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Scriffignano S, Perrotta FM, Lubrano E. Male Fertility in Spondyloarthritis: from Clinical Issues to Cytokines Milieu. A Narrative Review. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2024; 26:321-331. [PMID: 38900205 PMCID: PMC11310274 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-024-01153-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSEOF REVIEW Male fertility is an emergent issue that should be considered in clinical practice, when dealing with chronic inflammatory diseases in young men. As it is known, the chronic inflammation is the main pathophysiologic mechanism in some rheumatological conditions such as spondyloarthritis (SpA), Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) and Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA). Therefore, it is paramount to be aware if these diseases could impair male fertility, both due to the inflammation or to the treatments needed: we reviewed the literature on the most relevant and recent evidence on male fertility in patients affected by SpA, AS and PsA. RECENT FINDINGS Rheumatological inflammatory diseases (included SpA, AS and PsA) could impair the family planning in man life, especially when diagnosed at young age. Moreover, focusing on sperm quality, it seems that a link between sperm quality impairment and a higher disease activity exist. Focusing on therapies, Tumor Necrosis Factor inhibitors showed a safety profile on human male fertility in clinical studies. Recently, a prospective study and two double-blind placebo-controlled trials assessed the impact of methotrexate and Filgotinib on semen parameters, respectively, showing a safety profile of these drugs on human semen quality. However, there are no clinical data on the impact of Interleukin (IL)17 inhibitors(i), IL12-23i and IL23i. Concerning male fertility in SpA, AS and PsA, an unmet clinical need is still present and new studies are needed to understand the association between these diseases and male fertility, and the implication of the therapies used for these diseases. This narrative review provides an overview of the available data on male fertility in patients affected by SpA, AS and PsA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Scriffignano
- Academic Rheumatology Unit, Dipartimento Di Medicina E Scienze, Della Salute "Vincenzo Tiberio", Università Degli Studi del Molise, Via Giovanni Paolo II, C/da Tappino, 86100, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Fabio Massimo Perrotta
- Academic Rheumatology Unit, Dipartimento Di Medicina E Scienze, Della Salute "Vincenzo Tiberio", Università Degli Studi del Molise, Via Giovanni Paolo II, C/da Tappino, 86100, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Ennio Lubrano
- Academic Rheumatology Unit, Dipartimento Di Medicina E Scienze, Della Salute "Vincenzo Tiberio", Università Degli Studi del Molise, Via Giovanni Paolo II, C/da Tappino, 86100, Campobasso, Italy.
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Xi Y, Cao YL, Tao LY, Gao SZ, Jin ZR, Cheng JX, Jiang H, Zhang Z. A global perspective: characteristics of infertility-related randomized clinical trials. Andrology 2024; 12:1324-1335. [PMID: 38231194 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13596] [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: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility is a prevalent global condition, and emerging reproductive technologies may enhance its evaluation and treatment. Understanding the current features of randomized clinical trials in infertility is crucial for improving study design and ensuring the translation of results for patient benefits. OBJECTIVES To investigate the primary characteristics of randomized clinical trials related to infertility and areas where require improvement. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a search on the International Clinical Trials Registry platform for eligible infertility trials between 2003 and 2022. The distribution ratio of various characteristics uploaded by infertility-related studies on the platform was analyzed and compared according to sex and registration year. RESULTS Out of the total trials, 85.3% (1,906) included only women, 8.6% (192) included only men, and 6.1% (136) included couples. The majority of retrieved trials followed a parallel arm design (91.0%) and were non-industry-funded (92.2%), with a median planned sample size of 131 patients (interquartile range 75-270). Among these trials, 54.5% (1,217) were conducted in Asia. The most common primary purpose of infertility-related trials was treatment (88.8%), with over half of the investigated interventions focusing on medication (57.9%). DISCUSSION Asia is the leading region for research, and the drug therapy is still widely used and updated. However, support care for infertile couples has also received some preference. Areas that require improvement and promotion include addressing male infertility and focusing on underserved regions like Africa. The results also highlight deficiencies in trial registration and masking methods, emphasizing the need for better regulation and facilitation of infertility trials in the post-COVID-19 era. CONCLUSION Based on the current status of infertility RCT studies, greater attention should be paid to infertile men and populations in underdeveloped regions like Africa in future studies, together with a standardized registration and implementation procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Xi
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ya-Lei Cao
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Yuan Tao
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Research Center of Clinical Epidemiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Song-Zhan Gao
- Department of Andrology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zi-Run Jin
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Xing Cheng
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Institute of Urology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
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Babaei K, Azimi Nezhad M, Sedigh Ziabari SN, Mirzajani E, Mozdarani H, Sharami SH, Farzadi S, Mirhafez SR, Naghdipour Mirsadeghi M, Norollahi SE, Saadatian Z, Samadani AA. TLR signaling pathway and the effects of main immune cells and epigenetics factors on the diagnosis and treatment of infertility and sterility. Heliyon 2024; 10:e35345. [PMID: 39165943 PMCID: PMC11333914 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35345] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), often known as spontaneous miscarriages occurring two or more times in a row, is a reproductive disease that affects certain couples. The cause of RPL is unknown in many cases, leading to difficulties in therapy and increased psychological suffering in couples. Toll-like receptors (TLR) have been identified as crucial regulators of inflammation in various human tissues. The occurrence of inflammation during parturition indicates that Toll-like receptor activity in tissues related to pregnancy may play a crucial role in the onset and continuation of normal function, as well as in various pregnancy complications like infection-related preterm. TLRs or their signaling molecules may serve as effective therapeutic targets for inhibiting premature activity. At the maternal-fetal interface, TLRs are found in both immune and non-immune cells, such as trophoblasts and decidual cells. TLR expression patterns are influenced by the phases of pregnancy. In this way, translational combinations like epigenetics, have indicated their impact on the TLRs.Importantly, abnormal DNA methylation patterns and histone alterations have an impressive performance in decreasing fertility by influencing gene expression and required molecular and cellular activities which are vital for a normal pregnancy and embryonic process. TLRs, play a central duty in the innate immune system and can regulate epigenetic elements by many different signaling pathways. The potential roles of TLRs in cells, epigenetics factors their ability to identify and react to infections, and their place in the innate immune system will all be covered in this narrative review essay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosar Babaei
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
| | - Mohsen Azimi Nezhad
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
- UMR INSERM U 1122, IGE-PCV, Interactions Gène-Environment En Physiopathologie Cardiovascular Université De Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Seyedeh Nafise Sedigh Ziabari
- BSC of Midwifery, Reproductive Health Research Center, Al-Zahra Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Mirzajani
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Hossein Mozdarani
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Hajar Sharami
- Reproductive Health Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Al-Zahra Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Sara Farzadi
- Department of Gynecology, School of Medicine, Alzahra Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Seyed Reza Mirhafez
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
| | - Misa Naghdipour Mirsadeghi
- Department of Gynecology, School of Medicine, Reproductive Health Research Center, Alzahra Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Elham Norollahi
- Cancer Research Center and Department of Immunology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Zahra Saadatian
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Samadani
- Guilan Road Trauma Research Center, Trauma Institute, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
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Huang TK, Huang CH, Chen PA, Chen CH, Lu F, Yang WJ, Huang JYJ, Li BR. Development of a thermotaxis and rheotaxis microfluidic device for motile spermatozoa sorting. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 258:116353. [PMID: 38696966 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2024.116353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Male infertility is a pervasive global reproductive challenge, primarily attributed to a decline in semen quality. Addressing this concern, there has been a growing focus on spermatozoa sorting in assisted reproductive technology. This study introduces a groundbreaking development in the form of a thermotaxis and rheotaxis microfluidic (TRMC) device designed for efficient motile spermatozoa sorting within a short 15-min timeframe. The TRMC device mimics the natural sperm sorting mechanism of the oviduct, selecting spermatozoa with superior motility and DNA integrity. The experimental outcomes demonstrate a remarkable enhancement in the percentage of progressive spermatozoa following sorting, soaring from 3.90% to an impressive 96.11% when subjected to a temperature decrease from 38 °C to 35 °C. Notably, sperm motility exhibited a substantial 69% improvement. The TRMC device exhibited a commendable recovery rate of 60.93%, surpassing current clinical requirements. Furthermore, the sorted spermatozoa displayed a notable reduction in the DNA fragmentation index to 6.94%, signifying a substantial 90% enhancement in DNA integrity. This remarkable advancement positions the TRMC device as highly suitable for applications in in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), offering a promising solution to male infertility challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng-Kuan Huang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Hsien Huang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Pei-An Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Ching Hung Chen
- Taiwan IVF Group, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Ton Yen General Hospital, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Farn Lu
- Taiwan IVF Group, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Ton Yen General Hospital, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Ju Yang
- Taiwan IVF Group, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Ton Yen General Hospital, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Jack Yu Jen Huang
- Taiwan IVF Group, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Ton Yen General Hospital, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Bor-Ran Li
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Center for Emergent Functional Matter Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Medical Device Innovation and Translation R&D Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
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Ajayi AF, Oyovwi MO, Olatinwo G, Phillips AO. Unfolding the complexity of epigenetics in male reproductive aging: a review of therapeutic implications. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:881. [PMID: 39085654 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09823-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epigenetics studies gene expression changes influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors, linked to health conditions like reproductive aging. Male reproductive aging causes sperm decline, conceiving difficulties, and increased genetic abnormalities. Recent research focuses on epigenetics' role in male reproductive aging. OBJECTIVES This review explores epigenetics and male reproductive aging, focusing on sperm quality, environmental and lifestyle factors' impact, and potential health implications for offspring. METHODS An extensive search of the literature was performed applying multiple databases, such as PubMed and Google Scholar. The search phrases employed were: epigenetics, male reproductive ageing, sperm quality, sperm quantity, environmental influences, lifestyle factors, and offspring health. This review only included articles that were published in English and had undergone a peer-review process. The literature evaluation uncovered that epigenetic alterations have a substantial influence on the process of male reproductive ageing. RESULT Research has demonstrated that variations in the quality and quantity of sperm that occur with ageing are linked to adjustments in DNA methylation and histone. Moreover, there is evidence linking epigenetic alterations in sperm to environmental and lifestyle factors, including smoking, alcohol intake, and exposure to contaminants. These alterations can have enduring impacts on the well-being of descendants, since they can shape the activation of genes and potentially elevate the likelihood of genetic disorders. In conclusion, epigenetics significantly influences male reproductive aging, with sperm quality and quantity influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors. CONCLUSION This underscores the need for comprehensive approaches to managing male reproductive health, and underscores the importance of considering epigenetics in diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayodeji Folorunsho Ajayi
- Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
- Anchor Biomed Research Institute, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
- Department of Physiology, Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | | | - Goodness Olatinwo
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Akano Oyedayo Phillips
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria
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Mao Z, Ji Q, Chen P, Zhong K, Zeng X. Hydrogen sulfide protects against toxicant acrolein-induced ferroptotic cell death in Sertoli cells. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1440147. [PMID: 39148534 PMCID: PMC11324607 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1440147] [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: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Acrolein (ACR) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant and byproduct of lipid peroxidation that has been implicated in male infertility. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying ACR-induced toxicity in Sertoli cells remain unclear. Given its role in inducing oxidative stress, we examined whether ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death, could mediate ACR toxicity in Sertoli cells. We also tested if hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which has antioxidant and ACR detoxifying properties, could protect Sertoli cells from ACR-induced ferroptosis. ACR exposure decreased Sertoli cell viability, increased protein carbonylation and p38 MAPK phosphorylation, indicating oxidative injury. ACR also depleted glutathione (GSH), downregulated the cystine importer SLC7A11, increased intracellular ferrous iron (Fe2+) and lipid peroxidation, suggesting activation of ferroptosis. Consistently, the ferroptosis inhibitor deferoxamine (DFO) markedly attenuates ACR-induced cell death. Further studies revealed that ACR-induced ferroptotic changes were prevented by exogenous H2S and exaggerated by inhibition of endogenous H2S production. Furthermore, H2S also suppressed GPX4 inhibitor RSL3-induced intracellular ACR accumulation and ferroptosis. In summary, our study demonstrates that ACR induces ferroptotic cell death in Sertoli cells, which can be prevented by H2S through multiple mechanisms. Targeting the H2S pathway may represent a therapeutic strategy to mitigate ACR-induced Sertoli cell injury and preserve male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin Mao
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qun Ji
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ping Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kun Zhong
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuhui Zeng
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
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Mohamed ZI, Sivalingam M, Radhakrishnan AK, Jaafar F, Zainal Abidin SA. Chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) reduced phoenixin expression, induced abnormal sperm and testis morphology in male rats. Neuropeptides 2024; 107:102447. [PMID: 38870753 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2024.102447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Chronic stress caused by prolonged emotional pressure can lead to various physiological issues, including reproductive dysfunction. Although reproductive problems can also induce chronic stress, the impact of chronic stress-induced reproductive dysfunction remains contentious. This study investigates the effects of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) on reproductive neuropeptides, sperm quality, and testicular morphology. Sixteen twelve-week-old Sprague Dawley rats were divided into two groups: a non-stress control group and a CUS-induced group. The CUS regimen involved various stressors over 28 days, with both groups undergoing behavioural assessments through sucrose-preference and forced-swim tests. Hypothalamic gene expression levels of CRH, PNX, GPR173, kisspeptin, GnRH, GnIH, and spexin neuropeptides were measured via qPCR, while plasma cortisol, luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone concentrations were quantified using ELISA. Seminal fluid and testis samples were collected for sperm analysis and histopathological evaluation, respectively. Results showed altered behaviours in CUS-induced rats, reflecting stress impacts. Hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) expression and plasma cortisol levels were significantly higher in CUS-induced rats compared to controls (p < 0.05). Conversely, phoenixin (PNX) expression decreased in the CUS group (p < 0.05), while kisspeptin, spexin, and gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) levels showed no significant differences between groups. Despite a significant increase in GnRH expression (p < 0.05), plasma LH and testosterone concentrations were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in CUS-induced rats. Histopathological analysis revealed abnormal testis morphology in CUS-induced rats, including disrupted architecture, visible interstitial spaces between seminiferous tubules, and absence of spermatogenesis. In conclusion, CUS affects reproductive function by modulating PNX and GnRH expression, influencing cortisol levels, and subsequently reducing plasma LH and testosterone concentrations. This study highlights the complex interplay between chronic stress and reproductive health, emphasizing the significant impact of stress on reproductive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Isnaini Mohamed
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 46150 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mageswary Sivalingam
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 46150 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ammu K Radhakrishnan
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 46150 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Faizul Jaafar
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 46150 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Syafiq Asnawi Zainal Abidin
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 46150 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Mulya IC, Hasan MA, Iqhrammullah M. Impact of metabolic syndrome factors on sperm DNA fragmentation in males from infertile couples: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2024; 53:102807. [PMID: 38825166 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2024.102807] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the impact of metabolic syndrome factors on sperm DNA fragmentation (sDF) in males from infertile couples. METHODS A systematic literature search was performed across ten databases for literature published from January 1, 2013 until September 13, 2023. The protocol has been registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023458359), and the literature search strategy is adhered to the PRISMA framework. Studies that evaluated sDF, as indicated by DNA fragmentation index (%DFI), in males from infertile couples in relation to metabolic syndrome factors were included. Meta-analysis, using random effects model and Bayesian framework network, was performed, and data were presented as Standardized Mean Differences (SMD) with corresponding 95 % Confidence Interval (CI). RESULTS Of the 2579 citations identified, eleven studies were included in this meta-analysis. The findings revealed that the %DFI was not associated with overall metabolic syndrome factors (p-tot = 0.235; SMD = 0.57 [95 %CI: -0.37, 1.52]), metabolic syndrome status (p-tot = 0.337; SMD = 0.08 [95 %CI: -0.08, 0.24), increased body mass index (p-tot = 0.237; SMD = 0.71 [95 %CI: -0.47, 1.89]), or glycaemic profile (p-tot = 0.93; SMD = 0.13 [95 %CI: -2.72, 2.98]). High levels of heterogeneity were observed (p < 0.01) in all subgroups, except for metabolic syndrome status. CONCLUSION The association between metabolic syndrome factors and sDF is conflicting. However, interpreting the association requires caution, as confounding factors, indicated by high heterogeneity, may conceal the outcome. Metabolic syndrome may influence other factors contributing to male infertility, highlighting the importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Intan Chaharunia Mulya
- Education Program in Reproduction & Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3168, Australia.
| | | | - Muhammad Iqhrammullah
- Postgraduate Program of Public Health, Universitas Muhammadiyah Aceh, Banda Aceh 23245, Indonesia
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Nam DG, Kim M, Choi AJ, Choe JS. Health Benefits of Antioxidant Bioactive Compounds in Ginger ( Zingiber officinale) Leaves by Network Pharmacology Analysis Combined with Experimental Validation. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:652. [PMID: 38929091 PMCID: PMC11201080 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Network pharmacology is an ideal tool to explore the effects of therapeutic components derived from plants on human metabolic diseases that are linked to inflammation. This study investigated the antioxidant effects of ginger leaves (GLs) and predicted targets for antioxidant activity. Quantitative and free radical scavenging analyses were performed to detect the main bioactive compounds of GLs and evaluate their antioxidant activities. Chemical diversity and network pharmacology approaches were used to predict key antioxidant components of GLs and their molecular targets. Nine major bioactive compounds of GLs were quantified using an internal standard method, and the antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging methods. We first built the compound-gene-pathways and protein-protein interaction networks of GLs-related antioxidant targets and then conducted gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. Molecular docking results show that astragalin, a compound isolated from GLs, had the highest level of connectivity in the compound-target network and was involved in inflammation-related biosynthesis by directly impacting cytokine gene expression and PTGS2 inhibition markers. These findings not only suggest that the compounds isolated from GLs can be developed as potential antioxidants, but also demonstrate the applicability of network pharmacology to assess the potential of foods for disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jeong-Sook Choe
- Division of Functional Food & Nutrition, Department of Agrofood Resources, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Rural Development Administration, Wanju-gun 55365, Republic of Korea; (D.-G.N.); (M.K.); (A.-J.C.)
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Dhawan V, Malhotra N, Singh N, Dadhwal V, Dada R. Yoga and its effect on sperm genomic integrity, gene expression, telomere length and perceived quality of life in early pregnancy loss. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11711. [PMID: 38777848 PMCID: PMC11111444 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62380-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Achieving successful pregnancy outcomes is a delicate interplay between the maternal and the fetal counterparts. Paternal factors play a critical role in health and disease of offspring. Early pregnancy loss (EPL) is a psychologically devastating condition affecting the quality of life (QOL). Thus, it needs to be managed by a mind body integrated approach like yoga.The prospective single arm exploratory studyincluded male partners of couples experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL, n = 30), and recurrent implantation failure (RIF, n = 30) and semen samples wereassessed at the beginning and completion of yoga (6 weeks) (WHO 2010).A significant increase in the sperm concentration, motility, decrease in seminal ROS, DFI and increase in relative sperm telomere length was found at the end of yoga. The relative expression of genes critical for early embryonic developmentnormalized towards the levels of controls. WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire scores to assess QOL also showed improvement.Integration of regular practice yoga into our lifestyle may help in improving seminal redox status, genomic integrity, telomere length, normalizing gene expression and QOL, highlighting the need to use an integrated, holistic approach in management of such cases. This is pertinent for decreasing the transmission of mutation and epimutation load to the developing embryo, improving pregnancy outcomes and decreasing genetic and epigenetic disease burden in the next generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidhu Dhawan
- Department of Anatomy, Laboratory of Molecular Reproduction and Genetics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Neena Malhotra
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Neeta Singh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Vatsla Dadhwal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rima Dada
- Department of Anatomy, Laboratory of Molecular Reproduction and Genetics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India.
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Rosellen J, Dittmar F, Hauptmann A, Diemer T, Schuppe HC, Schagdarsurengin U, Fritzenwanker M, Wagenlehner F, Pilatz A. Impaired Semen Quality in Patients with Chronic Prostatitis. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2884. [PMID: 38792425 PMCID: PMC11122295 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13102884] [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: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome CP/CPPS is a rather common condition and in recent years many studies have shown contradictory results regarding its impact on semen quality. This prospective cohort study set out to investigate how CP/CPPS affected the parameters of semen in a prospective cohort of patients compared with the WHO 2021 reference group. Methods: From 2013 to 2022, a total of 1071 patients with suspicion of CP/CPPS received a comprehensive andrological examination. Complete semen analysis was carried out in compliance with WHO 2010 guidelines, comparing every study population semen variable to the WHO 2021 reference group (n~3500). Results: All evaluated semen parameters had median values that fell within a normal range. Nonetheless, approximately 25% of patients had values for each semen variable that were lower than the WHO reference group's fifth percentile. In particular, bacteriospermia was associated with a negative impact on semen volume. Conclusions: This is the largest study that compares all standard semen parameters in patients suffering from CP/CPPS to WHO 2021 reference values. It provides evidence of an impairment of conventional semen parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Rosellen
- Clinic of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Rudolf-Buchheim-Strasse 7, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (F.D.); (A.H.); (T.D.); (H.-C.S.); (U.S.); (F.W.); (A.P.)
| | - Florian Dittmar
- Clinic of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Rudolf-Buchheim-Strasse 7, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (F.D.); (A.H.); (T.D.); (H.-C.S.); (U.S.); (F.W.); (A.P.)
| | - Arne Hauptmann
- Clinic of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Rudolf-Buchheim-Strasse 7, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (F.D.); (A.H.); (T.D.); (H.-C.S.); (U.S.); (F.W.); (A.P.)
| | - Thorsten Diemer
- Clinic of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Rudolf-Buchheim-Strasse 7, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (F.D.); (A.H.); (T.D.); (H.-C.S.); (U.S.); (F.W.); (A.P.)
| | - Hans-Christian Schuppe
- Clinic of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Rudolf-Buchheim-Strasse 7, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (F.D.); (A.H.); (T.D.); (H.-C.S.); (U.S.); (F.W.); (A.P.)
| | - Undraga Schagdarsurengin
- Clinic of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Rudolf-Buchheim-Strasse 7, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (F.D.); (A.H.); (T.D.); (H.-C.S.); (U.S.); (F.W.); (A.P.)
| | - Moritz Fritzenwanker
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35390 Giessen, Germany;
| | - Florian Wagenlehner
- Clinic of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Rudolf-Buchheim-Strasse 7, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (F.D.); (A.H.); (T.D.); (H.-C.S.); (U.S.); (F.W.); (A.P.)
| | - Adrian Pilatz
- Clinic of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Rudolf-Buchheim-Strasse 7, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (F.D.); (A.H.); (T.D.); (H.-C.S.); (U.S.); (F.W.); (A.P.)
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Kaltsas A, Zikopoulos A, Vrachnis D, Skentou C, Symeonidis EN, Dimitriadis F, Stavros S, Chrisofos M, Sofikitis N, Vrachnis N, Zachariou A. Advanced Paternal Age in Focus: Unraveling Its Influence on Assisted Reproductive Technology Outcomes. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2731. [PMID: 38792276 PMCID: PMC11122544 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13102731] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
As global demographics shift toward increasing paternal age, the realm of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), particularly in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), faces new challenges and opportunities. This study provides a comprehensive exploration of the implications of advanced paternal age on ART outcomes. Background research highlights the social, cultural, and economic factors driving men toward later fatherhood, with a focus on the impact of delayed paternity on reproductive outcomes. Methods involve a thorough review of existing literature, centering on changes in testicular function, semen quality, and genetic and epigenetic shifts associated with advancing age. Study results point to intricate associations between the father's age and ART outcomes, with older age being linked to diminished semen quality, potential genetic risks, and varied impacts on embryo quality, implantation rates, and birth outcomes. The conclusions drawn from the current study suggest that while advanced paternal age presents certain risks and challenges, understanding and mitigating these through strategies such as sperm cryopreservation, lifestyle modifications, and preimplantation genetic testing can optimize ART outcomes. Future research directions are identified to further comprehend the epigenetic mechanisms and long-term effects of the older father on offspring health. This study underscores the need for a comprehensive approach in navigating the intricacies of delayed fatherhood within the context of ART, aiming for the best possible outcomes for couples and their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aris Kaltsas
- Third Department of Urology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (A.K.); (M.C.)
- Laboratory of Spermatology, Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Athanasios Zikopoulos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro TR1 3LJ, UK;
| | - Dionysios Vrachnis
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece;
| | - Chara Skentou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Evangelos N. Symeonidis
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.N.S.); (F.D.)
| | - Fotios Dimitriadis
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.N.S.); (F.D.)
| | - Sofoklis Stavros
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (S.S.)
| | - Michael Chrisofos
- Third Department of Urology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (A.K.); (M.C.)
| | - Nikolaos Sofikitis
- Laboratory of Spermatology, Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Nikolaos Vrachnis
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (S.S.)
- Vascular Biology, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George’s University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Athanasios Zachariou
- Laboratory of Spermatology, Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece;
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13
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Kiani Z, Simbar M, Rashidi F, Zayeri F, Banaderakhsh H. The quality of life of men experiencing infertility: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1236. [PMID: 38705989 PMCID: PMC11070083 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18758-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men experiencing infertility encounter numerous problems at the individual, family, and social levels as well as quality of life (QOL). This study was designed to investigate the QOL of men experiencing infertility through a systematic review. MATERIALS AND METHODS This systematic review was conducted without any time limitation (Retrieval date: July 1, 2023) in international databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The search was performed by two reviewers separately using keywords such as QOL, infertility, and men. Studies were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality of the articles were evaluated based on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. In the initial search, 308 studies were reviewed, and after removing duplicates and checking the title and abstract, the full text of 87 studies were evaluated. RESULTS Finally, 24 studies were included in the final review based on the research objectives. Based on the results, men's QOL scores in different studies varied from 55.15 ± 13.52 to 91.45 ± 13.66%. Of the total reviewed articles, the lowest and highest scores were related to mental health problems and physical dimensions, respectively. CONCLUSION The reported findings vary across various studies conducted in different countries. Analysis of the factors affecting these differences is necessary, and it is recommended to design a standard tool for assessing the quality of life of infertile men. Given the importance of the QOL in men experiencing infertility, it is crucial to consider it in the health system. Moreover, a plan should be designed, implemented and evaluated according to each country's contex to improve the quality of life of infertile men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Kiani
- Midwifery and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Simbar
- Midwifery and Reproductive Health Research Center, Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Farzaneh Rashidi
- Department of Midwifery, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Farid Zayeri
- Proteomics Research Center, Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Homayoon Banaderakhsh
- Department of Anesthesia and Operating Room, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Mottola F, Palmieri I, Carannante M, Barretta A, Roychoudhury S, Rocco L. Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Male Infertility: Established Methodologies and Future Perspectives. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:539. [PMID: 38790168 PMCID: PMC11121722 DOI: 10.3390/genes15050539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Male fertility can be affected by oxidative stress (OS), which occurs when an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's ability to neutralize them arises. OS can damage cells and influence sperm production. High levels of lipid peroxidation have been linked to reduced sperm motility and decreased fertilization ability. This literature review discusses the most commonly used biomarkers to measure sperm damage caused by ROS, such as the high level of OS in seminal plasma as an indicator of imbalance in antioxidant activity. The investigated biomarkers include 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine acid (8-OHdG), a marker of DNA damage caused by ROS, and F2 isoprostanoids (8-isoprostanes) produced by lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, this review focuses on recent methodologies including the NGS polymorphisms and differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis, as well as the epigenetic mechanisms linked to ROS during spermatogenesis along with new methodologies developed to evaluate OS biomarkers. Finally, this review addresses a valuable insight into the mechanisms of male infertility provided by these advances and how they have led to new treatment possibilities. Overall, the use of biomarkers to evaluate OS in male infertility has supplied innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, enhancing our understanding of male infertility mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filomena Mottola
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (F.M.); (I.P.); (M.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Ilaria Palmieri
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (F.M.); (I.P.); (M.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Maria Carannante
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (F.M.); (I.P.); (M.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Angela Barretta
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (F.M.); (I.P.); (M.C.); (A.B.)
| | | | - Lucia Rocco
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (F.M.); (I.P.); (M.C.); (A.B.)
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15
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Liu G, Liu D, Zhu M, Zhang M, Li C, Xu X, Pan F. Insulin-like growth factor-1 promotes the testicular sperm production by improving germ cell survival and proliferation in high-fat diet-treated male mice. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 38639009 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A decrease in semen volume among men is comparable to the rising prevalence of obesity worldwide. The anabolic hormone insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) can promote proliferation and differentiation in cultured mouse spermatogonial stem cells and alleviate abnormal in vitro spermatogenesis. Additionally, serum IGF-1 level is negatively correlated with body mass index. Whereas the role of IGF-1 in the sperm production in obese men remains unclear. OBJECTIVE To investigate the therapeutic effect and potential mechanism of IGF-1 on spermatogenesis of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity mice. METHODS An HFD-induced obesity mouse model was established. Alterations in testicular morphology, sperm count, proliferation, and apoptosis were observed by H&E staining,immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting. Exogenous recombinant IGF-1 was administered to obese mice to investigate the correlations between altered testicular IGF-1 levels and sperm production. RESULTS The sperm count was reduced, the testicular structure was disordered, and sex hormone levels were abnormal in HFD-fed mice compared with normal diet-fed mice. The expression of proliferation-related antigens such as proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Ki-67 was decreased, while that of proapoptotic proteins such as c-caspase3 was increased in testes from HFD-fed mice. Most importantly, the phosphorylation of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) in testes was decreased due to reductions in IGF-1 from hepatocytes and Sertoli cells. Recombinant IGF-1 alleviated these functional impairments by promoting IGF-1R, Akt, and Erk1/2 phosphorylation in the testes. CONCLUSIONS Insufficient IGF-1/IGF-1R signaling is intimately linked to damaged sperm production in obese male mice. Exogenous IGF-1 can improve survival and proliferation as well as sperm production. This study provides a novel theoretical basis and a target for the treatment of obese men with oligozoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqiang Liu
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Di Liu
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Minggang Zhu
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Mingrui Zhang
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chunyang Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of, Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaohong Xu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of, Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Feng Pan
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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16
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Zheng H, Liang G, Guan C, Liu L, Dong J, Zhao J, Tang M, Kong L. Mitochondrial Fission in Nickel Nanoparticle-Induced Reproductive Toxicity: An In Vitro GC-1 Cell Study. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 14:689. [PMID: 38668183 PMCID: PMC11054017 DOI: 10.3390/nano14080689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Reproductive disorders and declining fertility rates are significant public health concerns affecting birth rates and future populations. Male infertility, often due to spermatogenesis defects, may be linked to environmental pollutants like nickel nanoparticles (Ni NPs). Ni NPs are extensively utilized across different industries. Nevertheless, their potential adverse effects cannot be overlooked. Previous studies have linked the reproductive toxicity induced by Ni NPs with disturbances in mitochondrial function. Mitochondrial division/fusion dynamics are crucial to their proper function, yet little is known about how Ni NPs perturb these dynamics and whether such perturbation contributes to the impairment of the male reproductive system. Herein, we demonstrated that the exposure of Ni NPs to the mouse-derived spermatogonia cell line (GC-1 cells) triggered DRP1-mediated mitochondrial division and the enhanced impairment of mitochondria, consequently promoting mitochondria-dependent cell apoptosis. Notably, both the mitochondrial division inhibitor (Mdivi-1) and lentiviral-transfected cells with low expression of Dnm1l-DK in these cells could mitigate the toxic effects induced by Ni NPs, pointing to the potential role of mitochondrial dynamics in Ni NP-induced reproductive toxicity. Collectively, our work contributes to the understanding of the mechanisms by which Ni NPs can impact male reproductive function and identifies mitochondrial division as a potential target for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanyue Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (H.Z.); (G.L.); (C.G.); (L.L.); (J.D.); (M.T.)
| | - Geyu Liang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (H.Z.); (G.L.); (C.G.); (L.L.); (J.D.); (M.T.)
| | - Chunliu Guan
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (H.Z.); (G.L.); (C.G.); (L.L.); (J.D.); (M.T.)
| | - Lin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (H.Z.); (G.L.); (C.G.); (L.L.); (J.D.); (M.T.)
| | - Jiahui Dong
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (H.Z.); (G.L.); (C.G.); (L.L.); (J.D.); (M.T.)
| | - Jinshun Zhao
- Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, USA;
| | - Meng Tang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (H.Z.); (G.L.); (C.G.); (L.L.); (J.D.); (M.T.)
| | - Lu Kong
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (H.Z.); (G.L.); (C.G.); (L.L.); (J.D.); (M.T.)
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17
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Yanik F, Tokat MA. Sleep quality, perceived stress and associated factors in women undergoing IVF treatment: short-term longitudinal study. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38590183 DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2024.2339481] [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: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite limited studies in the literature, it is hypothesised that lifestyle factors are modifiable habits that have an impact on couples' fertility health. However, the relationship between sleep quality and infertility is an area that needs to be clarified. OBJECTIVE To determine sleep quality and associated factors in women receiving in vitro fertilisation treatment and to evaluate the changes in sleep over the treatment cycle. METHODS This is a longitudinal descriptive study conducted on 158 women in two infertility centres in Izmir, Turkey. Data were collected using the Personal Introduction Form, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Visual Analogue Stress Scale, and Physical Symptoms List. Data were collected during three different treatment periods: beginning of the in vitro fertilisation trial, oocyte pick-up day and the postembryo transfer period. RESULTS The sleep quality score of women progressively decreased as treatment progressed (p < .001). A strong positive correlation was determined between stress and sleep quality (p < .001). Additionally, advanced age, low education level, shift work, prolonged treatment and economic distress were associated with poorer sleep quality (p < .001). In addition, breast fullness, abdominal distension, and pain (p < .001) observed until the oocyte pick-up day, as well as nausea and fatigue during the postembryo transfer period (p < .001), were identified as physical symptoms affecting sleep quality. CONCLUSION This article provides information on sleep quality during in vitro fertilisation and guides healthcare professionals to encourage and improve women's sleep quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Figen Yanik
- Department of Gynecologic and Obstetrics Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Dokuz Eylul University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Merlinda Alus Tokat
- Department of Gynecologic and Obstetrics Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Dokuz Eylul University, İzmir, Turkey
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Lyons HE, Gyawali P, Mathews N, Castleton P, Mutuku SM, McPherson NO. The influence of lifestyle and biological factors on semen variability. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:1097-1109. [PMID: 38294621 PMCID: PMC11052966 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03030-y] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Semen parameters are subjected to within-individual variability over time. The driving factors for this variability are likely multi-factorial, with healthier lifestyle associated with better semen quality. The extent in which variations in individual's lifestyle contributes to within-individual semen variability is unknown. METHODS A total of 116 repeat semen samples from 29 men aged 19-37 over 6 months were collected. Basic semen analysis as per 5th WHO manual and extended semen parameters (sperm DNA fragmentation, redox potential and lipid peroxidation, sperm binding to hyaluronan and hyperactive motility) were assessed. An additional 39 lifestyle/biological factors (weight, blood pressure, etc.) were collected at each sample including validated health questionnaires SF36 Health Status, Australian Recommend Food Score, and International Physical Activity Questionnaire. RESULTS Only 10 out of the 39 lifestyle factors varied within men across samples including age (P = 0.0024), systolic blood pressure (P = 0.0080), social functioning (P = 0.0340), energy (P = 0.0069), non-alcoholic caffeinated beverages (P = 0.0010), and nutrition (P < 0.0001). The only semen parameter that varied between collections was sperm morphology (coefficient of variation 23.8 (6.1-72.0), P < 0.05). We only observed weak (r < 0.3) to moderate (r > 0.3- < 0.6) correlations between lifestyle factors, including body mass index, waist circumference, nutrition, exercise, blood pressure and semen parameters including sperm count, progressive motility, and sperm DNA fragmentation (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION In healthy men from the general population, semen quality and associated lifestyle factors do not significantly vary over 6 months, indicating that one semen sample is likely sufficient for determining male fertility in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah E Lyons
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
- Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
- Discipline of Reproduction and Development, School of Biomedicine, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Level 5, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Prabin Gyawali
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
- Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
- Discipline of Reproduction and Development, School of Biomedicine, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Level 5, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Nicola Mathews
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
- Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
- Discipline of Reproduction and Development, School of Biomedicine, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Level 5, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Patience Castleton
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
- Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
- Discipline of Reproduction and Development, School of Biomedicine, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Level 5, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Shadrack M Mutuku
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
- Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
- Discipline of Reproduction and Development, School of Biomedicine, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Level 5, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Nicole O McPherson
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia.
- Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia.
- Discipline of Reproduction and Development, School of Biomedicine, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Level 5, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
- Repromed, 180 Fullarton Road, Dulwich, South Australia, 5065, Australia.
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19
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Alqahtani YS, Chidrawar VR, Shiromwar S, Singh S, Maheshwari R, Chitme H, Chilamakuru NB, Mohite P, Aljameeli AM, Khateeb MM. A multi-modal approach to investigate Desmodium gangeticum's influence on stress-induced male infertility: In vivo, in vitro, and in silico assessments. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116358. [PMID: 38430634 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Physical and psychological stress has an inverse relation with male libido and sperm quality. The present study investigates the potential fertility-enhancing properties of Desmodium gangeticum (DG) root extracts in male Wister rats subjected to immobilization-induced stress (SIMB). DG roots were extracted using n-hexane (HEDG), chloroform (CEDG), and water (AEDG). In the pilot study, aphrodisiac protentional was investigated at two doses (125 and 250 mg kg-1) of each extract. In the main study, the HEDG and AEDG at 125 and 250 mg kg-1 were challenged for the stress by immobilization (SIMB), for 6 h daily over 28 days. Parameters assessed included aphrodisiac effects, gonadosomatic index (GSI), semen quality, sperm quantity, fructose content, serum hormonal levels, testicular oxidative stress, and testicular histopathology. Additional in silico studies, including the lipid solubility index, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and SymMap studies were conducted for validation. HEDG demonstrated significant aphrodisiac activity, improved - GSI, sperm quality and quantity, and fructose content, serum testosterone levels, histological changes induced by SIMB in the testes. Swiss ADME studies indicated Gangetin (a pterocarpan) had a high brain permeation index (4.81), a superior docking score (-8.22), and higher glide energy (-42.60), compared with tadalafil (-7.17). The 'Lig fit Prot' plot in molecular dynamics simulations revealed a strong alignment between Gangetin and phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). HEDG exerts aphrodisiac effects by increasing blood testosterone levels and affecting PDE5 activity. The protective effects on spermatozoa-related parameters and testicular histological changes are attributed to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, of pterocarpan (gangetin).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahya S Alqahtani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran 66462, Saudi Arabia
| | - Vijay R Chidrawar
- School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Deemed-to-university, Green Industrial Park, TSIIC, Jadcherla, Hyderabad 509301, India.
| | - Shruti Shiromwar
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Pulau, Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Sudarshan Singh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Rahul Maheshwari
- School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Deemed-to-university, Green Industrial Park, TSIIC, Jadcherla, Hyderabad 509301, India
| | - Havagiray Chitme
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University, Noida, Uttarpradesh 201303, India
| | - Naresh Babu Chilamakuru
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Raghavendra Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Anantapur, India
| | - Popat Mohite
- AETs St. John Institute of Pharmacy and Research, Palghar, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ahmed M Aljameeli
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Hafar Al-Batin, Saudi Arabia
| | - Masood Medleri Khateeb
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran 66462, Saudi Arabia
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20
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Bhattacharya I, Sharma SS, Majumdar SS. Etiology of Male Infertility: an Update. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:942-965. [PMID: 38036863 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01401-x] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex process of germ cell division and differentiation that involves extensive cross-talk between the developing germ cells and the somatic testicular cells. Defective endocrine signaling and/or intrinsic defects within the testes can adversely affect spermatogenic progression, leading to subfertility/infertility. In recent years, male infertility has been recognized as a global public health concern, and research over the last few decades has elucidated the complex etiology of male infertility. Congenital reproductive abnormalities, genetic mutations, and endocrine/metabolic dysfunction have been demonstrated to be involved in infertility/subfertility in males. Furthermore, acquired factors like exposure to environmental toxicants and lifestyle-related disorders such as illicit use of psychoactive drugs have been shown to adversely affect spermatogenesis. Despite the large body of available scientific literature on the etiology of male infertility, a substantial proportion of infertility cases are idiopathic in nature, with no known cause. The inability to treat such idiopathic cases stems from poor knowledge about the complex regulation of spermatogenesis. Emerging scientific evidence indicates that defective functioning of testicular Sertoli cells (Sc) may be an underlying cause of infertility/subfertility in males. Sc plays an indispensable role in regulating spermatogenesis, and impaired functional maturation of Sc has been shown to affect fertility in animal models as well as humans, suggesting abnormal Sc as a potential underlying cause of reproductive insufficiency/failure in such cases of unexplained infertility. This review summarizes the major causes of infertility/subfertility in males, with an emphasis on infertility due to dysregulated Sc function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indrashis Bhattacharya
- Department of Zoology, Central University of Kerala, Periye Campus, Kasaragod, 671320, Kerala, India.
| | - Souvik Sen Sharma
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, 500 032, Telangana, India
| | - Subeer S Majumdar
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, 500 032, Telangana, India.
- Gujarat Biotechnology University, Gandhinagar, GIFT City, Gandhinagar, 382355, Gujarat, India.
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21
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Li R, Du Y, Li K, Xiong X, Zhang L, Guo C, Gao S, Yao Y, Xu Y, Yang J. Single-cell transcriptome profiling implicates the psychological stress-induced disruption of spermatogenesis. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102158. [PMID: 38439912 PMCID: PMC10910125 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Male infertility has emerged as a global issue, partly attributed to psychological stress. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the adverse effects of psychological stress on male reproductive function remain elusive. We created a psychologically stressed model using terrified-sound and profiled the testes from stressed and control rats using single-cell RNA sequencing. Comparative and comprehensive transcriptome analyses of 11,744 testicular cells depicted the cellular landscape of spermatogenesis and revealed significant molecular alterations of spermatogenesis suffering from psychological stress. At the cellular level, stressed rats exhibited delayed spermatogenesis at the spermatogonia and pachytene phases, resulting in reduced sperm production. Additionally, psychological stress rewired cellular interactions among germ cells, negatively impacting reproductive development. Molecularly, we observed the down-regulation of anti-oxidation-related genes and up-regulation of genes promoting reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in the stress group. These alterations led to elevated ROS levels in testes, affecting the expression of key regulators such as ATF2 and STAR, which caused reproductive damage through apoptosis or inhibition of testosterone synthesis. Overall, our study aimed to uncover the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which psychological stress disrupts spermatogenesis, offering insights into the mechanisms of psychological stress-induced male infertility in other species and promises in potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rufeng Li
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, P.R. China
| | - Yuefeng Du
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, P.R. China
| | - Kang Li
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofan Xiong
- Center for Tumor and Immunology, the Precision Medical Institute, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710004, P.R. China
| | - Lingyu Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, P.R. China
| | - Chen Guo
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, P.R. China
| | - Shanfeng Gao
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, P.R. China
| | - Yufei Yao
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, P.R. China
| | - Yungang Xu
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, P.R. China
| | - Juan Yang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi’an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education of China, Xi’an 710061, P.R. China
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22
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Gao C, Sun N, Xie J, Li J, Tao L, Guo L, Shi L, He X, Shen X, Wang H, Yang P, Covaci A, Huang Y. Co-exposure to 55 endocrine-disrupting chemicals linking diminished sperm quality: Mixture effect, and the role of seminal plasma docosapentaenoic acid. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 185:108571. [PMID: 38471262 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Isolated effects of single endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on male reproductive health have been studied extensively, but their mixture effect remains unelucidated. Previous research has suggested that consuming diet enriched in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) might be beneficial for reproductive health, whether omega-3 PUFA could moderate the effect of EDCs mixture on semen quality remains to be explored. In this study of 155 male recruited from a reproductive health center in China, we used targeted-exposomics to simultaneously measure 55 EDCs in the urine for exposure burden. Regression analyses were restricted to highly detected EDCs (≥55%, n = 34), and those with consistently elevated risk were further screened and brought into mixture effect models (Bisphenol A, ethyl paraben, methyl paraben [MeP], benzophenone-1 [BP1], benzophenone-3, mono(3-carboxypropyl) phthalate [MCPP]). Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) and quantile-based g-computation (QGC) models demonstrated that co-exposure to top-ranked EDCs was related to reduced sperm total (β = -0.18, 95%CI: -0.29 - -0.07, P = 0.002) and progressive motility (β = -0.27, 95%CI: -0.43 - -0.10, P = 0.002), but not to lower semen volume. BP1, MeP and MCPP were identified as the main effect driver for deteriorated sperm motion parameters using mixture model analyses. Seminal plasma fatty acid profiling showed that high omega-3 PUFA status, notably elevated docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, C22:5n-3) status, moderated the association between MCPP and sperm motion parameters (total motility: β = 0.26, 95%CI: 0.01 - -0.51, Pinteraction = 0.047; progressive motility: β = 0.64, 95%CI: 0.23 - 1.05, Pinteraction = 0.003). Co-exposure to a range of EDCs is mainly associated with deteriorated sperm quality, but to a lesser extent on sperm quantity, high seminal plasma DPA status might be protective against the effect. Our work emphasizes the importance of exposomic approach to assess chemical exposures and highlighted a new possible intervention target for mitigating the potential adverse effect of EDCs on semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Gao
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Center for Big Data and Population Health of IHM, Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Nan Sun
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Center for Big Data and Population Health of IHM, Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jinying Xie
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, China Greater Bay Area Research Center of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiehao Li
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, China Greater Bay Area Research Center of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lin Tao
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Center for Big Data and Population Health of IHM, Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lijuan Guo
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Center for Big Data and Population Health of IHM, Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lan Shi
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China; Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoting Shen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Center for Big Data and Population Health of IHM, Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Pan Yang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, China Greater Bay Area Research Center of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Center, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Yichao Huang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Center for Big Data and Population Health of IHM, Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Clinical Research Center, Suzhou Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Suzhou, China.
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23
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Esmeryan KD, Rangelov I, Chaushev TA. Oxidative Stress and Acrosomal Status of Human Spermatozoa Subjected to Hydrophobic Carbon Soot Treatments. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 14:395. [PMID: 38470726 PMCID: PMC10935330 DOI: 10.3390/nano14050395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
The fourth industrial revolution extensively reshapes the reality we are living in by blurring the boundaries of physical, digital and biological worlds. A good example is the previously unthinkable incursion of nanoscale waste materials, such as soot, into the technologies for assisted reproduction. Although the rapeseed oil soot may efficiently enhance the progressive motility of human spermatozoa, it is yet unknown whether this material induces undesirable oxidative stress and premature acrosome reaction, endangering the sperm-oocyte fusion and blastocyst formation. In an attempt to clarify this issue, we reveal that the three-hour incubation of human semen mixed with three main types of soot does not cause oxidative stress and spontaneous acrosome reaction of the sperm. These unique findings are attributed to synchronous elimination and stabilization of the oxidants via hydrogen bonding to the acidic groups of the soot (i.e., C=O and/or C-O-C) and electron donation by its basic chemical sites (i.e., C-OH and/or COOH). Moreover, the soot nanoparticles are electrostatically attracted by discrete positively charged areas on the sperm head, increasing its negative charge and in some cases interfering the acrosome reaction. Such novel mechanistic insights emphasize the credibility of rapeseed oil soot to confidently shift from the purely diagnostic and therapeutic phases in reproductive medicine to research dealing with the effect of carbon nanomaterials on the embryo development and implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karekin D. Esmeryan
- Acoustoelectronics Laboratory, Georgi Nadjakov Institute of Solid State Physics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 72, Tzarigradsko Chaussee Blvd., 1784 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Ivaylo Rangelov
- Specialized Surgical Hospital “Doctor Malinov”, 46, Gotse Delchev Blvd., 1860 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Todor A. Chaushev
- Specialized Surgical Hospital “Doctor Malinov”, 46, Gotse Delchev Blvd., 1860 Sofia, Bulgaria
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24
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Ma Y, Hu C, Cai G, Xia Q, Fan D, Cao Y, Pan F. Associations of exposure to ambient fine particulate matter constituents from different pollution sources with semen quality: Evidence from a prospective cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123200. [PMID: 38135136 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The association between ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure and semen quality remains inconclusive, possibly due to variations in pollution sources and PM2.5 compositions. Studies investigating the constituents of PM2.5 have been hindered by small sample sizes, and research exploring the relationships between PM2.5 pollution sources and semen quality is lacking. To address this gap, we conducted a comprehensive study based on the Anhui prospective assisted reproduction cohort to evaluate the associations between semen quality and the constituents and pollution sources of PM2.5. This study included 9013 semen samples from 4417 males in the urban districts of Hefei. The median concentrations of PM2.5 constituents, including eight metals and four water-soluble ions (WSIs), were measured for seven days per month at two monitoring stations during the 0-90-day exposure window. A linear mixed-effects model, weighted quantile sum regression, and positive matrix factorisation were used to evaluate the associations of the constituents and pollution sources of PM2.5 with semen quality. The results showed that exposure to PM2.5-bound metals (antimony, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and thallium) and WSIs (sulphate and chloride) were negatively associated with semen quality parameters. Moreover, mixtures of PM2.5-bound metals and WSIs were negatively associated with semen quality. Additionally, PM2.5 derived from traffic emissions was negatively associated with semen quality. In summary, our study revealed that ambient PM2.5 and its constituents, especially metals, were negatively associated with semen quality. Antimony, lead, and thallium emerged as the primary contributors to toxicity, and PM2.5 from traffic emissions was associated with decreased semen quality. These findings have important public health implications for the management of PM2.5 pollution in the context of male reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubo Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China; The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, 81 Meishan Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chengyang Hu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China; Department of Humanistic Medicine, School of Humanistic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Guoqi Cai
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China; The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, 81 Meishan Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qing Xia
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Dazhi Fan
- Foshan Institute of Fetal Medicine, Southern Medical University Affiliated Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Faming Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China; The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, 81 Meishan Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
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25
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Sengupta P, Dutta S, Jegasothy R, Slama P, Cho CL, Roychoudhury S. 'Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) paradox' and 'andrological ignorance': AI in the era of fourth industrial revolution to navigate the blind spots. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:22. [PMID: 38350931 PMCID: PMC10863146 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-024-01193-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The quandary known as the Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) paradox is found at the juncture of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and 'andrological ignorance' - a term coined to denote the undervalued treatment and comprehension of male infertility. The prevalent use of ICSI as a solution for severe male infertility, despite its potential to propagate genetically defective sperm, consequently posing a threat to progeny health, illuminates this paradox. We posit that the meteoric rise in Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies holds the potential for a transformative shift in addressing male infertility, specifically by mitigating the limitations engendered by 'andrological ignorance.' We advocate for the urgent need to transcend andrological ignorance, envisaging AI as a cornerstone in the precise diagnosis and treatment of the root causes of male infertility. This approach also incorporates the identification of potential genetic defects in descendants, the establishment of knowledge platforms dedicated to male reproductive health, and the optimization of therapeutic outcomes. Our hypothesis suggests that the assimilation of AI could streamline ICSI implementation, leading to an overall enhancement in the realm of male fertility treatments. However, it is essential to conduct further investigations to substantiate the efficacy of AI applications in a clinical setting. This article emphasizes the significance of harnessing AI technologies to optimize patient outcomes in the fast-paced domain of reproductive medicine, thereby fostering the well-being of upcoming generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallav Sengupta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University (GMU), Ajman, UAE.
| | - Sulagna Dutta
- Basic Medical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, Ajman University, Ajman, UAE
| | - Ravindran Jegasothy
- Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing, MAHSA University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Petr Slama
- Laboratory of Animal Immunology and Biotechnology, Department of Animal Morphology, Physiology and Genetics, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Chak-Lam Cho
- S. H. Ho Urology Centre, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Jadhav R, More A, Dutta S, Gajabe G, Shrivastava J, Mehakar S. Improving Semen Quality in a Male Partner With Abnormal Seminal Parameters Through Yoga and Yoga Nidra: A Case Report. Cureus 2024; 16:e54095. [PMID: 38487118 PMCID: PMC10938183 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54095] [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: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
This research presents a case study involving a 39-year-old male and his 34-year-old female partner seeking fertility consultation in Maharashtra, India, after struggling to conceive for over three years. Despite the male participant's lack of discernible medical conditions and typical lifestyle, semen analysis revealed severe oligozoospermia attributed to elevated stress levels from his physically demanding occupation and infertility-related emotional strain. The female partner exhibited normal blood parameters, including anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). Embracing holistic approaches, the couple integrated yoga and Yoga Nidra into their daily routine to address stress-induced hormonal imbalances. The customized yoga regimen is aimed at stress reduction and overall well-being, incorporating physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. Yoga Nidra, a guided relaxation technique, was employed to induce profound rest and alleviate stress. Over a 12-week period, the male participant diligently adhered to the regimen, reporting heightened relaxation, improved sleep quality, and reduced stress levels. Semen analysis before and after intervention showed significant improvements in sperm count and motility alongside diminished morphological abnormalities. In parallel, the female partner underwent intrauterine insemination (IUI), resulting in a positive beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) analysis. Weekly follow-ups monitored progress, with supplementation administered as needed. While promising, further research with larger sample sizes and controlled trials is warranted to establish definitive efficacy. Overall, yoga and Yoga Nidra offer noninvasive adjuncts to conventional therapies for male infertility, underscoring the importance of integrating holistic practices into comprehensive fertility management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritesh Jadhav
- Clinical Embryology, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Akash More
- Clinical Embryology, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Shilpa Dutta
- Clinical Embryology, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Gauri Gajabe
- Clinical Embryology, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Jarul Shrivastava
- Clinical Embryology, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Saurabh Mehakar
- Clinical Embryology, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
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27
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Orvieto R, Shimon C, Dratviman-Storobinsky O, Noach-Hirsh M, Aizer A. What is the maximal timeframe between sperm acquisition to sperm cryopreservation, in different "culture" conditions? J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:515-518. [PMID: 38177973 PMCID: PMC10894794 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-03017-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Most of the literature about postmortem sperm retrieval (PMSR) deals with the controversies surrounding ethical and legal aspects, while the optimal time interval between the death and viable sperm acquisition is indefinite. In an attempt to aid fertility specialists, while counseling whether to pursue and adopt PMSR, we aim to explore the maximal time frame from ejaculated sperm acquisition to sperm cryopreservation in different "culture" conditions, observations that might be extrapolated to PMSR requests. PATIENTS AND METHODS Five healthy men with normal semen analysis were enrolled. The sperm specimen from each man was diluted to 6.5 mL. After extracting 0.5 mL for cryopreservation, the remaining 6 mL were divided into three tubes: one was maintained in room temperature (23-25 °C), the second in an incubator (37 °C), and the third in a refrigerator (4 °C). Thereafter, every day, a 0.5 mL of each sample was extracted, examined, and cryopreserved. A week later, all the cryopreserved samples were thawed and tested for sperm motility and viability. RESULTS While at room temperature, frozen/thawed sperm were still motile (6.5%) and viable (9.9%) up to 96 h; those maintained in the refrigerator, following freezing/thawing were immotile already at 48 h in culture, but still viable (6.0%) up to 72 h in culture. Those maintained in the incubator demonstrated the worse results with negligible motility (1.5%) and viability (3.7%) following freezing/thawing, already after 48 h in culture. CONCLUSIONS The timeframe cut-off between ejaculated sperm acquisition and cryopreservation should be 72 h, unless sperm was maintained at room temperature, where it might be longer. It would be prudent to check for sperm vitality prior to freezing in cases where only immotile sperms are present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raoul Orvieto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center (Tel Hashomer), Ramat Gan, Israel.
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- The Tarnesby-Tarnowski Chair for Family Planning and Fertility Regulation, at the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Chen Shimon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center (Tel Hashomer), Ramat Gan, Israel
| | | | - Meirav Noach-Hirsh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center (Tel Hashomer), Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Adva Aizer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center (Tel Hashomer), Ramat Gan, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Asadi M, Rahmani M, Samadi A, Hesari AK. Protective Effect of Low-Volume High-Intensity Interval Training on Aspirin-Induced Reproductive Impairments in Adult Male Wistar Rats. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:393-403. [PMID: 37794199 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01369-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Lifestyle factors such as sedentary behavior and consumption of certain medications can disturb the function of the male reproductive system. In the present study, we investigated the potential co-treatment effects of low-volume high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on markers of reproductive function in adult male Wistar rats under aspirin (ASA) treatment. Eighteen adult male Wistar rats were randomized into three groups: control (C), aspirin treatment (AT), and aspirin treatment + exercise (ATE). Animals in the AT and ATE groups received an oral subchronic dose of aspirin (12.5 mg/kg body mass). The exercise was performed three times per week for 6 weeks (4-6 reps of 10-s sprints). Serum testosterone level, sperm parameters (sperm count, viability, maturity, and DNA fragmentation), histomorphometric (Leydig cell, tubule diameter, thickness of tubular epithelium, and indices of spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis), and histochemical parameter (testicular fat density) were assessed. Results revealed that compared to the C group, ASA consumption led to a negative alteration in serum testosterone levels, sperm parameters, and histomorphometric and histochemical parameters (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences between the C and ATE groups in terms of serum testosterone level, number of Leydig cells, epididymal fat density, tubule diameter, epithelium height, immature-to-mature sperm ratio, and DNA breakage (P > 0.05). These findings suggest that ASA treatment is associated with deleterious changes in male reproductive parameters. However, low-volume HIIT may prevent ASA-induced male reproductive impairments and could be considered a potential prophylactic measure in subjects under ASA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Asadi
- Exercise Physiology, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rahmani
- Exercise Rehabilitation, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ali Samadi
- Exercise Physiology, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Kalantari Hesari
- Histology, Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamadan, Iran
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Yadav A, Mishra RK. Withania somnifera ameliorates sexual arousal and impotence in stressed sexually sluggish male rats by modulating neurotransmitters and NO/cGMP/PDE5α pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 318:116971. [PMID: 37532077 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Psychological stress is a growing global threat to male sexual potency and erection efficiency. Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (WS), also known as Ashwagandha, is a well-known Ayurvedic herb. The roots of Withania somnifera improve the body's ability to handle stress, strengthen the immune system, promote healthy ageing, and have aphrodisiac properties with male sexual stimulation effects. Despite its widespread acceptance as an Ayurvedic stress-relieving drug with beneficial effects on male reproductive health, Withania somnifera has yet to be studied for its potential role in improving the sexual arousal and erectile dysfunction of psychologically stressed sexually sluggish males. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the therapeutic effects of purified root powder of Withania somnifera on sexual behaviour and erectile efficiency in stressed sexually sluggish male rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sexually sluggish male rats were screened by premating tests after being exposed to a psychological stressor, restraint stress, 3 h/day for 30 days. Subsequently, these rats were treated with purified root powder of WS (150 or 300 mg/kg/day-PO) or sildenafil (5 mg/kg/day-PO) for 30 days. The rats were sacrificed after 24 h of the last treatment, and the effects on various factors related to sexual behaviour, penile histomorphology, serum hormones, and neurotransmitters associated with sexual arousal and penile erection were examined. RESULTS WS treatment improves prosexual and sexual behaviour in psychologically stressed sexually sluggish male rats by increasing non-contact erections and mounts, intromission, and ejaculation frequencies, while decreasing sexual exhaustion by decreasing post-ejaculation intervals and latencies. WS also modulates neurotransmitters and hormones associated with sexual desire and stress, including dopamine, serotonin, corticosterone, and prolactin. Additionally, there was also a dose-dependent increase in serum LH, FSH, and testosterone levels. The administration of WS to sexually sluggish rats resulted in significant improvements in penile histomorphology, specifically by increasing the ratio of smooth muscle (SM) to collagen. Furthermore, in sexually sluggish rats, WS treatment increased the expression of markers associated with penile erection facilitation, such as nNOS, eNOS, p-Akt, nitric oxide, acetylcholine, and cGMP. Notably, WS treatment decreased the expression of penile PDE5α in these rats in a dose-dependent manner. Remarkably, the therapeutic effects of WS are comparable to those of sildenafil. CONCLUSIONS Purified root powder of Withania somnifera was found to improve sexual arousal and erection efficiency in stressed, sexually sluggish male rats. This improvement was achieved by modulating the HPG and HPA axes as well as the NO/cGMP/PDE5α pathway involved in penile erection. Thus, our findings strongly support the potent therapeutic potential of purified root powder of WS in improving the sexual health of stressed sexually sluggish rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupam Yadav
- Male Reproductive Physiology Lab., Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, UP, India
| | - Raghav Kumar Mishra
- Male Reproductive Physiology Lab., Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, UP, India.
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Naeimi N, Mohseni Kouchesfehani H, Heidari Z, Mahmoudzadeh-Sagheb H. Effect of smoking on methylation and semen parameters. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2024; 65:76-83. [PMID: 38299759 DOI: 10.1002/em.22583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
One type of epigenetic modification is genomic DNA methylation, which is induced by smoking, and both are associated with male infertility. In this study, the relationship between smoking and CHD5 gene methylation and semen parameters in infertile men was determined. After the MS-PCR of blood in 224 samples, 103 infertile patients (62 smokers and 41 non-smokers) and 121 fertile men, methylation level changes between groups and the effect of methylation and smoking on infertility and semen parameters in infertile men were determined. The results showed that there is a significant difference in the methylation status (MM, MU, UU) of the CHD5 gene between the patient and the control group, and this correlation also exists for the semen parameters (p < .001). The average semen parameters in smokers decreased significantly compared to non-smokers and sperm concentration was (32.21 ± 5.27 vs. 55.27 ± 3.38), respectively. MM methylation status was higher in smokers (22.5%) compared to non-smokers (14.6%). Smoking components affect the methylation pattern of CHD5 gene, and smokers had higher methylation levels and lower semen parameters than non-smokers, which can be biomarkers for evaluating semen quality and infertility risk factors. Understanding the epigenetic effects of smoking on male infertility can be very useful for predicting negative consequences of smoking and providing therapeutic solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasim Naeimi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran
| | | | - Zahra Heidari
- Department of Histology, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
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Ibitoye BO, Fasasi AO, Imosemi IO, Alabi O, Olaniyan OT, Ibitoye FO, Faduola P, Bodun DS, Wike NY. The spermiogram and correlation of seminal fluid parameters in patient attending fertility centre in Lagos, South West Nigeria. Morphologie 2023; 107:100606. [PMID: 37385852 DOI: 10.1016/j.morpho.2023.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The determinant of the spermiogram of semen varies in different populations based on several factors ranging, from age to the pathological state of an individual to environmental factors. The aim of the study is to determine the spermiogram of patients that attend fertility clinics in southwest Nigeria and the relationship between the parameters. METHODOLOGY This is a cross-sectional study that recruited two hundred and ninety seven (297) patients from two fertility centers in Lagos, Nigeria for the period of January 2021 to November 2022. The sperm samples were collected following WHO standards. The spermiogram was analyzed using an automated sperm analyzer and the descriptive and inference statistics of the study were carried out using R packages (R version 4.2.0). RESULTS The result showed the mean age of 43.12±6.95years with median age of 42years. The mean of sperm count and concentration were 114×106 sperm cells and 42×106 per mL with the mean volume of the semen produced by the patients was 2.69mL and average motility (progressive and non-progressive) of the sperm is 47%±19%, 42%±17% has normal morphology. The distributions of the observed variables (seminal fluid parameters) were different from normal distributions in the studied population, such that almost all of them are skewed to the right. The degree of relationship between the sperm parameter were very weak. Nevertheless, specifically, there is a negative correlation between age and sperm count, age and motility, age and volume, and a positive correlation between age and abnormal morphology. The results showed that sperm morphology has a significant effect on motility while sperm morphology significantly depend on sperm count. CONCLUSION An increase in sperm volume and concentration improves the sperm morphology and boost the sperm motility, this may increasing the chance of fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- B O Ibitoye
- Department of Anatomy, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - A O Fasasi
- Omega Golden Fertility, Plot 8 Tunde Oyerinde Close, Peninsula Estate Ajiwe Ajah, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - I O Imosemi
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - O Alabi
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Rufus Giwa polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - O T Olaniyan
- Department of Physiology, Rhema University, Aba, Nigeria
| | - F O Ibitoye
- Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Rufus Giwa polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - P Faduola
- Androcare Fertility Centre, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - D S Bodun
- Department of Biochemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Nigeria
| | - N Y Wike
- Department of Physiology, Rhema University, Aba, Nigeria
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Khan NH, Shahnawaz MG, Patel A, Kashyap P, Singh CB. Resilience among involuntarily childless couples and individuals undergoing infertility treatment: a systematic review. HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:1562-1583. [PMID: 37439133 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2023.2219400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Infertility is regarded as a highly stressful and challenging experience. However, the response to this unexpected moment varies from one individual to the other. The review explores research that studies resilience in the context of infertility and its treatment. The purpose was to study the protective and risk factors associated with resilience and to identify psychosocial factors that could play a crucial role in resilience among infertile couples and individuals who are seeking infertility treatment. Four major databases (PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Wiley Online Library) were searched with appropriate keywords. A total of 4101 articles were retrieved from the databases and after following various levels of screening 18 articles were finalized. These articles explored resilience and other psychosocial factors in couples/individuals seeking infertility treatment. The protective factors associated with resilience were quality of life, coping, social support, and posttraumatic growth. The risk factors associated with resilience were infertility-related stress, anxiety and depression. The unexpected diagnosis of infertility might be disturbing for many, still, it may not be extremely agonizing for some. Individuals who are encouraged to utilize their own resources and seek support are able to deal with stressors associated with infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Haseeb Khan
- Department of Psychology, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Ansha Patel
- Department of Psychiatry & Psychology RNT Medical College, Paras & Shantiraj Hospitals, Psychological Clinic for Reproductive Health & Challenges, CMBS, Udaipur, FAIMER at MAHE, Karnataka, India
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Iamsaard S, Kietinun S, Sattayasai J, Bunluepuech K, Wu ATH, Choowong-In P. Prevention of seminal vesicle damage by Mucuna pruriens var. pruriens seed extract in chronic unpredictable mild stress mice. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2023; 61:89-99. [PMID: 36565036 PMCID: PMC9793912 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2022.2157018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Thai Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. pruriens (Fabaceae) or T-MP seed extract has been shown to improve sexual performance and sperm quality. OBJECTIVE This study investigates the preventive effects of T-MP against seminal vesicle damage, apoptotic and Nrf2 protein expression in mice under chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-eight male ICR mice were divided into four groups: control, CUMS, T-MP300 + CUMS and T-MP600 + CUMS. Mice in control and CUMS groups received distilled water, while those in treated groups were pretreated with T-MP extract (300 or 600 mg/kg BW) for 14 consecutive days. The CMUS and co-treated groups were exposed to one random stressor (of 12 total) each day for 43 days. Components and histopathology of the seminal vesicle were examined, along with localization of androgen receptor (AR) and caspase 3. Expression of seminal AR, tyrosine phosphorylated (TyrPho), heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), caspases (3 and 9) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) proteins was investigated. RESULTS T-MP extract at a dose of 600 mg/kg BW improved seminal epithelial damage and secretion of fluid containing essential substances and proteins in CUMS mice. It also increased the expression of AR and TyrPho proteins. Additionally, T-MP increased expression of Nrf2 and inhibited seminal vesicular apoptosis through the suppression of Hsp70 and caspase expression. CONCLUSION T-MP seeds have an antiapoptotic property in chronic stress seminal vesicle. It is possible to apply this extract for the enhancement of seminal plasma quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sitthichai Iamsaard
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
- Research Institute for Human High Performance and Health Promotion (HHP & HP), Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Somboon Kietinun
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Jintana Sattayasai
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Kingkan Bunluepuech
- Department of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Alexander Tsang-Hsien Wu
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- The PhD Program of Translational Medicine, College of Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Clinical Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pannawat Choowong-In
- Department of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Marijuana, Hemp, and Kratom, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
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Beiraghdar M, Beiraghdar M, Khosravi S. The methylation status of GATA3 potentially predicts the outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies. HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:1279-1285. [PMID: 36625441 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2023.2164871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Evaluation of methylation status of genes in sperm samples has been suggested for diagnosis of male infertility as well as prognosis of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) outcomes. In this study, we compared the methylation pattern of the GATA3 gene in infertile and fertile men as well as in infertile men with positive and negative ART outcome based on clinical pregnancy. Ejaculates were obtained from 42 infertile men with a negative ART outcome (group 1), 30 infertile men with a positive ART outcome (group 2), and 21 fertile men (control). Then, samples were subjected to genomic DNA isolation and subsequent TUNEL assay and methylation-specific PCR. The number of infertile men with at least one methylated allele of GATA3 was significantly higher compared to the control group (p = 0.022). Also, the number of patients with at least one methylated allele was significantly higher in group 1 compared to group 2 (p = 0.013). Moreover, the TUNEL assay revealed that the amount of sperm DNA fragmentation is higher in group 1 compared to group 2 (p = 0.008). The findings of our study demonstrated that the degree of GATA3 methylation can potentially differentiate between infertile and fertile men and more importantly can potentially predict the outcome of ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Beiraghdar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Science, Islamic Azad University of Center Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mozhdeh Beiraghdar
- Department of pathology, specialist of anatomical and clinical pathology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sharifeh Khosravi
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
- Genetic Lab in Majesty of Maryam Infertility Center, Martyr Beheshti Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
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Mehra P, Ekta, Shukla S. Managing endometrial calcifications using Kshara Taila and Phalaghrita Uttara Basti: A case report. J Ayurveda Integr Med 2023; 14:100827. [PMID: 38070240 PMCID: PMC10755534 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaim.2023.100827] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial calcification is an uncommon clinical entity. They can be detected during pelvic ultrasonography or as incidental pathologic findings. Most of the cases are asymptomatic or present with secondary infertility and menstrual anomalies. Its definite etiology is still not known and the pathogenesis is uncertain; its clinical importance is not yet fully validated. Since there is no exact simulating disease to compare this condition in Ayurveda; according to the features involved in its pathophysiology; involvement of Tridosha has been contemplated. Therefore, the management of endometrial calcifications is conducted by considering the specific Dosha involved. Uttara Basti is a minimally invasive procedure that can be easily performed as an outpatient procedure, offering a more convenient and cost-effective approach to enhance the treatment of endometrial calcifications. Here in this case study, the patient had been diagnosed with endometrial calcifications and was subsequently scheduled for an Ayurvedic management protocol. The procedure of Uttara Basti with Kshara Oil and Phala ghrita, was undertaken for a duration of 3 consecutive months, following the cessation of menstrual flow. The patient experienced improvment in scanty menses, her USG showed a reduction in endometrial calcification. Furthermore, she was conceived.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratibha Mehra
- Department (Prasuti Tantra evum Stree Roga), RGGPG Ayurvedic college and Hospital Paprola, H.P, India.
| | - Ekta
- Department (Prasuti Tantra evum Stree Roga), RGGPG Ayurvedic college and Hospital Paprola, H.P, India
| | - Seema Shukla
- Department (Prasuti Tantra evum Stree Roga), RGGPG Ayurvedic college and Hospital Paprola, H.P, India
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Obst KL, Oxlad M, Turnbull D, McPherson NO. "No One Asked Me If I'm Alright": A Mixed-Methods Study Exploring Information/Support Needs and Challenges Engaging Men Diagnosed With Male-Factor Infertility. Am J Mens Health 2023; 17:15579883231209210. [PMID: 38069523 PMCID: PMC10710112 DOI: 10.1177/15579883231209210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
There is limited research exploring men's experiences of infertility, and fewer previous studies have examined what information and support men desire after being diagnosed specifically with male-factor infertility. We conducted a mixed-methods study utilizing a combined sequential, concurrent design (online survey/semi-structured interviews). Survey outcomes (N =12) were analyzed using quantitative data analysis, while qualitative survey data (N = 5) was analyzed by reflexive thematic analysis. Heterosexual men (>18 years), fluent in English, diagnosed solely with male-factor infertility/sub-fertility, who required assisted reproductive treatment within Australia in the past 5 years were recruited online and through fertility clinics Australia-wide. Most men reported that their information and support needs were only somewhat, slightly or not at all met. Preferred information sources on male infertility were a dedicated online resource, app, or fertility doctor/specialist, while support was preferred from fertility specialists and partners. Three themes were identified from the qualitative analysis about men's experiences and support needs when diagnosed with male infertility (a) Ultimate threat to masculinity; (b) Holistic care, and (c) the power of words. The information-rich data collected provided valuable insights into men's experiences of male-factor infertility and important considerations to improve recruitment for future research. A diagnosis of male-factor infertility has the potential to be deeply impactful and difficult to navigate for men. Adequate and holistic information, recognition of emotional impacts, proactive offers of support and sensitive language are needed to improve men's experiences when undergoing assisted reproductive technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate L. Obst
- School of Psychology, Adelaide Health and Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Discipline of Reproduction and Development, School of Biomedicine, Adelaide Health and Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Melissa Oxlad
- School of Psychology, Adelaide Health and Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Deborah Turnbull
- School of Psychology, Adelaide Health and Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Nicole O. McPherson
- Discipline of Reproduction and Development, School of Biomedicine, Adelaide Health and Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Kaltsas A, Dimitriadis F, Zachariou D, Zikopoulos A, Symeonidis EN, Markou E, Tien DMB, Takenaka A, Sofikitis N, Zachariou A. From Diagnosis to Treatment: Comprehensive Care by Reproductive Urologists in Assisted Reproductive Technology. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1835. [PMID: 37893553 PMCID: PMC10608107 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59101835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Infertility is a global health concern, with male factors playing an especially large role. Unfortunately, however, the contributions made by reproductive urologists in managing male infertility under assisted reproductive technology (ART) often go undervalued. This narrative review highlights the important role played by reproductive urologists in diagnosing and treating male infertility as well as any barriers they face when providing services. This manuscript presents a comprehensive review of reproductive urologists' role in managing male infertility, outlining their expertise in diagnosing and managing male infertility as well as reversible causes and performing surgical techniques such as sperm retrieval. This manuscript investigates the barriers limiting urologist involvement such as limited availability, awareness among healthcare professionals, and financial constraints. This study highlights a decrease in male fertility due to lifestyle factors like sedentary behavior, obesity, and substance abuse. It stresses the significance of conducting an evaluation process involving both male and female partners to identify any underlying factors contributing to infertility and to identify patients who do not require any interventions beyond ART. We conclude that engaging urologists more effectively in infertility management is key to optimizing fertility outcomes among couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatments and requires greater education among healthcare providers regarding the role urologists and lifestyle factors that could have an effect on male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aris Kaltsas
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.K.); (A.Z.); (N.S.)
| | - Fotios Dimitriadis
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (F.D.); (E.N.S.)
| | - Dimitrios Zachariou
- Third Orthopaedic Department, National and Kapodestrian University of Athens, KAT General Hospital, 14561 Athens, Greece;
| | - Athanasios Zikopoulos
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.K.); (A.Z.); (N.S.)
| | - Evangelos N. Symeonidis
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (F.D.); (E.N.S.)
| | - Eleftheria Markou
- Department of Microbiology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Dung Mai Ba Tien
- Department of Andrology, Binh Dan Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam;
| | - Atsushi Takenaka
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan;
| | - Nikolaos Sofikitis
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.K.); (A.Z.); (N.S.)
| | - Athanasios Zachariou
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.K.); (A.Z.); (N.S.)
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Statsenko Y, Kuznetsov NV, Morozova D, Liaonchyk K, Simiyu GL, Smetanina D, Kashapov A, Meribout S, Gorkom KNV, Hamoudi R, Ismail F, Ansari SA, Emerald BS, Ljubisavljevic M. Reappraisal of the Concept of Accelerated Aging in Neurodegeneration and Beyond. Cells 2023; 12:2451. [PMID: 37887295 PMCID: PMC10605227 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic and epigenetic changes, oxidative stress and inflammation influence the rate of aging, which diseases, lifestyle and environmental factors can further accelerate. In accelerated aging (AA), the biological age exceeds the chronological age. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to reappraise the AA concept critically, considering its weaknesses and limitations. METHODS We reviewed more than 300 recent articles dealing with the physiology of brain aging and neurodegeneration pathophysiology. RESULTS (1) Application of the AA concept to individual organs outside the brain is challenging as organs of different systems age at different rates. (2) There is a need to consider the deceleration of aging due to the potential use of the individual structure-functional reserves. The latter can be restored by pharmacological and/or cognitive therapy, environment, etc. (3) The AA concept lacks both standardised terminology and methodology. (4) Changes in specific molecular biomarkers (MBM) reflect aging-related processes; however, numerous MBM candidates should be validated to consolidate the AA theory. (5) The exact nature of many potential causal factors, biological outcomes and interactions between the former and the latter remain largely unclear. CONCLUSIONS Although AA is commonly recognised as a perspective theory, it still suffers from a number of gaps and limitations that assume the necessity for an updated AA concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yauhen Statsenko
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (Y.S.); (G.L.S.); (D.S.); (A.K.); (S.M.); (K.N.-V.G.)
- ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.); (K.L.); (R.H.); (S.A.A.); (B.S.E.); (M.L.)
- Big Data Analytic Center, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nik V. Kuznetsov
- ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.); (K.L.); (R.H.); (S.A.A.); (B.S.E.); (M.L.)
| | - Daria Morozova
- ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.); (K.L.); (R.H.); (S.A.A.); (B.S.E.); (M.L.)
| | - Katsiaryna Liaonchyk
- ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.); (K.L.); (R.H.); (S.A.A.); (B.S.E.); (M.L.)
| | - Gillian Lylian Simiyu
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (Y.S.); (G.L.S.); (D.S.); (A.K.); (S.M.); (K.N.-V.G.)
| | - Darya Smetanina
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (Y.S.); (G.L.S.); (D.S.); (A.K.); (S.M.); (K.N.-V.G.)
| | - Aidar Kashapov
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (Y.S.); (G.L.S.); (D.S.); (A.K.); (S.M.); (K.N.-V.G.)
| | - Sarah Meribout
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (Y.S.); (G.L.S.); (D.S.); (A.K.); (S.M.); (K.N.-V.G.)
| | - Klaus Neidl-Van Gorkom
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (Y.S.); (G.L.S.); (D.S.); (A.K.); (S.M.); (K.N.-V.G.)
| | - Rifat Hamoudi
- ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.); (K.L.); (R.H.); (S.A.A.); (B.S.E.); (M.L.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London NW3 2PS, UK
| | - Fatima Ismail
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Suraiya Anjum Ansari
- ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.); (K.L.); (R.H.); (S.A.A.); (B.S.E.); (M.L.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bright Starling Emerald
- ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.); (K.L.); (R.H.); (S.A.A.); (B.S.E.); (M.L.)
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Milos Ljubisavljevic
- ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.); (K.L.); (R.H.); (S.A.A.); (B.S.E.); (M.L.)
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
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Romano M, Cirillo F, Spadaro D, Busnelli A, Castellano S, Albani E, Levi-Setti PE. High sperm DNA fragmentation: do we have robust evidence to support antioxidants and testicular sperm extraction to improve fertility outcomes? a narrative review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1150951. [PMID: 37867514 PMCID: PMC10585152 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1150951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, infertility affects 10% to 15% of couples worldwide. A male factor is estimated to account for up to 50% of cases. Oral supplementation with antioxidants could be helpful to improve sperm quality by reducing oxidative damage. At the same time, there is a growing interest in the literature on the use of testicular sperm in patients with high DNA fragmentation index (DFI). This narrative review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of supplementation of oral antioxidants in infertile men with high DFI compared to testicular sperm retrieval. The current evidence is non-conclusive because of serious risk of bias due to small sample sizes and statistical methods. Further large well-designed randomised placebo-controlled trials are still required to clarify the exact role of these to different therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Romano
- Department of Gynecology, Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Fertility Center, Humanitas Research Hospital, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Cirillo
- Department of Gynecology, Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Fertility Center, Humanitas Research Hospital, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Daria Spadaro
- Department of Gynecology, Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Fertility Center, Humanitas Research Hospital, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Busnelli
- Department of Gynecology, Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Fertility Center, Humanitas Research Hospital, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Castellano
- Department of Gynecology, Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Fertility Center, Humanitas Research Hospital, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Albani
- Department of Gynecology, Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Fertility Center, Humanitas Research Hospital, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Emanuele Levi-Setti
- Department of Gynecology, Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Fertility Center, Humanitas Research Hospital, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
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Riesco MF, Valcarce DG, Sellés-Egea A, Esteve-Codina A, Herráez MP, Robles V. miR-29a Is Downregulated in Progenies Derived from Chronically Stressed Males. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14107. [PMID: 37762407 PMCID: PMC10531283 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814107] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent research has provided compelling evidence demonstrating that paternal exposure to different stressors can influence their offspring's phenotypes. We hypothesized that paternal stress can negatively impact the progeny, altering different miRs and triggering different physiological alterations that could compromise offspring development. To investigate this, we exposed zebrafish male siblings to a chronic stress protocol for 21 days. We performed RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analyses to identify differentially expressed small noncoding RNAs in 7-day postfertilization (dpf) larvae derived from paternally stressed males crossed with control females compared with the control progeny. We found a single miRNA differentially expressed-miR-29a-which was validated in larva and was also tested in the sperm, testicles, and brain of the stressed progenitors. We observed a vertical transmission of chronic stress to the unexposed larvae, reporting novel consequences of paternally inherited chronic stress at a molecular level. The deregulation of mi-R29a in those larvae could affect relevant biological processes affecting development, morphogenesis, or neurogenesis, among others. Additionally, these disruptions were associated with reduced rates of survival and hatching in the affected offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta F. Riesco
- INDEGSAL, Cell Biology Area, Molecular Biology Department, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - David G. Valcarce
- INDEGSAL, Cell Biology Area, Molecular Biology Department, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Alba Sellés-Egea
- INDEGSAL, Cell Biology Area, Molecular Biology Department, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Anna Esteve-Codina
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), 08002 Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Paz Herráez
- INDEGSAL, Cell Biology Area, Molecular Biology Department, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Vanesa Robles
- INDEGSAL, Cell Biology Area, Molecular Biology Department, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
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Fath-Bayati L, Naserpour L, Khoshandam M, Jannatifar R, Fazaeli H. Recent advances in developing 3D culture systems of spermatogonial stem cell preservation and differentiation: A narrative review. Int J Reprod Biomed 2023; 21:681-696. [PMID: 37969562 PMCID: PMC10643686 DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v21i9.14397] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility has received vast attention in recent years and has no clear etiology in almost 40% of cases. Several methods have been suggested for preserving sperm and spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in both in vivo and in vitro conditions. The efficacy of these methods is related to their abilities, including providing an optimal environment for sperm preservation and long-term SSC culture for in vivo and in vitro differentiation of these cells. In this review article, a full MEDLINE/PubMed search was performed using the following search terms: "Spermatogonial Progenitor Cells, Stem Cells, Fertility Preservations, Sperm Freezing, Cell Differentiations, Tissue Scaffold, 3-Dimensional Cell Culture", which retrieved results from 1973-2022. Related articles were added to the bibliography of selected articles. Exclusion criteria included non-English language, abstract only, and unrelated articles. The production of functioning male germ cells is suggested by introducing modern bioengineered systems as a new hope for the maintenance of male fertility. Till now, few in vitro spermatogenesis investigations have provided appreciable amounts of mature gametes. Each method had benefits and disadvantages, but the 3-dimensional culture method had the greatest impact on the differentiation and preservation of SSCs. One of the critical elements of research is the preservation of sperm and the differentiation of SSCs. Several methods have been employed in this area. Various scaffolds providing an environment similar to an extracellular matrix and conditions for germ cell development and survival have been employed in recent research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyla Fath-Bayati
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Medicine, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Leila Naserpour
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Medicine, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research, Qom Branch, Qom, Iran
| | - Mohadeseh Khoshandam
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research, Qom Branch, Qom, Iran
- National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Rahil Jannatifar
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research, Qom Branch, Qom, Iran
| | - Hoda Fazaeli
- Department of Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research, Qom Branch, Qom, Iran
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Kyarimpa C, Nagawa CB, Omara T, Odongo S, Ssebugere P, Lugasi SO, Gumula I. Medicinal Plants Used in the Management of Sexual Dysfunction, Infertility and Improving Virility in the East African Community: A Systematic Review. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2023; 2023:6878852. [PMID: 37600549 PMCID: PMC10439835 DOI: 10.1155/2023/6878852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Sexual disorders such as erectile dysfunction (ED), sterility, and sexual inappetence represent some of the complex reproductive challenges that require addressing the underlying causes. The aim of this paper was to systematically synthesize literature on the ethnobotany, phytochemistry, bioactivities, and safety of plants used as remedies for managing sexual dysfunction and infertility, and improving fertility and virility in the EAC. Through an extensive review conducted in multidisciplinary electronic databases, 171 plant species were identified to have been reported for the management of sexual inappetence (i.e., used as aphrodisiacs, 39.4%), ED (35.9%), infertility (18.7%), and increasing fertility (6.0%). The most used plants are Mondia whitei, Acalypha villicaulis, Combretum illairii, Erythrina abyssinica, Pappea capensis, Rhus vulgaris, and Warburgia ugandensis while roots (44.9%), leaves (21.8%), stem and root barks (16.7%) of shrubs (35%), trees (31%), herbs (26%), and climbers (8%) are the preferred organs for making decoctions (69%). The research strides to date indicate that Citropsis articulata, Cola acuminata, Ekebergia capensis, Plumbago zeylanica, Tarenna graveolens, Urtica massaica, and Zingiber officinale have been assessed for their bioactivity. The majority (71.4%) of the plants either increased testosterone levels and mounting frequency or elicited prosexual stimulatory effects in male rats. More studies investigating the relevant pharmacological activities (aphrodisiac, fertility, and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitory activities), safety aspects, responsible compounds, and clinical studies are warranted to establish the pharmacological potential of the unstudied species and elucidate the mechanism of action of the bioactive compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Kyarimpa
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kyambogo University, P.O. Box 1, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Christine Betty Nagawa
- Department of Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Timothy Omara
- Chemistry Division (Food Safety Laboratories), Testing Department, Standards Directorate, Uganda National Bureau of Standards, P.O. Box 6329, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Silver Odongo
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Patrick Ssebugere
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Solomon Omwoma Lugasi
- Department of Physical Sciences, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 210, Bondo 40601, Kenya
| | - Ivan Gumula
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kyambogo University, P.O. Box 1, Kampala, Uganda
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Boedt T, Dancet E, Speelman N, Spiessens C, Matthys C, Lie Fong S. Belgian Fertility Clinic Staff Value Healthy Lifestyle Promotion but Lack Access to a Structured Lifestyle Modification Programme: An Observational Study. Gynecol Obstet Invest 2023; 88:278-285. [PMID: 37552964 PMCID: PMC10659001 DOI: 10.1159/000531139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Guidelines advise promoting a healthy lifestyle among patients with fertility problems as the lifestyle of women and men proved to be associated with their fertility. Australian fertility nurses were shown to lack access to structured lifestyle modification programmes, although they value healthy lifestyle promotion. This study aimed to examine whether gynaecologists also value promoting a healthy lifestyle and whether structured lifestyle modification programmes are available in Belgian fertility clinics. DESIGN An observational study was conducted among health care professionals (HCPs) working in Belgian fertility clinics. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS An Australian questionnaire on attitudes and practices related to promoting a healthy lifestyle among patients with fertility problems was reciprocally back-to-back translated and three open-ended questions were added. All HCPs of Belgian fertility clinics, including gynaecologists, fertility nurses/midwives, psychologists, and embryologists, were invited by e-mail to complete the questionnaire online. Responses to closed and open-ended questions were analysed with, respectively, descriptive statistics and qualitative thematic analysis. Finally, differences in perspectives between different groups of HCPs were explored. RESULTS A total of 50 fertility nurses/midwives, 42 gynaecologists, and 19 other HCPs completed the survey (n = 111). Regarding attitudes, all respondents valued informing patients about the impact of lifestyle on fertility. The vast majority of HCPs (n = 96; 86%) stated that fertility clinics have the responsibility to address unhealthy lifestyles prior to offering fertility treatment. Fertility nurses/midwives were significantly more likely than gynaecologists to state that fertility clinics have this responsibility (p = 0.040). Regarding practices, the patient's lifestyle was most commonly discussed by the gynaecologist (n = 107; 96%) during the first appointment (n = 105; 95%). The lifestyle factors that were being addressed, according to the vast majority of respondents, were smoking, weight, age, alcohol, and recreational drugs. Only three HCPs (from three different clinics) stated that their clinic offered a structured lifestyle modification programme. HCPs explained that they lacked the resources and expertise for offering a structured lifestyle modification programme. LIMITATIONS Response rates were limited, but the responding Belgian gynaecologists and fertility nurses/midwives confirmed the findings of the previous study in Australian fertility nurses. CONCLUSIONS HCPs working in Belgian fertility clinics value healthy lifestyle promotion but lack access to structured lifestyle modification programmes to implement in their daily clinical practice. Future studies should focus on developing and evaluating structured lifestyle modification programmes for patients with fertility problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessy Boedt
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium,
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium,
| | - Eline Dancet
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Naomi Speelman
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Carl Spiessens
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christophe Matthys
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sharon Lie Fong
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Derbak H, Imre K, Benabdelhak AC, Moussaoui M, Kribeche A, Kebbi R, Ayad A. Effect of Peganum harmala Total Alkaloid Extract on Sexual Behavior and Sperm Parameters in Male Mice. Vet Sci 2023; 10:498. [PMID: 37624285 PMCID: PMC10459670 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10080498] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The study was designed to evaluate the effects of the total alkaloid extract of Algerian Peganum harmala seeds on sexual behavior and male reproductive function. After two weeks of acclimatization, the male mice were randomly divided into four groups (seven mice in each group). For 35 days, the extract was administered orally at dose levels of 6.25, 12.5, and 25 mg/kg body weight per day to the respective groups of male mice (n = 7) and normal saline daily to the control group. On day 28, sexual behavior parameters were recorded. At the end of the trial, reproductive organ weights, sperm quality, seminal fructose, and testosterone hormone levels were evaluated. The three treated groups were compared with the control using statistical variance analysis (one-way ANOVA, p < 0.05), followed by Tukey's test. The results of the groups treated with 12.5 and 6.25 mg/kg of P. harmala alkaloid revealed the MF and IF parameters to be the lowest compared to the control group (p < 0.05). However, the male mice treated with 25 mg/kg recorded the highest values. A low significant value of ML was observed in the group treated with 25 mg/kg of the total alkaloid extract of P. harmala compared to the control group (p < 0.01), while a rise was observed in the concentration group treated with 6.25 mg/kg. Regarding IL, the male mice treated with different concentrations of the total alkaloid extract of P. harmala recorded a higher time than the control group. Moreover, an increase in the gonadosomatic index was noticed in all groups compared to the control group. However, there was a significant (p < 0.01) decrease in the sperm counts of the groups treated with 12.5 mg/kg and 6.25 mg/kg. However, there was no significant difference in the motility, membrane integrity, and total antioxidant capacity of sperm cells compared to the control. The extract treatment also brought about a non-significant increase in fructose content of the seminal vesicle and serum testosterone level. The findings of this study demonstrate that the extract acts in a dose-dependent manner, and it has varying effects on the reproductive parameters of male mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanane Derbak
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Bejaia, Bejaia 06000, Algeria; (H.D.); (A.C.B.); (M.M.); (R.K.)
| | - Kálmán Imre
- Department of Animal Production and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timișoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Amira Chahrazad Benabdelhak
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Bejaia, Bejaia 06000, Algeria; (H.D.); (A.C.B.); (M.M.); (R.K.)
| | - Mohamed Moussaoui
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Bejaia, Bejaia 06000, Algeria; (H.D.); (A.C.B.); (M.M.); (R.K.)
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (CRSP), Constantine 25000, Algeria
| | - Amina Kribeche
- Laboratory of Biomathematics, Biochemistry, Biophysics and Scientometrics (L3BS), University of Bejaia, Bejaia 06000, Algeria;
| | - Rosa Kebbi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Bejaia, Bejaia 06000, Algeria; (H.D.); (A.C.B.); (M.M.); (R.K.)
| | - Abdelhanine Ayad
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Bejaia, Bejaia 06000, Algeria; (H.D.); (A.C.B.); (M.M.); (R.K.)
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Karunyam BV, Abdul Karim AK, Naina Mohamed I, Ugusman A, Mohamed WMY, Faizal AM, Abu MA, Kumar J. Infertility and cortisol: a systematic review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1147306. [PMID: 37455908 PMCID: PMC10344356 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1147306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Stress and infertility form a complex relationship. In line with this, various stress-related biological markers have been investigated in infertility. Methods This systematic review was performed using PRISMA guidelines (i) to report whether cortisol is highly present in infertile patients compared to fertile control; (ii) to report whether there is any significant difference in the cortisol level in infertile subjects that conceive and those that didn't at the end of assisted reproduction treatments. Original articles involving human (male and female) as subjects were extracted from four electronic databases, including the list of references from the published papers. Sixteen original full-length articles involving male (4), female (11), and both genders (1) were included. Results Findings from studies that compared the cortisol level between infertile and fertile subjects indicate that (i) Male: three studies reported elevated cortisol level in infertile patients and one found no significant difference; (ii) Female: four studies reported increased cortisol level in infertile subjects and three studies found no significant difference. Findings from studies that measured the cortisol level from infertile patients that conceived and those that didn't indicate that (i) Male: one study reported no significant difference; (ii) Female: one study reported elevated cortisol in infertile patients that conceived, whereas two studies reported increased cortisol in infertile patients that was unable to conceive. Five studies found no significant difference between the groups. Discussion In the present review we only included the cortisol value that was measured prior to stimulation or IVF treatment or during natural or spontaneous cycles, despite this, there are still variations in the sampling period, assessment techniques and patients' characteristics. Hence, at present, we are still unable to conclude that cortisol is significantly elevated in infertile patients. We warrant future studies to standardize the time of biological sample collection and other limitations that were addressed in the review to negate the unwanted influencing factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bheena Vyshali Karunyam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Abdul Kadir Abdul Karim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Isa Naina Mohamed
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Azizah Ugusman
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wael M. Y. Mohamed
- Basic Medical Science Department, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt
| | - Ahmad Mohd Faizal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Azrai Abu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jaya Kumar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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46
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Elcombe CS, Monteiro A, Ghasemzadeh-Hasankolaei M, Padmanabhan V, Lea R, Sinclair KD, Evans NP, Bellingham M. Developmental exposure to a real-life environmental chemical mixture alters testicular transcription factor expression in neonatal and pre-pubertal rams, with morphological changes persisting into adulthood. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 100:104152. [PMID: 37209889 PMCID: PMC10457458 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Environmental chemical (EC) exposure may be impacting male reproductive health. The translationally relevant biosolids treated pasture (BTP) sheep model was used to investigate gestational low-level EC mixture exposure on the testes of F1 male offspring. Adult rams from ewes exposed to BTP 1 month before and throughout pregnancy had more seminiferous tubules with degeneration and depletion of elongating spermatids, indicating possible "recovery" from previously reported testicular dysgenesis syndrome-like phenotype in neonatal and pre-pubertal BTP lambs. Expression of transcription factors CREB1 (neonatal) and BCL11A and FOXP2 (pre-pubertal) were significantly higher in the BTP exposed testes, with no changes seen in adults. Increased CREB1, which is crucial for testes development and regulation of steroidogenic enzymes, could be an adaptive response to gestational EC exposure to facilitate the phenotypic recovery. Overall, this demonstrates that testicular effects from gestational exposure to low-level mixtures of ECs can last into adulthood, potentially impacting fertility and fecundity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris S Elcombe
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK.
| | - Ana Monteiro
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Mohammad Ghasemzadeh-Hasankolaei
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Richard Lea
- University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, UK
| | - Kevin D Sinclair
- University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, UK
| | - Neil P Evans
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Michelle Bellingham
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK.
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Valcarce DG, Riesco MF, Cuesta-Martín L, Esteve-Codina A, Martínez-Vázquez JM, Robles V. Stress decreases spermatozoa quality and induces molecular alterations in zebrafish progeny. BMC Biol 2023; 21:70. [PMID: 37013516 PMCID: PMC10071778 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01570-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic stress can produce a severe negative impact on health not only in the exposed individuals but also in their offspring. Indeed, chronic stress may be contributing to the current worldwide scenario of increasing infertility and decreasing gamete quality in human populations. Here, we evaluate the effect of chronic stress on behavior and male reproductive parameters in zebrafish. Our goal is to provide information on the impact that chronic stress has at molecular, histological, and physiological level in a vertebrate model species. RESULTS We evaluated the effects of a 21-day chronic stress protocol covering around three full waves of spermatogenesis in Danio rerio adult males. The induction of chronic stress produced anxiety-like behavior in stressed males as assessed by a novel tank test. At a molecular level, the induction of chronic stress consistently resulted in the overexpression of two genes related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the brain. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) of testes suggested a dysregulation of the nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) pathway, which was also confirmed on qPCR analysis. Histological analysis of the testicle did not show significant differences in terms of the relative proportions of each germ-cell type; however, the quality of sperm from stressed males was compromised in terms of motility. RNA-seq analysis in stress-derived larval progenies revealed molecular alterations, including those predicted to affect translation initiation, DNA repair, cell cycle control, and response to stress. CONCLUSIONS Induction of chronic stress during a few cycles of spermatogenesis in the vertebrate zebrafish model affects behavior, gonadal gene expression, final gamete quality, and progeny. The NMD surveillance pathway (a key cellular mechanism that regulates the stability of both normal and mutant transcripts) is severely affected in the testes by chronic stress and therefore the control and regulation of RNAs during spermatogenesis may be affected altering the molecular status in the progeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- David G Valcarce
- Cell Biology Area, Molecular Biology Department, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071, León, Spain
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Santander (COST-IEO), CSIC, Calle Severiano Ballesteros 16. 39004, Santander, Spain
| | - Marta F Riesco
- Cell Biology Area, Molecular Biology Department, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071, León, Spain
| | - Leyre Cuesta-Martín
- Cell Biology Area, Molecular Biology Department, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071, León, Spain
| | - Anna Esteve-Codina
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Manuel Martínez-Vázquez
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Santander (COST-IEO), CSIC, Calle Severiano Ballesteros 16. 39004, Santander, Spain
| | - Vanesa Robles
- Cell Biology Area, Molecular Biology Department, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071, León, Spain.
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48
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Huang D, Zhang Y, Wang X, Guo R, Leng X, Du Q, Wu Q, Pan B, Zhao Y. Dietary total antioxidant capacity and the risk of developing asthenozoospermia: a hospital-based case-control study in China. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:537-548. [PMID: 36728412 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) associated with the odds of developing asthenozoospermia in Chinese men? SUMMARY ANSWER There is no statistically significant association between DTAC indices and the odds of developing asthenozoospermia. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Both diet and oxidative stress may be related to sperm quality; however, few studies have investigated the association between DTAC and sperm quality. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This case-control study was conducted from June 2020 to December 2020. Those diagnosed with asthenozoospermia were assigned to the case group, whereas those with normal sperm parameters were assigned to the control group. Data from a total of 553 cases and 586 controls were included in the final analysis. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Men who had been referred to the infertility clinic of Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University were enrolled. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. DTAC was based on ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), total oxygen radical absorbance capacity (T-ORAC), hydrophilic oxygen radical absorbance capacity (H-ORAC), lipophilic oxygen radical absorbance capacity (L-ORAC), total phenolics (TP), total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP), and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). Asthenozoospermia was defined according to the criteria published in the fifth edition of the World Health Organization laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE No significant association was observed between the DTAC indices and the odds of asthenozoospermia after multivariable adjustment (T3 vs T1, odds ratio (OR) = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.73-1.33 for FRAP; OR = 1.05, 95% CI: 0.77-1.42 for T-ORAC; OR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.65-1.18 for H-ORAC; OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.71-1.34 for L-ORAC; OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.76-1.39 for TP; OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.87-1.59 for TRAP; and OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 0.85-1.55 for TEAC). Both additive and multiplicative interaction analyses suggested that smoking might modify the association of T-ORAC with the odds of developing asthenozoospermia (relative excess risk due to interaction = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.07-0.83, attributable proportion due to interaction = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.07-0.84 for additive interaction; P = 0.033 for multiplicative interaction). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Recall bias and protopathic bias were inevitable in this retrospective case-control study. The estimation accuracy of the DTAC indices may have also affected the findings. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to specifically investigate whether an association exists between DTAC and the odds of developing asthenozoospermia. Although no significant association was found, this study provides novel information pertaining to the fields of nutrition and human reproduction. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the JieBangGuaShuai Project of Liaoning Province (2021JH1/10400050), the Shengjing Hospital Clinical Research Project (M0071), and the Outstanding Scientific Fund of Shengjing Hospital (M1150). All authors have no competing interests to disclose. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghui Huang
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Liaoning, China
| | - Yixiao Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaobin Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Renhao Guo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xu Leng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qiang Du
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qijun Wu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Liaoning, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive and Genetic Medicine (China Medical University), National Health Commission, Shenyang, China
| | - Bochen Pan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuhong Zhao
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Liaoning, China
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Zhao QC, Zhang Z, Zhao LM, Deng ZF, Gao JM, Zhang HL, Lin HC, Liu DF, Mao JM, Zhang HT, Chen YL, Tang WH, Jiang H. A retrospective cohort study of geographic differences in the semen of 1,012 sperm donors in China. Transl Androl Urol 2023; 12:187-196. [PMID: 36915889 PMCID: PMC10006001 DOI: 10.21037/tau-22-578] [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: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Male reproductive health has become a serious public health concern, and semen quality is essential to male reproduction. We aimed to investigate geographical differences in the semen quality of sperm donors from northern and southern China by enrolling donors across the country. Methods A total of 1,012 sperm donors were enrolled in this study between 2015 and 2019. Donors were first divided into two parts based on their birthplace according to the "Qinling-Huaihe" line, and secondly, by their residential latitude. Finally, donors were re-classified into two groups (typically north and south) which contained 667 samples. Results Statistically significant differences in sperm concentration were observed among men from different latitudes in China (P=0.04). The sperm concentrations of males from 18° to 27° north latitude were significantly lower than those from 36° to 45° and 45° to 54° [median 131, 134, and 146, respectively, P=0.021 (18° to 27° vs. 36° to 45°) and P=0.01 (18° to 27° vs. 45° to 54°)]. Conclusion We hypothesize environmental pollution and mental stress due to the increased population size may be the main factors underlying differences in the sperm quality of men in northern and southern China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Cheng Zhao
- Department of Human Sperm Bank, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lian-Ming Zhao
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen-Feng Deng
- Department of Natural Medicine, Peking University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiang-Man Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Liang Zhang
- Department of Human Sperm Bank, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hao-Cheng Lin
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - De-Feng Liu
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jia-Ming Mao
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hai-Tao Zhang
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Long Chen
- Department of Urban and Rural Planning, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-Hao Tang
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
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50
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Novel Lines of Research on the Environmental and Human Health Impacts of Nut Consumption. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15040955. [PMID: 36839312 PMCID: PMC9964796 DOI: 10.3390/nu15040955] [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: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuts have formed part of human diets throughout the ages. In recent decades, research has shown they are key foods in dietary patterns associated with lower chronic disease risk. The current state of climate change, however, has introduced an imperative to review the impact of dietary patterns on the environment with a shift to plant-based diets. Nuts emerge as a significant source of protein in plant-based diets and are a minimally processed and sustainable food. Research in this area is evolving to drive better production methods in varying climate conditions. Nevertheless, nut consumption remains an important contributor to human health. The mechanisms of action can be explained in terms of the nutrients they deliver. Studies of nut consumption have linked components such as monounsaturated fatty acids, plant omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and plant sterols to improved lipoprotein profiles, lower blood pressure, and reduced cardiovascular disease risk. Preliminary research also indicates possible beneficial effects of nut consumption on reproductive health. In any case, the ultimate effects of foods on health are the results of multiple interactive factors, so where nuts fit within dietary patterns is a significant consideration for research translation. This has implications for research methodologies, including categorization within food groups and inclusion in Healthy Dietary Indices. The aim of this narrative review is to outline new focal points for investigation that examine the environmental and some novel human health impacts of nut consumption and discuss future directions for research.
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