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Zhang C, Ma Y, Liu W, Ma S, Chen Z, Hao X, Sun Z, Wang Z. Transcriptomic and proteomic features of a mouse model of sperm DNA damage induced by benzo(a)pyrene. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 126:108596. [PMID: 38641015 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
This study replicated a mouse model of sperm DNA damage induced by benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), and the transcriptomic and proteomic features of the model were examined to clarify the pathways related to BaP-induced damage to sperm DNA. Male mice in the BaP group were subjected to BaP at a dosage of 100 mg/kg/d or an equivalent quantity of saline solution in the control group for 60 days. Subsequently, the DNA fragmentation index (DFI) in sperm was assessed using a sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA). RNA-seq and data-independent acquisition (DIA) were used to identify the mRNA and protein expression patterns in the testis. The sperm DFI significantly increased in the BaP group. Compared to the control group, the BaP group exhibited differential expression of 240 genes (referred to as DEGs) and 616 proteins (referred to as DEPs). These molecules included Aldh1a1, Cyb5r3, Fads1, Oxsm, Rcn3, and Prss45. Pathways in cancer, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, metabolic pathways, and the MAPK signaling pathway were the primary areas where these genes showed enrichment. BaP can damage the DNA of sperm and affect metabolism, the PI3K-Akt pathway, and pathways associated with cancer signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenming Zhang
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China; The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, China
| | - Yunfeng Ma
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China
| | - Wenbang Liu
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China
| | - Sicheng Ma
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China
| | - Zhelin Chen
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China
| | - XiaoHui Hao
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China
| | - Zixue Sun
- Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 6 Dongfeng Road, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China.
| | - Zulong Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, China.
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2
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Cheng J, Li T, Zheng Z, Zhang X, Cao M, Tang W, Hong K, Zheng R, Shao J, Zhao X, Jiang H, Xu W, Lin H. Loss of histone reader Phf7 leads to immune pathways activation via endogenous retroviruses during spermiogenesis. iScience 2023; 26:108030. [PMID: 37920670 PMCID: PMC10618686 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic studies have elucidated the critical roles of Phf7 in germline development in animals; however, the exact etiology of Phf7 mutations leading to male infertility and the possibility of mechanism-based therapy are still unclear and warrant further investigation. Using the Phf7 knockout mouse model, we verified that genetic defects were responsible for male infertility by preventing histone-to-protamine exchange, as previously reported. The deficiency of spermatogenesis caused by Phf7 deletion through the endogenous retrovirus-mediated activation of the immune pathway is a common mechanism of infertility. Furthermore, we identified PPARα as a promising target of immunity and inflammation in the testis, where endogenous retroviruses are suppressed, and Phf7 as a crucial regulator of endogenous retrovirus-mediated immune regulation and revealed its role as an epigenetic reader. The loss of Phf7 activates immune pathways, which can be rescued by the PPARα agonist astaxanthin. These results showed that astaxanthin is a potential therapeutic agent for treating male infertility. The findings in our study provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying male infertility and suggest potential targets for future research and therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxing Cheng
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Tongtong Li
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhongjie Zheng
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xueguang Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Mengyang Cao
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenhao Tang
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Human Sperm Bank, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Hong
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jichun Shao
- Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College (China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital), Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaomiao Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, 106 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenming Xu
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Haocheng Lin
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Andone BA, Handrea-Dragan IM, Botiz I, Boca S. State-of-the-art and future perspectives in infertility diagnosis: Conventional versus nanotechnology-based assays. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2023; 54:102709. [PMID: 37717928 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2023.102709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
According to the latest World Health Organization statistics, around 50 to 80 million people worldwide suffer from infertility, amongst which male factors are responsible for around 20 to 30 % of all infertility cases while 50 % were attributed to the female ones. As it is becoming a recurrent health problem worldwide, clinicians require more accurate methods for the improvement of both diagnosis and treatment schemes. By emphasizing the potential use of innovative methods for the rapid identification of the infertility causes, this review presents the news from this dynamic domain and highlights the benefits brought by emerging research fields. A systematic description of the standard techniques used in clinical protocols for diagnosing infertility in both genders is firstly provided, followed by the presentation of more accurate and comprehensive nanotechnology-related analysis methods such as nanoscopic-resolution imaging, biosensing approaches and assays that employ nanomaterials in their design. Consequently, the implementation of nanotechnology related tools in clinical practice, as recently demonstrated in the selection of spermatozoa, the detection of key proteins in the fertilization process or the testing of DNA integrity or the evaluation of oocyte quality, might confer excellent advantages both for improving the assessment of infertility, and for the success of the fertilization process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca-Astrid Andone
- Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, 42 T. Laurian Str., 400271 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; Faculty of Physics, Babes-Bolyai University, 1 M. Kogalniceanu Str., 400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Iuliana M Handrea-Dragan
- Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, 42 T. Laurian Str., 400271 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; Faculty of Physics, Babes-Bolyai University, 1 M. Kogalniceanu Str., 400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioan Botiz
- Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, 42 T. Laurian Str., 400271 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Sanda Boca
- Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, 42 T. Laurian Str., 400271 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 67-103 Donat Str., 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
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4
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Faix A, Methorst C, Lamazou F, Vialard F, Huyghe E. [Assessment of the man in the infertile couple]. Prog Urol 2023; 33:588-612. [PMID: 38012906 DOI: 10.1016/j.purol.2023.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among couples consulting for infertility, there is a male component, either alone or associated with a female aetiology in around one in 2 cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS Bibliographic search in PubMed using the keywords "male infertility", "diagnosis", "management" and "evaluation" limited to clinical articles in English and French prior to 1/01/2023. RESULTS The AFU recommends: (1) a complete medical history including: family history, patient history affecting fertility, lifestyle habits (toxicity), treatments, symptoms, sexual dysfunctions; (2) a physical examination including: BMI, signs of hypogonadism, secondary sexual characteristics, scrotal examination (volume and consistency of testes, vas deferens, epididymal or testicular nodules, presence of varicocele); (3) two spermograms, if abnormal on the first; (4) a systematic scrotal ultrasound,± an endorectal ultrasound depending on the clinic; (5) a hormonal work-up (testosterone, FSH; if testosterone is low: LH assay to differentiate between central or peripheral hypogonadism); (6) karyotype if sperm concentration≤10 million/mL; (7) evaluation of Y chromosome microdeletions if concentration≤1 million/mL; (8) evaluation of the CFTR gene in cases of suspected bilateral or unilateral agenesis of the vas deferens and seminal vesicles. The role and usefulness of direct and indirect tests to assess the effects of oxidative stress on sperm DNA will also be explained. CONCLUSION This review complements and updates the AFU/SALF 2021 recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Faix
- Clinique Saint-Roch, 560, avenue du Colonel-Pavelet-dit-Villars, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - C Methorst
- Service de médecine de la reproduction, hôpital des 4-villes, Saint-Cloud, France
| | - F Lamazou
- Clinique Pierre-Cherest, Paris, France
| | - F Vialard
- Service de génétique, CHU de Poissy Saint-Germain, UVSQ, Poissy, France
| | - E Huyghe
- Département d'urologie, hôpital de Rangueil, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France; Service de médecine de la reproduction, hôpital Paule-de-Viguier, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France; UMR DEFE, Inserm 1203, université de Toulouse, université de Montpellier, Toulouse, France.
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5
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Human in vitro spermatogenesis as a regenerative therapy - where do we stand? Nat Rev Urol 2023:10.1038/s41585-023-00723-4. [PMID: 36750655 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-023-00723-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis involves precise temporal and spatial gene expression and cell signalling to reach a coordinated balance between self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells through various germ cell states including mitosis, and meiosis I and II, which result in the generation of haploid cells with a unique genetic identity. Subsequently, these round spermatids undergo a series of morphological changes to shed excess cytoplast, develop a midpiece and tail, and undergo DNA repackaging to eventually form millions of spermatozoa. The goal of recreating this process in vitro has been pursued since the 1920s as a tool to treat male factor infertility in patients with azoospermia. Continued advances in reproductive bioengineering led to successful generation of mature, functional sperm in mice and, in the past 3 years, in humans. Multiple approaches to study human in vitro spermatogenesis have been proposed, but technical and ethical obstacles have limited the ability to complete spermiogenesis, and further work is needed to establish a robust culture system for clinical application.
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Kyrgiafini MA, Sarafidou T, Mamuris Z. The Role of Long Noncoding RNAs on Male Infertility: A Systematic Review and In Silico Analysis. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11101510. [PMID: 36290414 PMCID: PMC9598197 DOI: 10.3390/biology11101510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Male infertility is a complex disorder affecting many couples worldwide. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate important cellular processes; however, a comprehensive understanding of their role in male infertility is limited. This systematic review investigates the differential expressions of lncRNAs in male infertility or variations in lncRNA regions associated with it. The PRISMA guidelines were used to search Pubmed and Web of Science (1 June 2022). Inclusion criteria were human participants, patients diagnosed with male infertility, and English language speakers. We also performed an in silico analysis investigating lncRNAs that are reported in many subtypes of male infertility. A total of 625 articles were found, and after the screening and eligibility stages, 20 studies were included in the final sample. Many lncRNAs are deregulated in male infertility, and interactions between lncRNAs and miRNAs play an important role. However, there is a knowledge gap regarding the impact of variants found in lncRNA regions. Furthermore, eight lncRNAs were identified as differentially expressed in many subtypes of male infertility. After in silico analysis, gene ontology (GO) and KEGG enrichment analysis of the genes targeted by them revealed their association with bladder and prostate cancer. However, pathways involved in general in tumorigenesis and cancer development of all types, such as p53 pathways, apoptosis, and cell death, were also enriched, indicating a link between cancer and male infertility. This evidence, however, is preliminary. Future research is needed to explore the exact mechanism of action of the identified lncRNAs and investigate the association between male infertility and cancer.
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7
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Yu X, Lu S, Yuan M, Ma G, Li X, Zhang T, Gao S, Wei D, Chen ZJ, Liu H, Zhang H. Does ICSI outcome in obstructive azoospermia differ according to the origin of retrieved spermatozoa or the cause of epididymal obstruction? A comparative study. Int Urol Nephrol 2022; 54:3087-3095. [PMID: 36059025 PMCID: PMC9606059 DOI: 10.1007/s11255-022-03350-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To determine whether ICSI outcomes are affected by sperm source or genital tract inflammatory status. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted in all consecutive obstructive azoospermia patients who underwent testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) or percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) and ICSI between February 1, 2017, and December 31, 2020. Couples were excluded if they were diagnosed with monogenic disease, abnormal karyotype, or had female uterine malformation. The primary objective was to determine whether ICSI outcomes are affected by the use of testicular or epididymal spermatozoa, and the secondary objective was to explore the effect of granulocyte elastase on ICSI outcomes using epididymal spermatozoa. Results Compared with TESA, inflammatory and non-inflammatory PESA patients exhibited a better high-quality embryo rate, with significant differences among the three groups (49.43 vs. 55.39% and 56.03%; odds ratio, 6.345 and 6.631; 95% confidence interval, 0.340–12.350, and 1.712–11.550; P = 0.038 and P = 0.008, respectively). The fertilization rate, clinical pregnancy rate, live birth delivery rate, and congenital anomaly birth rate were similar in patients who underwent TESA or PESA (with or without inflammation). Conclusions The high-quality embryo rate in PESA patients was higher than that in TESA patients. After successful pregnancy, ICSI outcomes did not differ between patients with obstructive azoospermia who experienced TESA or PESA and those with or without genital tract inflammation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11255-022-03350-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Yu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Shaoming Lu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Mingzhen Yuan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Gang Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Taijian Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Shanshan Gao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Daimin Wei
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, 200135, China
| | - Hongbin Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China. .,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China. .,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China. .,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
| | - Haobo Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China. .,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China. .,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China. .,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China. .,The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
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Wu J, Hu G, Zhai J, Han C, Li Z. An azoospermic male with a novel chromosome 46, XX, der(15)t(Y; 15)(p11.3; p12). Clin Case Rep 2022; 10:e5984. [PMID: 35846903 PMCID: PMC9272210 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.5984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Male individuals with a 46, XX karyotype are commonly diagnosed with 46, XX male sex reversal syndrome, one of the rarest sex chromosomal anomalies. In this case, we report a rare XX male with Y‐specific DNA sequences located near the end of chromosome 15 p‐arm, which was verified by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) as well as copy number variation sequencing (CNV‐seq) based on the next‐ generation sequencing method (>100 Kb). To the best of our knowledge, there have been no reports of XX male with the Yp region transferred to the terminal of chromosome 15 short arm. We report an azoospermia male with a novel chromosome 46, xx, der(15)t(Y; 15)(p11.3; p12) by CNV‐seq combined with traditional karyotype analysis and FISH. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no reports of XX male with the Yp region transferred to the terminal of chromosome 15 short arm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiebin Wu
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis Medical Center Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou Clinical Schools of Nanjing Medical University and Xuzhou Medical University Xuzhou Jiangsu China
| | - Guanli Hu
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis Medical Center Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou Clinical Schools of Nanjing Medical University and Xuzhou Medical University Xuzhou Jiangsu China
| | - Jingfang Zhai
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis Medical Center Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou Clinical Schools of Nanjing Medical University and Xuzhou Medical University Xuzhou Jiangsu China
| | - Conghui Han
- Department of Urology Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou Clinical Schools of Nanjing Medical University and Xuzhou Medical University Xuzhou Jiangsu China
| | - Zhenbei Li
- Department of Urology Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou Clinical Schools of Nanjing Medical University and Xuzhou Medical University Xuzhou Jiangsu China
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9
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Understanding the Underlying Molecular Mechanisms of Meiotic Arrest during In Vitro Spermatogenesis in Rat Prepubertal Testicular Tissue. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23115893. [PMID: 35682573 PMCID: PMC9180380 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23115893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro spermatogenesis appears to be a promising approach to restore the fertility of childhood cancer survivors. The rat model has proven to be challenging, since germ cell maturation is arrested in organotypic cultures. Here, we report that, despite a meiotic entry, abnormal synaptonemal complexes were found in spermatocytes, and in vitro matured rat prepubertal testicular tissues displayed an immature phenotype. RNA-sequencing analyses highlighted up to 600 differentially expressed genes between in vitro and in vivo conditions, including genes involved in blood-testis barrier (BTB) formation and steroidogenesis. BTB integrity, the expression of two steroidogenic enzymes, and androgen receptors were indeed altered in vitro. Moreover, most of the top 10 predicted upstream regulators of deregulated genes were involved in inflammatory processes or immune cell recruitment. However, none of the three anti-inflammatory molecules tested in this study promoted meiotic progression. By analysing for the first time in vitro matured rat prepubertal testicular tissues at the molecular level, we uncovered the deregulation of several genes and revealed that defective BTB function, altered steroidogenic pathway, and probably inflammation, could be at the origin of meiotic arrest.
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10
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Adamczewska D, Słowikowska-Hilczer J, Walczak-Jędrzejowska R. The Fate of Leydig Cells in Men with Spermatogenic Failure. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:570. [PMID: 35455061 PMCID: PMC9028943 DOI: 10.3390/life12040570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The steroidogenic cells in the testicle, Leydig cells, located in the interstitial compartment, play a vital role in male reproductive tract development, maintenance of proper spermatogenesis, and overall male reproductive function. Therefore, their dysfunction can lead to all sorts of testicular pathologies. Spermatogenesis failure, manifested as azoospermia, is often associated with defective Leydig cell activity. Spermatogenic failure is the most severe form of male infertility, caused by disorders of the testicular parenchyma or testicular hormone imbalance. This review covers current progress in knowledge on Leydig cells origin, structure, and function, and focuses on recent advances in understanding how Leydig cells contribute to the impairment of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Renata Walczak-Jędrzejowska
- Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, 92-213 Lodz, Poland; (D.A.); (J.S.-H.)
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11
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Liang Y, Xie Y, Kong S, Pan Q, Qiu W, Wang D, Li M, Lin S, Liu Z, Sun X. Complex Chromosomal Rearrangement Causes Male Azoospermia: A Case Report and Literature Review. Front Genet 2022; 13:792539. [PMID: 35281846 PMCID: PMC8907855 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.792539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Male carriers of complex chromosomal rearrangements (CCRs) may have decreased fertility and usually present with azoospermia, oligospermia or teratospermia.Methods: High-resolution karyotype analysis using G-banding on peripheral blood lymphocytes was performed in an azoospermic male. Copy number variations (CNVs) were detected by chromosomal microarray analysis, and genetic variations were determined by long-read nanopore sequencing with Sanger sequencing for breakpoint confirmation.Results: The karyotype of the patient was 46,XY,t(4;21)(p11;p11),t(5;6;14)(p13q22;p22q22;q22), which did not involve CNVs with clinical significance. Twelve breakpoints in chromosomes 5, 6, and 14 were found by long-read nanopore sequencing. Reports on 17 males carrying CCRs with azoospermia were also reviewed.Conclusion: The extent of asynaptic regions in synaptonemal complexes during pachytene and the disruption of genes involved in male gametogenesis may cause azoospermia in CCR carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingjun Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shu Kong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qianying Pan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenjun Qiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ding Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengting Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sisi Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Third Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zihang Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Third Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofang Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaofang Sun,
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12
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Omolaoye TS, Hachim MY, du Plessis SS. Using publicly available transcriptomic data to identify mechanistic and diagnostic biomarkers in azoospermia and overall male infertility. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2584. [PMID: 35173218 PMCID: PMC8850557 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06476-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Azoospermia, which is the absence of spermatozoa in an ejaculate occurring due to defects in sperm production, or the obstruction of the reproductive tract, affects about 1% of all men and is prevalent in up to 10–15% of infertile males. Conventional semen analysis remains the gold standard for diagnosing and treating male infertility; however, advances in molecular biology and bioinformatics now highlight the insufficiency thereof. Hence, the need to widen the scope of investigating the aetiology of male infertility stands pertinent. The current study aimed to identify common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that might serve as potential biomarkers for non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and overall male infertility. DEGs across different datasets of transcriptomic profiling of testis from human patients with different causes of infertility/ impaired spermatogenesis and/or azoospermia were explored using the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database. Following the search using the GEOquery, 30 datasets were available, with 5 meeting the inclusion criteria. The DEGs for datasets were identified using limma R packages through the GEO2R tool. The annotated genes of the probes in each dataset were intersected with DEGs from all other datasets. Enriched Ontology Clustering for the identified genes was performed using Metascape to explore the possible connection or interaction between the genes. Twenty-five DEGs were shared between most of the datasets, which might indicate their role in the pathogenesis of male infertility. Of the 25 DEGs, eight genes (THEG, SPATA20, ROPN1L, GSTF1, TSSK1B, CABS1, ADAD1, RIMBP3) are either involved in the overall spermatogenic processes or at specific phases of spermatogenesis. We hypothesize that alteration in the expression of these genes leads to impaired spermatogenesis and, ultimately, male infertility. Thus, these genes can be used as potential biomarkers for the early detection of NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Temidayo S Omolaoye
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, UAE
| | - Mahmood Yaseen Hachim
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, UAE.
| | - Stefan S du Plessis
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, UAE.,Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
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13
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Omics and Male Infertility: Highlighting the Application of Transcriptomic Data. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12020280. [PMID: 35207567 PMCID: PMC8875138 DOI: 10.3390/life12020280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a multifaceted disorder affecting approximately 50% of male partners in infertile couples. Over the years, male infertility has been diagnosed mainly through semen analysis, hormone evaluations, medical records and physical examinations, which of course are fundamental, but yet inefficient, because 30% of male infertility cases remain idiopathic. This dilemmatic status of the unknown needs to be addressed with more sophisticated and result-driven technologies and/or techniques. Genetic alterations have been linked with male infertility, thereby unveiling the practicality of investigating this disorder from the “omics” perspective. Omics aims at analyzing the structure and functions of a whole constituent of a given biological function at different levels, including the molecular gene level (genomics), transcript level (transcriptomics), protein level (proteomics) and metabolites level (metabolomics). In the current study, an overview of the four branches of omics and their roles in male infertility are briefly discussed; the potential usefulness of assessing transcriptomic data to understand this pathology is also elucidated. After assessing the publicly obtainable transcriptomic data for datasets on male infertility, a total of 1385 datasets were retrieved, of which 10 datasets met the inclusion criteria and were used for further analysis. These datasets were classified into groups according to the disease or cause of male infertility. The groups include non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), obstructive azoospermia (OA), non-obstructive and obstructive azoospermia (NOA and OA), spermatogenic dysfunction, sperm dysfunction, and Y chromosome microdeletion. Findings revealed that 8 genes (LDHC, PDHA2, TNP1, TNP2, ODF1, ODF2, SPINK2, PCDHB3) were commonly differentially expressed between all disease groups. Likewise, 56 genes were common between NOA versus NOA and OA (ADAD1, BANF2, BCL2L14, C12orf50, C20orf173, C22orf23, C6orf99, C9orf131, C9orf24, CABS1, CAPZA3, CCDC187, CCDC54, CDKN3, CEP170, CFAP206, CRISP2, CT83, CXorf65, FAM209A, FAM71F1, FAM81B, GALNTL5, GTSF1, H1FNT, HEMGN, HMGB4, KIF2B, LDHC, LOC441601, LYZL2, ODF1, ODF2, PCDHB3, PDHA2, PGK2, PIH1D2, PLCZ1, PROCA1, RIMBP3, ROPN1L, SHCBP1L, SMCP, SPATA16, SPATA19, SPINK2, TEX33, TKTL2, TMCO2, TMCO5A, TNP1, TNP2, TSPAN16, TSSK1B, TTLL2, UBQLN3). These genes, particularly the above-mentioned 8 genes, are involved in diverse biological processes such as germ cell development, spermatid development, spermatid differentiation, regulation of proteolysis, spermatogenesis and metabolic processes. Owing to the stage-specific expression of these genes, any mal-expression can ultimately lead to male infertility. Therefore, currently available data on all branches of omics relating to male fertility can be used to identify biomarkers for diagnosing male infertility, which can potentially help in unravelling some idiopathic cases.
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14
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Abstract
Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) refers to the failure of spermatogenesis, which affects approximately 1% of the male population and contributes to 10% of male infertility. NOA has an underlying basis of endocrine imbalances since proper human spermatogenesis relies on complex regulation and cooperation of multiple hormones. A better understanding of subtle hormonal disturbances in NOA would help design and improve hormone therapies with reduced risk in human fertility clinics. The purpose of this review is to summarize the research on the endocrinological aspects of NOA, especially the hormones involved in hypothalamic–pituitary–testis axis (HPTA), including gonadotropin-releasing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, testosterone, estradiol, sex hormone binding globulin, inhibin B, anti-Müllerian hormone, and leptin. For the NOA men associated with primary testicular failure, the quality of currently available evidence has not been sufficient enough to recommend any general hormone optimization therapy. Some other NOA patients, especially those with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, could be treated with hormonal replacement. Although these approaches have succeeded in resuming the fertility in many NOA patients, the prudent strategies should be applied in individuals according to specific NOA etiology by balancing fertility benefits and potential risks. This review also discusses how NOA can be induced by immunization against hormones.
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15
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Xie C, Wang W, Tu C, Meng L, Lu G, Lin G, Lu LY, Tan YQ. OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:763-797. [PMID: 35613017 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chunbo Xie
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Weili Wang
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chaofeng Tu
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Lanlan Meng
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Lin-Yu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Women's Reproductive Health Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
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16
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Ghieh F, Barbotin AL, Swierkowski-Blanchard N, Leroy C, Fortemps J, Gerault C, Hue C, Mambu Mambueni H, Jaillard S, Albert M, Bailly M, Izard V, Molina-Gomes D, Marcelli F, Prasivoravong J, Serazin V, Dieudonne MN, Delcroix M, Garchon HJ, Louboutin A, Mandon-Pepin B, Ferlicot S, Vialard F. OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:1334-1350. [PMID: 35413094 PMCID: PMC9156845 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- F Ghieh
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - A L Barbotin
- Institut de Biologie de la Reproduction-Spermiologie-CECOS, Hôpital Jeanne de Flandre, Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire, Lille, France
| | - N Swierkowski-Blanchard
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
- Département de Gynécologie Obstétrique, CHI de Poissy/Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Poissy, France
| | - C Leroy
- Institut de Biologie de la Reproduction-Spermiologie-CECOS, Hôpital Jeanne de Flandre, Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire, Lille, France
| | - J Fortemps
- Service d’Anatomie Pathologique, CHI de Poissy/Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France
| | - C Gerault
- Département de Génétique, Laboratoire de Biologie Médicale, CHI de Poissy/Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Poissy, France
| | - C Hue
- Department of Biotechnology and Health, UVSQ, Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm UMR 1173, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | - H Mambu Mambueni
- Department of Biotechnology and Health, UVSQ, Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm UMR 1173, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | - S Jaillard
- Service de Cytogénétique, CHU Rennes, Rennes, France
- INSERM, EHESP, IRSET—UMR_S 1085, Université Rennes 1, Rennes, France
| | - M Albert
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - M Bailly
- Département de Gynécologie Obstétrique, CHI de Poissy/Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Poissy, France
| | - V Izard
- Service d’Urologie, AP-HP, Université Paris-Saclay, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - D Molina-Gomes
- Département de Génétique, Laboratoire de Biologie Médicale, CHI de Poissy/Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Poissy, France
| | - F Marcelli
- Institut de Biologie de la Reproduction-Spermiologie-CECOS, Hôpital Jeanne de Flandre, Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire, Lille, France
| | - J Prasivoravong
- Institut de Biologie de la Reproduction-Spermiologie-CECOS, Hôpital Jeanne de Flandre, Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire, Lille, France
| | - V Serazin
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
- Département de Génétique, Laboratoire de Biologie Médicale, CHI de Poissy/Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Poissy, France
| | - M N Dieudonne
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - M Delcroix
- Département de Génétique, Laboratoire de Biologie Médicale, CHI de Poissy/Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Poissy, France
| | - H J Garchon
- Department of Biotechnology and Health, UVSQ, Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm UMR 1173, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | - A Louboutin
- Service d’Anatomie Pathologique, CHI de Poissy/Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France
| | - B Mandon-Pepin
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - S Ferlicot
- Service d’Anatomie Pathologique, AP-HP, Université Paris-Saclay, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - F Vialard
- Correspondence address. Tel: +33-139-274-700; E-mail:
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17
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Sangwan JS, Petit C, Rose RS, Frapsauce C, Dijols L, Rigot JM, Guérif F. Non-obstructive idiopathic azoospermia vs azoospermia with antecedents of cryptorchidism: ways and probabilities of becoming parents. Basic Clin Androl 2021; 31:30. [PMID: 34879816 PMCID: PMC8656044 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-021-00149-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) with history of cryptorchidism and idiopathic NOA are the most common forms of NOA without genetic aetiology. Of all patients with one of these two types of NOA, only a few will have a positive TEsticular Sperm Extraction (TESE). Of those with positive extraction followed by sperm freezing, not all will have a child after TESE-ICSI. What are the ways and probabilities of taking home a baby for patients with NOA and a history of cryptorchidism compared with patients with idiopathic NOA? Results Patients with idiopathic NOA or NOA and a history of cryptorchidism who underwent their first TESE were included. The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 was composed of 125 patients with idiopathic NOA and Group 2 of 55 patients with NOA and a history of surgically treated cryptorchidism. Our results showed that more than half of the NOA patients succeeded in becoming parents. The main way to fulfil their plans for parenthood is to use sperm or embryo donation (72%) for men with idiopathic NOA, whereas the majority of men with NOA and a history of cryptorchidism had a child after TESE-ICSI (58.8%). Conclusions In our centre, before considering TESE for a patient with NOA, we explain systematically TESE-ICSI alternatives (sperm donation, embryo donation or adoption). As a result, the couple can consider each solution to become parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Singh Sangwan
- Service de Médecine et Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpital Bretonneau, F-37044, Tours, France.,Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital Robert Debré, F-37400, Amboise, France
| | - Claire Petit
- Service de Médecine et Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpital Bretonneau, F-37044, Tours, France
| | - Romane Sainte Rose
- Service de Médecine et Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpital Bretonneau, F-37044, Tours, France
| | - Cynthia Frapsauce
- Service de Médecine et Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpital Bretonneau, F-37044, Tours, France
| | - Laura Dijols
- Service de Médecine et Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpital Bretonneau, F-37044, Tours, France
| | - Jean Marc Rigot
- Department of Andrology and CECOS, Lille University Medical Centre, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Fabrice Guérif
- Service de Médecine et Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpital Bretonneau, F-37044, Tours, France. .,Université François Rabelais, F-37041, Tours, France. .,INRAE, UMR85 PRC, CNRS, IFCE, F-37380, Nouzilly, France.
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18
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Emad M, Omar HED, Khalifa AR, Ahmed EA, Taha EAR. Predicting the testicular function in non-obstructive azoospermia via targeted gene panel. MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s43043-021-00087-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Men with non-obstructive azoospermia constitute a challenging subgroup of male infertility patients in whom a genetic cause of defective spermatogenesis may be a contributing factor. The aim of this prospective observational cohort study was to determine whether assessment of meiotic nuclear division 1 (MND1) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene expression (MND1/GAPDH) in testicular tissue could be a prognostic indicator for sperm retrieval and ICSI outcome in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia. The study participants underwent clinical evaluation, conventional semen analysis, serum follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone assay, scrotal ultrasound examination, microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (mTESE), and assessment of MND1/GAPDH gene expression levels in testicular tissue via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) techniques.
Results
The MND1/GAPDH level was associated with the likelihood of identifying sperm in testicular biopsies (odds ratio (OR) 1.25, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.14 to 1.34, p < 0.0001), which was confirmed by the pairwise comparison of high vs. low levels of MND1/GAPDH (OR 5.34, 95% CI 1.97 to 13.16, p = 0.0006). The level of FSH was inversely associated with a lower chance of finding sperm (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.65, p = 0.001). Compared with small testicular volume, normal volume was inversely associated with the chance of sperm presence (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.47, p = 0.0002). However, there was no correlation between MND1/GAPDH levels and ICSI outcome.
Conclusion
Gene expression analysis to predict the likelihood of sperm retrieval following mTESE in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia provides a new avenue for future research, diagnosis and treatment of male factor infertility. Before its wider clinical application, however, this proof-of-concept should be tested in a large multinational, multicenter observational study.
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19
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Cao D, Shi F, Guo C, Liu Y, Lin Z, Zhang J, Li RHW, Yao Y, Liu K, Ng EHY, Yeung WSB, Wang T. A pathogenic DMC1 frameshift mutation causes nonobstructive azoospermia but not primary ovarian insufficiency in humans. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:6369522. [PMID: 34515795 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) and diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) are two disorders that can lead to infertility in males and females. Genetic factors have been identified to contribute to NOA and DOR. However, the same genetic factor that can cause both NOA and DOR remains largely unknown. To explore the candidate pathogenic gene that causes both NOA and DOR, we conducted whole-exome sequencing (WES) in a non-consanguineous family with two daughters with DOR and a son with NOA. We detected one pathogenic frameshift variant (NM_007068:c.28delG, p. Glu10Asnfs*31) following a recessive inheritance mode in a meiosis gene DMC1 (DNA meiotic recombinase 1). Clinical analysis showed reduced antral follicle number in both daughters with DOR, but metaphase II oocytes could be retrieved from one of them. For the son with NOA, no spermatozoa were found after microsurgical testicular sperm extraction. A further homozygous Dmc1 knockout mice study demonstrated total failure of follicle development and spermatogenesis. These results revealed a discrepancy of DMC1 action between mice and humans. In humans, DMC1 is required for spermatogenesis but is dispensable for oogenesis, although the loss of function of this gene may lead to DOR. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the homozygous frameshift mutation as causative for both NOA and DOR and demonstrating that DMC1 is dispensable in human oogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Cao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fu Shi
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chenxi Guo
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ye Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zexiong Lin
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Juanhui Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Raymond Hang Wun Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuanqing Yao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kui Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ernest Hung Yu Ng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - William Shu Biu Yeung
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tianren Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
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20
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Ghieh F, Barbotin AL, Leroy C, Marcelli F, Swierkowsky-Blanchard N, Serazin V, Mandon-Pepin B, Vialard F. Will whole-genome sequencing become the first-line genetic analysis for male infertility in the near future? Basic Clin Androl 2021; 31:21. [PMID: 34407766 PMCID: PMC8375164 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-021-00138-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Whereas the initially strategy for the genetic analysis of male infertility was based on a candidate gene approach, the development of next-generation sequencing technologies (such as whole-exome sequencing (WES)) provides an opportunity to analyze many genes in a single procedure. In order to recommend WES or whole-genome sequencing (WGS) after genetic counselling, an objective evaluation of the current genetic screening strategy for male infertility is required, even if, at present, we have to take into consideration the complexity of such a procedure, not discussed in this commentary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Ghieh
- UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, F-78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, F-94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Anne-Laure Barbotin
- Institut de Biologie de la Reproduction-Spermiologie-CECOS, Hôpital Jeanne de Flandre, Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire, F -59000, Lille, France
| | - Clara Leroy
- Institut de Biologie de la Reproduction-Spermiologie-CECOS, Hôpital Jeanne de Flandre, Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire, F -59000, Lille, France
| | - François Marcelli
- Institut de Biologie de la Reproduction-Spermiologie-CECOS, Hôpital Jeanne de Flandre, Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire, F -59000, Lille, France
| | - Nelly Swierkowsky-Blanchard
- UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, F-78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Département de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, CHI de Poissy-St Germain en Laye, F-78300, Poissy, France
| | - Valérie Serazin
- UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, F-78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, F-94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.,Département de Génétique, Laboratoire de Biologie Médicale, CHI de Poissy-St Germain en Laye, F-78300, Poissy, France
| | - Béatrice Mandon-Pepin
- UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, F-78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, F-94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - François Vialard
- UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, F-78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France. .,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, F-94700, Maisons-Alfort, France. .,Département de Génétique, Laboratoire de Biologie Médicale, CHI de Poissy-St Germain en Laye, F-78300, Poissy, France.
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21
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Liu Y, Wang G, Zhang F, Dai L. An NGS-based approach to identify Y-chromosome variation in non-obstructive azoospermia. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14201. [PMID: 34350635 DOI: 10.1111/and.14201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Copy number variations (CNVs), including deletions and duplications on the Y chromosome, are known genetic factors in azoospermia. Therefore, it is important to identify novel pathogenic CNVs related to azoospermia. In this study, we compared CNVs detected by STS-PCR and NGS in 107 individuals with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). STS-PCR analysis revealed that 8.14% (9/107) of patients had AZF deletions. The highest percentage of deletions was located in the AZFc region, followed by AZFa and AZFb+c. Positive CNVs, including four duplications, six deletions and three complex CNVs, were detected using NGS methods in 12.15% (13/107) of NOA patients. Both the duplications and deletions detected in q11.223 were confirmed to increase the genetic risk for NOA. A comparison between the STS-PCR results and NGS methods revealed concordant CNV-positive results in 4 of 107 cases (3.74%). The discrepancies included 6 cases with CNVs identified by NGS but not detected by STS-PCR, and two cases were detected by STS-PCR but not by NGS. Notably, four duplications were not identified and three complex CNVs were detected as simple deletions using STS-PCR analysis. The NGS method provides comprehensive results in detecting Y chromosome-linked CNVs, including deletions and duplications, which might broaden our understanding of NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjie Liu
- Reproductive Center, Yinchuan Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Yinchuan, China
| | - Guoping Wang
- Reproductive Center, Yinchuan Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Yinchuan, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Reproductive Center, Yinchuan Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Yinchuan, China
| | - Liang Dai
- Reproductive Center, Yinchuan Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Yinchuan, China
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22
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Spahovic H, Alic J, Göktolga Ü, Lepara Z, Lepara O, Rama A, Suljevic I. "Second-look" Micro Testicular Sperm Extraction (MicroTESE) in Patients with Non-obstructive Azoospermia Following Histopathological Analysis. Med Arch 2021; 74:279-284. [PMID: 33041445 PMCID: PMC7520053 DOI: 10.5455/medarh.2020.74.279-284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (microTESE) is considered the gold standard method for surgical sperm retrieval among patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between histopathological findings after failed microTESE procedure and outcomes of the „second-look“ procedure and to provide insight into the most common histopathological patterns after testicular biopsy within our population. Methods: The retrospective study included 33 selected patients with NOA, who had undergone unsuccessful sperm retrieval. The diagnosis of NOA was made after the assessment of the patient’s history data, a physical examination, semen analysis, the hormonal profile, and genetic studies. After negative sperm retrieval, histopathological report has been analyzed for „second-look“ microTESE attempt. Results: Five testicular histopathological patterns were found: hypospermatogenesis (9,1%), Sertoli cell-only syndrome (43%), germ cell maturation arrest (15%), seminiferous tubule hyalinization (15%), mixed pattern (21%). Y-microdeletions were detected in 5 patients, of which 3 patients showed AZFc region deletions. Only 3 patients (9,1%) underwent a „second-look“ procedure after the evaluation of histopathological reports. After the stimulation therapy and „second-look“ procedure, we had a positive outcome in a single patient (33,3%). Mean FSH value in patients with confirmed spermatogenesis was 17.26±3.11IU/l, while mean FSH value in patients without presence or germ cell statistically significantly exceeded and was 24.28±4.71IU/L (p=0.038). Conclusion: Histopathological reports following the microTESE procedure are obligatory for the proper selection of patients who are candidates for the „second-look“ microTESE attempt. Patients with Sertoli cell-only syndrome and hypospermatogenesis particularly can benefit from the “second-look” procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajrudin Spahovic
- Urology Clinic, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Jasmin Alic
- Urology Clinic, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Ümit Göktolga
- Bahçeci BIH IVF Center, Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Zahid Lepara
- Urology Clinic, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Orhan Lepara
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Admir Rama
- Bahçeci BIH IVF Center, Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Ismet Suljevic
- Clinic for Anesthesia and Resuscitation, Clinical Center Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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23
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Molecular Drivers of Developmental Arrest in the Human Preimplantation Embryo: A Systematic Review and Critical Analysis Leading to Mapping Future Research. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158353. [PMID: 34361119 PMCID: PMC8347543 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental arrest of the preimplantation embryo is a multifactorial condition, characterized by lack of cellular division for at least 24 hours, hindering the in vitro fertilization cycle outcome. This systematic review aims to present the molecular drivers of developmental arrest, focusing on embryonic and parental factors. A systematic search in PubMed/Medline, Embase and Cochrane-Central-Database was performed in January 2021. A total of 76 studies were included. The identified embryonic factors associated with arrest included gene variations, mitochondrial DNA copy number, methylation patterns, chromosomal abnormalities, metabolic profile and morphological features. Parental factors included, gene variation, protein expression levels and infertility etiology. A valuable conclusion emerging through critical analysis indicated that genetic origins of developmental arrest analyzed from the perspective of parental infertility etiology and the embryo itself, share common ground. This is a unique and long-overdue contribution to literature that for the first time presents an all-inclusive methodological report on the molecular drivers leading to preimplantation embryos’ arrested development. The variety and heterogeneity of developmental arrest drivers, along with their inevitable intertwining relationships does not allow for prioritization on the factors playing a more definitive role in arrested development. This systematic review provides the basis for further research in the field.
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24
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Bellil H, Ghieh F, Hermel E, Mandon-Pepin B, Vialard F. Human testis-expressed (TEX) genes: a review focused on spermatogenesis and male fertility. Basic Clin Androl 2021; 31:9. [PMID: 33882832 PMCID: PMC8061069 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-021-00127-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex process regulated by a multitude of genes. The identification and characterization of male-germ-cell-specific genes is crucial to understanding the mechanisms through which the cells develop. The term “TEX gene” was coined by Wang et al. (Nat Genet. 2001; 27: 422–6) after they used cDNA suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) to identify new transcripts that were present only in purified mouse spermatogonia. TEX (Testis expressed) orthologues have been found in other vertebrates (mammals, birds, and reptiles), invertebrates, and yeasts. To date, 69 TEX genes have been described in different species and different tissues. To evaluate the expression of each TEX/tex gene, we compiled data from 7 different RNA-Seq mRNA databases in humans, and 4 in the mouse according to the expression atlas database. Various studies have highlighted a role for many of these genes in spermatogenesis. Here, we review current knowledge on the TEX genes and their roles in spermatogenesis and fertilization in humans and, comparatively, in other species (notably the mouse). As expected, TEX genes appear to have a major role in reproduction in general and in spermatogenesis in humans but also in all mammals such as the mouse. Most of them are expressed specifically or predominantly in the testis. As most of the TEX genes are highly conserved in mammals, defects in the male (gene mutations in humans and gene-null mice) lead to infertility. In the future, cumulative data on the human TEX genes’ physiological functions and pathophysiological dysfunctions should become available and is likely to confirm the essential role of this family in the reproductive process. Thirteen TEX genes are now referenced in the OMIM database, and 3 have been linked to a specific phenotype. TEX11 (on Xq13.1) is currently the gene most frequently reported as being associated with azoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hela Bellil
- Département de Génétique, CHI de Poissy St Germain en Laye, Poissy, France
| | - Farah Ghieh
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, F-78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, F-94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Emeline Hermel
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, F-78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, F-94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Béatrice Mandon-Pepin
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, F-78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, F-94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - François Vialard
- Département de Génétique, CHI de Poissy St Germain en Laye, Poissy, France. .,Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, F-78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France. .,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, F-94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.
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25
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Yu XC, Li MJ, Cai FF, Yang SJ, Liu HB, Zhang HB. A new TEX11 mutation causes azoospermia and testicular meiotic arrest. Asian J Androl 2021; 23:510-515. [PMID: 33762476 PMCID: PMC8451497 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_8_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
There are many unknown genetic factors that lead to infertility in nonobstructive azoospermia men. Here, we performed whole-exome sequencing in blood samples obtained from 40 azoospermia patients with meiotic arrest and found a novel c.151_154del (p.D51fs) frame-shift mutation in exon 3 of the testis expressed 11 (TEX11) gene in one patient. Sanger sequencing analysis of the patient and 288 fertile men was performed to validate the mutation. Immunohistochemical analysis showed TEX11 expression in late-pachytene spermatocytes and in round spermatids in fertile human testes. In contrast, testes of the patient with TEX11 mutation underwent meiotic arrest and lacked TEX11 expression. Western blotting of human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells transfected with a vector for the p.D51fs TEX11 variant detected no TEX11 expression. In conclusion, we identified a novel frame-shift mutation in the TEX11 gene in an azoospermia patient, emphasizing that this gene should be included in genetic screening panels for the clinical evaluation of azoospermia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Chen Yu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan 250012, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan 250012, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Meng-Jing Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan 250012, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan 250012, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Fei-Fei Cai
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan 250012, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Si-Jie Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan 250012, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Hong-Bin Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan 250012, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan 250012, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Hao-Bo Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan 250012, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan 250012, China
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26
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Joseph S, Mahale SD. Male Infertility Knowledgebase: decoding the genetic and disease landscape. DATABASE-THE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL DATABASES AND CURATION 2021; 2021:6344845. [PMID: 34363073 PMCID: PMC8346693 DOI: 10.1093/database/baab049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Male infertility is a multifactorial condition that contributes to around one-third of cases of infertility worldwide. Several chromosomal aberrations, single-gene and polygenic associations with male factor defects have been reported. These defects manifest as sperm number or sperm quality defects leading to infertility. However, in almost 40% of cases, the genetic etiology of male infertility remains unexplained. Understanding the causal genetic factors is crucial for effective patient management and counseling. Integrating the vast amount of available omics data on male infertility is a first step towards understanding, delineating and prioritizing genes associated with the different male reproductive disorders. The Male Infertility Knowledgebase (MIK) is a manually curated repository developed to boost research on the elusive genetic etiology of male infertility. It integrates information on ∼17 000 genes, their associated pathways, gene ontology, diseases and gene and sequence-based analysis tools. In addition, it also incorporates information on reported chromosomal aberrations and syndromic associations with male infertility. Disease enrichment of genes in MIK indicate a shared genetic etiology between cancer, male and female infertility disorders. While the genes involved in cancer pathways were found to be common causal factors for sperm number and sperm quality defects, the interleukin pathways were found to be shared and enriched between male factor defects and non-reproductive conditions like cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, etc. Disease information in MIK can be explored further to identify high-risk conditions associated with male infertility and delineate shared genetic etiology. Utility of the knowledgebase in predicting novel genes is illustrated by identification of 149 novel candidates for cryptorchidism using gene prioritization and network analysis. MIK will serve as a platform for review of genetic information on male infertility, identification pleiotropic genes, prediction of novel candidate genes for the different male infertility diseases and for portending future high-risk diseases associated with male infertility. Database URL: http://mik.bicnirrh.res.in/
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaini Joseph
- Genetic Research Center, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, J.M. Street, Parel, Mumbai 400012, India
| | - Smita D Mahale
- Emeritus Scientist, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, J.M. Street, Parel, Mumbai 400012, India
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27
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Robertson MJ, Kent K, Tharp N, Nozawa K, Dean L, Mathew M, Grimm SL, Yu Z, Légaré C, Fujihara Y, Ikawa M, Sullivan R, Coarfa C, Matzuk MM, Garcia TX. Large-scale discovery of male reproductive tract-specific genes through analysis of RNA-seq datasets. BMC Biol 2020; 18:103. [PMID: 32814578 PMCID: PMC7436996 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-020-00826-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The development of a safe, effective, reversible, non-hormonal contraceptive method for men has been an ongoing effort for the past few decades. However, despite significant progress on elucidating the function of key proteins involved in reproduction, understanding male reproductive physiology is limited by incomplete information on the genes expressed in reproductive tissues, and no contraceptive targets have so far reached clinical trials. To advance product development, further identification of novel reproductive tract-specific genes leading to potentially druggable protein targets is imperative. Results In this study, we expand on previous single tissue, single species studies by integrating analysis of publicly available human and mouse RNA-seq datasets whose initial published purpose was not focused on identifying male reproductive tract-specific targets. We also incorporate analysis of additional newly acquired human and mouse testis and epididymis samples to increase the number of targets identified. We detected a combined total of 1178 genes for which no previous evidence of male reproductive tract-specific expression was annotated, many of which are potentially druggable targets. Through RT-PCR, we confirmed the reproductive tract-specific expression of 51 novel orthologous human and mouse genes without a reported mouse model. Of these, we ablated four epididymis-specific genes (Spint3, Spint4, Spint5, and Ces5a) and two testis-specific genes (Pp2d1 and Saxo1) in individual or double knockout mice generated through the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Our results validate a functional requirement for Spint4/5 and Ces5a in male mouse fertility, while demonstrating that Spint3, Pp2d1, and Saxo1 are each individually dispensable for male mouse fertility. Conclusions Our work provides a plethora of novel testis- and epididymis-specific genes and elucidates the functional requirement of several of these genes, which is essential towards understanding the etiology of male infertility and the development of male contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Robertson
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Katarzyna Kent
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Houston-Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., Houston, TX, 77058, USA.,Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Nathan Tharp
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Houston-Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., Houston, TX, 77058, USA.,Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kaori Nozawa
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Laura Dean
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Houston-Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., Houston, TX, 77058, USA.,Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Michelle Mathew
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Houston-Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., Houston, TX, 77058, USA.,Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Sandra L Grimm
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Zhifeng Yu
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Christine Légaré
- Department Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Faculty Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada.,Reproduction, Mother and Youth Health Division, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705 boul Laurier, Quebec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Yoshitaka Fujihara
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.,Department of Bioscience and Genetics, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, 6-1 Kishibeshinmachi, Suita, Osaka, 564-8565, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Robert Sullivan
- Department Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Faculty Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada.,Reproduction, Mother and Youth Health Division, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705 boul Laurier, Quebec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Cristian Coarfa
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Martin M Matzuk
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Thomas X Garcia
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Houston-Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., Houston, TX, 77058, USA. .,Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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28
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Zauner G, Girardi G. Potential causes of male and female infertility in Qatar. J Reprod Immunol 2020; 141:103173. [PMID: 32652349 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2020.103173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A steady decline in the fertility rate has been observed in Qatar during the past fifty years. Therefore, infertility is considered a national priority in Qatar, a pronatalist society. This review article summarises the potential causes of infertility that are particularly prevalent in the Qatari population. The high rate of consanguinity leading to genetic abnormalities, the high incidence of metabolic disease, environmental contamination due to the rapid urbanization and oil and natural gas extraction procedures are discussed. In addition, the particular lifestyle of the Qatari population and the influence of religion and culture on sexual and reproductive behavior in an Arab/Islamic society are considered. The active response of the state of Qatar in implementing ways to mitigate the effects of these factors to protect fertility are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerhild Zauner
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Guillermina Girardi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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29
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Al-Qahtani W, Abdel Jabar M, Masood A, Jacob M, Nizami I, Dasouki M, Abdel Rahman AM. Dried Blood Spot-Based Metabolomic Profiling in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis. J Proteome Res 2020; 19:2346-2357. [PMID: 32312052 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.0c00031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Mucoviscidosis of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary tracts is the major pathology in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), a lethal monogenic panethnic and multisystemic disease most commonly identified in Caucasians. Currently, the measurement of immuno reactive trypsinogen in dry blood spots (DBSs) is the gold-standard method for initial newborn screening for CF, followed by targeted CF transmembrane regulator (CFTR) mutation analysis, and ultimate confirmation with abnormally elevated sweat chloride. Previous metabolomics studies in patients with CF reported on different biomarkers such as breath 2-aminoacetophenone produced during acute and chronic infection in human tissues, including the lungs of CF patients. Herein, we used liquid and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-based targeted metabolomics profiling to identify potentially reliable, sensitive, and specific biomarkers in DBSs collected from 69 young and adult people including CF patients (n = 39) and healthy control (n = 30). A distinctive metabolic profile including 26 significantly differentially expressed metabolites involving amino acids, glycolysis, mitochondrial and peroxisomal metabolism, and sorbitol pathways was identified. Specifically, the osmolyte (sorbitol) was remarkably downregulated in CF patients compared to healthy controls indicating perturbation in the sorbitol pathway, which may be responsible for the mucoviscidosis seen in patients with CF. The significance of our findings is supported by the clinical utility of inhaled mannitol and hypertonic saline in patients with CF. The systemic administration of sorbitol in such patients may confer additional benefits beyond the respiratory system, especially in those with misfolded CFTR proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wafa Al-Qahtani
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC), Zahrawi Street, Al Maather, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Al Faisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mai Abdel Jabar
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC), Zahrawi Street, Al Maather, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Afshan Masood
- Proteomics Resource Unit, Obesity Research Center, College of Medicine, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2925 (98), Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia
| | - Minnie Jacob
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC), Zahrawi Street, Al Maather, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Imran Nizami
- Lung Transplant Section, Organ Transplant Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Zahrawi Street, Al Maather, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majed Dasouki
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC), Zahrawi Street, Al Maather, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anas M Abdel Rahman
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC), Zahrawi Street, Al Maather, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Al Faisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland A1B 3X7, Canada
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30
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Bieth E, Hamdi SM, Mieusset R. Genetics of the congenital absence of the vas deferens. Hum Genet 2020; 140:59-76. [PMID: 32025909 PMCID: PMC7864840 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-020-02122-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Congenital absence of the vas deferens (CAVD) may have various clinical presentations depending on whether it is bilateral (CBAVD) or unilateral (CUAVD), complete or partial, and associated or not with other abnormalities of the male urogenital tract. CBAVD is usually discovered in adult men either during the systematic assessment of cystic fibrosis or other CFTR-related conditions, or during the exploration of isolated infertility with obstructive azoospermia. The prevalence of CAVDs in men is reported to be approximately 0.1%. However, this figure is probably underestimated, because unilateral forms of CAVD in asymptomatic fertile men are not usually diagnosed. The diagnosis of CAVDs is based on clinical, ultrasound, and sperm examinations. The majority of subjects with CAVD carry at least one cystic fibrosis-causing mutation that warrants CFTR testing and in case of a positive result, genetic counseling prior to conception. Approximately 2% of the cases of CAVD are hemizygous for a loss-of-function mutation in the ADGRG2 gene that may cause a familial form of X-linked infertility. However, despite this recent finding, 10–20% of CBAVDs and 60–70% of CUAVDs remain without a genetic diagnosis. An important proportion of these unexplained CAVDs coexist with a solitary kidney suggesting an early organogenesis disorder (Wolffian duct), unlike CAVDs related to CFTR or ADGRG2 mutations, which might be the result of progressive degeneration that begins later in fetal life and probably continues after birth. How the dysfunction of CFTR, ADGRG2, or other genes such as SLC29A3 leads to this involution is the subject of various pathophysiological hypotheses that are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Bieth
- Service de Génétique Médicale, Hôpital Purpan, CHU, 31059, Toulouse, France.
| | - Safouane M Hamdi
- Service de Biochimie, Institut Fédératif de Biologie, CHU, 31059, Toulouse, France.,EA3694 (Groupe de Recherche en Fertilité Humaine), Université Toulouse III, 31059, Toulouse, France
| | - Roger Mieusset
- EA3694 (Groupe de Recherche en Fertilité Humaine), Université Toulouse III, 31059, Toulouse, France.,Département d'Andrologie (Groupe Activité Médecine de la Reproduction), CHU, 31059, Toulouse, France
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31
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Cerván-Martín M, Castilla JA, Palomino-Morales RJ, Carmona FD. Genetic Landscape of Nonobstructive Azoospermia and New Perspectives for the Clinic. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9020300. [PMID: 31973052 PMCID: PMC7074441 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9020300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) represents the most severe expression of male infertility, involving around 1% of the male population and 10% of infertile men. This condition is characterised by the inability of the testis to produce sperm cells, and it is considered to have an important genetic component. During the last two decades, different genetic anomalies, including microdeletions of the Y chromosome, karyotype defects, and missense mutations in genes involved in the reproductive function, have been described as the primary cause of NOA in many infertile men. However, these alterations only explain around 25% of azoospermic cases, with the remaining patients showing an idiopathic origin. Recent studies clearly suggest that the so-called idiopathic NOA has a complex aetiology with a polygenic inheritance, which may alter the spermatogenic process. Although we are far from a complete understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying NOA, the use of the new technologies for genetic analysis has enabled a considerable increase in knowledge during the last years. In this review, we will provide a comprehensive and updated overview of the genetic basis of NOA, with a special focus on the possible application of the recent insights in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Cerván-Martín
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CIBM), Parque Tecnológico Ciencias de la Salud, Av. del Conocimiento, s/n, 18016 Granada, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Av. de Madrid, 15, Pabellón de Consultas Externas 2, 2ª Planta, 18012 Granada, Spain; (J.A.C.); (R.J.P.-M.)
| | - José A. Castilla
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Av. de Madrid, 15, Pabellón de Consultas Externas 2, 2ª Planta, 18012 Granada, Spain; (J.A.C.); (R.J.P.-M.)
- Unidad de Reproducción, UGC Obstetricia y Ginecología, HU Virgen de las Nieves, Av. de las Fuerzas Armadas 2, 18014 Granada, Spain
- CEIFER Biobanco—NextClinics, Calle Maestro Bretón 1, 18004 Granada, Spain
| | - Rogelio J. Palomino-Morales
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Av. de Madrid, 15, Pabellón de Consultas Externas 2, 2ª Planta, 18012 Granada, Spain; (J.A.C.); (R.J.P.-M.)
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular I, Universidad de Granada, Facultad de Ciencias, Av. de Fuente Nueva s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - F. David Carmona
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CIBM), Parque Tecnológico Ciencias de la Salud, Av. del Conocimiento, s/n, 18016 Granada, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Av. de Madrid, 15, Pabellón de Consultas Externas 2, 2ª Planta, 18012 Granada, Spain; (J.A.C.); (R.J.P.-M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-958-241-000 (ext 20170)
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32
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Meiotic arrest in azoospermic men: current implications of a recently reported novel technique for classification of arrest stage. Fertil Steril 2019; 112:1044-1045. [PMID: 31843075 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.09.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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