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Hosseini M, Khalafiyan A, Zare M, Karimzadeh H, Bahrami B, Hammami B, Kazemi M. Sperm epigenetics and male infertility: unraveling the molecular puzzle. Hum Genomics 2024; 18:57. [PMID: 38835100 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-024-00626-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of infertility among couples is estimated to range from 8 to 12%. A paradigm shift has occurred in understanding of infertility, challenging the notion that it predominantly affects women. It is now acknowledged that a significant proportion, if not the majority, of infertility cases can be attributed to male-related factors. Various elements contribute to male reproductive impairments, including aberrant sperm production caused by pituitary malfunction, testicular malignancies, aplastic germ cells, varicocele, and environmental factors. MAIN BODY The epigenetic profile of mammalian sperm is distinctive and specialized. Various epigenetic factors regulate genes across different levels in sperm, thereby affecting its function. Changes in sperm epigenetics, potentially influenced by factors such as environmental exposures, could contribute to the development of male infertility. CONCLUSION In conclusion, this review investigates the latest studies pertaining to the mechanisms of epigenetic changes that occur in sperm cells and their association with male reproductive issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Hosseini
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Anis Khalafiyan
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Zare
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Haniye Karimzadeh
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Basireh Bahrami
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Behnaz Hammami
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Kazemi
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
- Reproductive Sciences and Sexual Health Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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2
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Sudhakaran G, Kesavan D, Kandaswamy K, Guru A, Arockiaraj J. Unravelling the epigenetic impact: Oxidative stress and its role in male infertility-associated sperm dysfunction. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 124:108531. [PMID: 38176575 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Male infertility is a multifactorial condition influenced by epigenetic regulation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Oxidative stress-induced damage leads to epigenetic modifications, disrupting gene expression crucial for spermatogenesis and fertilization. Paternal exposure to oxidative stress induces transgenerational epigenetic alterations, potentially impacting male fertility in offspring. Mitochondrial dysfunction impairs sperm function, while leukocytospermia exacerbates oxidative stress-related sperm dysfunction. Therefore, this review focuses on understanding these mechanisms as vital for developing preventive strategies, including targeting oxidative stress-induced epigenetic changes and implementing lifestyle modifications to prevent male infertility. This study investigates how oxidative stress affects the epigenome and sperm production, function, and fertilization. Unravelling the molecular pathways provides valuable insights that can advance our scientific understanding. Additionally, these findings have clinical implications and can help to address the significant global health issue of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gokul Sudhakaran
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chengalpattu District, Kattankulathur 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - D Kesavan
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chengalpattu District, Kattankulathur 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Karthikeyan Kandaswamy
- Department of Cariology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, SIMATS, Chennai 600077, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ajay Guru
- Department of Cariology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, SIMATS, Chennai 600077, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Jesu Arockiaraj
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chengalpattu District, Kattankulathur 603203, Tamil Nadu, India.
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3
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Hossain MN, Gao Y, Hatfield MJ, de Avila JM, McClure MC, Du M. Cold exposure impacts DNA methylation patterns in cattle sperm. Front Genet 2024; 15:1346150. [PMID: 38444759 PMCID: PMC10912962 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1346150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is influenced by various exogenous factors such as nutrition, temperature, toxicants, and stress. Bulls from the Pacific Northwest region of the United States and other northern areas are exposed to extreme cold temperatures during winter. However, the effects of cold exposure on the methylation patterns of bovine sperm remain unclear. To address, DNA methylation profiles of sperm collected during late spring and winter from the same bulls were analyzed using whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS). Bismark (0.22.3) were used for mapping the WGBS reads and R Bioconductor package DSS was used for differential methylation analysis. Cold exposure induced 3,163 differentially methylated cytosines (DMCs) with methylation difference ≥10% and a q-value < 0.05. We identified 438 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) with q-value < 0.05, which overlapped with 186 unique genes. We also identified eight unique differentially methylated genes (DMGs) (Pax6, Macf1, Mest, Ubqln1, Smg9, Ctnnb1, Lsm4, and Peg10) involved in embryonic development, and nine unique DMGs (Prmt6, Nipal1, C21h15orf40, Slc37a3, Fam210a, Raly, Rgs3, Lmbr1, and Gan) involved in osteogenesis. Peg10 and Mest, two paternally expressed imprinted genes, exhibited >50% higher methylation. The differential methylation patterns of six distinct DMRs: Peg10, Smg9 and Mest related to embryonic development and Lmbr1, C21h15orf40 and Prtm6 related to osteogenesis, were assessed by methylation-specific PCR (MS-PCR), which confirmed the existence of variable methylation patterns in those locations across the two seasons. In summary, cold exposure induces differential DNA methylation patterns in genes that appear to affect embryonic development and osteogenesis in the offspring. Our findings suggest the importance of replicating the results of the current study with a larger sample size and exploring the potential of these changes in affecting offspring development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Nazmul Hossain
- Nutrigenomics and Growth Biology Laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
- Department of Livestock Production and Management, Faculty of Veterinary, Animal, and Biomedical Sciences, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, Bangladesh
| | - Yao Gao
- Nutrigenomics and Growth Biology Laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Michael J. Hatfield
- Nutrigenomics and Growth Biology Laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Jeanene M. de Avila
- Nutrigenomics and Growth Biology Laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | | | - Min Du
- Nutrigenomics and Growth Biology Laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
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4
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Yang C, Xiao Y, Wang X, Wei X, Wang J, Gao Y, Jiang Q, Ju Z, Zhang Y, Liu W, Huang N, Li Y, Gao Y, Wang L, Huang J. Coordinated alternation of DNA methylation and alternative splicing of PBRM1 affect bovine sperm structure and motility. Epigenetics 2023; 18:2183339. [PMID: 36866611 PMCID: PMC9988346 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2023.2183339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation and gene alternative splicing drive spermatogenesis. In screening DNA methylation markers and transcripts related to sperm motility, semen from three pairs of full-sibling Holstein bulls with high and low motility was subjected to reduced representation bisulphite sequencing. A total of 948 DMRs were found in 874 genes (gDMRs). Approximately 89% of gDMR-related genes harboured alternative splicing events, including SMAD2, KIF17, and PBRM1. One DMR in exon 29 of PBRM1 with the highest 5mC ratio was found, and hypermethylation in this region was related to bull sperm motility. Furthermore, alternative splicing events at exon 29 of PBRM1 were found in bull testis, including PBRM1-complete, PBRM1-SV1 (exon 28 deletion), and PBRM1-SV2 (exons 28-29 deletion). PBRM1-SV2 exhibited significantly higher expression in adult bull testes than in newborn bull testes. In addition, PBRM1 was localized to the redundant nuclear membrane of bull sperm, which might be related to sperm motility caused by sperm tail breakage. Therefore, the hypermethylation of exon 29 may be associated with the production of PBRM1-SV2 in spermatogenesis. These findings indicated that DNA methylation alteration at specific loci could regulate gene splicing and expression and synergistically alter sperm structure and motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics of MARA, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, P. R. China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Breeding, Jinan, P.R.China
| | - Yao Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics of MARA, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, P. R. China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Breeding, Jinan, P.R.China
| | - Xiuge Wang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics of MARA, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, P. R. China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Breeding, Jinan, P.R.China
| | - Xiaochao Wei
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics of MARA, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, P. R. China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Breeding, Jinan, P.R.China
| | - Jinpeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics of MARA, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, P. R. China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Breeding, Jinan, P.R.China
| | - Yaping Gao
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics of MARA, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, P. R. China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Breeding, Jinan, P.R.China
| | - Qiang Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics of MARA, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, P. R. China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Breeding, Jinan, P.R.China
| | - Zhihua Ju
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics of MARA, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, P. R. China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Breeding, Jinan, P.R.China.,College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, P. R. China
| | - Yaran Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics of MARA, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, P. R. China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Breeding, Jinan, P.R.China
| | - Wenhao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics of MARA, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, P. R. China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Breeding, Jinan, P.R.China
| | - Ning Huang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics of MARA, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, P. R. China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Breeding, Jinan, P.R.China
| | - Yanqin Li
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics of MARA, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, P. R. China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Breeding, Jinan, P.R.China
| | - Yundong Gao
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics of MARA, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, P. R. China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Breeding, Jinan, P.R.China
| | - Lingling Wang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics of MARA, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, P. R. China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Breeding, Jinan, P.R.China
| | - Jinming Huang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics of MARA, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, P. R. China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Breeding, Jinan, P.R.China.,College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, P. R. China
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5
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Garrido N, Boitrelle F, Saleh R, Durairajanayagam D, Colpi G, Agarwal A. Sperm epigenetics landscape: correlation with embryo quality, reproductive outcomes and offspring's health. Panminerva Med 2023; 65:166-178. [PMID: 37335245 DOI: 10.23736/s0031-0808.23.04871-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetics refers to how gene expression and function are modulated without modifying the DNA sequence but through subtle molecular changes or interactions with it. As spermatogenesis progresses, male germ cells suffer plenty of epigenetic modifications, resulting in the definitive epigenome of spermatozoa conditioning its functionality, and this process can be altered by several internal and external factors. The paternal epigenome is crucial for sperm function, fertilization, embryo development, and offspring's health, and altered epigenetic states are associated with male infertility with or without altered semen parameters, embryo quality impairment, and worse ART outcomes together with the future offspring's health risks mainly through intergenerational transmission of epigenetic marks. Identifying epigenetic biomarkers may improve male factor diagnosis and the development of targeted therapies, not only to improve fertility but also to allow an early detection of risk and disease prevention in the progeny. While still there is much research to be done, hopefully in the near future, improvements in high-throughput technologies applied to epigenomes will permit our understanding of the underlying epigenetic mechanisms and the development of diagnostics and therapies leading to improved reproductive outcomes. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of epigenetics in sperm and how epigenetics behave during spermatogenesis. Additionally, we elaborate on the relationship of sperm epigenetics with sperm parameters and male infertility, and highlight the impact of sperm epigenetic alterations on sperm parameters, embryo quality, ART outcomes, miscarriage rates and offspring's health. Furthermore, we provide insights into the future research of epigenetic alterations in male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Garrido
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Florence Boitrelle
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Reproductive Biology, Fertility Preservation, Andrology, CECOS, Poissy Hospital, Poissy, France
- Paris Saclay University, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Ramadan Saleh
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Damayanthi Durairajanayagam
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Giovanni Colpi
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Next Fertility Procrea, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA -
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
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6
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Zhou J, Zhang K, Gao J, Xu J, Wu C, He M, Zhang S, Zhang D, Dai J, Sun L. Effect of Poria cocos Mushroom Polysaccharides (PCPs) on the Quality and DNA Methylation of Cryopreserved Shanghai White Pig Spermatozoa. Cells 2023; 12:1456. [PMID: 37296577 PMCID: PMC10253127 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we explore the effects of Poria cocos mushroom polysaccharides (PCPs) on the quality and DNA methylation of the cryopreserved spermatozoa of Shanghai white pigs. A total of 24 ejaculates (three ejaculate samples per boar) from eight Shanghai white pigs were manually collected. The pooled semen was diluted with a based extender supplemented with different concentrations of PCPs (0, 300, 600, 900, 1200, and 1500 μg/mL). Once thawed, the quality of the spermatozoa and their antioxidant function were assessed. In the meantime, the effect of spermatozoa DNA methylation was also analyzed. The results show that compared with the control group, 600 μg/mL of PCPs significantly improves the spermatozoa viability (p < 0.05). The motility and plasma membrane integrity of the frozen-thawed spermatozoa are significantly higher after treatment with 600, 900, and 1200 μg/mL of PCPs compared with the control group (p < 0.05). In comparison with the control group, the percentages of acrosome integrity and mitochondrial activity are significantly enhanced after the application of 600 and 900 μg/mL PCPs (p < 0.05). The reactive oxygen species (ROS), the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and the glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, in comparison with the control group, are significantly decreased in all groups with PCPs (all p < 0.05). The enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in spermatozoa is significantly higher in the treatment with 600 μg/mL of PCPs than in the other groups (p < 0.05). As compared with the control group, a significant increase in the catalase (CAT) level is found in the groups with PCPs at 300, 600, 900, and 1200 μg/mL (all p < 0.05). In comparison with the control group, the 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) levels are significantly decreased in all groups with PCPs (all p < 0.05). As a result of these findings, a certain amount of PCPs (600-900 μg/mL) added to the cryodiluent can significantly improve the quality of Shanghai white pig spermatozoa and can also reduce the methylation of spermatozoa DNA caused by cryopreservation. This treatment strategy may establish a foundation for the cryopreservation of semen from pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyong Zhou
- Institute of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201106, China; (J.Z.); (K.Z.); (J.G.); (J.X.); (C.W.); (M.H.); (S.Z.); (D.Z.)
- College of Animal Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Keqin Zhang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201106, China; (J.Z.); (K.Z.); (J.G.); (J.X.); (C.W.); (M.H.); (S.Z.); (D.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Pig) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai 201106, China
| | - Jun Gao
- Institute of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201106, China; (J.Z.); (K.Z.); (J.G.); (J.X.); (C.W.); (M.H.); (S.Z.); (D.Z.)
- College of Animal Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Jiehuan Xu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201106, China; (J.Z.); (K.Z.); (J.G.); (J.X.); (C.W.); (M.H.); (S.Z.); (D.Z.)
| | - Caifeng Wu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201106, China; (J.Z.); (K.Z.); (J.G.); (J.X.); (C.W.); (M.H.); (S.Z.); (D.Z.)
| | - Mengqian He
- Institute of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201106, China; (J.Z.); (K.Z.); (J.G.); (J.X.); (C.W.); (M.H.); (S.Z.); (D.Z.)
| | - Shushan Zhang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201106, China; (J.Z.); (K.Z.); (J.G.); (J.X.); (C.W.); (M.H.); (S.Z.); (D.Z.)
| | - Defu Zhang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201106, China; (J.Z.); (K.Z.); (J.G.); (J.X.); (C.W.); (M.H.); (S.Z.); (D.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Pig) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai 201106, China
| | - Jianjun Dai
- Institute of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201106, China; (J.Z.); (K.Z.); (J.G.); (J.X.); (C.W.); (M.H.); (S.Z.); (D.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Pig) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai 201106, China
| | - Lingwei Sun
- Institute of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201106, China; (J.Z.); (K.Z.); (J.G.); (J.X.); (C.W.); (M.H.); (S.Z.); (D.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Pig) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai 201106, China
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Vargas LN, Nochi ARF, de Castro PS, Cunha ATM, Silva TCF, Togawa RC, Silveira MM, Caetano AR, Franco MM. Differentially methylated regions identified in bovine embryos are not observed in adulthood. Anim Reprod 2023; 20:e20220076. [PMID: 36938311 PMCID: PMC10023072 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2022-0076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The establishment of epigenetic marks during the reprogramming window is susceptible to environmental influences, and stimuli during this critical stage can cause altered DNA methylation in offspring. In a previous study, we found that low levels of sulphur and cobalt (low S/Co) in the diet offered to oocyte donors altered the DNA methylome of bovine embryos. However, due to the extensive epigenetic reprogramming that occurs during embryogenesis, we hypothesized that the different methylation regions (DMRs) identified in the blastocysts may not maintain in adulthood. Here, we aimed to characterize DMRs previously identified in embryos, in the blood and sperm of adult progenies of two groups of heifers (low S/Co and control). We used six bulls and characterized the DNA methylation levels of KDM2A, KDM5A, KMT2D, and DOT1L genes. Our results showed that all DMRs analysed in both groups and tissues were hypermethylated unlike that noticed in the embryonic methylome profiles. These results suggest that embryo DMRs were reprogrammed during the final stages of de novo methylation during embryogenesis or later in development. Therefore, due to the highly dynamic epigenetic state during early embryonic development, we suggest that is essential to validate the DMRs found in embryos in adult individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luna Nascimento Vargas
- Laboratório de Reprodução Animal, Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brasília, DF, Brasil
- Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brasil
| | | | - Paloma Soares de Castro
- Laboratório de Reprodução Animal, Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brasília, DF, Brasil
- Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brasil
| | | | - Thainara Christie Ferreira Silva
- Laboratório de Reprodução Animal, Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brasília, DF, Brasil
- Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brasil
| | | | | | | | - Maurício Machaim Franco
- Laboratório de Reprodução Animal, Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brasília, DF, Brasil
- Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brasil
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brasília, DF, Brasil
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brasil
- Corresponding author:
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8
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Štiavnická M, Chaulot-Talmon A, Perrier JP, Hošek P, Kenny DA, Lonergan P, Kiefer H, Fair S. Sperm DNA methylation patterns at discrete CpGs and genes involved in embryonic development are related to bull fertility. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:379. [PMID: 35585482 PMCID: PMC9118845 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08614-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite a multifactorial approach being taken for the evaluation of bull semen quality in many animal breeding centres worldwide, reliable prediction of bull fertility is still a challenge. Recently, attention has turned to molecular mechanisms, which could uncover potential biomarkers of fertility. One of these mechanisms is DNA methylation, which together with other epigenetic mechanisms is essential for the fertilising sperm to drive normal embryo development and establish a viable pregnancy. In this study, we hypothesised that bull sperm DNA methylation patterns are related to bull fertility. We therefore investigated DNA methylation patterns from bulls used in artificial insemination with contrasting fertility scores. Results The DNA methylation patterns were obtained by reduced representative bisulphite sequencing from 10 high-fertility bulls and 10 low-fertility bulls, having average fertility scores of − 6.6 and + 6.5%, respectively (mean of the population was zero). Hierarchical clustering analysis did not distinguish bulls based on fertility but did highlight individual differences. Despite this, using stringent criteria (DNA methylation difference ≥ 35% and a q-value < 0.001), we identified 661 differently methylated cytosines (DMCs). DMCs were preferentially located in intergenic regions, introns, gene downstream regions, repetitive elements, open sea, shores and shelves of CpG islands. We also identified 10 differently methylated regions, covered by 7 unique genes (SFRP1, STXBP4, BCR, PSMG4, ARSG, ATP11A, RXRA), which are involved in spermatogenesis and early embryonic development. Conclusion This study demonstrated that at specific CpG sites, sperm DNA methylation status is related to bull fertility, and identified seven differently methylated genes in sperm of subfertile bulls that may lead to altered gene expression and potentially influence embryo development. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08614-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriama Štiavnická
- Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
| | - Aurélie Chaulot-Talmon
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Perrier
- Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Petr Hošek
- Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - David A Kenny
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Meath, Ireland
| | - Patrick Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Hélène Kiefer
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Sean Fair
- Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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9
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Laqqan MM, Yassin MM. Cigarette heavy smoking alters DNA methylation patterns and gene transcription levels in humans spermatozoa. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:26835-26849. [PMID: 34855177 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17786-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Tobacco smoking is considered the most common reason of death and infertility around the world. This study was designed to assess the impact of tobacco heavy smoking on sperm DNA methylation patterns and to determine whether the transcription level of ALDH3B2, PTGIR, PRICKLE2, and ALS2CR12 genes is different in heavy smokers compared to non-smokers. As a screening study, the 450 K array was used to assess the alteration in DNA methylation patterns between heavy smokers (n = 15) and non-smokers (n = 15). Then, four CpGs that have the highest difference in methylation level (cg16338278, cg08408433, cg05799088, and cg07227024) were selected for validation using deep bisulfite sequencing in an independent cohort of heavy smokers (n = 200) and non-smokers (n = 100). A significant variation was found between heavy smokers and non-smokers in the methylation level at all CpGs within the PRICKLE2 and ALS2CR12 gene amplicon (P < 0.001). Similarly, a significant variation was found in the methylation level at nine out of thirteen CpGs within the ALDH3B2 gene amplicon (P < 0.01). Additionally, eighteen CpGs out of the twenty-six within the PTGIR gene amplicon have a significant difference in the methylation level between heavy smokers and non-smokers (P < 0.01). The study showed a significant difference in sperm global DNA methylation, chromatin non-condensation, and DNA fragmentation (P < 0.001) between heavy smokers and non-smokers. A significant decline was shown in the transcription level of ALDH3B2, PTGIR, PRICKLE2, and ALS2CR12 genes (P < 0.001) in heavy smokers. In conclusion, heavy smoking influences DNA methylation at several CpGs, sperm global DNA methylation, and transcription level of the PRICKLE2, ALS2CR12, ALDH3B2, and PTGIR genes, which affects negatively the semen parameters of heavy smokers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed M Laqqan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Islamic University, Gaza, Palestinian Territories, Palestine.
| | - Maged M Yassin
- Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University, Gaza, Palestinian Territories, Palestine
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10
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Chen H, Scott-Boyer MP, Droit A, Robert C, Belleannée C. Sperm Heterogeneity Accounts for Sperm DNA Methylation Variations Observed in the Caput Epididymis, Independently From DNMT/TET Activities. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:834519. [PMID: 35392175 PMCID: PMC8981467 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.834519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Following their production in the testis, spermatozoa enter the epididymis where they gain their motility and fertilizing abilities. This post-testicular maturation coincides with sperm epigenetic profile changes that influence progeny outcome. While recent studies highlighted the dynamics of small non-coding RNAs in maturing spermatozoa, little is known regarding sperm methylation changes and their impact at the post-fertilization level. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) was used to purify spermatozoa from the testis and different epididymal segments (i.e., caput, corpus and cauda) of CAG/su9-DsRed2; Acr3-EGFP transgenic mice in order to map out sperm methylome dynamics. Reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS-Seq) performed on DNA from these respective sperm populations indicated that high methylation changes were observed between spermatozoa from the caput vs. testis with 5,546 entries meeting our threshold values (q value <0.01, methylation difference above 25%). Most of these changes were transitory during epididymal sperm maturation according to the low number of entries identified between spermatozoa from cauda vs. testis. According to enzymatic and sperm/epididymal fluid co-incubation assays, (de)methylases were not found responsible for these sperm methylation changes. Instead, we identified that a subpopulation of caput spermatozoa displayed distinct methylation marks that were susceptible to sperm DNAse treatment and accounted for the DNA methylation profile changes observed in the proximal epididymis. Our results support the paradigm that a fraction of caput spermatozoa has a higher propensity to bind extracellular DNA, a phenomenon responsible for the sperm methylome variations observed at the post-testicular level. Further investigating the degree of conservation of this sperm heterogeneity in human will eventually provide new considerations regarding sperm selection procedures used in fertility clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Chen
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Center for Research in Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | | | - Arnaud Droit
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Claude Robert
- Center for Research in Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Faculty of Animal Sciences, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Clémence Belleannée
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Center for Research in Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health, Quebec, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Clémence Belleannée,
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11
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Cambiasso MY, Gotfryd L, Stinson MG, Birolo S, Salamone G, Romanato M, Calvo JC, Fontana VA. Paternal alcohol consumption has intergenerational consequences in male offspring. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:441-459. [PMID: 35307778 PMCID: PMC8956782 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02373-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Alcoholism is a heterogeneous set of disorders caused by ethanol intake. Harmful effects of paternal consumption on the offspring are poorly explored and not fully understood. We analyzed the effect of paternal alcohol consumption on both their own reproductive capacity and that of their male offspring. METHODS We used a model of ethanol consumption (15% v/v in drinking water) for 12 days in adult CF-1 male mice. DNA integrity and post-translational modifications of histones were assessed in sperm; testicular weight, histology, and DNA fragmentation were analyzed. Treated or untreated male mice were mated with non-treated females to obtain two cell embryos that were cultured for 7 days; morphology and embryonic cell death were evaluated. Males of both groups were mated with non-treated females. Adult male offspring was euthanized, and sperm and testicular parameters determined. RESULTS Paternal ethanol consumption caused histological and epigenetic changes, as well as damage in DNA integrity in the testicular germline and sperm. These alterations gave rise to deleterious effects on embryonic development and to testicular and spermatic changes in the offspring. CONCLUSION This study provides critical information on reproductive disturbances brought about by paternal alcohol consumption and the profound impact these could have on the male progeny. The need to explore the effects of paternal alcohol consumption in detail and warn about the importance of controlling alcohol intake for the well-being of future generations should not be underscored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maite Yael Cambiasso
- CONICET, Instituto de Biología Y Medicina Experimental (IByME), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucila Gotfryd
- CONICET, Instituto de Química Biológica de La Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Y Naturales IQUIBICEN, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Gabriel Stinson
- CONICET, Instituto de Química Biológica de La Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Y Naturales IQUIBICEN, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sol Birolo
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Y Naturales (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gabriela Salamone
- Instituto de Medicina Experimental (IMEX), CONICET Academia Nacional de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marina Romanato
- CONICET, Instituto de Biología Y Medicina Experimental (IByME), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan Carlos Calvo
- CONICET, Instituto de Biología Y Medicina Experimental (IByME), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Y Naturales (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vanina Andrea Fontana
- CONICET, Instituto de Química Biológica de La Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Y Naturales IQUIBICEN, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Tahmasbpour Marzouni E, Ilkhani H, Beigi Harchegani A, Shafaghatian H, Layali I, Shahriary A. Epigenetic Modifications, A New Approach to Male Infertility Etiology: A Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2022; 16:1-9. [PMID: 35103425 PMCID: PMC8808252 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2021.138499.1032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have indicated that epigenetic alterations are critical for normal function and development of spermatozoa during the fertilization process. This review will focus on the latest advances in epigenome profiling of the chromatin modifications during sperm development, as well as the potential roles of epigenetic mechanisms in the context of male infertility. In this review, all data were collected from published studies that considered the effect of epigenetic abnormalities on human spermatogenesis, sperm parameters quality, fertilization process, embryo development and live births. The database PubMed was searched for all experimental and clinical studies using the Keywords "epigenetic modifications", "male infertility", "spermatogenesis", "embryo development" and "reproductive function". Post-translational modifications of histone, DNA methylations and chromatin remodeling are among the most common forms of epigenetic modifications that regulate all stages of spermatogenesis and fertilization process. Incorrect epigenetic modifications of certain genes involved in the spermatogenesis and sperm maturation may be a main reason of male reproductive disorder and infertility. Most importantly, abnormal patterns of epigenetic modifications or transgenerational phenotypes and miRNAs expression may be transmitted from one generation to the next through assisted reproductive techniques (ART) and cause an increased risk of birth defects, infertility and congenital anomalies in children. Epigenetic modifications must be considered as a one of the main factors of unexplained male infertility etiology. Due to high risk of transmitting incorrect primary imprints to offspring, there is a need for more research into epigenetic alterations in couples who benefit of ART support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eisa Tahmasbpour Marzouni
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Biomedical Innovations, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hanieh Ilkhani
- Islamic Azad University, Pharmaceutical Sciences Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Asghar Beigi Harchegani
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Shafaghatian
- Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Issa Layali
- Department of Biochemistry, Islamic Azad University, Sari Branch, Sari, Iran
| | - Alireza Shahriary
- Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,P.O.Box: 19945-581Chemical Injuries Research CenterSystems Biology and Poisonings InstituteBaqiyatallah University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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Laqqan MM, Yassin MM. Influence of tobacco cigarette heavy smoking on DNA methylation patterns and transcription levels of MAPK8IP3, GAA, ANXA2, PRRC2A, and PDE11A genes in human spermatozoa. MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s43043-021-00084-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Tobacco smoking is considered as one of the lifestyles factors that influence the sperm DNA methylation and global sperm DNA methylation and that may affect the sperm phenotype. This study was performed to investigate whether tobacco cigarette heavy smoking influences sperm DNA methylation patterns and semen parameters and to determine whether there is an alteration in the transcription level of MAPK8IP3, GAA, ANXA2, PRRC2A, and PDE11A genes in heavy smokers compared to non-smokers. Thirty samples were subjected to 450K arrays as a screening study to assess the variation in sperm DNA methylation levels between heavy smokers and non-smokers. Five CpG sites have the highest difference in methylation levels (cg07869343, cg05813498, cg09785377, cg06833981, and cg02745784), which are located in the MAPK8IP3, GAA, ANXA2, PRRC2A, and PDE11A genes, respectively, and were selected for further analysis using deep bisulfite sequencing in 280 independent samples (120 proven non-smokers and 160 heavy smokers) with a mean age of 33.8 ± 8.4 years. The global sperm DNA methylation, sperm DNA fragmentation, and chromatin non-condensation were evaluated also.
Results
A significant increase was found in the methylation level at seven, three, and seventeen CpGs within the GAA, ANXA2, and MAPK8IP3 genes amplicon, respectively (P< 0.01) in heavy smokers compared to non-smokers. Additionally, a significant increase was found in the methylation levels at all CpGs within PRRC2A and PDE11A gene amplicon (P< 0.01). A significant increase was found in the level of sperm chromatin non-condensation, DNA fragmentation, and global DNA methylation (P < 0.001) in heavy smokers compared to non-smokers.
Conclusion
These results indicate that tobacco cigarette smoking can alter the DNA methylation level at several CpGs, the status of global DNA methylation, and transcription level of the following genes “MAPK8IP3, GAA, ANXA2, PRRC2A, and PDE11A” in human spermatozoa. These findings may affect negatively semen parameters and men’s fertility.
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Zhang T, Ru YF, Wu B, Dong H, Chen L, Zheng J, Li J, Wang X, Wang Z, Wang X, Shen X, Wu J, Qian J, Miao M, Gu Y, Shi H. Effects of low lead exposure on sperm quality and sperm DNA methylation in adult men. Cell Biosci 2021; 11:150. [PMID: 34344450 PMCID: PMC8335892 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-021-00665-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
INSTRUCTION Lead (Pb) exposure is a risk factor for male infertility, but the epigenetic changes in sperm DNAattributable to lead exposure is poorly defined. METHODS In this study, we investigated whether low Pb exposure (< 10 µg/dL) affects the sperm quality. Blood, urine, and semen samples of 297 men of childbearing age were analyzed for all relevant parameters. Based on the blood Pb level (BLL), participants were allocated to RL (0-2.5 µg/dL), RM (2.5-5 µg/dL), and RH (5-10 µg/dL) groups. The 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine patterns in the sperm DNA were identified using methylated DNA immunoprecipitation and hydroxymethylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing. RESULTS The non-progressive motility (NP) was significantly increased and associated with global hypomethylation of sperm DNA in the RH group compared with the RL group, indicating that aberrant sperm methylation due to low Pb exposure is possibly associated with reduced sperm motility. The hypomethylated promoter regions were primarily enriched in the calcium (Ca) homeostasis pathway. Further, the interaction between Ca and Pb was associated with sperm rapid progressive motility and asthenospermia risk, although no significant methylation abnormality was observed in those with BLL < 5 µg/dL. When BLL was > 5 µg/dL or when predicting NP, no significant Pb-Ca interaction was observed. DISCUSSION Overall, our results indicate that aberrant DNA methylation of the Ca homeostasis pathway, induced by low Pb exposure, is the potential cause for reduced sperm velocity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiancheng Zhang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Fei Ru
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, 310024, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bin Wu
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haiyan Dong
- Shanghai Kelin Institute of clinical bioinformatics, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Chen
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jufen Zheng
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianhui Li
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Wang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhikai Wang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuemei Wang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaorong Shen
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Wu
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Qian
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Maohua Miao
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yihua Gu
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Huijuan Shi
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Rotondo JC, Lanzillotti C, Mazziotta C, Tognon M, Martini F. Epigenetics of Male Infertility: The Role of DNA Methylation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:689624. [PMID: 34368137 PMCID: PMC8339558 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.689624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, a number of studies focused on the role of epigenetics, including DNA methylation, in spermatogenesis and male infertility. We aimed to provide an overview of the knowledge concerning the gene and genome methylation and its regulation during spermatogenesis, specifically in the context of male infertility etiopathogenesis. Overall, the findings support the hypothesis that sperm DNA methylation is associated with sperm alterations and infertility. Several genes have been found to be differentially methylated in relation to impaired spermatogenesis and/or reproductive dysfunction. Particularly, DNA methylation defects of MEST and H19 within imprinted genes and MTHFR within non-imprinted genes have been repeatedly linked with male infertility. A deep knowledge of sperm DNA methylation status in association with reduced reproductive potential could improve the development of novel diagnostic tools for this disease. Further studies are needed to better elucidate the mechanisms affecting methylation in sperm and their impact on male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Charles Rotondo
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Takeda K, Kobayashi E, Ogata K, Imai A, Sato S, Adachi H, Hoshino Y, Nishino K, Inoue M, Kaneda M, Watanabe S. Differentially methylated CpG sites related to fertility in Japanese Black bull spermatozoa: epigenetic biomarker candidates to predict sire conception rate. J Reprod Dev 2021; 67:99-107. [PMID: 33441501 PMCID: PMC8075730 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2020-137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
For semen suppliers, predicting the low fertility of service bull candidates before artificial insemination would help prevent economic loss; however,
predicting bull fertility through in vitro assessment of semen is yet to be established. In the present study, we focused on the methylated CpG
sites of sperm nuclear DNA and examined methylation levels to screen new biomarkers for predicting bull fertility. In frozen-thawed semen samples collected from
Japanese Black bulls, for which the sire conception rate (SCR) was recorded, the methylation level of each CpG site was analyzed using human methylation
microarray. According to regression analysis, 143 CpG sites related to SCR were significantly differentially methylated. Whole genome bisulfite sequence data
were obtained from three semen samples and the differentially methylated regions (DMRs) that included the target CpG sites selected by human methylation
microarray were confirmed. Using combined bisulfite restriction analysis, fertility-related methylation changes were detected in 10 DMRs. With the exception of
one DMR, the methylation levels of these DMRs were significantly different between groups with high fertility (> 50%) and low fertility (< 40%). From
multiple regression analysis of methylation levels and SCR, three DMRs were selected that could effectively predict bull fertility. We suggest that these
fertility-related differences in spermatozoal methylation levels could be new epigenetic biomarkers for predicting bull fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumiko Takeda
- Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, NARO, Ibaraki 305-0901, Japan
| | - Eiji Kobayashi
- Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, NARO, Ibaraki 305-0901, Japan
| | - Kazuko Ogata
- Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, NARO, Ibaraki 305-0901, Japan
| | - Akira Imai
- Hiroshima Prefectural Livestock Technology Research Center, Hiroshima 739-0151, Japan
| | - Shinya Sato
- Hiroshima Prefectural Livestock Technology Research Center, Hiroshima 739-0151, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Adachi
- Hida Beef Cattle Research, Gifu Prefectural Livestock Research Institute, Gifu 506-0101, Japan
| | | | - Kagetomo Nishino
- Beef Cattle Institute, Ibaraki Prefectural Livestock Research Center, Ibaraki 319-2224, Japan
| | - Masahiro Inoue
- Tottori Prefectural Livestock Research Institute, Tottori 689-2503, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kaneda
- Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Shinya Watanabe
- Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, NARO, Ibaraki 305-0901, Japan.,Western Region Agricultural Research Center, NARO, Shimane 694-0013, Japan
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Wang M, Ibeagha-Awemu EM. Impacts of Epigenetic Processes on the Health and Productivity of Livestock. Front Genet 2021; 11:613636. [PMID: 33708235 PMCID: PMC7942785 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.613636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The dynamic changes in the epigenome resulting from the intricate interactions of genetic and environmental factors play crucial roles in individual growth and development. Numerous studies in plants, rodents, and humans have provided evidence of the regulatory roles of epigenetic processes in health and disease. There is increasing pressure to increase livestock production in light of increasing food needs of an expanding human population and environment challenges, but there is limited related epigenetic data on livestock to complement genomic information and support advances in improvement breeding and health management. This review examines the recent discoveries on epigenetic processes due to DNA methylation, histone modification, and chromatin remodeling and their impacts on health and production traits in farm animals, including bovine, swine, sheep, goat, and poultry species. Most of the reports focused on epigenome profiling at the genome-wide or specific genic regions in response to developmental processes, environmental stressors, nutrition, and disease pathogens. The bulk of available data mainly characterized the epigenetic markers in tissues/organs or in relation to traits and detection of epigenetic regulatory mechanisms underlying livestock phenotype diversity. However, available data is inadequate to support gainful exploitation of epigenetic processes for improved animal health and productivity management. Increased research effort, which is vital to elucidate how epigenetic mechanisms affect the health and productivity of livestock, is currently limited due to several factors including lack of adequate analytical tools. In this review, we (1) summarize available evidence of the impacts of epigenetic processes on livestock production and health traits, (2) discuss the application of epigenetics data in livestock production, and (3) present gaps in livestock epigenetics research. Knowledge of the epigenetic factors influencing livestock health and productivity is vital for the management and improvement of livestock productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Wang
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Department of Animal Science, Laval University, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Eveline M. Ibeagha-Awemu
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
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Zhu L, Marjani SL, Jiang Z. The Epigenetics of Gametes and Early Embryos and Potential Long-Range Consequences in Livestock Species-Filling in the Picture With Epigenomic Analyses. Front Genet 2021; 12:557934. [PMID: 33747031 PMCID: PMC7966815 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.557934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The epigenome is dynamic and forged by epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNA species. Increasing lines of evidence support the concept that certain acquired traits are derived from environmental exposure during early embryonic and fetal development, i.e., fetal programming, and can even be "memorized" in the germline as epigenetic information and transmitted to future generations. Advances in technology are now driving the global profiling and precise editing of germline and embryonic epigenomes, thereby improving our understanding of epigenetic regulation and inheritance. These achievements open new avenues for the development of technologies or potential management interventions to counteract adverse conditions or improve performance in livestock species. In this article, we review the epigenetic analyses (DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNAs) of germ cells and embryos in mammalian livestock species (cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs) and the epigenetic determinants of gamete and embryo viability. We also discuss the effects of parental environmental exposures on the epigenetics of gametes and the early embryo, and evidence for transgenerational inheritance in livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linkai Zhu
- AgCenter, School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Sadie L Marjani
- Department of Biology, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT, United States
| | - Zongliang Jiang
- AgCenter, School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
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Global Methylation and Protamine Deficiency in Ram Spermatozoa Correlate with Sperm Production and Quality but Are Not Influenced by Melatonin or Season. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10122302. [PMID: 33291841 PMCID: PMC7762013 DOI: 10.3390/ani10122302] [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: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Though environmental factors can alter the epigenome of mammalian spermatozoa, it is currently unclear whether these epigenetic changes are linked to sperm production, quality and fertility. This study aimed to identify whether the hormone melatonin, responsible for upregulating ram reproductive function, is able to alter broad epigenetic markers in spermatozoa, namely sperm global methylation and protamine deficiency. It was also investigated whether these parameters corresponded to ram endocrinology, semen production and quality. Though no effects of season or melatonin were found, both sperm global methylation and protamine deficiency correlated with several semen production and quality parameters. These moderate associations with sperm production and quality support that sperm protamine deficiency and global methylation are broadly indicative of testicular function. Abstract This study assessed whether the seasonal effects of melatonin that upregulate ram reproductive function alter sperm global methylation or protamine deficiency and whether these parameters corresponded to ram endocrinology, semen production and quality. Ejaculates were assessed from rams that received melatonin implants (n = 9) or no implants (n = 9) during the non-breeding season. Ejaculates (n = 2/ram/week) were collected prior to implantation (week 0), 1, 6 and 12 weeks post implantation and during the following breeding season (week 30). Flow cytometry was used to assess the sperm global methylation and protamine deficiency in each ejaculate, which had known values for sperm concentration, motility, morphology, DNA fragmentation, seminal plasma levels of melatonin, anti-Mullerian hormone and inhibin A. Serum levels of testosterone and melatonin were also evaluated. Though there was no effect of melatonin or season, sperm protamine deficiency was negatively correlated with sperm production and seminal plasma levels of anti-Mullerian hormone and positively correlated with sperm DNA fragmentation and morphology. Global methylation of spermatozoa was positively correlated with sperm DNA fragmentation, morphology and serum testosterone and negatively correlated with sperm motility. These moderate associations with sperm production and quality suggest that sperm protamine deficiency and global methylation are indicative of ram testicular function.
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Abeysinghe P, Turner N, Morean Garcia I, Mosaad E, Peiris HN, Mitchell MD. The Role of Exosomal Epigenetic Modifiers in Cell Communication and Fertility of Dairy Cows. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239106. [PMID: 33266010 PMCID: PMC7731370 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal uterine function affects conception rate and embryo development, thereby leading to poor fertility and reproduction failure. Exosomes are a nanosized subclass of extracellular vesicles (EV) that have important functions as intercellular communicators. They contain and carry transferable bioactive substances including micro RNA (miRNA) for target cells. Elements of the cargo can provide epigenetic modifications of the recipient cells and may have crucial roles in mechanisms of reproduction. The dairy industry accounts for a substantial portion of the economy of many agricultural countries. Exosomes can enhance the expression of inflammatory mediators in the endometrium, which contribute to various inflammatory diseases in transition dairy cows. This results in reduced fertility which leads to reduced milk production and increased cow maintenance costs. Thus, gaining a clear knowledge of exosomal epigenetic modifiers is critical to improving the breeding success and profitability of dairy farms. This review provides a brief overview of how exosomal miRNA contributes to inflammatory diseases and hence to poor fertility, particularly in dairy cows.
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Marker-assisted selection vis-à-vis bull fertility: coming full circle-a review. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:9123-9133. [PMID: 33099757 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05919-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Bull fertility is considered an indispensable trait, as far as farm economics is concerned since it is the successful conception in a cow that provides calf crop, along with the ensuing lactation. This ensures sustainability of a dairy farm. Traditionally, bull fertility did not receive much attention by the farm managers and breeding animals were solely evaluated based on phenotypic predictors, namely, sire conception rate and seminal parameters in bull. With the advent of the molecular era in animal breeding, attempts were made to unravel the genetic complexity of bull fertility by the identification of genetic markers related to the trait. Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) is a methodology that aims at utilizing the genetic information at markers and selecting improved populations for important traits. Traditionally, MAS was pursued using a candidate gene approach for identifying markers related to genes that are already known to have a physiological function related to the trait but this approach had certain shortcomings like stringent criteria for significance testing. Now, with the availability of genome-wide data, the number of markers identified and variance explained in relation to bull fertility has gone up. So, this presents a unique opportunity to revisit MAS by selection based on the information of a large number of genome-wide markers and thus, improving the accuracy of selection.
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Wu C, Sirard MA. Parental Effects on Epigenetic Programming in Gametes and Embryos of Dairy Cows. Front Genet 2020; 11:557846. [PMID: 33173533 PMCID: PMC7591718 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.557846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The bovine represents an important agriculture species and dairy breeds have experienced intense genetic selection over the last decades. The selection of breeders focused initially on milk production, but now includes feed efficiency, health, and fertility, although these traits show lower heritability. The non-genetic paternal and maternal effects on the next generation represent a new research topic that is part of epigenetics. The evidence for embryo programming from both parents is increasing. Both oocytes and spermatozoa carry methylation marks, histones modifications, small RNAs, and chromatin state variations. These epigenetic modifications may remain active in the early zygote and influence the embryonic period and beyond. In this paper, we review parental non-genetic effects retained in gametes on early embryo development of dairy cows, with emphasis on parental age (around puberty), the metabolism of the mother at the time of conception and in vitro culture (IVC) conditions. In our recent findings, transcriptomic signatures and DNA methylation patterns of blastocysts and gametes originating from various parental and IVC conditions revealed surprisingly similar results. Embryos from all these experiments displayed a metabolic signature that could be described as an "economy" mode where protein synthesis is reduced, mitochondria are considered less functional. In the absence of any significant phenotype, these results indicated a possible similar adaptation of the embryo to younger parental age, post-partum metabolic status and IVC conditions mediated by epigenetic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marc-André Sirard
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des Sciences de l’Agriculture et de l’Alimentation, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
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Manfrevola F, Chioccarelli T, Cobellis G, Fasano S, Ferraro B, Sellitto C, Marella G, Pierantoni R, Chianese R. CircRNA Role and circRNA-Dependent Network (ceRNET) in Asthenozoospermia. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:395. [PMID: 32754116 PMCID: PMC7366322 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of circRNA in reproduction is under investigation. CircRNAs are expressed in human testis, spermatozoa (SPZ), and seminal plasma. Their involvement in embryo development has also been suggested. Asthenozoospermia, a common cause of male infertility, is characterized by reduced or absent sperm motility in fresh ejaculate. While abnormal mitochondrial function, altered sperm tail, and genomic causes have been deeply investigated, the epigenetic signature of asthenozoospermic derived SPZ still remains unexplored. CircRNAs may take part in the repertoire of differentially expressed molecules in infertile men. Considering this background, we carried out a circRNA microarray, identifying a total of 9,138 transcripts, 22% of them novel based and 83.5% with an exonic structure. Using KEGG analysis, we evaluated the circRNA contribution in pathways related to mitochondrial function and sperm motility. In order to discriminate circRNAs with a differential expression in SPZ with differential morphological parameters, we separated sperm cells by Percoll gradient and analyzed their differential circRNA payload. A bioinformatic approach was then utilized to build a circRNA/miRNA/mRNA network. With the aim to demonstrate a dynamic contribution of circRNAs to the sperm epigenetic signature, we verified their modulation as a consequence of an oral amino acid supplementation, efficacious in improving SPZ motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Manfrevola
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Bruno Ferraro
- UOSD di Fisiopatologia della Riproduzione, Presidio Ospedaliero di Marcianise, Caserta, Italy
| | - Carolina Sellitto
- UOSD di Fisiopatologia della Riproduzione, Presidio Ospedaliero di Marcianise, Caserta, Italy
| | - Giovanni Marella
- UOSD di Fisiopatologia della Riproduzione, Presidio Ospedaliero di Marcianise, Caserta, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Rosanna Chianese
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Cariati F, Carbone L, Conforti A, Bagnulo F, Peluso SR, Carotenuto C, Buonfantino C, Alviggi E, Alviggi C, Strina I. Bisphenol A-Induced Epigenetic Changes and Its Effects on the Male Reproductive System. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:453. [PMID: 32849263 PMCID: PMC7406566 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widespread chemical agent which can exert detrimental effects on the male reproductive system. Exposure to BPA has been shown to induce several epigenetic modifications in both animal and human cells. Specifically, BPA could not only modify the methylation pattern of multiple genes encoding proteins related to reproductive physiology but also directly influence the genes responsible for DNA methylation. BPA effects include hormonal alterations, microscopic and macroscopic alteration of male reproductive organs, and inheritable epigenetic changes involving human reproduction. BPA exposure was also linked to prostate cancer. This review aims to show the current scenario of BPA-induced epigenetic changes and its effects on the male reproductive system. Possible strategies to counter the toxic effect of BPA were also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Cariati
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.a.r.l., Naples, Italy
- Fertility Unit, Maternal-Child Department, AOU Policlinico Federico II, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Federica Cariati
| | - Luigi Carbone
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Conforti
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Bagnulo
- Fertility Unit, Maternal-Child Department, AOU Policlinico Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Consolata Carotenuto
- Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology Department, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Cira Buonfantino
- Department of Public Health, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Erminia Alviggi
- GENERA Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Clinica Ruesch, Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Alviggi
- Fertility Unit, Maternal-Child Department, AOU Policlinico Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
- Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology Institute (IEOS), National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Ida Strina
- Fertility Unit, Maternal-Child Department, AOU Policlinico Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
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