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Doroftei B, Ilie OD, Dabuleanu AM, Hutanu D, Vaduva CC. A Retrospective Narrative Mini-Review Regarding the Seminal Microbiota in Infertile Male. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58081067. [PMID: 36013533 PMCID: PMC9414835 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58081067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background: Infertility is a global burden that affects both sexes with the male component remaining as an explored yet crucial research field that might offer novel evidence. Material and Methods: The present narrative mini-review aims to summarize all existing literature regarding the composition of the seminal microflora in infertile men. We performed searches in PubMed/Medline, ISI Web of Knowledge, Scopus, and ScienceDirect between 2018 and 2022 using a combination of keywords. Results: A total of n = 33 studies met the eligibility criteria and were further considered. From this, n = 14 were conducted on human patients, n = 3 on zebrafish (Danio rerio), n = 5 on rats, and n = 11 on mice. In twenty-five out of thirty-three papers, the authors sequenced the 16S rRNA; situations occurred where researchers focused on standard laboratory protocols. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are widely recognized as putative beneficial lactic bacteria. These two entities are capable of restoring the host’s eubiosis to some extent, blocking pathogens’ proliferation and endotoxins, and even alleviating specific patterns encountered in disease(s) (e.g., obesity, type 1 diabetes) due to prolonged exposure to toxicants in adults or from a developmental stage. Over the years, distinct approaches have been perfected, such as the transfer of feces between two species or conventional rudimentary products with proven efficiency. Conclusions: The seminal microflora is decisive and able to modulate psychological and physiological responses. Each individual possesses a personalized microbial profile further shaped by exogenous factors, regardless of sex and species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Doroftei
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street, No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology “Cuza Voda”, Cuza Voda Street, No. 34, 700038 Iasi, Romania
- Origyn Fertility Center, Palace Street, No. 3C, 700032 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ovidiu-Dumitru Ilie
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University, Carol I Avenue, No. 20A, 700505 Iasi, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Ana-Maria Dabuleanu
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street, No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology “Cuza Voda”, Cuza Voda Street, No. 34, 700038 Iasi, Romania
- Origyn Fertility Center, Palace Street, No. 3C, 700032 Iasi, Romania
| | - Delia Hutanu
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry-Biology-Geography, West University of Timisoara, Vasile Parvan Avenue, No. 4, 300115 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Constantin-Cristian Vaduva
- Department of Mother and Child Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Petru Rares Street, No. 2, 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Hospital Filantropia, Filantropia Street, No. 1, 200143 Craiova, Romania
- Department of Infertility and IVF, HitMed Medical Center, Stefan cel Mare Street, No. 23-23A, 200130 Craiova, Romania
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Farahani L, Tharakan T, Yap T, Ramsay JW, Jayasena CN, Minhas S. The semen microbiome and its impact on sperm function and male fertility: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Andrology 2020; 9:115-144. [PMID: 32794312 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male factor is attributable in up to 50% of cases of infertility. In vitro studies demonstrate that bacteria can negatively impact sperm function. The use of next-generation sequencing techniques has provided a better understanding of the human microbiome, and dysbiosis has been reported to impact health. Evidence regarding the impact of the semen microbiome on sperm function and fertility remains conflicting. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic search was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement. The databases MEDLINE, OVID and PubMed were searched to identify English language studies related to the identification of bacteria in the semen of infertile and fertile men, between 1992 and 2019. Fifty-five observational studies were included, with 51 299 subjects. We included studies identifying bacteria using next-generation sequencing, culture or polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS The semen microbiome was rich and diverse in both fertile and infertile men. Three NGS studies reported clustering of the seminal microbiome with a predominant species. Lactobacillus and Prevotella were dominant in respective clusters. Lactobacillus was associated with improvements in semen parameters. Prevotella appeared to exert a negative effect on sperm quality. Bacteriospermia negatively impacted sperm concentration and progressive motility, and DNA fragmentation index (DFI; MD: 3.518, 95% CI: 0.907 to 6.129, P = .008). There was an increased prevalence of ureaplasma urealyticum in infertile men (OR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.47-3.46). Ureaplasma urealyticum negatively impacted concentration and morphology. There was no difference in the prevalence of chlamydia trachomatis between fertile and infertile men and no significant impact on semen parameters. Enterococcus faecalis negatively impacted total motility, and Mycoplasma hominis negatively impacted concentration, PM and morphology. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Ureaplasma urealyticum, Enterococcus faecalis, Mycoplasma hominis and Prevotella negatively impact semen parameters, whereas Lactobacillus appears to protect sperm quality. These findings may facilitate the development of novel therapies (eg probiotics), although the evidence regarding the impact of the seminal microbiome on fertility is inconclusive and further studies are needed to investigate this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Farahani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St. Mary's Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.,Section of Investigative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Tharu Tharakan
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Urology, Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Tet Yap
- Department of Urology, Guys and St, Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Jonathan W Ramsay
- Department of Urology, Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.,Department of Andrology, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Channa N Jayasena
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Andrology, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Suks Minhas
- Department of Urology, Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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Pant NC, Singh R, Gupta V, Chauhan A, Mavuduru R, Prabha V, Sharma P. Contraceptive efficacy of sperm agglutinating factor from Staphylococcus warneri, isolated from the cervix of a woman with inexplicable infertility. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2019; 17:85. [PMID: 31656198 PMCID: PMC6815424 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-019-0531-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Voluntary control of fertility is of paramount importance to the modern society. But since the contraceptive methods available for women have their limitations such as urinary tract infections, allergies, cervical erosion and discomfort, a desperate need exists to develop safe methods. Vaginal contraceptives may be the answer to this problem, as these are the oldest ways of fertility regulation, practiced over the centuries. With minimal systemic involvement, these are also the safest. Natural substances blocking or impairing the sperm motility offer as valuable non-cytotoxic vaginal contraceptives. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) isolated from plants, animals and microorganisms are known to possess sperm immobilizing and spermicidal properties. Following this, in the quest for alternative means, we have cloned, over expressed and purified the recombinant sperm agglutinating factor (SAF) from Staphylococcus warneri, isolated from the cervix of a woman with unexplained infertility. METHODS Genomic library of Staphylococcus warneri was generated in Escherichia coli using pSMART vector and screened for sperm agglutinating factor (SAF). The insert in sperm agglutinating transformant was sequenced and was found to express ribonucleotide-diphosphate reductase-α sub unit. The ORF was sub-cloned in pET28a vector, expressed and purified. The effect of rSAF on motility, viability, morphology, Mg++-dependent ATPase activity and acrosome status of human sperms was analyzed in vitro and contraceptive efficacy was evaluated in vivo in female BALB/c mice. RESULTS The 80 kDa rSAF showed complete sperm agglutination, inhibited its Mg2+-ATPase activity, caused premature sperm acrosomal loss in vitro and mimicked the pattern in vivo showing 100% contraception in BALB/c mice resulting in prevention of pregnancy. The FITC labeled SAF was found to bind the entire surface of spermatozoa. Vaginal application and oral administration of rSAF to mice for 14 successive days did not demonstrate any significant change in vaginal cell morphology, organ weight and tissue histology of reproductive and non-reproductive organs and had no negative impact in the dermal and penile irritation tests. CONCLUSION The Sperm Agglutinating Factor from Staphylococcus warneri, natural microflora of human cervix, showed extensive potential to be employed as a safe vaginal contraceptive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neeraj Chandra Pant
- Department of Microbiology, South Campus, Basic Medical Science (Block I), Panjab University, Sector 25, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Ravinder Singh
- Department of Microbiology, South Campus, Basic Medical Science (Block I), Panjab University, Sector 25, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Vijaya Gupta
- Department of Microbiology, South Campus, Basic Medical Science (Block I), Panjab University, Sector 25, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Aditi Chauhan
- Department of Microbiology, South Campus, Basic Medical Science (Block I), Panjab University, Sector 25, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | | | - Vijay Prabha
- Department of Microbiology, South Campus, Basic Medical Science (Block I), Panjab University, Sector 25, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Prince Sharma
- Department of Microbiology, South Campus, Basic Medical Science (Block I), Panjab University, Sector 25, Chandigarh, 160014, India.
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Monaco D, Fatnassi M, Padalino B, Hammadi M, Khorchani T, Lacalandra GM. Effect of α-Amylase, Papain, and Spermfluid treatments on viscosity and semen parameters of dromedary camel ejaculates. Res Vet Sci 2016; 105:5-9. [PMID: 27033899 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2016.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Revised: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 01/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Ejaculates from five clinically healthy dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) were used to evaluate the effects of different enzymatic treatments (Amylase, Papain, Spermfluid) on liquefaction and seminal parameters. After collection, ejaculates were divided into 5 aliquots: (1) kept undiluted (control); or diluted 1:1 with: (2) Tris-Citrate-Fructose (TCF), (3) TCF containing Amylase, (4) TCF containing Papain or (5) Spermfluid containing Bromelain. At 120 min after dilution, each aliquot was evaluated, at 20-min intervals, for viscosity, motility, viability and agglutination. Only the aliquots diluted with TCF containing Papain underwent complete liquefaction. Sperm motility decreased significantly during the observation times, except for the samples diluted with Spermfluid (P=0.005). Diluted samples showed different levels of agglutination, with the lowest being observed in the control and the highest in the Papain-treated samples. The viscosity of dromedary camel ejaculates could be effectively reduced by using the proteolytic enzyme Papain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Monaco
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Veterinary Clinics and Animal Production Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Str. prov. per Casamassima, km 3, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
| | - Meriem Fatnassi
- Livestock and Wildlife Laboratory, Arid Lands Institute, 4100, Medenine, University of Gabès, Tunisia; Higher Institute of Agronomic Sciences of Chott-Mariem, University of Sousse, 4042 Chott-Mariem, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Barbara Padalino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Str. prov. per Casamassima, km 3, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Mohamed Hammadi
- Livestock and Wildlife Laboratory, Arid Lands Institute, 4100, Medenine, University of Gabès, Tunisia
| | - Touhami Khorchani
- Livestock and Wildlife Laboratory, Arid Lands Institute, 4100, Medenine, University of Gabès, Tunisia
| | - Giovanni Michele Lacalandra
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Veterinary Clinics and Animal Production Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Str. prov. per Casamassima, km 3, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy
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