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Lockwood C, Vo AS, Bellafard H, Carter AJR. More evidence for widespread antagonistic pleiotropy in polymorphic disease alleles. Front Genet 2024; 15:1404516. [PMID: 38952711 PMCID: PMC11215129 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1404516] [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: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Many loci segregate alleles classified as "genetic diseases" due to their deleterious effects on health. However, some disease alleles have been reported to show beneficial effects under certain conditions or in certain populations. The beneficial effects of these antagonistically pleiotropic alleles may explain their continued prevalence, but the degree to which antagonistic pleiotropy is common or rare is unresolved. We surveyed the medical literature to identify examples of antagonistic pleiotropy to help determine whether antagonistic pleiotropy appears to be rare or common. Results We identified ten examples of loci with polymorphisms for which the presence of antagonistic pleiotropy is well supported by detailed genetic or epidemiological information in humans. One additional locus was identified for which the supporting evidence comes from animal studies. These examples complement over 20 others reported in other reviews. Discussion The existence of more than 30 identified antagonistically pleiotropic human disease alleles suggests that this phenomenon may be widespread. This poses important implications for both our understanding of human evolutionary genetics and our approaches to clinical treatment and disease prevention, especially therapies based on genetic modification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ashley J. R. Carter
- California State University Long Beach, Department of Biological Sciences, Long Beach, CA, United States
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Bai S, Li MZ, Wan YY, Hu XC, Liu YX, Tong XH, Guo TH, Zong L, Liu R, Zhao YQ, Xiang P, Xu B, Jiang XH. Association between MTHFR c.677C>T variant and erectile dysfunction among males attending fertility clinic. Asian J Androl 2024; 26:41-45. [PMID: 37738148 PMCID: PMC10846823 DOI: 10.4103/aja202335] [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: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic risk factors have been shown to contribute to the development of sexual dysfunction. However, the role of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase ( MTHFR ) gene variants in the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) remains unclear. In this study, we recruited 1254 participants who underwent ED assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function-5. The MTHFR c.677C>T variant was also measured by fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (PCR). No significant difference in the genotypic frequency of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism (CC, CT, and TT) was observed between men from the ED and non-ED groups. In addition, on binary logistic regression analysis, both crude and adjusted models showed that the risk of ED was not significantly associated with the C677T polymorphism. Interestingly, a significantly higher frequency of the 677TT polymorphism was found in severe and moderate ED (P = 0.02). The positive correlation between the MTHFR 677TT polymorphism and severe ED was confirmed by logistic regression analysis, even after adjusting for potential confounders (odds ratio [OR] = 2.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15-5.50, P = 0.02). These findings suggest a positive correlation between the MTHFR 677TT polymorphism and the risk of severe ED. Identification of MTHFR gene polymorphisms may provide complementary information for ED patients during routine clinical diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Bai
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Ming-Zhen Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Guangzhou 510600, China
| | - Yang-Yang Wan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Xue-Chun Hu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Yi-Xun Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Xian-Hong Tong
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Tong-Hang Guo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Lu Zong
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Ran Liu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Yuan-Qi Zhao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
- Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - Ping Xiang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Xiao-Hua Jiang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
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Su Z, Liu Z, Lei W, Xia K, Xiao A, Hu Z, Zhou M, Zhu F, Tian J, Yang M, Wang D, Xiang AP, Nie J. Hyperhomocysteinemia lowers serum testosterone concentration via impairing testosterone production in Leydig cells. Cell Biol Toxicol 2023; 39:3077-3100. [PMID: 37495868 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-023-09819-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) plays a salient role in male infertility. However, whether HHcy interferes with testosterone production remains inconclusive. Here, we reported a lower serum testosterone level in HHcy mice. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that genes related to testosterone biosynthesis, together with nuclear receptor subfamily 5 group A member 1 (Nr5a1), a key transcription factor for steroidogenic genes, were downregulated in the Leydig cells (LCs) of HHcy mice. Mechanistically, Hcy lowered trimethylation of histone H3 on lysine 4 (H3K4me3), which was bound on the promoter region of Nr5a1, resulting in downregulation of Nr5a1. Intriguingly, we identified an unknown cell cluster annotated as Macrophage-like Leydig cells (McLCs), expressing both LCs and macrophages markers. In HHcy mice, McLCs were shifted toward pro-inflammatory phenotype and thus promoted inflammatory response in LC. Betaine supplementation rescued the downregulation of NR5A1 and restored the serum testosterone level in HHcy mice. Overall, our study highlights an etiological role of HHcy in LCs dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Su
- The State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhuoliang Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenjing Lei
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
| | - Kai Xia
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - An Xiao
- The State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Zheng Hu
- The State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Miaomiao Zhou
- The State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Fengxin Zhu
- The State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianwei Tian
- The State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Manqiu Yang
- The State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Andy Peng Xiang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Nie
- The State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
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Fabregues F, Antonio García-Velasco J, Llácer J, Requena A, Ángel Checa M, Bellver J, José Espinós J. The role of thrombophilias in reproduction: A swot analysis. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2023; 280:12-21. [PMID: 36375360 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2022.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Thrombophilia is a group of inherited or acquired coagulation disorders that have been associated with reproductive failure. However, there are still no clear recommendations on whether its inclusion in the initial study of the infertile couple or patients with recurrent implantation failure is necessary. In this discussion paper, based on a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis, the different aspects of the repercussions of thrombophilia screening and treatment in reproduction are evaluated. To avoid possible subjectivity in the analysis and results of this study, researchers followed Oxford criteria for the evaluation of evidence. The results from the evaluation of the reviewed bibliography seem to indicate that, pending new evidence, it would be advisable not to include thrombophilia screening in the initial baseline study of the infertile couple. There is no evidence to support a clear association between thrombophilia and implantation failure or infertility. Thrombophilia testing in this setting may increase cost, with minimal potential benefit and lead to inappropriate use of anticoagulants with possible deleterious adverse effects. Future well-designed studies are needed to assess the possible benefit of anticoagulant therapy in infertile thrombophilic patients with implantation failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Fabregues
- Institut Clinic Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology (ICGON), Hospital Clinic, C/Villarroel 160, Barcelona 08036, Spain.
| | | | - Joaquín Llácer
- Ginefiv-GeneraLife, Calle José Silva 18, Madrid 28043, Spain
| | - Antonio Requena
- Ginefiv-GeneraLife, Calle José Silva 18, Madrid 28043, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Checa
- Hospital del Mar-Parc de Salut Mar, Paseo Maritimo 25-29, Barcelona 08005, Spain; Fundación Fertty, Ausiàs March 25, Barcelona 08010, Spain
| | - José Bellver
- Departamento de Pediatría, Obstetricia y Ginecología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Spain; Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (IVI-RMA) Valencia, Plaza de la Policía Local, 3, Valencia 46015, Spain; Fundación FIVI, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan José Espinós
- Fundación Fertty, Ausiàs March 25, Barcelona 08010, Spain; Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona. Campus de la UAB, Plaza Cívica, s/n, Bellaterra (Barcelona) 08193, Spain
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More A, Gajbe U, Olatunji O, Singh B. MTHFR Gene-Polymorphism and Infertile Men in Indian Population: A Systematic Literature Review. Cureus 2022; 14:e27075. [PMID: 36000135 PMCID: PMC9390949 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.27075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Al-janabi AM, Al-Khafaji SM, Faris SA. Association of methyltetrahydrofolate reductase gene mutation, homocysteine level with semen quality of Iraqi infertile males. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMAN GENETICS 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43042-022-00278-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Infertility is very common condition and almost 50% of cases are due to male factors. Several genetic and environmental factors are responsible for the poor quality and reduced number of sperms in several cases of infertility. The present study was designed to investigate the association between semen parameters, homocysteine, and the risk of C677T polymorphism of MTHFR gene in infertile males of Iraqi population.
Methods
This Case–control study has been conducted from February 2019 to July 2021 at a molecular laboratory in the Anatomy and Histology Department/college of Medicine/University of Kufa/Najaf/Iraq. It was composed of 353 infertile male patients. They were divided into five groups: 90 azoospermic, 84 oligospermia, 64 asthenospermic, 50 oligoasthenospermic, and 65 teratospermic with an age range 20–46 years compared with 100 fertile males as control with age range 21–49 years. In order to detect homocysteine levels, we used Hcy ELISA Kit. C677T mutation of MTHFR gene was employed by PCR–RFLP technique.
Results
Our data revealed three genotypes of MTHFR C677T, 167 (47.3%) subjects had CC genotype, 116 (32.9%) subjects had CT genotype and 70 (21.1%) subjects had TT genotype. Furthermore, T allele was associated with higher risk of infertility in all patients groups for any genetic model. In total infertile subjects (codominant model: CT vs. CC, OR = 2.0, 95% C.I = 1.2–3.3, P = 0.011; TT vs. CC, OR = 4.8, 95% C.I = 3.3–8.2, P = 0.0003; dominant model: CT + TT vs. CC, OR = 2.8, 95% C.I = 1.7–4.5, P = 0.0001). Oligoasthenospermic patients associated with higher risk in CT heterozygous genotype (OR = 2.8, 95% C.I = 1.0–4.9, P = 0.03) and TT homozygous of mutant allele (OR = 6.3, 95% C.I = 1.9–9.2, P = 0.002). Homocystein level was elevated in all infertile groups when compared with control group (P < 0.01), but the elevation was marked in oligoasthenospermia group. As well as, the level of Serum Hcy exhibited the highest value in TT mutant genotype (39.7 µmol/ml) followed by CT genotype (28.5 µmol/ml) while the lowest level of Hcy recorded in CC genotype (14.6 µmol/ml) for oligoasthenospermia group.
Conclusions
By relating the MTHFR C677T gene mutation with a higher homocystein level, the results showed that Iraqi males with this mutation are more likely to suffer from infertility.
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Wan Y, Liu W, Xu B, Jiang X, Hua J. Association of paternal MTHFR polymorphisms (C677T) with clinical outcomes in ICSI treatment. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1084463. [PMID: 36619555 PMCID: PMC9816894 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1084463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to investigate the association between paternal methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms (C677T) and embryonic development, pregnancy, and neonatal outcomes in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment. METHODS A total of 191 infertile men undergoing ICSI treatment at the Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, were recruited between January 2020 and June 2021. The MTHFR C677T polymorphism genotyping was evaluated in these male patients, and they were stratified into three groups according to genotyping results: Control (CC), heterozygote mutated (CT), and mutated homozygote (TT). In addition, we conducted a comparative analysis of embryonic development, pregnancy, and neonatal outcomes among these three groups. RESULTS The embryonic development (including normal fertilization rate (80.14% vs. 83.06% vs. 85.10%; p = 0.37), high-quality embryo rate (45.26% vs. 43.69% vs. 46.04%; p = 0.72), blastocyst formation rate (42.47% vs. 43.18% vs. 39.38%; p = 0.62), implantation rate (42.47% vs. 36.25% vs. 41.22%; p = 0.62), and clinical pregnancy rate (64.71% vs. 58.75% vs. 66.67%; p = 0.59) were not comparable among these three groups. Moreover, no significant difference was observed in terms of pregnancy outcomes (including miscarriage rate (24.24% vs. 12.77% vs. 22.5%; p = 0.35) and live birth rate (49.02% vs. 51.25% vs. 51.66%; p = 0.96)). Additionally, no marked difference was observed in terms of neonatal outcome (including, preterm delivery rate (24% vs. 14.63% vs. 9.67%; p = 0.35), birth height (p = 0.75), birth weight (p = 0.35), neonatal sex (p = 0.48), gestational age at delivery (p = 0.24), Apgar score (p = 0.34), and birth defects (0% vs. 2% vs. 9%; p = 0.23) among the study groups. CONCLUSION The paternal MTHFR C677T polymorphism is not associated with embryo quality, pregnancy, or neonatal outcomes in ICSI treatment. Therefore, in our population, MTHFR polymorphisms do not provide helpful information in explaining ICSI failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Wan
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Wenjing Liu
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Bo Xu, ; Xiaohua Jiang, ; Juan Hua,
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Bo Xu, ; Xiaohua Jiang, ; Juan Hua,
| | - Juan Hua
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Bo Xu, ; Xiaohua Jiang, ; Juan Hua,
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