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Rodriguez-Martinez H, Roca J, Alvarez-Rodriguez M, Martinez-Serrano CA. How does the boar epididymis regulate the emission of fertile spermatozoa? Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 246:106829. [PMID: 34452796 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The epididymis is responsible for peripheral immune tolerance of maturing spermatozoa even though these have xeno-antigens foreign to the male and female immune system. The epididymis also produces factors required for fertilization and serves as a sperm repository until the time of ejaculation. These reproduction-relevant epididymal functions occur in the mesonephros-derived duct-system that is composed of absorptive and secretory epithelial cells with the capacity for merocrine and apocrine secretion of proteins, antioxidative- and electrolyte/pH-regulating enzymes and small, non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs), many stored in epididymosomes for sperm adhesion and long-lasting modifications of sperm functions. This paper provides a review summary of current and new knowledge of how the boar epididymis affects the quality of spermatozoa in the ejaculate of breeding boars. There is a particular focus on sperm maturation, survival, function and the role of signaling to the female immune system in fertility modulation. Furthermore, aspects related to the ductus epithelial contributions regarding electrolyte control, protein production, release of epididymosomes that contain sncRNAs are emphasized as are novel associations with fertility of the male, sperm quiescence during storage in the cauda epididymis, and on changes occurring in sperm subsequent to ejaculation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Alvarez-Rodriguez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Cristina A Martinez-Serrano
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185, Linköping, Sweden
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2
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Sperm Phosphoproteome: Unraveling Male Infertility. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11050659. [PMID: 35625387 PMCID: PMC9137924 DOI: 10.3390/biology11050659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Infertility affects approximately 15% of couples worldwide of childbearing age, and in many cases the etiology of male infertility is unknown. The current standard evaluation of semen is insufficient to establish an accurate diagnosis. Proteomics techniques, such as phosphoproteomics, applied in this field are a powerful tool to understand the mechanisms that regulate sperm functions such as motility, which is essential for successful fertilization. Among the post-translational modifications of sperm proteins, this review summarizes, from a proteomic perspective, the updated knowledge of protein phosphorylation, in human spermatozoa, as a relevant molecular mechanism involved in the regulation of sperm physiology. Specifically, the role of sperm protein phosphorylation in motility and, consequently, in sperm quality is highlighted. Additionally, through the analysis of published comparative phosphoproteomic studies, some candidate human sperm phosphoproteins associated with low sperm motility are proposed. Despite the remarkable advances in phosphoproteomics technologies, the relatively low number of studies performed in human spermatozoa suggests that phosphoproteomics has not been applied to its full potential in studying male infertility yet. Therefore, further studies will improve the application of this procedure and overcome the limitations, increasing the understanding of regulatory mechanisms underlying protein phosphorylation in sperm motility and, consequently, in male fertility.
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3
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Souza APB, Lopes TN, da Silva AFT, Santi L, Beys-da-Silva WO, Yates JR, Bustamante-Filho IC. Changes in porcine cauda epididymal fluid proteome by disrupting the HPT axis: Unveiling potential mechanisms of male infertility. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:952-965. [PMID: 32749760 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23408] [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: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Male infertility or subfertility is frequently associated with disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testis axis events, like secondary hypogonadism. However, little is known how this condition affects the proteomic composition of the epididymal fluid. In the present study, we evaluated the proteomic changes in the cauda epididymal fluid (CEF) in a swine model of secondary hypogonadism induced by anti-GnRH immunization using multidimensional protein identification technology. Seven hundred and eighteen proteins were identified in both GnRH-immunized and control groups. GnRH immunization doubled the number of proteins in the CEF, with 417 proteins being found exclusively in samples from GnRH-immunized boars. CEF from GnRH-immunized boars presented an increase in the number of proteins related to cellular and metabolic processes, with affinity to organic cyclic compounds, small molecules, and heterocyclic compounds, as well changed the enzymatic profile of the CEF. Also, a significant increase in the number of proteins associated to the ubiquitin-proteasome system was identified in CEF from GnRH-immunized animals. These results bring strong evidence of the impact of secondary hypogonadism on the epididymal environment, which is responsible for sperm maturation and storage prior ejaculation. Finally, the differently expressed proteins in the CEF are putative seminal biomarkers for testicular and epididymal disorders caused by secondary hypogonadism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana P B Souza
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Universidade do Vale do Taquari-Univates, Lajeado, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Tayná N Lopes
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Universidade do Vale do Taquari-Univates, Lajeado, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Anna F T da Silva
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Universidade do Vale do Taquari-Univates, Lajeado, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Lucélia Santi
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Walter O Beys-da-Silva
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - John R Yates
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research, La Jolla, California
| | - Ivan C Bustamante-Filho
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Universidade do Vale do Taquari-Univates, Lajeado, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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4
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Wu D, Huang CJ, Jiao XF, Ding ZM, Zhang SX, Miao YL, Huo LJ. Bisphenol AF compromises blood-testis barrier integrity and sperm quality in mice. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 237:124410. [PMID: 31362132 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.124410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The profound influence of environmental chemicals on human health including inducing life-threatening gene mutation has been publicly recognized. Being a substitute for the extensively used endocrine-disrupting chemical BPA, Bisphenol AF (BPAF) has been known as teratogen with developmental toxicities and therefore potentially putting human into the risk of biological hazards. Herein, we deciphered the detrimental effects of BPAF on spermatogenesis and spermiotiliosis in sexual maturity of mice exposing to BPAF (5, 20, 50 mg/kg/d) for consecutive 28 days. BPAF exposure significantly compromises blood-testis barrier integrity and sperm quantity and quality in a dose-dependent manner. Sperms from BPAF exposure mice are featured by severe DNA damage, altered SUMOylation and ubiquitination dynamics and interfered epigenetic inheritance with hypermethylation of H3K27me3 presumably due to the aggregation of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, BPAF treatment (50 μM for 24 h) compromises cytoskeleton architecture and tight junction permeability in primary cultured Sertoli cells evidenced by dysfunction of actin regulatory proteins (e.g. Arp3 and Palladin) via activation of ERK signaling, thereby perturbing the privilege microenvironment created by Sertoli cells for spermatogenesis. Overall, our study determines BPAF is deleterious for male fertility, leading to a better appreciation of its toxicological features in our life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Chun-Jie Huang
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
| | - Xiao-Fei Jiao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Ding
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Shou-Xin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China; Biochip Laboratory, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 264000, Shandong, China
| | - Yi-Liang Miao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Li-Jun Huo
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.
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5
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Maciel VL, Tamashiro LK, Bertolla RP. Post-translational modifications of seminal proteins and their importance in male fertility potential. Expert Rev Proteomics 2019; 16:941-950. [PMID: 31726898 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2019.1693895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The seminal proteome has been shown to directly influence the male fertile potential. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are significant changes that play a role in the biological regulation of proteins. Sperm cells are transcriptionally and translationally inactive and these modifications are essential to control protein function.Areas covered: Here we reviewed seven PTMs which importance for male reproductive function investigated in the past decade, namely S-nitrosylation and tyrosine nitration (both occurring by the action of NO), glycosylation, ubiquitination, acetylation, methylation, and SUMOylation. Since they were previously identified in human semen, we focus on their role in sperm function, as well as in physiological and pathophysiological processes which could contribute to the fertility potential. The following keywords were applied: 'post-translational modification', 'sperm', 'semen', 'seminal plasma', 'male infertility', 'nitrosylation', 'nitration', 'histone methylation', 'SUMOylation', 'ubiquitination', 'ubiquitilation', 'glycosylation', and 'acetylation'.Expert opinion: Most biological processes orchestrated by proteins require PTMs for their activation or inhibition. Most of them are dynamic and occur in mature sperm, modulating protein function, thus exerting a significant role in sperm function and fertility. Finally, the study of PTMs should be also addressed in pathophysiological processes, as different clinical conditions are known to alter the proteome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valter Luiz Maciel
- Departamento de Cirurgia, Disciplina de Urologia, Centro de pesquisa em Urologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Letícia Kaory Tamashiro
- Departamento de Cirurgia, Disciplina de Urologia, Centro de pesquisa em Urologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Pimenta Bertolla
- Departamento de Cirurgia, Disciplina de Urologia, Centro de pesquisa em Urologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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6
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Hashemi F, Razavi S, Khadivi F. The Protective Effects of Omega3 on Ubiquitination and Protamination of Rat Sperm after Bleomycin, Etoposide, and Cisplatin Treatment. Nutr Cancer 2018; 70:1308-1314. [DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2018.1521438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Hashemi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shahnaz Razavi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Farnaz Khadivi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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7
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Eskandari-Shahraki M, Prud'homme B, Manjunath P. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated mutation revealed BSPH2 protein is dispensable for male fertility. Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 85:709-719. [PMID: 29969530 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23039] [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] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Members of the Binder of SPerm (BSP) superfamily have been identified in both human and mouse epididymis. These proteins are known to bind sperm membrane and promote sperm capacitation. Studies suggest that BSPH2 might play a different role in sperm functions from its counterparts; however, the role of BSPH2 remains mainly unexplored. To investigate whether the absence of one member of the BSP family could affect fertility, mice lacking Bsph2 expression were generated using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) associated 9 (Cas9) technology. Knockout (KO) male mice were mated with wild-type (WT) females, and the number and weight of the pups were determined. Sperm motility in WT and KO was assessed using sperm class analyzer (SCA). Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used for protein identification. Fertility analysis of null Bsph2 mice did not reveal any phenotype. No differences were noticed on average litter size or average pup weight. Normal testis weight and morphology were observed in Bsph2+/- and Bsph2-/- compared to the WT. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed that Bsph1 messenger RNA expression was increased in mutant mice, whereas LC-MS/MS analysis displayed no increase in protein expression level. Taken together, we show the existence of redundant function for murine BSPH2 and the lack of BSPH2 itself does not lead to sterility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Eskandari-Shahraki
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Canada.,Departments of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Puttaswamy Manjunath
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Canada.,Departments of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
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8
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Štiavnická M, Abril-Parreño L, Nevoral J, Králíčková M, García-Álvarez O. Non-Invasive Approaches to Epigenetic-Based Sperm Selection. Med Sci Monit 2017; 23:4677-4683. [PMID: 28961228 PMCID: PMC5633068 DOI: 10.12659/msm.904098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since sperm size and form do not necessarily provide information on internal sperm structures, novel sperm markers need to be found in order to conduct assisted reproductive therapies (ART) successfully. Currently, the priority of andrologists is not only to select those sperm able to fertilize the oocyte, but also a high quality of sperm that will guarantee a healthy embryo. Evidence of this shows us the importance of studying sperm intensively on genetic and epigenetic levels, because these could probably be the cause of a percentage of infertility diagnosed as idiopathic. Thus, more attention is being paid to posttranslational modifications as the key for better understanding of the fertilization process and its impact on embryo and offspring. Advances in the discovery of new sperm markers should go hand in hand with finding appropriate techniques for selecting the healthiest sperm, guaranteeing its non-invasiveness. To date, most sperm selection techniques can be harmful to sperm due to centrifugation or staining procedures. Some methods, such as microfluidic techniques, sperm nanopurifications, and Raman spectroscopy, have the potential to make selection gentle to sperm, tracking small abnormalities undetected by methods currently used. The fact that live cells could be analyzed without harmful effects creates the expectation of using them routinely in ART. In this review, we focus on the combination of sperm epigenetic status (modifications) as quality markers, with non-invasive sperm selection methods as novel approaches to improve ART outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriama Štiavnická
- Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic.,Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Laura Abril-Parreño
- Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Nevoral
- Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic.,Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Milena Králíčková
- Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic.,Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Olga García-Álvarez
- Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
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9
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Samanta L, Swain N, Ayaz A, Venugopal V, Agarwal A. Post-Translational Modifications in sperm Proteome: The Chemistry of Proteome diversifications in the Pathophysiology of male factor infertility. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2016; 1860:1450-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 03/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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10
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Sutovsky P, Aarabi M, Miranda-Vizuete A, Oko R. Negative biomarker based male fertility evaluation: Sperm phenotypes associated with molecular-level anomalies. Asian J Androl 2016; 17:554-60. [PMID: 25999356 PMCID: PMC4492044 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.153847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomarker-based sperm analysis elevates the treatment of human infertility and ameliorates reproductive performance in livestock. The negative biomarker-based approach focuses on proteins and ligands unique to defective spermatozoa, regardless of their morphological phenotype, lending itself to analysis by flow cytometry (FC). A prime example is the spermatid specific thioredoxin SPTRX3/TXNDC8, retained in the nuclear vacuoles and superfluous cytoplasm of defective human spermatozoa. Infertile couples with high semen SPTRX3 are less likely to conceive by assisted reproductive therapies (ART) and more prone to recurrent miscarriage while low SPTRX3 has been associated with multiple ART births. Ubiquitin, a small, proteolysis-promoting covalent posttranslational protein modifier is found on the surface of defective posttesticular spermatozoa and in the damaged protein aggregates, the aggresomes of spermiogenic origin. Semen ubiquitin content correlates negatively with fertility and conventional semen parameters, and with sperm binding of lectins LCA (Lens culinaris agglutinin; reveals altered sperm surface) and PNA (Arachis hypogaea/peanut agglutinin; reveals acrosomal malformation or damage). The Postacrosomal Sheath WWI Domain Binding Protein (PAWP), implicated in oocyte activation during fertilization, is ectopic or absent from defective human and animal spermatozoa. Consequently, FC-parameters of PAWP correlate with ART outcomes in infertile couples and with fertility in bulls. Assays based on the above biomarkers have been combined into multiplex FC semen screening protocols, and the surface expression of lectins and ubiquitin has been utilized to develop nanoparticle-based bull semen purification method validated by field artificial insemination trials. These advances go hand-in-hand with the innovation of FC-technology and genomics/proteomics-based biomarker discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Science and Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA,
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11
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Afiyani AA, Deemeh MR, Tavalaee M, Razi M, Bahadorani M, Shokrollahi B, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Evaluation of heat-shock protein A2 (HSPA2) in male rats before and after varicocele induction. Mol Reprod Dev 2014; 81:766-76. [PMID: 25043441 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Varicocele is a major cause of infertility and may impair spermatogenesis. This study evaluated the molecular consequences of varicocele on the induction of heat-shock proteins, intracellular chaperones involved in stress responses, and of the ubiquitin-proteasome system, which is participates in the removal of defective sperm in the testis and epididymis. Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: surgically induced left varicocele, sham-operated, and untreated controls. Two months after surgery, we observed significantly reduced sperm parameters, DNA integrity, and protamine content in the sperm retrieved from the left epididymis compared to the right epididymis in the varicocele group, as well as compared to sperm retrieved from the left epididymis of the sham and control groups. According to Western blot analysis, we observed significantly higher HSPA2 expression in testicular tissue from the left testis compared to the right testis in the varicocele group or the left testis of the control group. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that expression of HSPA2 was higher in the round spermatid and sperm from the left varicocele compared to the control group. There was normally less HSPA2 expressed in the caput and corpus compared to the cauda of the epididymis in the control group, but this pattern was altered in the caput epididymis of the varicocele group. Levels of ubiquitination were also remarkably lower in the left testis of the varicocele group. Therefore, varicocele impacts expression of HSPA2 and ubiquitination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afsoon Atrian Afiyani
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology at Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran; Department of Biochemistry, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kurdistan, Iran
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12
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Hosseinpour E, Shahverdi A, Parivar K, Sedighi Gilani MA, Nasr-Esfahani MH, Salman Yazdi R, Sharbatoghli M, Tavalaee M, Chehrazi M. Sperm ubiquitination and DNA fragmentation in men with occupational exposure and varicocele. Andrologia 2013; 46:423-9. [PMID: 23594355 DOI: 10.1111/and.12098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Assessment of sperm ubiquitination and DNA fragmentation as sperm functional markers are proposed to complement routine semen analysis. This study focuses on the evaluation of these markers in infertile men with varicocele or exposed to occupational background. The results were compared with normozoospermic men. Semen parameters in both groups were lower than those in the control group. Ubiquitination median, as a marker for functionality of the ubiquitin-proteasome system, was also lower in both groups. The ubiquitination median showed a significant positive correlation with motility in both groups, while it showed only a negative correlation with sperm morphology in the varicocele group. DNA fragmentation showed a significant correlation with semen parameters, in total varicocele and also total exposure groups. In conclusion, significant difference of sperm ubiquitination between normal and study groups further validates that sperm ubiquitination as a potential molecular marker for sperm evaluation in addition to routine semen analysis in clinical laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Hosseinpour
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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13
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Tavalaee M, Deemeh MR, Arbabian M, Kiyani A, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Relationship between fertilization rate and early apoptosis in sperm population of infertile individuals. Andrologia 2012; 46:36-41. [PMID: 23134226 DOI: 10.1111/and.12038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Integrity of the sperm membrane, of which phosphatidyl serine (PS) plays a central role, is essential for fertilization. The externalisation of PS (EPS) occurs during capacitation and the acrosome reaction. EPS, from the inner to the outer membrane, is considered as a sign of early apoptosis. Therefore, EPS may have a dual function in sperm. This study has evaluated the relationship between EPS and fertilization, embryo quality and pregnancy outcomes in couples who were candidates for ICSI. Semen samples were collected from 43 ICSI candidates and assessed according to World Health Organization guidelines for semen parameters. EPS was assessed by Annexin V and propidium iodide (PI) staining. Protamine deficiency was assessed by chromomycin A3 (CMA3) staining. A significant positive correlation was observed between the percentages of fertilization and annexin-positive PI-negative (An(+)PI(-)) sperm. There was a significant negative correlation between the percentages of protamine-deficient sperm with the percentage of fertilization. In addition, the percentage of An(+)PI(-) sperm in individuals with fertilization rates higher and lower than 50% significantly differed. The percentage of annexin-positive PI-positive (An(+)PI(+)) sperm in semen of the partners of pregnant women significantly differed from the partners of nonpregnant women. In conclusion, if An(+)PI(-) is a sign of capacitation and An(+)PI(+) is a sign of apoptosis, the results suggest that semen samples with a higher ability to undergo capacitation have a higher chance to result in successful fertilization post-ICSI. The presence of a high percentage of apoptotic sperm in the insemination sample before capacitation may reduce the chances of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Tavalaee
- Department of Reproduction and Development, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - M R Deemeh
- Department of Reproduction and Development, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.,Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center, Isfahan, Iran
| | - M Arbabian
- Department of Reproduction and Development, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - A Kiyani
- Department of Reproduction and Development, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - M H Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Reproduction and Development, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.,Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center, Isfahan, Iran.,Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
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