternal genetic information but its role extends clearly beyond fertilization. Integrity of sperm genome is an essential pre-requisite for birth of healthy offspring and evaluation of sperm should entail DNA integrity analysis. DNA integrity analysis is a better diagnostic and prognostic marker of sperm reproductive potential. Conventional semen analysis emphasizes on sperm concentration, viability, motility and morphology and has been proven to be a poor indicator of reproductive potential and pregnancy outcome. To overcome the drawbacks associated with conventional semen analysis more useful fertility tests and molecular biomarkers have been explored. Among the different tests which have evolved for assessing the sperm reproductive potential, tests for sperm DNA quality are most promising. Sperm DNA damage has been closely associated with numerous indicators of reproductive health including fertilization, embryo quality, implantation, spontaneous abortion, congenital malformations and childhood diseases. It therefore has great potential as a prognostic test for both in vitro and in vivo conception. This review presents an updated account of tests that have better diagnostic and prognostic implications in the evaluation of sperm DNA damage. The basic principles, outline of methodology, advantage, disadvantage, clinical significance of each technique and implications of these tests have been discussed. The logistics of each test with respect to available resources and equipment in an andrology laboratory, the feasibility of performing these tests in routine diagnostic workup of infertile men and the opportunities and challenges provided by DNA testing in male fertility determination are also presented.
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