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Norton C, Pollard C, Stalker K, Aston K, Jenkins T. Novel bioinformatic analyses of somatic cell contamination in sperm samples. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2024; 70:174-182. [PMID: 38908909 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2024.2368716] [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: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
The assessment of epigenetic profiles in sperm is sensitive to somatic cell contamination, which can influence methylation signals at gene promoters. This contamination is particularly problematic in the assessment of DNA methylation in samples with low sperm counts, where fractional amounts of somatic cell DNA can lead to significant shifts in measured methylation state. In this study, a new method of detecting possible somatic cell contamination is proposed through two multi-region bioinformatic models: a traditional differential methylation analysis and a machine learning logistic regression model. These models were trained on publicly available sperm (n = 489) and blood (n = 1029) DNA methylation array data and tested on a contamination set, wherein the sperm of four donors with normal sperm counts were run on a 450k methylation array with four permutations each, including pure blood, half blood and half sperm by DNA concentration, half blood and half sperm by cell count, and pure sperm (n = 16). The DMR and logistic regression model classified the contamination testing set with 100% and 94% accuracy, respectively. These new methods of detecting the effects of somatic cell contamination allow for more accurate differentiation between epigenetic profiles that contain a biological somatic-like shift and those that have somatic-like signatures because of contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carter Norton
- Department of Cell Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Chad Pollard
- Department of Cell Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Kelaney Stalker
- Department of Cell Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Kenneth Aston
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Timothy Jenkins
- Department of Cell Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
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Karami Hezarcheshmeh F, Yaghmaei P, Hayati Roodbari N, Yari K. Methylation Status of cAMP-responsive Element Modulator (CREM) Gene in Infertile Men and Its Association with Sperm Parameters. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:2001-2008. [PMID: 38499948 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01510-1] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
The methylation pattern of non-imprinting genes was little studied, although it is widely known that the abnormal methylation levels of imprinting genes are associated with different forms of male infertility. The purpose of this research was to assess the CREM gene's methylation status and seminal characteristics in infertile individuals who were potential intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) candidates. A total of 45 semen samples (15 normospermia, 15 asthenospermia, and 15 oligoasthenoteratospermia) were examined. Using aniline blue (AB) staining, we carried out conventional semen analysis, chromatin quality, and sperm maturity testing. DNA was taken from semen samples, and all isolated DNA was assessed using Nanodrop and gel electrophoresis. A quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (Q-MSP) approach was used to quantify the methylation at the DMRs of the CREM gene. According to our findings, sperm count (P=0.012), concentration (P= 0.019), motility (P=0.006), progression (P=0.006), and normal morphology (P=0.004) were all inversely correlated with abnormal sperm chromatin condensation. Additionally, we noted that the methylation level of the CREM gene was considerably more significant in the oligoasthenoteratospermia group compared to the asthenospermia and normospermia groups (P<0.05). Additionally, sperm count (P=0.043), progression (P=0.026), and normal morphology (P=0.024) were all inversely linked with CREM methylation. Overall, the abnormal CREM methylation patterns have a negative impact on sperm parameters. Additionally, the CREM gene's DNA methylation status may serve as an epigenetic indicator of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Parichehreh Yaghmaei
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasim Hayati Roodbari
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kheirollah Yari
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
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3
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Zhang J, Li X, Wang R, Feng X, Wang S, Wang H, Wang Y, Li H, Li Y, Guo Y. DNA methylation patterns in patients with asthenospermia and oligoasthenospermia. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:602. [PMID: 38886667 PMCID: PMC11181631 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10491-z] [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: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatogenesis is a highly regulated and complex process in which DNA methylation plays a crucial role. This study aimed to explore the differential methylation profiles in sperm DNA between patients with asthenospermia (AS) and healthy controls (HCs), those with oligoasthenospermia (OAS) and HCs, and patients with AS and those with OAS. RESULTS Semen samples and clinical data were collected from five patients with AS, five patients with OAS, and six age-matched HCs. Reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) was performed to identify differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in sperm cells among the different types of patients and HCs. A total of 6520, 28,019, and 16,432 DMRs were detected between AS and HC, OAS and HC, and AS and OAS groups, respectively. These DMRs were predominantly located within gene bodies and mapped to 2868, 9296, and 9090 genes in the respective groups. Of note, 12, 9, and 8 DMRs in each group were closely associated with spermatogenesis and male infertility. Furthermore, BDNF, SMARCB1, PIK3CA, and DDX27; RBMX and SPATA17; ASZ1, CDH1, and CHDH were identified as strong differentially methylated candidate genes in each group, respectively. Meanwhile, the GO analysis of DMR-associated genes in the AS vs. HC groups revealed that protein binding, cytoplasm, and transcription (DNA-templated) were the most enriched terms in the biological process (BP), cellular component (CC), and molecular function (MF), respectively. Likewise, in both the OAS vs. HC and AS vs. OAS groups, GO analysis revealed protein binding, nucleus, and transcription (DNA-templated) as the most enriched terms in BP, CC, and MF, respectively. Finally, the KEGG analysis of DMR-annotated genes and these genes at promoters suggested that metabolic pathways were the most significantly associated across all three groups. CONCLUSIONS The current study results revealed distinctive sperm DNA methylation patterns in the AS vs. HC and OAS vs. HC groups, particularly between patients with AS and those with OAS. The identification of key genes associated with spermatogenesis and male infertility in addition to the differentially enriched metabolic pathways may contribute to uncovering the potential pathogenesis in different types of abnormal sperm parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingdi Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xiaogang Li
- Medical Science Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Rongrong Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xinxin Feng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Siyu Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Hai Wang
- Department of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yutao Wang
- Department of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongjun Li
- Department of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongzhe Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Ye Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China.
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Hosseini M, Khalafiyan A, Zare M, Karimzadeh H, Bahrami B, Hammami B, Kazemi M. Sperm epigenetics and male infertility: unraveling the molecular puzzle. Hum Genomics 2024; 18:57. [PMID: 38835100 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-024-00626-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of infertility among couples is estimated to range from 8 to 12%. A paradigm shift has occurred in understanding of infertility, challenging the notion that it predominantly affects women. It is now acknowledged that a significant proportion, if not the majority, of infertility cases can be attributed to male-related factors. Various elements contribute to male reproductive impairments, including aberrant sperm production caused by pituitary malfunction, testicular malignancies, aplastic germ cells, varicocele, and environmental factors. MAIN BODY The epigenetic profile of mammalian sperm is distinctive and specialized. Various epigenetic factors regulate genes across different levels in sperm, thereby affecting its function. Changes in sperm epigenetics, potentially influenced by factors such as environmental exposures, could contribute to the development of male infertility. CONCLUSION In conclusion, this review investigates the latest studies pertaining to the mechanisms of epigenetic changes that occur in sperm cells and their association with male reproductive issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Hosseini
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Anis Khalafiyan
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Zare
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Haniye Karimzadeh
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Basireh Bahrami
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Behnaz Hammami
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Kazemi
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
- Reproductive Sciences and Sexual Health Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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Prasasya RD, Caldwell BA, Liu Z, Wu S, Leu NA, Fowler JM, Cincotta SA, Laird DJ, Kohli RM, Bartolomei MS. Iterative oxidation by TET1 is required for reprogramming of imprinting control regions and patterning of mouse sperm hypomethylated regions. Dev Cell 2024; 59:1010-1027.e8. [PMID: 38569549 PMCID: PMC11042979 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.02.012] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzymes iteratively oxidize 5-methylcytosine (5mC) to generate 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), 5-formylcytosine, and 5-carboxylcytosine to facilitate active genome demethylation. Whether these bases are required to promote replication-coupled dilution or activate base excision repair during mammalian germline reprogramming remains unresolved due to the inability to decouple TET activities. Here, we generated two mouse lines expressing catalytically inactive TET1 (Tet1-HxD) and TET1 that stalls oxidation at 5hmC (Tet1-V). Tet1 knockout and catalytic mutant primordial germ cells (PGCs) fail to erase methylation at select imprinting control regions and promoters of meiosis-associated genes, validating the requirement for the iterative oxidation of 5mC for complete germline reprogramming. TET1V and TET1HxD rescue most hypermethylation of Tet1-/- sperm, suggesting the role of TET1 beyond its oxidative capability. We additionally identify a broader class of hypermethylated regions in Tet1 mutant mouse sperm that depend on TET oxidation for reprogramming. Our study demonstrates the link between TET1-mediated germline reprogramming and sperm methylome patterning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rexxi D Prasasya
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Blake A Caldwell
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Zhengfeng Liu
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Songze Wu
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - N Adrian Leu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Animal Transgenesis and Germ Cell Research, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Johanna M Fowler
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Steven A Cincotta
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Center for Reproductive Sciences, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 84143, USA
| | - Diana J Laird
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Center for Reproductive Sciences, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 84143, USA
| | - Rahul M Kohli
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Penn Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Marisa S Bartolomei
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Penn Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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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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Gardner CC, Abele JA, Winkler TJ, Reckers CN, Anas SA, James PF. Common as well as unique methylation-sensitive DNA regulatory elements in three mammalian SLC9C1 genes. Gene 2024; 893:147897. [PMID: 37832806 PMCID: PMC10841394 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147897] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
The SLC9C1 gene (which encodes the NHE10 protein) is essential for male fertility in both mice and humans, however the epigenetic mechanisms regulating its testis/sperm-specific gene expression have yet to be studied. Here we identify and characterize DNA regulatory elements of the SLC9C1 gene across three mammalian species: mouse, rat, and human. First, in silico analysis of these mammalian SLC9C1 genes identified a CpG island located upstream of the transcription start site in the same relative position in all three genes. Further analysis reveals that this CpG island behaves differently, with respect to gene regulatory activity, in the mouse SLC9C1 gene than it does in the rat and human SLC9C1 gene. The mouse SLC9C1 CpG island displays strong promoter activity by itself and seems to have a stronger gene regulatory effect than either the rat or human SLC9C1 CpG islands. While the function of the upstream SLC9C1 CpG island may be divergent across the three studied species, it appears that the promoters of these three mammalian SLC9C1 genes share similar DNA methylation-sensitive regulatory mechanisms. All three SLC9C1 promoter regions are differentially methylated in lung and testis, being more hypermethylated in lung relative to the testis, and DNA sequence alignments provide strong evidence of primary sequence conservation. Luciferase assays reveal that in vitro methylation of constructs containing different elements of the three SLC9C1 genes largely exhibit methylation-sensitive promoter activity (reduced promoter activity when methylated) in both HEK 293 and GC-1spg cells. In total, our data suggest that the DNA methylation-sensitive elements of the mouse, rat, and human SLC9C1 promoters are largely conserved, while the upstream SLC9C1 CpG island common to all three species seems to perform a different function in mouse than it does in rat and human. This work provides evidence that while homologous genes can all be regulated by DNA methylation-dependent epigenetic mechanisms, the location of the specific cis-regulatory elements responsible for this regulation can differ across species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jason A Abele
- Department of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | | | | | - Sydney A Anas
- Department of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Paul F James
- Department of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA.
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Braz CU, Passamonti MM, Khatib H. Characterization of genomic regions escaping epigenetic reprogramming in sheep. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2023; 10:dvad010. [PMID: 38496251 PMCID: PMC10944287 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvad010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
The mammalian genome undergoes two global epigenetic reprogramming events during the establishment of primordial germ cells and in the pre-implantation embryo after fertilization. These events involve the erasure and re-establishment of DNA methylation marks. However, imprinted genes and transposable elements (TEs) maintain their DNA methylation signatures to ensure normal embryonic development and genome stability. Despite extensive research in mice and humans, there is limited knowledge regarding environmentally induced epigenetic marks that escape epigenetic reprogramming in other species. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the characteristics and locations of genomic regions that evade epigenetic reprogramming in sheep, as well as to explore the biological functions of the genes within these regions. In a previous study, we identified 107 transgenerationally inherited differentially methylated cytosines (DMCs) in the F1 and F2 generations in response to a paternal methionine-supplemented diet. These DMCs were found in TEs, non-repetitive regions, and imprinted and non-imprinted genes. Our findings suggest that genomic regions, rather than TEs and imprinted genes, have the propensity to escape reprogramming and serve as potential candidates for transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. Notably, 34 transgenerational methylated genes influenced by paternal nutrition escaped reprogramming, impacting growth, development, male fertility, cardiac disorders, and neurodevelopment. Intriguingly, among these genes, 21 have been associated with neural development and brain disorders, such as autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disease, and intellectual disability. This suggests a potential genetic overlap between brain and infertility disorders. Overall, our study supports the concept of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance of environmentally induced marks in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila U Braz
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Matilde Maria Passamonti
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Universit’a Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, 29122, Italy
| | - Hasan Khatib
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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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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Salehi N, Totonchi M. The construction of a testis transcriptional cell atlas from embryo to adult reveals various somatic cells and their molecular roles. J Transl Med 2023; 21:859. [PMID: 38012716 PMCID: PMC10680190 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04722-2] [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: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The testis is a complex organ that undergoes extensive developmental changes from the embryonic stage to adulthood. The development of germ cells, which give rise to spermatozoa, is tightly regulated by the surrounding somatic cells. METHODS To better understand the dynamics of these changes, we constructed a transcriptional cell atlas of the testis, integrating single-cell RNA sequencing data from over 26,000 cells across five developmental stages: fetal germ cells, infants, childhood, peri-puberty, and adults. We employed various analytical techniques, including clustering, cell type assignments, identification of differentially expressed genes, pseudotime analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis, and evaluation of paracrine cell-cell communication, to comprehensively analyze this transcriptional cell atlas of the testis. RESULTS Our analysis revealed remarkable heterogeneity in both somatic and germ cell populations, with the highest diversity observed in Sertoli and Myoid somatic cells, as well as in spermatogonia, spermatocyte, and spermatid germ cells. We also identified key somatic cell genes, including RPL39, RPL10, RPL13A, FTH1, RPS2, and RPL18A, which were highly influential in the weighted gene co-expression network of the testis transcriptional cell atlas and have been previously implicated in male infertility. Additionally, our analysis of paracrine cell-cell communication supported specific ligand-receptor interactions involved in neuroactive, cAMP, and estrogen signaling pathways, which support the crucial role of somatic cells in regulating germ cell development. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our transcriptional atlas provides a comprehensive view of the cell-to-cell heterogeneity in the testis and identifies key somatic cell genes and pathways that play a central role in male fertility across developmental stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najmeh Salehi
- School of Biological Science, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mehdi Totonchi
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
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11
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Meir AY, Wang G, Hong X, Wang X, Liang L. Newborn DNA methylation age differentiates long-term weight trajectory: The Boston Birth Cohort. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.11.02.23297965. [PMID: 37961472 PMCID: PMC10635264 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.02.23297965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Background Gestational age (GEAA) estimated by newborn DNA methylation (GAmAge) is associated with maternal prenatal exposures and immediate birth outcomes. However, the association of GAmAge with long-term overweight or obesity (OWO) trajectories is yet to be determined. Methods GAmAge was calculated for 831 children from a US predominantly urban, low-income, multi-ethnic birth cohort using Illumina EPIC array and cord-blood DNA samples. Repeated anthropometric measurements aligned with pediatric primary care schedule allowed us to calculate body-mass-index percentiles (BMIPCT) at specific age and to define long-term weight trajectories from birth to 18 years. Results Four BMIPCT trajectory groups described the long-term weight trajectories: stable (consistent OWO: "early OWO"; constant normal weight: "NW") or non-stable (OWO by year 1 of follow-up: "late OWO"; OWO by year 6 of follow-up: "NW to very late OWO") BMIPCT. were used GAmAge was a predictor of long-term obesity, differentiating between group with consistently high BMIPCT and group with normal BMIPCT patterns and groups with late OWO development. Such differentiation can be observed in the age periods of birth to 1year, 3years, 6years, 10years, and 14years (p<0.05 for all; multivariate models adjusted for GEAA, maternal smoking, delivery method, and child's sex). Birth weight was a mediator for the GAmAge effect on OWO status for specific groups at multiple age periods. Conclusions GAmAge is associated with BMI trajectories from birth to age 18 years, independent of GEAA and birth weight. If further confirmed, GAmAge may serve as an early biomarker for future OWO risk.
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Amjadian T, Yaghmaei P, Nasim HR, Yari K. Impact of DNA methylation of the human mesoderm-specific transcript ( MEST) on male infertility. Heliyon 2023; 9:e21099. [PMID: 37928396 PMCID: PMC10622617 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility accounts for nearly 40%-50% of all infertile cases. One of the most prevalent disorders detected in infertile men is errors in the MEST differentially methylated region (DMR), which has been correlated with poor sperm indexes. The aim of our study was to characterize the methylation pattern of the MEST gene, along with assessing seminal factors and chromatin condensation in sperm samples from both infertile patients and fertile cases, all of whom were candidates for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. We collected forty-five semen specimens from men undergoing routine spermiogram analysis at the Infertility Treatment Center. The specimens consisted of 15 samples of normospermia as the control group, 15 individuals of asthenospermia, and 15 individuals of oligoasthenoteratospermia as the cases group. Standard semen analysis and the chromatin quality and sperm maturity tests using aniline blue staining were performed. The DNA from spermatozoa was extracted and treated with a sodium bisulfite-based procedure. The methylation measure was done quantitatively at the DMRs of the MEST gene by quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (qMSP). The mean percentages of total motility, progression, and morphology in normospermia were significantly higher than oligoasthenoteratospermia and asthenospermia, and they were substantially higher in asthenospermia compared to oligoasthenoteratospermia (P ≤ 0.05). The mean percentages of histone transition abnormality and MEST methylation in oligoasthenoteratospermia were significantly higher than asthenospermia and normospermia (P ≤ 0.05). A negative correlation existed between the histone transition abnormality and MEST methylation with sperm parameters. In conclusion, chromatin integrity, sperm maturity, and MEST methylation may be considered important predictors for addressing male factor infertility. Therefore, we suggest that male infertility may be linked to methylation of the imprinted genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayebeh Amjadian
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parichehreh Yaghmaei
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hayati Roodbari Nasim
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kheirollah Yari
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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Gardner CC, Abele JA, Winkler TJ, Reckers CN, Anas SA, James PF. Common as well as unique methylation-sensitive DNA regulatory elements in three mammalian SLC9C1 genes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.29.555319. [PMID: 37693488 PMCID: PMC10491193 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.29.555319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The SLC9C1 gene (which encodes the NHE10 protein) is essential for male fertility in both mice and humans, however the epigenetic mechanisms regulating its testis/sperm-specific gene expression have yet to be studied. Here we identify and characterize DNA regulatory elements of the SLC9C1 gene across three mammalian species: mouse, rat, and human. First, in silico analysis of these mammalian SLC9C1 genes identified a CpG island located upstream of the transcription start site in the same relative position in all three genes. Further analysis reveals that this CpG island behaves differently, with respect to gene regulatory activity, in the mouse SLC9C1 gene than it does in the rat and human SLC9C1 gene. The mouse SLC9C1 CpG island displays strong promoter activity by itself and seems to have a stronger gene regulatory effect than either the rat or human SLC9C1 CpG islands. While the function of the upstream SLC9C1 CpG island may be divergent across the three studied species, it appears that the promoters of these three mammalian SLC9C1 genes share similar DNA methylation-sensitive regulatory mechanisms. All three SLC9C1 promoter regions are differentially methylated in lung and testis, being more hypermethylated in lung relative to the testis, and DNA sequence alignments provide strong evidence of primary sequence conservation. Luciferase assays reveal that in vitro methylation of constructs containing different elements of the three SLC9C1 genes largely exhibit methylation-sensitive promoter activity (reduced promoter activity when methylated) in both HEK 293 and GC-1spg cells. In total, our data suggest that the DNA methylation-sensitive elements of the mouse, rat, and human SLC9C1 promoters are largely conserved, while the upstream SLC9C1 CpG island common to all three species seems to perform a different function in mouse than it does in rat and human. This work provides evidence that while homologous genes can all be regulated by DNA methylation-dependent epigenetic mechanisms, the location of the specific cis-regulatory elements responsible for this regulation can differ across species.
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Wang X, Li W, Feng X, Li J, Liu GE, Fang L, Yu Y. Harnessing male germline epigenomics for the genetic improvement in cattle. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2023; 14:76. [PMID: 37277852 PMCID: PMC10242889 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-023-00874-9] [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: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm is essential for successful artificial insemination in dairy cattle, and its quality can be influenced by both epigenetic modification and epigenetic inheritance. The bovine germline differentiation is characterized by epigenetic reprogramming, while intergenerational and transgenerational epigenetic inheritance can influence the offspring's development through the transmission of epigenetic features to the offspring via the germline. Therefore, the selection of bulls with superior sperm quality for the production and fertility traits requires a better understanding of the epigenetic mechanism and more accurate identifications of epigenetic biomarkers. We have comprehensively reviewed the current progress in the studies of bovine sperm epigenome in terms of both resources and biological discovery in order to provide perspectives on how to harness this valuable information for genetic improvement in the cattle breeding industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wang
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, National Engineering Laboratory of Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Konge Larsen ApS, Kongens Lyngby, 2800, Denmark
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Wenlong Li
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, National Engineering Laboratory of Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xia Feng
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, National Engineering Laboratory of Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jianbing Li
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - George E Liu
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, USDA, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Lingzhao Fang
- Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark.
| | - Ying Yu
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, National Engineering Laboratory of Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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Prasasya RD, Caldwell BA, Liu Z, Wu S, Leu NA, Fowler JM, Cincotta SA, Laird DJ, Kohli RM, Bartolomei MS. TET1 Catalytic Activity is Required for Reprogramming of Imprinting Control Regions and Patterning of Sperm-Specific Hypomethylated Regions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.21.529426. [PMID: 36865267 PMCID: PMC9980038 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.21.529426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation erasure is required for mammalian primordial germ cell reprogramming. TET enzymes iteratively oxidize 5-methylcytosine to generate 5-hyroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), 5-formylcytosine, and 5-carboxycytosine to facilitate active genome demethylation. Whether these bases are required to promote replication-coupled dilution or activate base excision repair during germline reprogramming remains unresolved due to the lack of genetic models that decouple TET activities. Here, we generated two mouse lines expressing catalytically inactive TET1 ( Tet1-HxD ) and TET1 that stalls oxidation at 5hmC ( Tet1-V ). Tet1 -/- , Tet1 V/V , and Tet1 HxD/HxD sperm methylomes show that TET1 V and TET1 HxD rescue most Tet1 -/- hypermethylated regions, demonstrating the importance of TET1’s extra-catalytic functions. Imprinted regions, in contrast, require iterative oxidation. We further reveal a broader class of hypermethylated regions in sperm of Tet1 mutant mice that are excluded from de novo methylation during male germline development and depend on TET oxidation for reprogramming. Our study underscores the link between TET1-mediated demethylation during reprogramming and sperm methylome patterning.
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Naz N, Moshkdanian G, Miyan S, Eljabri S, James C, Miyan J. A Paternal Methylation Error in the Congenital Hydrocephalic Texas (H-Tx) Rat Is Partially Rescued with Natural Folate Supplements. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:1638. [PMID: 36675153 PMCID: PMC9860872 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Folate deficiencies, folate imbalance and associated abnormal methylation are associated with birth defects, developmental delays, neurological conditions and diseases. In the hydrocephalic Texas (H-Tx) rat, 10-formyl tetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (FDH) is reduced or absent from the CSF and the nuclei of cells in the brain and liver and this is correlated with decreased DNA methylation. In the present study, we tested whether impaired folate metabolism or methylation exists in sexually mature, unaffected H-Tx rats, which may explain the propagation of hydrocephalus in their offspring. We compared normal Sprague Dawley (SD, n = 6) rats with untreated H-Tx (uH-Tx, n = 6 and folate-treated H-Tx (TrH-Tx, n = 4). Structural abnormalities were observed in the testis of uH-Tx rats, with decreased methylation, increased demethylation, and cell death, particularly of sperm. FDH and FRα protein expression was increased in uH-Tx males but not in folate-treated males but tissue folate levels were unchanged. 5-Methylcytosine was significantly reduced in untreated and partially restored in treated individuals, while 5-hydroxymethylcytosine was not significantly changed. Similarly, a decrease in DNA-methyltransferase-1 expression in uH-Tx rats was partially reversed with treatment. The data expose a significant germline methylation error in unaffected adult male H-Tx rats from which hydrocephalic offspring are obtained. Reduced methylation in the testis and sperm was partially recovered by treatment with folate supplements leading us to conclude that this neurological disorder may not be completely eradicated by maternal supplementation alone.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jaleel Miyan
- Division of Neuroscience, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, 3.540 Stopford Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
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Song B, Chen Y, Wang C, Li G, Wei Z, He X, Cao Y. Poor semen parameters are associated with abnormal methylation of imprinted genes in sperm DNA. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:155. [PMID: 36357889 PMCID: PMC9647922 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-01028-8] [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: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Altered sperm DNA methylation patterns of imprinted genes as well as certain spermatogenesis-related genes has been proposed as a possible mechanism of male subfertility. Some reports suggest that there is an elevated risk of congenital diseases, associated with imprinted genes, in children conceived via intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection, due to the involvement of spermatozoa with aberrant imprinted genes obtained from infertile men. METHODS In this study, the DNA methylation status of the promoter regions of six imprinted genes, namely potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily Q member 1 (KCNQ1), maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3), insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2), KCNQ1 overlapping transcript 1 (KCNQ1OT1), mesoderm specific transcript (MEST), and paternally expressed gene 3 (PEG3), were detected by a next generation sequencing-based multiple methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction analysis of sperm samples obtained from 166 men who sought fertility evaluation in our Reproductive Medicine Center. Thereafter, the semen samples were classified into subgroups according to sperm motility and DNA integrity status. RESULTS As compared to the normozoospermic group, the samples of the asthenospermic group exhibited significant hypermethylation in two CpG sites of IGF-2 and significant hypomethylation in one CpG site of KCNQ1 as well as three CpG sites of MEST (P < 0.05). However, we did not observe any significant differences in the overall methylation levels of these six imprinted genes (P > 0.05). Additionally, we found that 111 of 323 CpG sites were hypomethylated in the group with DNA fragmentation index (DFI) ≥ 30% as compared to the group with DFI < 30% (P < 0.05). In this case, there were significant differences in the overall methylation levels of MEG3, IGF-2, MEST, and PEG3 (P < 0.05), but not in that of KCNQ1OT1 and KCNQ1 (P > 0.05). Hence, aberrant methylation patterns of imprinted genes were more prevalent in males with poor sperm quality, especially in those with severe sperm DNA damage. CONCLUSION In conclusion, abnormal DNA methylation of some CpG sites of imprinted genes are associated with poor sperm quality, including asthenospermia and severe sperm DNA impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Song
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, 230032, Hefei, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
| | - Yujie Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 214000, Wuxi, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, 230032, Hefei, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
| | - Guanjian Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, 230032, Hefei, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
| | - Zhaolian Wei
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, 230032, Hefei, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China.
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, 230032, Hefei, China.
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China.
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China.
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, 230032, Hefei, China.
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China.
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18
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Zhang Z, Wang J, Shi F, Li Y, Zou P, Tang Y, Liu C, Wang Y, Ling X, Sun L, Liu C, Zhang Y, Gao F, Chen Q, Ao L, Han F, Liu J, Cao J. Genome-wide alternation and effect of DNA methylation in the impairments of steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis after PM 2.5 exposure. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 169:107544. [PMID: 36174482 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The effects of ambient fine particles on male reproductive health have raised widespread concern. The particular underlying mechanisms of the damage remain largely unclear and demand more research in new directions. Previous research has revealed that DNA methylation plays an important role in male reproductive development and is also vulnerable to environmental influences. However, there hasn't been enough investigation into the involvement of DNA methylation in PM2.5-induced male reproductive toxicity. Here, we establish a real-time PM2.5 exposure model and revealed that PM2.5 exposure could lead to testicular dysfunction including spermatogenesis impairment and steroid hormone dysfunction. In particular, the decrease in the testicular global level of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) indicated a possible association of DNA methylation with testicular injury induced by PM2.5 exposure. Further genome-wide methylation analysis revealed genomic hypomethylation of testicular DNA and identified more than 1000 differentially methylated regions in both CAP and UA versus FA, indicating that PM2.5 exposure, even low-dose, could modulate the testicular methylome. Furthermore, integrated analysis of methylome and transcriptome identified some key methylated genes and networks, which may be involved in spermatogenesis and synthesis of steroid hormone. The testicular methylation levels of key genes especially Cyp11a1 and Pax8 raised, and their consequent reduced expression may impair the testosterone and sperm production process. Our research provides fundamental knowledge as well as novel insights into the possible involvement of DNA methylation in PM2.5-induced male reproductive harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghao Zhang
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jiankang Wang
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Fuquan Shi
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yingqing Li
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Peng Zou
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Ying Tang
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yimeng Wang
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Xi Ling
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Lei Sun
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Cuiqing Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Public Health, Joint China-US Research Center for Environment and Pulmonary Diseases, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Yanshu Zhang
- Laboratory Animal Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Caofeidian Xingcheng, Tangshan 063200, China
| | - Fei Gao
- Comparative Pediatrics and Nutrition, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Qing Chen
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Lin Ao
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Fei Han
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jinyi Liu
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.
| | - Jia Cao
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.
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Johnson C, Kiefer H, Chaulot-Talmon A, Dance A, Sellem E, Jouneau L, Jammes H, Kastelic J, Thundathil J. Prepubertal nutritional modulation in the bull and its impact on sperm DNA methylation. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 389:587-601. [PMID: 35779136 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03659-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Enhanced pre-pubertal nutrition in Holstein bulls increased reproductive hormone production and sperm production potential with no negative effects on sperm quality. However, recent trends in human epigenetic research have identified pre-pubertal period to be critical for epigenetic reprogramming in males. Our objective was to evaluate the methylation changes in sperm of bulls exposed to different pre-pubertal diets. One-week-old Holstein bull calves (n = 9), randomly allocated to 3 groups, were fed either a high, medium or low diet (20%, 17% or 12.2% crude protein and 67.9%, 66% or 62.9% total digestible nutrients, respectively) from 2 to 32 weeks of age, followed by medium nutrition. Semen collected from bulls at two specific time points, i.e. 55-59 and 69-71 weeks, was diluted, cryopreserved and used for reduced representation bisulfite sequencing. Differential methylation was detected for dietary treatment, but minimal differences were detected with age. The gene ontology term, "regulation of Rho protein signal transduction", implicated in sperm motility and acrosome reaction, was enriched in both low-vs-high and low-vs-medium datasets. Furthermore, several genes implicated in early embryo and foetal development showed differential methylation for diet. Our results therefore suggest that sperm epigenome keeps the memory of diet during pre-pubertal period in genes important for spermatogenesis, sperm function and early embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinju Johnson
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.
| | - Hélène Kiefer
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, ENVA, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | - Alysha Dance
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Eli Sellem
- R&D Department, ALLICE, 149 rue de Bercy, 75012, Paris, France
| | - Luc Jouneau
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, ENVA, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Hélène Jammes
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, ENVA, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - John Kastelic
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Jacob Thundathil
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
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20
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Daigneault BW. Insights to maternal regulation of the paternal genome in mammalian livestock embryos: A mini-review. Front Genet 2022; 13:909804. [PMID: 36061209 PMCID: PMC9437210 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.909804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This mini-review focuses on current knowledge regarding maternal regulation of the paternal genome in early embryos of mammalian livestock species. Emphasis has been placed on regulatory events described for maternally imprinted genes and further highlights transcriptional regulation of the post-fertilization paternal genome by maternal factors. Specifically, the included content aims to summarize genomic and epigenomic contributions of paternally expressed genes, their regulation by the maternal embryo environment, and chromatin structure that are indispensable for early embryo development. The accumulation of current knowledge will summarize conserved allelic function among species to include molecular and genomic studies across large domestic animals and humans with reference to founding experimental animal models.
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21
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Raad MV, Fesahat F, Talebi AR, Hosseini-Sharifabad M, Horoki AZ, Afsari M, Sarcheshmeh AA. Altered methyltransferase gene expression, mitochondrial copy number and 4977-bp common deletion in subfertile men with variable sperm parameters. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14531. [PMID: 35841193 DOI: 10.1111/and.14531] [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: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Semen parameters have been found to predict reproductive success poorly and are the most prevalent diagnostic tool for male infertility. There are few conflicting reports regarding the correlation of DNMT genes expression, mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) and deletion (mtDNAdel) with different sperm parameters. To investigate DNMT mRNA level, mtDNAcn and deletion in infertile men, with different sperm parameters, compared with fertile men, semen samples from 30 men with unknown male infertility and normal sperm parameters (experimental group I), 30 infertile patients with at least two abnormal sperm parameters (experimental group II) and 30 fertile normozoospermic men (control group) were collected. After semen analysis, total RNA and DNA were extracted. The isolated DNA was used for assessing the respective mtDNAcn and the presence of common 4977 bp deletion in mtDNA by applying real-time quantitative PCR and multiplex PCR, respectively. Synthesized cDNA from total RNAs was used to quantify DNMT1, DNMT3A and DNMT3B transcripts in study groups by using real-time quantitative reverse-transcription PCR. Significantly higher proportions of mtDNAcn were found in experimental group II. DNMT1 was significantly downregulated in both experimental groups and 4977 bp deletion was not detected. Progressive motility and normal morphology were significantly and negatively correlated with mtDNAcn. A significant positive correlation was detected between sperm parameters and DNMT1 mRNA levels. In conclusion, infertile men with different sperm parameter qualities showed elevated mtDNA content. Abnormal sperm parameters associated with DNMT1 gene expression indicate the possibility of changes in some epigenetic aspects of spermatogenesis in subfertile men with different sperm parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minoo Vahedi Raad
- Department of Biology & Anatomical Sciences, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Fesahat
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Ali Reza Talebi
- Department of Biology & Anatomical Sciences, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | | | - Ali Zare Horoki
- Department of Urology, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Maliheh Afsari
- Department of Biology & Anatomical Sciences, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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22
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Cheng Y, Tang Q, Lu Y, Li M, Zhou Y, Wu P, Li J, Pan F, Han X, Chen M, Lu C, Wang X, Wu W, Xia Y. Semen quality and sperm DNA methylation in relation to long-term exposure to air pollution in fertile men: A cross-sectional study. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 300:118994. [PMID: 35167929 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.118994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Some studies have examined the association between air pollution and semen quality. While it is less of evidence on the sperm quality after long-term air pollution exposure, especially the co-exposure of different air pollution components. Additionally, the role of DNA methylation in it hasn't been confirmed. This study aimed to investigate whether long-term exposure to air pollution was associated with semen quality, as well as to explore the effect of sperm DNA methylation in such association. From 2014 to 2016, 1607 fertile men were enrolled to evaluate 14 parameters of semen quality. Exposure window was defined as one-year before semen sampling. Multivariable linear regression and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression model were used to investigate the association between six air pollutants co-exposure and semen quality. Sensitivity analysis regarding at the normal semen quality group was also conducted. Semen samples were randomly selected from 200 participants to detect the genomic 5-methylcytosine (5 mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) levels in sperm. In the total population, PM10, PM2.5, SO2, and NO2 were negatively associated with sperm total motility (PM10: β = -2.67, P = 0.009; PM2.5: β = -2.86, P = 0.004; SO2: β = -2.32, P = 0.011; NO2: β = -2.21, P = 0.012). Results of the normal semen quality group were consistent with those from the whole population. WQS regression results indicated significant decreasing sperm total motility after the co-exposure of the six air pollutants (β = -1.64, P = 0.003) in whole participants. Wherein, PM10 accounted for largest proportion (43.4%). The 5-hmC level was positively associated with PM10 exposure (β = 0.002, P < 0.001). Long-term exposure to PM10, PM2.5, SO2, and NO2, as well as co-exposure to six air pollutants, reduced semen quality in fertile men. As the most significant contributor of air pollutant, PM10 exposure decreased sperm DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiuqin Tang
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Yiwen Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yijie Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Peihao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinhui Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Feng Pan
- Department of Urology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiumei Han
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Minjian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chuncheng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinru Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yankai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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23
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Costes V, Chaulot-Talmon A, Sellem E, Perrier JP, Aubert-Frambourg A, Jouneau L, Pontlevoy C, Hozé C, Fritz S, Boussaha M, Le Danvic C, Sanchez MP, Boichard D, Schibler L, Jammes H, Jaffrézic F, Kiefer H. Predicting male fertility from the sperm methylome: application to 120 bulls with hundreds of artificial insemination records. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:54. [PMID: 35477426 PMCID: PMC9047354 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01275-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conflicting results regarding alterations to sperm DNA methylation in cases of spermatogenesis defects, male infertility and poor developmental outcomes have been reported in humans. Bulls used for artificial insemination represent a relevant model in this field, as the broad dissemination of bull semen considerably alleviates confounding factors and enables the precise assessment of male fertility. This study was therefore designed to assess the potential for sperm DNA methylation to predict bull fertility. RESULTS A unique collection of 100 sperm samples was constituted by pooling 2-5 ejaculates per bull from 100 Montbéliarde bulls of comparable ages, assessed as fertile (n = 57) or subfertile (n = 43) based on non-return rates 56 days after insemination. The DNA methylation profiles of these samples were obtained using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing. After excluding putative sequence polymorphisms, 490 fertility-related differentially methylated cytosines (DMCs) were identified, most of which were hypermethylated in subfertile bulls. Interestingly, 46 genes targeted by DMCs are involved in embryonic and fetal development, sperm function and maturation, or have been related to fertility in genome-wide association studies; five of these were further analyzed by pyrosequencing. In order to evaluate the prognostic value of fertility-related DMCs, the sperm samples were split between training (n = 67) and testing (n = 33) sets. Using a Random Forest approach, a predictive model was built from the methylation values obtained on the training set. The predictive accuracy of this model was 72% on the testing set and 72% on individual ejaculates collected from an independent cohort of 20 bulls. CONCLUSION This study, conducted on the largest set of bull sperm samples so far examined in epigenetic analyses, demonstrated that the sperm methylome is a valuable source of male fertility biomarkers. The next challenge is to combine these results with other data on the same sperm samples in order to improve the quality of the model and better understand the interplay between DNA methylation and other molecular features in the regulation of fertility. This research may have potential applications in human medicine, where infertility affects the interaction between a male and a female, thus making it difficult to isolate the male factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Costes
- INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.,R&D Department, ALLICE, 149 rue de Bercy, 75012, Paris, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, INRAE, GABI, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Aurélie Chaulot-Talmon
- INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Eli Sellem
- INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.,R&D Department, ALLICE, 149 rue de Bercy, 75012, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Perrier
- INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Anne Aubert-Frambourg
- INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Luc Jouneau
- INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Charline Pontlevoy
- INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Chris Hozé
- R&D Department, ALLICE, 149 rue de Bercy, 75012, Paris, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, INRAE, GABI, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Sébastien Fritz
- R&D Department, ALLICE, 149 rue de Bercy, 75012, Paris, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, INRAE, GABI, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Mekki Boussaha
- Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, INRAE, GABI, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | - Marie-Pierre Sanchez
- Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, INRAE, GABI, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Didier Boichard
- Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, INRAE, GABI, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | - Hélène Jammes
- INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Florence Jaffrézic
- Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, INRAE, GABI, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Hélène Kiefer
- INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France. .,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.
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24
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Olszewska M, Kordyl O, Kamieniczna M, Fraczek M, Jędrzejczak P, Kurpisz M. Global 5mC and 5hmC DNA Levels in Human Sperm Subpopulations with Differentially Protaminated Chromatin in Normo- and Oligoasthenozoospermic Males. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094516. [PMID: 35562907 PMCID: PMC9099774 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications play a special role in the male infertility aetiology. Published data indicate the link between sperm quality and sperm chromatin protamination. This study aimed to determine the relationship between methylation (5mC) and hydroxymethylation (5hmC) in sperm DNA, with respect to sperm chromatin protamination in three subpopulations of fertile normozoospermic controls and infertile patients with oligo-/oligoasthenozoospermia. For the first time, a sequential staining protocol was applied, which allowed researchers to analyse 5mC/5hmC levels by immunofluorescence staining, with a previously determined chromatin protamination status (aniline blue staining), using the same spermatozoa. TUNEL assay determined the sperm DNA fragmentation level. The 5mC/5hmC levels were diversified with respect to chromatin protamination status in both studied groups of males, with the highest values observed in protaminated spermatozoa. The linkage between chromatin protamination and 5mC/5hmC levels in control males disappeared in patients with deteriorated semen parameters. A relationship between 5mC/5hmC and sperm motility/morphology was identified in the patient group. Measuring the 5mC/5hmC status of sperm DNA according to sperm chromatin integrity provides evidence of correct spermatogenesis, and its disruption may represent a prognostic marker for reproductive failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Olszewska
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479 Poznan, Poland; (M.K.); (M.F.)
- Correspondence: (M.O.); (M.K.)
| | - Oliwia Kordyl
- Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, 61-614 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Marzena Kamieniczna
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479 Poznan, Poland; (M.K.); (M.F.)
| | - Monika Fraczek
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479 Poznan, Poland; (M.K.); (M.F.)
| | - Piotr Jędrzejczak
- Division of Infertility and Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecological Oncology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-535 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Maciej Kurpisz
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479 Poznan, Poland; (M.K.); (M.F.)
- Correspondence: (M.O.); (M.K.)
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25
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Sciorio R, Esteves SC. Contemporary Use of ICSI and Epigenetic Risks to Future Generations. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11082135. [PMID: 35456226 PMCID: PMC9031244 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11082135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the birth of Louise Brown in 1978 via IVF, reproductive specialists have acquired enormous knowledge and refined several procedures, which are nowadays applied in assisted reproductive technology (ART). One of the most critical steps in this practice is the fertilization process. In the early days of IVF, a remarkable concern was the unpleasant outcomes of failed fertilization, overtaken by introducing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), delineating a real breakthrough in modern ART. ICSI became standard practice and was soon used as the most common method to fertilize oocytes. It has been used for severe male factor infertility and non-male factors, such as unexplained infertility or advanced maternal age, without robust scientific evidence. However, applying ICSI blindly is not free of potential detrimental consequences since novel studies report possible health consequences to offspring. DNA methylation and epigenetic alterations in sperm cells of infertile men might help explain some of the adverse effects reported in ICSI studies on reproductive health in future generations. Collected data concerning the health of ICSI children over the past thirty years seems to support the notion that there might be an increased risk of epigenetic disorders, congenital malformations, chromosomal alterations, and subfertility in babies born following ICSI compared to naturally conceived children. However, it is still to be elucidated to what level these data are associated with the cause of infertility or the ICSI technique. This review provides an overview of epigenetic mechanisms and possible imprinting alterations following the use of ART, in particular ICSI. It also highlights the sperm contribution to embryo epigenetic regulation and the risks of in vitro culture conditions on epigenetic dysregulation. Lastly, it summarizes the literature concerning the possible epigenetic disorders in children born after ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Sandro C. Esteves
- Androfert, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Campinas 13075-460, Brazil;
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-970, Brazil
- Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
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26
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Jazayeri M, Alizadeh A, Sadighi Gilani MA, Eftekhari-Yazdi P, Sharafi M, Shahverdi A. Underestimated Aspects in Male Infertility: Epigenetics is A New Approach in Men with Obesity or Diabetes: A Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2022; 16:132-139. [PMID: 36029047 PMCID: PMC9396004 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2021.534003.1158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Infertility is a complex multifactorial problem that affects about 7% of men and 15% of couples worldwide. Many molecular mechanisms involved in male infertility. Destructive effects of infertility on the next generations are not well understood. Approximately 60-75% of male infertility cases have idiopathic causes, and there is a need for additional investigations other than routine examinations. Molecular factors that surround DNA, which are mitotically stable and independently regulate genome activity of DNA sequences, are known as epigenetics. The known epigenetic mechanisms are DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs. Prevalence of metabolic diseases has been increased dramatically because of changes in lifestyle and the current levels of inactivity. Metabolic disorders, such<br />as obesity and diabetes, are prevalent reasons for male infertility; despite the association between metabolic diseases and male infertility, few studies have been conducted on the effects of epigenetic alterations associated with these diseases and sperm abnormalities. Diabetes can affect the reproductive system and testicular function at multiple levels;<br />however, there are very few molecular and epigenetic studies related to sperm from males with diabetes. On the other hand, obesity has similar conditions, while male obesity is linked to notable alterations in the sperm molecular architecture affecting both function and embryo quality. Therefore, in this review article, we presented new and developed technologies to study different patterns of epigenetic changes, and explained the exact mechanisms of epigenetic changes linked to metabolic diseases and their relationship with male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Jazayeri
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences and Advanced Medical Technologies, Royan Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran,Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - AliReza Alizadeh
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Sadighi Gilani
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Poopak Eftekhari-Yazdi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Sharafi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran,Department of Poultry Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdolhossein Shahverdi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran,P.O. Box: 16635-148Department of EmbryologyReproductive Biomedicine Research CenterRoyan Institute for Reproductive BiomedicineACECRTehranIran
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27
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Aging, inflammation and DNA damage in the somatic testicular niche with idiopathic germ cell aplasia. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5205. [PMID: 34471128 PMCID: PMC8410861 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25544-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular mechanisms associated with human germ cell aplasia in infertile men remain undefined. Here we perform single-cell transcriptome profiling to highlight differentially expressed genes and pathways in each somatic cell type in testes of men with idiopathic germ cell aplasia. We identify immaturity of Leydig cells, chronic tissue inflammation, fibrosis, and senescence phenotype of the somatic cells, as well markers of chronic inflammation in the blood. We find that deregulated expression of parentally imprinted genes in myoid and immature Leydig cells, with relevant changes in the ratio of Lamin A/C transcripts and an active DNA damage response in Leydig and peritubular myoid cells are also indicative of senescence of the testicular niche. This study offers molecular insights into the pathogenesis of idiopathic germ cell aplasia. Molecular mechanisms associated with human germ cell aplasia in infertile men remain undefined. Here the authors perform single-cell transcriptome profiling to highlight differentially expressed genes and pathways in each somatic cell type in testes of men with idiopathic germ cell aplasia.
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28
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Schuller A, Bellini C, Jenkins TG, Eden M, Matz J, Oakes J, Montrose L. Simulated Wildfire Smoke Significantly Alters Sperm DNA Methylation Patterns in a Murine Model. TOXICS 2021; 9:199. [PMID: 34564350 PMCID: PMC8473101 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9090199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Wildfires are now a common feature of the western US, increasing in both intensity and number of acres burned over the last three decades. The effects of this changing wildfire and smoke landscape are a critical public and occupational health issue. While respiratory morbidity due to smoke exposure is a priority, evaluating the molecular underpinnings that explain recent extrapulmonary observations is necessary. Here, we use an Apoe-/- mouse model to investigate the epigenetic impact of paternal exposure to simulated wildfire smoke. We demonstrate that 40 days of exposure to smoke from Douglas fir needles induces sperm DNA methylation changes in adult mice. DNA methylation was measured by reduced representation bisulfite sequencing and varied significantly in 3353 differentially methylated regions, which were subsequently annotated to 2117 genes. The differentially methylated regions were broadly distributed across the mouse genome, but the vast majority (nearly 80%) were hypermethylated. Pathway analyses, using gene-derived and differentially methylated region-derived gene ontology terms, point to a number of developmental processes that may warrant future investigation. Overall, this study of simulated wildfire smoke exposure suggests paternal reproductive risks are possible with prolonged exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Schuller
- Department of Public Health and Population Science, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725, USA;
| | - Chiara Bellini
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (C.B.); (M.E.); (J.M.); (J.O.)
| | - Timothy G. Jenkins
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA;
| | - Matthew Eden
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (C.B.); (M.E.); (J.M.); (J.O.)
| | - Jacqueline Matz
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (C.B.); (M.E.); (J.M.); (J.O.)
| | - Jessica Oakes
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (C.B.); (M.E.); (J.M.); (J.O.)
| | - Luke Montrose
- Department of Public Health and Population Science, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725, USA;
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29
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Yeung EH, Mendola P, Sundaram R, Zeng X, Guan W, Tsai MY, Robinson SL, Stern JE, Ghassabian A, Lawrence D, O'Connor TG, Segars J, Gore-Langton RE, Bell EM. Conception by fertility treatment and offspring deoxyribonucleic acid methylation. Fertil Steril 2021; 116:493-504. [PMID: 33823999 PMCID: PMC8349775 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation at birth and in childhood differ by conception using assisted reproductive technologies (ART) or ovulation induction compared with those in children conceived without fertility treatment. DESIGN Upstate KIDS is a matched exposure cohort which oversampled on newborns conceived by treatment. SETTING New York State (excluding New York City). PATIENT(S) This analysis included 855 newborns and 152 children at approximately 9 years of age. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) DNA methylation levels were measured using the Illumina EPIC platform. Single CpG and regional analyses at imprinting genes were conducted. RESULT(S) Compared to no fertility treatment, ART was associated with lower mean DNA methylation levels at birth in 11 CpGs (located in/near SYCE1, SPRN, KIAA2013, MYO1D, GET1/WRB-SH4BGR, IGF1R, SORD, NECAB3/ACTL10, and GET1) and higher mean methylation level in 1 CpG (KLK4; all false discovery rate P<.05). The strongest association (cg17676129) was located at SYCE1, which codes for a synaptonemal complex that plays a role in meiosis and therefore infertility. This CpG remained associated with newborn hypomethylation when the analysis was limited to those conceived with ICSI, but this may be because of underlying male infertility. In addition, nine regions in maternally imprinted genes (IGF1R, PPIEL, SVOPL GNAS, L3MBTL, BLCAP, HYMAI/PLAGL1, SNU13, and MEST) were observed to have decreased mean DNA methylation levels among newborns conceived by ART. In childhood, hypomethylation of the maternally imprinted gene, GNAS, persisted. No CpGs or regions were associated with ovulation induction. CONCLUSION(S) ART but not ovulation induction was associated with hypomethylation at birth, but only one difference at an imprinting region appeared to persist in childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwina H Yeung
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland.
| | - Pauline Mendola
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Rajeshwari Sundaram
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - Weihua Guan
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Michael Y Tsai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Sonia L Robinson
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Judy E Stern
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Akhgar Ghassabian
- Departments of Pediatrics, Population Health, and Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - David Lawrence
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany School of Public Health, Albany, New York
| | - Thomas G O'Connor
- Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology, Neuroscience, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
| | - James Segars
- Howard W. and Georgeanna Seegar Jones Laboratory of Reproductive Sciences and Women's Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Johns Hopkins Medical University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Erin M Bell
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany School of Public Health, Albany, New York
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Rotondo JC, Lanzillotti C, Mazziotta C, Tognon M, Martini F. Epigenetics of Male Infertility: The Role of DNA Methylation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:689624. [PMID: 34368137 PMCID: PMC8339558 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.689624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, a number of studies focused on the role of epigenetics, including DNA methylation, in spermatogenesis and male infertility. We aimed to provide an overview of the knowledge concerning the gene and genome methylation and its regulation during spermatogenesis, specifically in the context of male infertility etiopathogenesis. Overall, the findings support the hypothesis that sperm DNA methylation is associated with sperm alterations and infertility. Several genes have been found to be differentially methylated in relation to impaired spermatogenesis and/or reproductive dysfunction. Particularly, DNA methylation defects of MEST and H19 within imprinted genes and MTHFR within non-imprinted genes have been repeatedly linked with male infertility. A deep knowledge of sperm DNA methylation status in association with reduced reproductive potential could improve the development of novel diagnostic tools for this disease. Further studies are needed to better elucidate the mechanisms affecting methylation in sperm and their impact on male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Charles Rotondo
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Zhu W, Jiang L, Pan C, Sun J, Huang X, Ni W. Deoxyribonucleic acid methylation signatures in sperm deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation. Fertil Steril 2021; 116:1297-1307. [PMID: 34253331 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation patterns in sperm from men with differential levels of sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI). DESIGN Prospective study. SETTING University-affiliated reproductive medicine center. PATIENT(S) A total of 278 male patients consulting for couple infertility were recruited from the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis was performed using Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip on spermatozoal DNA from 20 male patients. Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified and validated using targeted bisulfite amplicon sequencing in spermatozoal DNA from 266 males. RESULT(S) Unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis revealed three main clusters corresponding to sperm DFI levels (low, medium, or high). Between-cluster comparisons identified 959 (medium-low), 738 (high-medium), and 937 (high-low) DMRs. Sixty-six DMRs were validated in the 266-sample cohort, of which nine CpG fragments corresponding to nine genes (BLCAP, DIRAS3, FAM50B, GNAS, MEST, TSPAN32, PSMA8, SYCP1, and TEX12) exhibited significantly altered methylation in those with high DFI (≥25%) compared with those with low DFI (<25%). CONCLUSION(S) We identified and validated a distinct DNA methylation signature associated with sperm DNA damage in a large, unselected cohort. These results indicate that sperm DNA damage may affect DNA methylation patterns in human sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijian Zhu
- Central Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- Central Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Chengshuang Pan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Junhui Sun
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Xuefeng Huang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Wuhua Ni
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China.
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Abstract
Male factor infertility is a common problem. Evidence is emerging regarding the spectrum of systemic disease and illness harbored by infertile men who otherwise appear healthy. In this review, we present evidence that infertile men have poor overall health and increased morbidity and mortality, increased rates of both genitourinary and non-genitourinary malignancy, and greater risks of systemic disease. The review also highlights numerous genetic conditions associated with male infertility as well as emerging translational evidence of genitourinary birth defects and their impact on male infertility. Finally, parallels to the overall health of infertile women are presented. This review highlights the importance of a comprehensive health evaluation of men who present for an infertility assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahid Punjani
- James Buchanan Brady Foundation Institute of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Dolores J Lamb
- James Buchanan Brady Foundation Institute of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA; .,Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA.,Center for Reproductive Genomics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
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33
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Åsenius F, Danson AF, Marzi SJ. DNA methylation in human sperm: a systematic review. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 26:841-873. [PMID: 32790874 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies in non-human mammals suggest that environmental factors can influence spermatozoal DNA methylation, and some research suggests that spermatozoal DNA methylation is also implicated in conditions such as subfertility and imprinting disorders in the offspring. Together with an increased availability of cost-effective methods of interrogating DNA methylation, this premise has led to an increasing number of studies investigating the DNA methylation landscape of human spermatozoa. However, how the human spermatozoal DNA methylome is influenced by environmental factors is still unclear, as is the role of human spermatozoal DNA methylation in subfertility and in influencing offspring health. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The aim of this systematic review was to critically appraise the quality of the current body of literature on DNA methylation in human spermatozoa, summarize current knowledge and generate recommendations for future research. SEARCH METHODS A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases was conducted using the search terms 'semen' OR 'sperm' AND 'DNA methylation'. Publications from 1 January 2003 to 2 March 2020 that studied human sperm and were written in English were included. Studies that used sperm DNA methylation to develop methodologies or forensically identify semen were excluded, as were reviews, commentaries, meta-analyses or editorial texts. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) criteria were used to objectively evaluate quality of evidence in each included publication. OUTCOMES The search identified 446 records, of which 135 were included in the systematic review. These 135 studies were divided into three groups according to area of research; 56 studies investigated the influence of spermatozoal DNA methylation on male fertility and abnormal semen parameters, 20 studies investigated spermatozoal DNA methylation in pregnancy outcomes including offspring health and 59 studies assessed the influence of environmental factors on spermatozoal DNA methylation. Findings from studies that scored as 'high' and 'moderate' quality of evidence according to GRADE criteria were summarized. We found that male subfertility and abnormal semen parameters, in particular oligozoospermia, appear to be associated with abnormal spermatozoal DNA methylation of imprinted regions. However, no specific DNA methylation signature of either subfertility or abnormal semen parameters has been convincingly replicated in genome-scale, unbiased analyses. Furthermore, although findings require independent replication, current evidence suggests that the spermatozoal DNA methylome is influenced by cigarette smoking, advanced age and environmental pollutants. Importantly however, from a clinical point of view, there is no convincing evidence that changes in spermatozoal DNA methylation influence pregnancy outcomes or offspring health. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Although it appears that the human sperm DNA methylome can be influenced by certain environmental and physiological traits, no findings have been robustly replicated between studies. We have generated a set of recommendations that would enhance the reliability and robustness of findings of future analyses of the human sperm methylome. Such studies will likely require multicentre collaborations to reach appropriate sample sizes, and should incorporate phenotype data in more complex statistical models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amy F Danson
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sarah J Marzi
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK.,Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
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34
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Khambata K, Raut S, Deshpande S, Mohan S, Sonawane S, Gaonkar R, Ansari Z, Datar M, Bansal V, Patil A, Warke H, Balasinor NH. DNA methylation defects in spermatozoa of male partners from couples experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:48-60. [PMID: 33319906 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the sperm DNA methylation status of imprinted genes in male partners from couples experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL)? SUMMARY ANSWER Aberrations in sperm DNA methylation status of several imprinted genes, such as insulin like growth factor-2-H19 differentially methylated region (IGF2-H19 DMR), intergenic differentially methylated region (IG-DMR), mesoderm specific transcript (MEST), zinc finger protein which regulates apoptosis and cell cycle arrest (ZAC), DMR in intron 10 of KCNQ1 gene (KvDMR), paternally expressed gene 3 (PEG3) and paternally expressed gene 10 (PEG10), as well as decreased sperm global 5-methylcytosine (5mC) levels, are associated with RPL. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY RPL is defined as loss of two or more pregnancies, affecting 1-2% of couples of reproductive age. Although there are several maternal and paternal aetiological factors contributing to RPL, nearly 50% of the cases remain idiopathic. Thus, there is a need to identify putative paternal factors that could be contributing towards pregnancy loss in cases of idiopathic RPL. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION In this case-control study, 112 couples undergoing RPL with no identifiable cause were recruited from September 2015 to May 2018. The control group comprised of 106 healthy proven fertile couples with no history of infertility or miscarriage. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS In this study, we investigated the paternal genetic and epigenetic factors that could be associated with RPL. We studied DNA methylation, by pyrosequencing, of selected imprinted genes implicated in embryo development, such as IGF2-H19 DMR, IG-DMR, MEST, ZAC, KvDMR, PEG3, PEG10 and small nuclear ribonucleoprotein polypeptide N (SNRPN) in sperm of men whose partners present RPL. Global DNA methylation in sperm was evaluated by studying 5mC content and long interspersed nuclear element 1 (LINE1) promoter methylation. We also studied polymorphisms by pyrosequencing in the IGF2-H19 DMR as well in the IGF2 promoter in both groups. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In the RPL group, we found a significant decrease in the global sperm 5mC levels and significant decrease in DNA methylation at three CpG sites in LINE1 promoter. For IGF2-H19 DMR and IG-DMR, a significant decrease in sperm DNA methylation at specific CpG sites was observed in RPL group. For maternally imprinted genes like MEST, ZAC, KvDMR, PEG3 and PEG10 hypermethylation was noted. Polymorphism studies for IGF2-H19 DMR and IGF2 revealed significant differences in the genotypic frequencies in males. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION In this study, we analysed the methylation levels of selected candidate imprinted genes implicated in embryo development. Detection of methylation changes occurring at the genome-wide level may reveal further candidate genes having a better distinction between the control and study groups. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our study demonstrates that certain polymorphisms and aberrant sperm methylation status in imprinted genes are associated with RPL and could contribute to the aetiology of RPL. This study suggests that investigation of paternal genetic and epigenetic factors could be useful in identification of possible causes of idiopathic RPL. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded by Department of Science and Technology-Science and Engineering Research Board (EMR/2014/000145) and National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health intramural funds (RA/872/01-2020). All authors declare no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kushaan Khambata
- Neuroendocrinology Department, Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Sanketa Raut
- Neuroendocrinology Department, Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Sharvari Deshpande
- Neuroendocrinology Department, Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Sweta Mohan
- Neuroendocrinology Department, Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Shobha Sonawane
- Neuroendocrinology Department, Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Reshma Gaonkar
- Neuroendocrinology Department, Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Zakiya Ansari
- Neuroendocrinology Department, Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Mamata Datar
- Neuroendocrinology Department, Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Vandana Bansal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nowrosjee Wadia Maternity Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Anushree Patil
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (ICMR-NIRRH), Mumbai, India
| | - Himangi Warke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seth G. S. Medical College & King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEM), Mumbai, India
| | - Nafisa H Balasinor
- Neuroendocrinology Department, Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
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Environmental pollutants exposure and male reproductive toxicity: The role of epigenetic modifications. Toxicology 2021; 456:152780. [PMID: 33862174 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.152780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Male fertility rates have shown a progressive decrease in recent decades. There is a growing concern about the male reproductive dysfunction caused by environmental pollutants exposure, however the underlying molecular mechanisms are still not well understood. Epigenetic modifications play a key role in the biological responses to external stressors. Therefore, this review discusses the roles of epigenetic modifications in male reproductive toxicity induced by environmental pollutants, with a particular emphasis on DNA methylation, histone modifications and miRNAs. The available literature proposed that environmental pollutants can directly or cause oxidative stress and DNA damage to induce a variety of epigenetic changes, which lead to gene dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction and consequent male reproductive toxicity. However, future studies focusing on more kinds of epigenetic modifications and their crosstalk as well as epidemiological data are still required to fill in the current research gaps. In addition, the intrinsic links between pollutants-mediated epigenetic regulations and male reproduction-related physiological responses deserve to be further explored.
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The prolonged disease state of infertility is associated with embryonic epigenetic dysregulation. Fertil Steril 2021; 116:309-318. [PMID: 33745724 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.01.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the epigenetic consequence of a prolonged disease state of infertility in euploid blastocysts. DESIGN Methylome analysis as well as targeted imprinted methylation and expression analysis on individual human euploid blastocysts examined in association with duration of patient infertility and time to live birth. SETTING Research study. PATIENT(S) One hundred four surplus cryopreserved euploid blastocysts of transferrable-quality were donated with informed patient consent and grouped based on time to pregnancy (TTP). INTERVENTION(S) None MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The Methyl Maxi-Seq platform (Zymo Research) was used to determine genome-wide methylation, while targeted methylation and expression analyses were performed by pyrosequencing and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Statistical analyses used Student's t test, 1-way ANOVA, Fisher's exact test, and pairwise-fixed reallocation randomization test, where appropriate. RESULT(S) The methylome analysis of individual blastocysts revealed significant alterations at 6,609 CpG sites associated with prolonged infertility (≥60 months) compared with those of fertile controls (0 months). Significant CpG alterations were localized to numerous imprinting control regions and imprinted genes, and several signaling pathways were highly represented among genes that were differentially methylated. Targeted imprinting methylation analysis uncovered significant hypomethylation at KvDMR and MEST imprinting control regions, with significant decreases in the gene expression levels upon extended TTP (≥36 months) compared to minimal TTP (≤24 months). CONCLUSION(S) The prolonged disease state of infertility correlates with an altered methylome in euploid blastocysts, with particular emphasis on genomic imprinting regulation, compared with assisted reproductive technologies alone.
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Cao M, Shao X, Chan P, Cheung W, Kwan T, Pastinen T, Robaire B. High-resolution analyses of human sperm dynamic methylome reveal thousands of novel age-related epigenetic alterations. Clin Epigenetics 2020; 12:192. [PMID: 33317634 PMCID: PMC7735420 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-020-00988-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Children of aged fathers are at a higher risk of developing mental disorders. Alterations in sperm DNA methylation have been implicated as a potential cause. However, age-dependent modifications of the germ cells’ epigenome remain poorly understood. Our objective was to assess the DNA methylation profile of human spermatozoa during aging.
Results We used a high throughput, customized methylC-capture sequencing (MCC-seq) approach to characterize the dynamic DNA methylation in spermatozoa from 94 fertile and infertile men, who were categorized as young, 48 men between 18–38 years or old 46 men between 46–71 years. We identified more than 150,000 age-related CpG sites that are significantly differentially methylated among 2.65 million CpG sites covered. We conducted machine learning using our dataset to predict the methylation age of subjects; the age prediction accuracy based on our assay provided a more accurate prediction than that using the 450 K chip approach. In addition, we found that there are more hypermethylated (62%) than hypomethylated (38%) CpG sites in sperm of aged men, corresponding to 798 of total differential methylated regions (DMRs), of which 483 are hypermethylated regions (HyperDMR), and 315 hypomethylated regions (HypoDMR). Moreover, the distribution of age-related hyper- and hypomethylated CpGs in sperm is not random; the CpG sites that were hypermethylated with advanced age were frequently located in the distal region to genes, whereas hypomethylated sites were near to gene transcription start sites (TSS). We identified a high density of age-associated CpG changes in chromosomes 4 and 16, particularly HyperDMRs with localized clusters, the chr4 DMR cluster overlaps PGC1α locus, a protein involved in metabolic aging and the chr16 DMR cluster overlaps RBFOX1 locus, a gene implicated in neurodevelopmental disease. Gene ontology analysis revealed that the most affected genes by age were associated with development, neuron projection, differentiation and recognition, and behaviour, suggesting a potential link to the higher risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children of aged fathers. Conclusion We identified thousands of age-related and sperm-specific epigenetic alterations. These findings provide novel insight in understanding human sperm DNA methylation dynamics during paternal aging, and the subsequently affected genes potentially related to diseases in offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingju Cao
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, 3655 Promenade Sir William Osler, Montreal, QC, H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Xiaojian Shao
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, 740 Docteur-Penfield Avenue, Montreal, QC, H3A 0G1, Canada.,McGill University Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, 740 Docteur-Penfield Avenue, Montreal, QC, H3A 0G1, Canada.,Digital Technologies Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Peter Chan
- Department of Urology, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Boulevard Decarie, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Warren Cheung
- Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine, Children's Mercy Kansas City, 2401 Gilham Road, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
| | - Tony Kwan
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, 740 Docteur-Penfield Avenue, Montreal, QC, H3A 0G1, Canada.,McGill University Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, 740 Docteur-Penfield Avenue, Montreal, QC, H3A 0G1, Canada
| | - Tomi Pastinen
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, 740 Docteur-Penfield Avenue, Montreal, QC, H3A 0G1, Canada.,McGill University Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, 740 Docteur-Penfield Avenue, Montreal, QC, H3A 0G1, Canada.,Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine, Children's Mercy Kansas City, 2401 Gilham Road, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
| | - Bernard Robaire
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, 3655 Promenade Sir William Osler, Montreal, QC, H3G 1Y6, Canada. .,Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, McGill University, 1001 Boulevard Decarie, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada.
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Pollard CA, Jenkins TG. Epigenetic mechanisms within the sperm epigenome and their diagnostic potential. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 34:101481. [PMID: 33358482 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2020.101481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The sperm epigenome contains a highly unique and specialized epigenetic landscape. Insightful questions need be asked about these epigenetic signatures and their predictive potential to assess the approximately 1 in 6 couples who experience infertility. Among those couples that do experience infertility, approximately half of the cases involve a male factor. Unfortunately, there is a significant lack of effective diagnostic tools in the male infertility space and thus clinicians are left with little data upon which they can formulate data driven treatment plans. Taking together this information and the striking prevalence of male infertility it's obvious that there is a need for improved diagnostic techniques for male infertility. Many studies have identified what appear to be clinically meaningful epigenetic alterations in sperm that may add utility in the diagnoses of infertility and improvement of pregnancy outcomes. Many researchers believe that continued analysis of these various epigenetic mechanisms may provide powerful predictive insight. In fact, there is promising current data suggesting that the predictive power of DNA methylation, Nuclear Proteins, and miRNA signatures in sperm likely can improve what is currently found with traditional diagnosis of male infertility. The focus of this review is to give a brief understanding to the field of epigenetics and the potential predictive power the sperm epigenome may hold in relation to improving the treatment and diagnosis of male infertility patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad A Pollard
- Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Tim G Jenkins
- Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA.
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Environmental Impact on Male (In)Fertility via Epigenetic Route. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9082520. [PMID: 32764255 PMCID: PMC7463911 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9082520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last 40 years, male reproductive health-which is very sensitive to both environmental exposure and metabolic status-has deteriorated and the poor sperm quality observed has been suggested to affect offspring development and its health in adult life. In this scenario, evidence now suggests that epigenetics shapes endocrine functions, linking genetics and environment. During fertilization, spermatozoa share with the oocyte their epigenome, along with their haploid genome, in order to orchestrate embryo development. The epigenetic signature of spermatozoa is the result of a dynamic modulation of the epigenetic marks occurring, firstly, in the testis-during germ cell progression-then, along the epididymis, where spermatozoa still receive molecules, conveyed by epididymosomes. Paternal lifestyle, including nutrition and exposure to hazardous substances, alters the phenotype of the next generations, through the remodeling of a sperm epigenetic blueprint that dynamically reacts to a wide range of environmental and lifestyle stressors. With that in mind, this review will summarize and discuss insights into germline epigenetic plasticity caused by environmental stimuli and diet and how spermatozoa may be carriers of induced epimutations across generations through a mechanism known as paternal transgenerational epigenetic inheritance.
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Profiling the DNA methylation patterns of imprinted genes in abnormal semen samples by next-generation bisulfite sequencing. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:2211-2221. [PMID: 32572674 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01839-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Changes in DNA methylation modifications have been associated with male infertility. With the development of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), abnormal DNA methylation in sperm, especially in imprinted genes, may impact the health of offspring and requires an in-depth study. METHODS In this study, we collected abnormal human semen samples, including asthenospermic, oligospermic, oligoasthenospermic and deformed sperm, and investigated the methylation of imprinted genes by reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) and bisulfite amplicon sequencing on the Illumina platform. RESULTS The differentially methylated regions (DMRs) of imprinted genes, including H19, GNAS, MEG8 and SNRPN, were different in the abnormal semen groups. MEG8 DMR methylation in the asthenospermic group was significantly increased. Furthermore, higher methylation levels of MEG8, GNAS and SNRPN DMR in the oligospermic and oligoasthenospermic groups and a decrease in the H19 DMR methylation level in the oligospermic group were observed. However, the methylation levels of these regions varied greatly among the different semen samples and among individual sperm within the same semen sample. The SNP rs2525883 genotype in the H19 DMR affected DNA methylation. Moreover, DNA methylation levels differed in the abnormal semen groups in the non-imprinted genomic regions, including repetitive sequence DNA transposons and long/short interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs and SINEs). CONCLUSION Our study established that imprinted gene DMRs, such as H19, GNAS, SNRPN and MEG8, were differentially methylated in the abnormal semen groups with obvious inter- and intra-sample heterogeneities. These results suggest that special attention needs to be paid to possible epigenetic risks during reproduction.
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Abstract
The male contribution to infertility has traditionally been overlooked, or at best oversimplified. In recent years efforts have been made to optimize diagnostic and therapeutic techniques to maximize fertility outcomes. A renewed focus on the male partner has resulted in an increased understanding of both genetic and epigenetic changes within the male germline. Furthermore, single-nucleotide polymorphisms, copy-number variants, DNA damage, sperm cryopreservation, obesity, and paternal age have recently been recognized as important factors that play a role in male fertility. Developing a deeper knowledge of these issues could potentially lead to improved success with assisted reproductive technology.
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Marcho C, Oluwayiose OA, Pilsner JR. The preconception environment and sperm epigenetics. Andrology 2020; 8:924-942. [PMID: 31901222 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility is a common reproductive disorder, with male factor infertility accounting for approximately half of all cases. Taking a paternal perceptive, recent research has shown that sperm epigenetics, such as changes in DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin structure, and noncoding RNA expression, can impact reproductive and offspring health. Importantly, environmental conditions during the preconception period has been demonstrated to shape sperm epigenetics. OBJECTIVES To provide an overview on epigenetic modifications that regulate normal gene expression and epigenetic remodeling that occurs during spermatogenesis, and to discuss the epigenetic alterations that may occur to the paternal germline as a consequence of preconception environmental conditions and exposures. MATERIALS AND METHODS We examined published literature available on databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect) focusing on adult male preconception environmental exposures and sperm epigenetics in epidemiologic studies and animal models. RESULTS The preconception period is a sensitive developmental window in which a variety of exposures such as toxicants, nutrition, drugs, stress, and exercise, affects sperm epigenetics. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Understanding the environmental legacy of the sperm epigenome during spermatogenesis will enhance our understanding of reproductive health and improve reproductive success and offspring well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Marcho
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Oladele A Oluwayiose
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - J Richard Pilsner
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts
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Sharif K, Watad A, Bridgewood C, Kanduc D, Amital H, Shoenfeld Y. Insights into the autoimmune aspect of premature ovarian insufficiency. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 33:101323. [PMID: 31606343 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2019.101323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) refers to a continuum of decreasing ovarian function in women before the age of 40. To date, the cause of POI in the majority of cases remain unresolved. Many cases has been linked to genetic, toxic, infections, enzymatic and iatrogenic causes. A key function of the immune system is to identify and differentiate "self" and "non self" i.e. tolerance. Loss of self-tolerance results in an immune response against self-tissues and thus autoimmunity. Various investigations have highlighted the role of autoimmunity and its pertinence to POI. Several potential immune antigenic targets in the ovary have been reported to be involved in autoantibody induced autoimmune attack. The presence of lymphocytic oöphorits in ovarian samples of patients with POI provides histopathological evidence of autoimmune ovarian involvement. Finally, POI is strongly associated with other autoimmune conditions including for instance Addison disease, autoimmune polyglandular syndrome (APS) -1, APS-4, hypothyroidism, and diabetes mellitus among other autoimmune diseases. Taken together, these lines of evidence provide strong basis that support the role of autoimmunity as a potential cause of disease etiopathogenesis. Continuing research is increasingly providing more insight into the complex disease process. The aim of this review is to summarize the current literature related to the autoimmune nature of POI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kassem Sharif
- Department of Medicine 'B', Tel-Hashomer, Israel; Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel; Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Abdulla Watad
- Department of Medicine 'B', Tel-Hashomer, Israel; Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Charlie Bridgewood
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Darja Kanduc
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Howard Amital
- Department of Medicine 'B', Tel-Hashomer, Israel; Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Yehuda Shoenfeld
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel; I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Russia.
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Menezes ESB, Badial PR, El Debaky H, Husna AU, Ugur MR, Kaya A, Topper E, Bulla C, Grant KE, Bolden-Tiller O, Moura AA, Memili E. Sperm miR-15a and miR-29b are associated with bull fertility. Andrologia 2019; 52:e13412. [PMID: 31671225 DOI: 10.1111/and.13412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs modulate male fertility by regulating gene expression. In this study, dynamics of sperm miR-15a, miR-29b and miR-34a from high fertility (HF) and low fertility (LF) bulls using RT-qPCR were evaluated. Bioinformatic tools were employed to ascertain genes of interest of the sperm miRNAs. The expression levels of p53, BCL2, BAX and DNMT1 in bull spermatozoa were determined by immunoblotting. MicroRNA levels of miR-15a and miR-29 were higher in LF sires when compared with those present in HF bulls. Expression levels of miR-34a did not differ between the two groups. We found an inverse correlation between miR-15a and bull fertility. MiR29-b was also negatively associated with fertility scores. BCL2 and DNMT1 were higher in HF bulls while BAX was higher in the LF group. Our data showed a positive correlation between BCL2 and bull fertility. In addition, DNMT1 was positively associated with bull fertility. Furthermore, levels of BAX were negatively linked with bull fertility scores. Identification of miRNAs found in the spermatozoa of sires with different in vivo fertility helps understand the alterations in the fertilising capacity from cattle and other mammals. These potential biomarkers can be used in reproductive biotechnology as fertility markers to assess semen quality and predict male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika S B Menezes
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA.,Department of Animal Sciences, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Peres Ramos Badial
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Hazem El Debaky
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA.,National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Asma Ul Husna
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA.,Department of Zoology, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammet Rasit Ugur
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Abdullah Kaya
- URUS Group LP, Madison, WI, USA.,Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | | | - Camilo Bulla
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Kamilah E Grant
- Center for Biotechnology and Department of Agriculture School of Agriculture & Applied Sciences, Alcorn State University, Lorman, MS, USA
| | - Olga Bolden-Tiller
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL, USA
| | - Arlindo A Moura
- Department of Animal Sciences, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Erdoğan Memili
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
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Liu S, Chen S, Cai W, Yin H, Liu A, Li Y, Liu GE, Wang Y, Yu Y, Zhang S. Divergence Analyses of Sperm DNA Methylomes between Monozygotic Twin AI Bulls. EPIGENOMES 2019; 3:21. [PMID: 34968253 PMCID: PMC8594723 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes3040021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 09/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Semen quality is critical for fertility. However, it is easily influenced by environmental factors and can induce subfertility in the next generations. Here, we aimed to assess the impacts of differentially methylated regions and genes on semen quality and offspring fertility. A specific pair of monozygotic (MZ) twin artificial insemination (AI) Holstein bulls with moderately different sperm qualities (Bull1 > Bull2) was used in the study, and each twin bull had produced ~6000 recorded daughters nationwide in China. Using whole genome bisulfite sequencing, we profiled the landscape of the twin bulls' sperm methylomes, and we observed markedly higher sperm methylation levels in Bull1 than in Bull2. Furthermore, we found 528 differentially methylated regions (DMR) between the MZ twin bulls, which spanned or overlapped with 309 differentially methylated genes (DMG). These DMG were particularly associated with embryo development, organ development, reproduction, and the nervous system. Several DMG were also shown to be differentially expressed in the sperm cells. Moreover, the significant differences in DNA methylation on gene INSL3 between the MZ twin bulls were confirmed at three different age points. Our results provided new insights into the impacts of AI bull sperm methylomes on offspring fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuli Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture & National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, 2rd, Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China; (S.L.); (S.C.); (W.C.); (H.Y.); (A.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.W.)
| | - Siqian Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture & National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, 2rd, Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China; (S.L.); (S.C.); (W.C.); (H.Y.); (A.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.W.)
| | - Wentao Cai
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture & National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, 2rd, Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China; (S.L.); (S.C.); (W.C.); (H.Y.); (A.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.W.)
| | - Hongwei Yin
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture & National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, 2rd, Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China; (S.L.); (S.C.); (W.C.); (H.Y.); (A.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.W.)
| | - Aoxing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture & National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, 2rd, Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China; (S.L.); (S.C.); (W.C.); (H.Y.); (A.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.W.)
| | - Yanhua Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture & National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, 2rd, Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China; (S.L.); (S.C.); (W.C.); (H.Y.); (A.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.W.)
- Beijing Dairy Cattle Center, Qinghe South Town, Beijing 100085, China
| | - George E. Liu
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, BARC, USDA-ARS, BARC-East, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA;
| | - Yachun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture & National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, 2rd, Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China; (S.L.); (S.C.); (W.C.); (H.Y.); (A.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.W.)
| | - Ying Yu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture & National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, 2rd, Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China; (S.L.); (S.C.); (W.C.); (H.Y.); (A.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.W.)
| | - Shengli Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture & National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, 2rd, Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China; (S.L.); (S.C.); (W.C.); (H.Y.); (A.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.W.)
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El Khoury D, Fayjaloun S, Nassar M, Sahakian J, Aad PY. Updates on the Effect of Mycotoxins on Male Reproductive Efficiency in Mammals. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:E515. [PMID: 31484408 PMCID: PMC6784030 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11090515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycotoxins are ubiquitous and unavoidable harmful fungal products with the ability to cause disease in both animals and humans, and are found in almost all types of foods, with a greater prevalence in hot humid environments. These mycotoxins vary greatly in structure and biochemical effects; therefore, by better understanding the toxicological and pathological aspects of mycotoxins, we can be better equipped to fight the diseases, as well as the biological and economic devastations, they induce. Multiple studies point to the association between a recent increase in male infertility and the increased occurrence of these mycotoxins in the environment. Furthermore, understanding how mycotoxins may induce an accumulation of epimutations during parental lifetimes can shed light on their implications with respect to fertility and reproductive efficiency. By acknowledging the diversity of mycotoxin molecular function and mode of action, this review aims to address the current limited knowledge on the effects of these chemicals on spermatogenesis and the various endocrine and epigenetics patterns associated with their disruptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diala El Khoury
- Department of Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Notre Dame University-Louaize, Zouk Mosbeh 2207, Lebanon
| | - Salma Fayjaloun
- Department of Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Notre Dame University-Louaize, Zouk Mosbeh 2207, Lebanon
| | - Marc Nassar
- Department of Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Notre Dame University-Louaize, Zouk Mosbeh 2207, Lebanon
| | - Joseph Sahakian
- Department of Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Notre Dame University-Louaize, Zouk Mosbeh 2207, Lebanon
| | - Pauline Y Aad
- Department of Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Notre Dame University-Louaize, Zouk Mosbeh 2207, Lebanon.
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47
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De Jonge C, Barratt CLR. The present crisis in male reproductive health: an urgent need for a political, social, and research roadmap. Andrology 2019; 7:762-768. [PMID: 31241256 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a global crisis in male reproductive health. Evidence comes from globally declining sperm counts and increasing male reproductive system abnormalities, such as cryptorchidism, germ cell tumors, and onset of puberty. Male factor infertility occurs in ~40% of couples experiencing infertility. Data demonstrate an association between male infertility and overall health. Associated significant health conditions include diabetes mellitus, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular disease. Adding to the complexity is that men typically do not seek health care unless there is acute medical need or, as in the case of the infertile couple, the male goes for a reproductive examination and semen analysis. However, 25% of the time a reproductive health examination does not occur. Couples are increasingly utilizing IVF at more advanced ages, and advanced paternal age is associated with increased risk for (i) adverse perinatal outcomes for both offspring and mother; (ii) early child mortality, cancer, and mental health issues. In addition to age, paternal lifestyle factors, such as obesity and smoking, impact not only the male fertility but also the offspring wellness. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this paper was (i) to spotlight emerging and concerning data on male reproductive health, the relationship(s) between male reproductive and somatic health, and the heritable conditions father can pass to offspring, and (ii) to present a strategic roadmap with the goals of increasing (a) the awareness of men and society on the aforementioned, (b) the participation of men in healthcare seeking, and (c) advocacy to invigorate policy and funding agencies to support increased research into male reproductive biology. CONCLUSIONS The Male Reproductive Health Initiative (MRHI) is a newly established and rapidly growing global consortium of key opinion leaders in research, medicine, funding and policy agencies, and patient support groups that are moving forward the significant task of accomplishing the goals of the strategic roadmap.
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Affiliation(s)
- C De Jonge
- Andrology Program, University of Minnesota Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Department of Urology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - C L R Barratt
- Division Systems Medicine, Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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