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Dai C, Zhang Z, Shan G, Chu LT, Huang Z, Moskovtsev S, Librach C, Jarvi K, Sun Y. Advances in sperm analysis: techniques, discoveries and applications. Nat Rev Urol 2021; 18:447-467. [PMID: 34075227 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-021-00472-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Infertility affects one in six couples worldwide, and fertility continues to deteriorate globally, partly owing to a decline in semen quality. Sperm analysis has a central role in diagnosing and treating male factor infertility. Many emerging techniques, such as digital holography, super-resolution microscopy and next-generation sequencing, have been developed that enable improved analysis of sperm motility, morphology and genetics to help overcome limitations in accuracy and consistency, and improve sperm selection for infertility treatment. These techniques have also improved our understanding of fundamental sperm physiology by enabling discoveries in sperm behaviour and molecular structures. Further progress in sperm analysis and integrating these techniques into laboratories and clinics requires multidisciplinary collaboration, which will increase discovery and improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changsheng Dai
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Zhuoran Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Guanqiao Shan
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Lap-Tak Chu
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Zongjie Huang
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | | | - Keith Jarvi
- Division of Urology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada. .,Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Yu Sun
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. .,Institute of Biomaterials & Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. .,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. .,Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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2
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Andolfi L, Battistella A, Zanetti M, Lazzarino M, Pascolo L, Romano F, Ricci G. Scanning Probe Microscopies: Imaging and Biomechanics in Reproductive Medicine Research. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22083823. [PMID: 33917060 PMCID: PMC8067746 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Basic and translational research in reproductive medicine can provide new insights with the application of scanning probe microscopies, such as atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM). These microscopies, which provide images with spatial resolution well beyond the optical resolution limit, enable users to achieve detailed descriptions of cell topography, inner cellular structure organization, and arrangements of single or cluster membrane proteins. A peculiar characteristic of AFM operating in force spectroscopy mode is its inherent ability to measure the interaction forces between single proteins or cells, and to quantify the mechanical properties (i.e., elasticity, viscoelasticity, and viscosity) of cells and tissues. The knowledge of the cell ultrastructure, the macromolecule organization, the protein dynamics, the investigation of biological interaction forces, and the quantification of biomechanical features can be essential clues for identifying the molecular mechanisms that govern responses in living cells. This review highlights the main findings achieved by the use of AFM and SNOM in assisted reproductive research, such as the description of gamete morphology; the quantification of mechanical properties of gametes; the role of forces in embryo development; the significance of investigating single-molecule interaction forces; the characterization of disorders of the reproductive system; and the visualization of molecular organization. New perspectives of analysis opened up by applying these techniques and the translational impacts on reproductive medicine are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Andolfi
- Istituto Officina dei Materiali IOM-CNR, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (A.B.); (M.Z.); (M.L.)
- Correspondence: (L.A.); (G.R.)
| | - Alice Battistella
- Istituto Officina dei Materiali IOM-CNR, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (A.B.); (M.Z.); (M.L.)
- Doctoral School in Nanotechnology, University of Trieste, 34100 Trieste, Italy
| | - Michele Zanetti
- Istituto Officina dei Materiali IOM-CNR, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (A.B.); (M.Z.); (M.L.)
- Doctoral School in Nanotechnology, University of Trieste, 34100 Trieste, Italy
| | - Marco Lazzarino
- Istituto Officina dei Materiali IOM-CNR, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (A.B.); (M.Z.); (M.L.)
| | - Lorella Pascolo
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (L.P.); (F.R.)
| | - Federico Romano
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (L.P.); (F.R.)
| | - Giuseppe Ricci
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (L.P.); (F.R.)
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
- Correspondence: (L.A.); (G.R.)
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3
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Troian B, Boscolo R, Ricci G, Lazzarino M, Zito G, Prato S, Andolfi L. Ultra-structural analysis of human spermatozoa by aperture scanning near-field optical microscopy. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2020; 13:e2418. [PMID: 31991052 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.201960093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM) represents a potential candidate for investigation of ultrastructure in human spermatozoa. It is a noninvasive optical technique that offers two main advantages: minimal sample preparation and simultaneous topographical and optical images acquisition with a spatial resolution beyond the diffraction limit. This enables the combination of surface characterization and information from the inner cellular organization in a single acquisition providing an immediate and comprehensive analysis of the cellular portions. In this work spermatozoa are immobilized on poly-L-lysine coated coverslips, fixed according to a standard protocol and imaged by aperture-SNOM in air. In the SNOM images, all peculiar sperm portions show well-resolved optical features, which exhibit good similarities with the structures revealed in transmission electron microscopy images, as compared with literature data. The optical features of anomalous spermatozoa are clearly different as respect with those observed for healthy ones. This analysis reveals the potentialities of SNOM and opens to its application to high-resolution analysis of sperm morphological alterations, which might be relevant in reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rita Boscolo
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ricci
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marco Lazzarino
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto Officina dei Materiali IOM-CNR, Trieste, Italy
| | - Gabriella Zito
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Laura Andolfi
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto Officina dei Materiali IOM-CNR, Trieste, Italy
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4
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Hezavehei M, Sharafi M, Kouchesfahani HM, Henkel R, Agarwal A, Esmaeili V, Shahverdi A. Sperm cryopreservation: A review on current molecular cryobiology and advanced approaches. Reprod Biomed Online 2018; 37:327-339. [PMID: 30143329 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 202] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2017] [Revised: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The cryopreservation of spermatozoa was introduced in the 1960s as a route to fertility preservation. Despite the extensive progress that has been made in this field, the biological and biochemical mechanisms involved in cryopreservation have not been thoroughly elucidated to date. Various factors during the freezing process, including sudden temperature changes, ice formation and osmotic stress, have been proposed as reasons for poor sperm quality post-thaw. Little is known regarding the new aspects of sperm cryobiology, such as epigenetic and proteomic modulation of sperm and trans-generational effects of sperm freezing. This article reviews recent reports on molecular and cellular modifications of spermatozoa during cryopreservation in order to collate the existing understanding in this field. The aim is to discuss current freezing techniques and novel strategies that have been developed for sperm protection against cryo-damage, as well as evaluating the probable effects of sperm freezing on offspring health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Hezavehei
- Department of EmbryologyReproductive Biomedicine Research CentreRoyan Institute for Reproductive BiomedicineACECRTehranIran; Department of Animal BiologyFaculty of Biological SciencesKharazmi UniversityTehranIran
| | - Mohsen Sharafi
- Department of Poultry ScienceFaculty of AgricultureTarbiat Modares UniversityTehranIran.
| | | | - Ralf Henkel
- American Centre for Reproductive MedicineCleveland ClinicClevelandUSA
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- Department of Medical BioscienceUniversity of the Western CapeBellvilleSouth Africa
| | - Vahid Esmaeili
- Department of EmbryologyReproductive Biomedicine Research CentreRoyan Institute for Reproductive BiomedicineACECRTehranIran
| | - Abdolhossein Shahverdi
- Department of EmbryologyReproductive Biomedicine Research CentreRoyan Institute for Reproductive BiomedicineACECRTehranIran.
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5
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Ghosh S, Mukherjee S. Testicular germ cell apoptosis and sperm defects in mice upon long-term high fat diet feeding. J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:6896-6909. [PMID: 29665058 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The growing prevalence of male infertility is a matter of serious concern. One of the putative causes being nutritional excess from continuous consumption of high fat diet (HFD) leading to insulin resistance albeit the specific relationship is not fully understood. Besides, there are many contradictions in the available literature on the subject. Therefore, we sought to characterize in detail the effects of HFD upon testicular function and sperm quality in mice with particular focus on isolated testicular germ cells and spermatozoa, respectively. In this study, we treated 8-week old male Swiss albino mice with HFD for the duration of 5 months; control animals were reared on standard diet. We observed HFD induced progressive deterioration of testicular histoarchitecture leading to disruption of seminiferous tubules, increased vacuolization, and partial to complete tubular atrophy. Time dependent adverse effects on sperm count, motility, and morphology were noticed. Interestingly, numerous anomalies were detectable in sperm head and tail structures reflecting loss of reproductive capacity due to HFD. Maximal tissue and sperm damage was conspicuous at the endpoint, prompting us to examine oxidative stress markers. Enhanced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, augmentation of prooxidant activities, and compromised testicular antioxidant defences clearly implied conditions of oxidative stress in long-term HFD treated mice. This was concomitant with the onset of abnormally enhanced testicular germ cell apoptosis involving the mitochondrial intrinsic pathway. Thus, our findings revealed that ROS mediated deregulation of testicular germ cell apoptosis is critical in male reproductive impairment due to diet induced obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songita Ghosh
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Laboratory, Department of Zoology (Centre for Advanced Studies), School of Life Sciences, Visva-Bharati (A Central University), Santiniketan, West Bengal, India
| | - Sutapa Mukherjee
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Laboratory, Department of Zoology (Centre for Advanced Studies), School of Life Sciences, Visva-Bharati (A Central University), Santiniketan, West Bengal, India
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6
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An imaging dataset of cervical cells using scanning near-field optical microscopy coupled to an infrared free electron laser. Sci Data 2017; 4:170084. [PMID: 28696426 PMCID: PMC5505104 DOI: 10.1038/sdata.2017.84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Using a scanning near-field optical microscope coupled to an infrared free electron laser (SNOM-IR-FEL) in low-resolution transmission mode, we collected chemical data from whole cervical cells obtained from 5 pre-menopausal, non-pregnant women of reproductive age, and cytologically classified as normal or with different grades of cervical cell dyskaryosis. Imaging data are complemented by demography. All samples were collected before any treatment. Spectra were also collected using attenuated total reflection, Fourier-transform (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, to investigate the differences between the two techniques. Results of this pilot study suggests SNOM-IR-FEL may be able to distinguish cervical abnormalities based upon changes in the chemical profiles for each grade of dyskaryosis at designated wavelengths associated with DNA, Amide I/II, and lipids. The novel data sets are the first collected using SNOM-IR-FEL in transmission mode at the ALICE facility (UK), and obtained using whole cells as opposed to tissue sections, thus providing an ‘intact’ chemical profile. These data sets are suited to complementing future work on image analysis, and/or applying the newly developed algorithm to other datasets collected using the SNOM-IR-FEL approach.
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7
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Handschuh-Wang S, Wang T, Zhou X. Recent advances in hybrid measurement methods based on atomic force microscopy and surface sensitive measurement techniques. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c7ra08515j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This review summaries the recent progress of the combination of optical and non-optical surface sensitive techniques with the atomic force microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Handschuh-Wang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering
- Shenzhen University
- Shenzhen 518060
- P. R. China
| | - Tao Wang
- Functional Thin Films Research Center
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Shenzhen 518055
- P. R. China
| | - Xuechang Zhou
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering
- Shenzhen University
- Shenzhen 518060
- P. R. China
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Halliwell DE, Morais CLM, Lima KMG, Trevisan J, Siggel-King MRF, Craig T, Ingham J, Martin DS, Heys KA, Kyrgiou M, Mitra A, Paraskevaidis E, Theophilou G, Martin-Hirsch PL, Cricenti A, Luce M, Weightman P, Martin FL. Imaging cervical cytology with scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM) coupled with an IR-FEL. Sci Rep 2016; 6:29494. [PMID: 27406404 PMCID: PMC4942606 DOI: 10.1038/srep29494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among women, especially in the developing world. Increased synthesis of proteins, lipids and nucleic acids is a pre-condition for the rapid proliferation of cancer cells. We show that scanning near-field optical microscopy, in combination with an infrared free electron laser (SNOM-IR-FEL), is able to distinguish between normal and squamous low-grade and high-grade dyskaryosis, and between normal and mixed squamous/glandular pre-invasive and adenocarcinoma cervical lesions, at designated wavelengths associated with DNA, Amide I/II and lipids. These findings evidence the promise of the SNOM-IR-FEL technique in obtaining chemical information relevant to the detection of cervical cell abnormalities and cancer diagnosis at spatial resolutions below the diffraction limit (≥0.2 μm). We compare these results with analyses following attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy; although this latter approach has been demonstrated to detect underlying cervical atypia missed by conventional cytology, it is limited by a spatial resolution of ~3 μm to 30 μm due to the optical diffraction limit.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Camilo L M Morais
- Biological Chemistry and Chemometrics, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59072-970, RN, Brazil
| | - Kássio M G Lima
- Biological Chemistry and Chemometrics, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59072-970, RN, Brazil
| | - Julio Trevisan
- Institute of Astronomy, Geophysics and Atmospheric Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Michele R F Siggel-King
- Department of Physics, University of Liverpool, Oliver Lodge Building, Liverpool, UK.,Accelerator Science and Technology Centre (ASTEC), STFC Daresbury Laboratory, UK
| | - Tim Craig
- Department of Physics, University of Liverpool, Oliver Lodge Building, Liverpool, UK
| | - James Ingham
- Department of Physics, University of Liverpool, Oliver Lodge Building, Liverpool, UK
| | - David S Martin
- Department of Physics, University of Liverpool, Oliver Lodge Building, Liverpool, UK
| | - Kelly A Heys
- Centre for Biophotonics, LEC, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Maria Kyrgiou
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Surgery &Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK.,West London Gynaecological Cancer Centre, Imperial College NHS Healthcare, London, UK
| | - Anita Mitra
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Surgery &Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK.,West London Gynaecological Cancer Centre, Imperial College NHS Healthcare, London, UK
| | | | | | - Pierre L Martin-Hirsch
- Centre for Biophotonics, LEC, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Foundation, Preston, UK
| | - Antonio Cricenti
- Istituto di Struttura della Materia, CNR, via del Fosso del Cavaliere 100, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Luce
- Istituto di Struttura della Materia, CNR, via del Fosso del Cavaliere 100, Rome, Italy
| | - Peter Weightman
- Department of Physics, University of Liverpool, Oliver Lodge Building, Liverpool, UK
| | - Francis L Martin
- Centre for Biophotonics, LEC, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK.,School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
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Lucio AC, Alves BG, Alves KA, Martins MC, Braga LS, Miglio L, Alves BG, Silva TH, Jacomini JO, Beletti ME. Selected sperm traits are simultaneously altered after scrotal heat stress and play specific roles in in vitro fertilization and embryonic development. Theriogenology 2016; 86:924-933. [PMID: 27087533 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Improvements in the estimation of male fertility indicators require advances in laboratory tests for sperm assessment. The aims of the present work were (1) to apply a multivariate analysis to examine sperm set of alterations and interactions and (2) to evaluate the importance of sperm parameters on the outcome of standard IVF and embryonic development. Bulls (n = 3) were subjected to scrotal insulation, and ejaculates were collected before (preinsulation = Day 0) and through 56 days (Days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, and 56) of the experimental period. Sperm head morphometry and chromatin variables were assessed by a computational image analysis, and IVF was performed. Scrotal heat stress induced alterations in all evaluated sperm head features, as well as cleavage and blastocyst rates. A principal component analysis revealed three main components (factors) that represented almost 89% of the cumulative variance. In addition, an association of factor scores with cleavage (factor 1) and blastocyst (factor 3) rates was observed. In conclusion, several sperm traits were simultaneously altered as a result of a thermal insult. These sperm traits likely play specific roles in IVF and embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline C Lucio
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Benner G Alves
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Kele A Alves
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Muller C Martins
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Lucas S Braga
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Luisa Miglio
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Bruna G Alves
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Thiago H Silva
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - José O Jacomini
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcelo E Beletti
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
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Moretti E, Sutera G, Collodel G. The importance of transmission electron microscopy analysis of spermatozoa: Diagnostic applications and basic research. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2016; 62:171-83. [PMID: 26980361 DOI: 10.3109/19396368.2016.1155242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED This review is aimed at discussing the role of ultrastructural studies on human spermatozoa and evaluating transmission electron microscopy as a diagnostic tool that can complete andrology protocols. It is clear that morphological sperm defects may explain decreased fertilizing potential and acquire particular value in the field of male infertility. Electron microscopy is the best method to identify systematic or monomorphic and non-systematic or polymorphic sperm defects. The systematic defects are characterized by a particular anomaly that affects the vast majority of spermatozoa in a semen sample, whereas a heterogeneous combination of head and tail defects found in variable percentages are typically non-systematic or polymorphic sperm defects. A correct diagnosis of these specific sperm alterations is important for choosing the male infertility's therapy and for deciding to turn to assisted reproduction techniques. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) also represents a valuable method to explore the in vitro effects of different compounds (for example drugs with potential spermicidal activity) on the morphology of human spermatozoa. Finally, TEM used in combination with immunohistochemical techniques, integrates structural and functional aspects that provide a wide horizon in the understanding of sperm physiology and pathology. ABBREVIATIONS transmission electron microscopy: TEM; World Health Organization: WHO; light microscopy: LM; motile sperm organelle morphology examination: MSOME; intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection: IMSI; intracytoplasmic sperm injection: ICSI; dysplasia of fibrous sheath: DFS; primary ciliary dyskinesia: PCD; outer dense fibers: ODF; assisted reproduction technologies: ART; scanning electron microscopy: SEM; polyvinylpirrolidone: PVP; tert-butylhydroperoxide: TBHP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Moretti
- a Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine , University of Siena , Siena , Italy
| | - Gaetano Sutera
- a Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine , University of Siena , Siena , Italy
| | - Giulia Collodel
- a Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine , University of Siena , Siena , Italy
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11
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Pitfalls and promises in FTIR spectromicroscopy analyses to monitor iron-mediated DNA damage in sperm. Reprod Toxicol 2016; 61:39-46. [PMID: 26923261 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Revised: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Many drugs, chemicals, and environmental factors can impair sperm functionality by inducing DNA damage, one of the important causes of reduced fertility potential. The use of vibrational spectromicroscopy represents a promising approach for monitoring DNA integrity in sperm, although some limitations exist, depending from the experimental conditions. Here, we report that when using FTIR spectromicroscopy to reveal oxidative stress mediated by Fenton's reaction on hydrated sperm samples, DNA damage interpretation is partially compromised by unexpected cell surface precipitates. The precipitates give a broad band in the 1150-1000cm(-1) infrared region, which partially covers one of the signatures of DNA (phosphate stretching bands), and are detected as iron and oxygen containing material when using XRF spectroscopy. On the other hand, the analyses further support the potential of FTIR spectromicroscopy to reveal cellular oxidative damage events such as lipid peroxidation, protein misfolding and aggregations, as well as DNA strain breaks.
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