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Andone BA, Handrea-Dragan IM, Botiz I, Boca S. State-of-the-art and future perspectives in infertility diagnosis: Conventional versus nanotechnology-based assays. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2023; 54:102709. [PMID: 37717928 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2023.102709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
According to the latest World Health Organization statistics, around 50 to 80 million people worldwide suffer from infertility, amongst which male factors are responsible for around 20 to 30 % of all infertility cases while 50 % were attributed to the female ones. As it is becoming a recurrent health problem worldwide, clinicians require more accurate methods for the improvement of both diagnosis and treatment schemes. By emphasizing the potential use of innovative methods for the rapid identification of the infertility causes, this review presents the news from this dynamic domain and highlights the benefits brought by emerging research fields. A systematic description of the standard techniques used in clinical protocols for diagnosing infertility in both genders is firstly provided, followed by the presentation of more accurate and comprehensive nanotechnology-related analysis methods such as nanoscopic-resolution imaging, biosensing approaches and assays that employ nanomaterials in their design. Consequently, the implementation of nanotechnology related tools in clinical practice, as recently demonstrated in the selection of spermatozoa, the detection of key proteins in the fertilization process or the testing of DNA integrity or the evaluation of oocyte quality, might confer excellent advantages both for improving the assessment of infertility, and for the success of the fertilization process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca-Astrid Andone
- Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, 42 T. Laurian Str., 400271 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; Faculty of Physics, Babes-Bolyai University, 1 M. Kogalniceanu Str., 400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Iuliana M Handrea-Dragan
- Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, 42 T. Laurian Str., 400271 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; Faculty of Physics, Babes-Bolyai University, 1 M. Kogalniceanu Str., 400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioan Botiz
- Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, 42 T. Laurian Str., 400271 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Sanda Boca
- Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, 42 T. Laurian Str., 400271 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 67-103 Donat Str., 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
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Aboyewa JA, Sibuyi NRS, Goboza M, Murtz LA, Oguntibeju OO, Meyer M. Co-Treatment of Caco-2 Cells with Doxorubicin and Gold Nanoparticles Produced from Cyclopia intermedia Extracts or Mangiferin Enhances Drug Effects. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:3918. [PMID: 36364694 PMCID: PMC9654788 DOI: 10.3390/nano12213918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Mangiferin (MGF) is a natural and valuable polyphenol found in significant levels in many plant species, including Cyclopia intermedia (C. intermedia). In a previous study, we synthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using MGF and a water extract of C. intermedia and reported that these AuNPs have very low cytotoxicity toward a human colon cancer (Caco-2) cell line. Although the study also showed that these biogenic AuNPs in combination with doxorubic (DOX) significantly augmented the cytotoxic effects of DOX in Caco-2 cells, the mechanism of the enhanced effect was not fully understood, and it was also not known if other cell lines would be sensitive to this co-treatment. In the present study, we examined the cytotoxicity of the co-treatment in Caski, HeLa, HT-29, KMST-6 and MDA-321 cell lines. Additionally, we investigated the mechanistic effects of this co-treatment in Caco-2 cells using several assays, including the adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the oxidative stress, the mitochondrial depolarization, the colony formation, the APOPercentage and the DNA fragmentation assays. We also assessed the intracellular uptake of the biogenic AuNPs. The study showed that the biogenic AuNPs were effectively taken up by the cancer cells, which, in turn, may have enhanced the sensitivity of Caco-2 cells to DOX. Moreover, the combination of the biogenic AuNPs and DOX caused a rapid depletion of ATP levels, increased mitochondrial depolarization, induced apoptosis, reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibited the long-term survival of Caco-2 cells. Although the study provided some insight into the mechanism of cytotoxicity induced by the co-treatment, further mechanistic and molecular studies are required to fully elucidate the enhanced anticancer effect of the co-treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jumoke A. Aboyewa
- Phytomedicine and Phytochemistry Group, Oxidative Stress Research Centre, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville 7535, South Africa
- DSI/Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, Biolabels Node, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7530, South Africa
| | - Nicole R. S. Sibuyi
- DSI/Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, Biolabels Node, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7530, South Africa
| | - Mediline Goboza
- DSI/Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, Biolabels Node, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7530, South Africa
| | - Lee-Ann Murtz
- DSI/Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, Biolabels Node, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7530, South Africa
| | - Oluwafemi O. Oguntibeju
- Phytomedicine and Phytochemistry Group, Oxidative Stress Research Centre, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville 7535, South Africa
| | - Mervin Meyer
- DSI/Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, Biolabels Node, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7530, South Africa
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Sadeghi N, Tavalaee M, Kiani-Esfahani A, Moazamian A, Gharagozloo P, Aitken RJ, Drevet JR, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Apoptotic M540 bodies present in human semen interfere with flow cytometry-assisted assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation and oxidation. Basic Clin Androl 2021; 31:23. [PMID: 34670490 PMCID: PMC8529777 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-021-00143-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The use of flow cytometry (FC) to evaluate sperm DNA fragmentation via deoxynucleotidyl transferase terminal fluorescein dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) has shown inconsistencies compared with conventional fluorescent microscopic analyses. It has been hypothesized that the observed discrepancies could be attributed to the presence of apoptotic bodies that can be labeled with merocyanine 540, the so-called M540 bodies. In order to verify this hypothesis and determine the accuracy of our in-house FC-assisted evaluation of spermatozoa parameters, we used FC to evaluate both the fragmentation of sperm DNA using the TUNEL assay and the oxidation of sperm DNA using the 8-OHdG assay on semen samples with or without M540 bodies. Results We show that the presence of M540 bodies lead to underestimation of both the level of sperm DNA fragmentation and sperm DNA oxidation when using FC assisted detection systems. We also observed that this situation is particularly pertinent in semen samples classified as abnormal with respect to the routine WHO semen evaluation as they appear to contain more M540 bodies than normal samples. Conclusions We conclude that M540 bodies interfere with both FC-conducted assays designed to evaluate sperm nuclear/DNA integrity. Exclusion of these contaminants in unprepared semen samples should be performed in order to correctly appreciate the true level of sperm DNA/nuclear damage which is known to be a critical male factor for reproductive success. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12610-021-00143-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niloofar Sadeghi
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Marziyeh Tavalaee
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Abbas Kiani-Esfahani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Aron Moazamian
- CelloXess LLC, 830 Bear Tavern Road, Ewing, NJ, 08628, USA.,Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Sciences, Faculty of Science and Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | | | - Robert J Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Sciences, Faculty of Science and Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Joël R Drevet
- GReD Institute, CRBC, Faculté de Médecine, INSERM U1103-CNRS UMR6293-Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri-Dunant, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran. .,Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center, Isfahan, Iran.
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Da Costa R, Redmann K, Schlatt S. Simultaneous detection of sperm membrane integrity and DNA fragmentation by flow cytometry: A novel and rapid tool for sperm analysis. Andrology 2021; 9:1254-1263. [PMID: 33830681 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sperm DNA integrity has become one of the most discussed and promising biomarkers for the assessment of male fertility. However, an easy-to-apply method capable of estimating DNA fragmentation in the live fraction of spermatozoa has remained elusive, preventing this parameter from being fully applied in clinical settings. OBJECTIVES To validate a novel co-staining for the analysis of DNA fragmentation in membrane-intact spermatozoa. MATERIALS AND METHODS Normozoospermic semen samples were used to validate the co-staining consisting of acridine orange (AO) and LIVE/DEAD™ Fixable Blue Dead Cell Stain (LD), against established methods for the evaluation of cell viability, propidium iodide stain (PI), and DNA fragmentation, the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA), to rule out cross-interference. Furthermore, the accuracy of the method was tested by the evaluation of samples prepared with different amounts of membrane and DNA damage (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100%). RESULTS No significant differences were observed between the co-staining and the established staining procedures (membrane integrity, p = 0.755; DNA fragmentation p = 0.976). Moreover, high R square values were obtained from the analysis of samples of known membrane (R2 = 0.9959) and DNA damage (R2 = 0.9843). The simultaneous assaying of sperm membrane integrity and nuclear DNA fragmentation allowed the analysis of four sperm categories and thereby to assess the proportion of membrane-intact spermatozoa with compromised DNA integrity. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION This new protocol has the potential to provide clinically relevant information about the DNA fragmentation in membrane-intact spermatozoa. Thus, it has the potential of improving the diagnostic of male infertility and enabling a better understanding of sperm dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul Da Costa
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Klaus Redmann
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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5
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Sharma R, Gupta S, Henkel R, Agarwal A. Critical evaluation of two models of flow cytometers for the assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation: an appeal for performance verification. Asian J Androl 2020; 21:438-444. [PMID: 30632487 PMCID: PMC6732896 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_109_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Lack of standardized, reproducible protocols and reference values is among the challenges faced when using new or upgraded versions of instruments in reproductive laboratories and flow cytometry. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay combined with flow cytometry routinely used for diagnostic measurement of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) is a unique example. Any change in the setting of the standard instrument, including upgrades of hardware or software, can lead to different results and may affect clinicians’ decision for treatment. Therefore, we compared TUNEL results of SDF obtained from a standard (C6) flow cytometer with a newer version of the same instrument (C6 Plus) and examined the cutoff, sensitivity, and specificity without calibration (adjustment) and after adjustment. Identical sperm preparation and matched acquisition settings were used to examine the performance of two flow cytometers. The strength of agreement of the results between the two observers was also assessed. After adjustment of the settings, overall concordance became high and the two cytometers showed 100% positive and negative predictive value with 100% area under the curve. The overall correlation coefficient observed between C6 and C6 Plus was highly significant (P < 0.0001; r = 0.992; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.982–0.997). After adjustment, the two cytometers showed very high precision of 98% and accuracy of >99%. The interobserver agreement on C6 flow cytometer for the two observers was 0.801 ± 0.062 and 0.746 ± 0.044 for C6 Plus. We demonstrated a strong agreement between the samples tested on the two flow cytometers after calibration and established the robustness of both instruments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Sharma
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Sajal Gupta
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Ralf Henkel
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.,Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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Sharma R, Iovine C, Agarwal A, Henkel R. TUNEL assay-Standardized method for testing sperm DNA fragmentation. Andrologia 2020; 53:e13738. [PMID: 32706440 DOI: 10.1111/and.13738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm DNA integrity is important for normal functions such as fertilization, implantation, pregnancy and fetal development. Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) is more common in infertile men and may be responsible for poor reproductive function. Although there are a number of tests available to measure SDF, the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-nick end labelling TUNEL) assay using flow cytometry is becoming more popular to measure the sperm DNA fragmentation. It is a direct test that measures both single- and double- DNA strand breaks. In this review, we describe the protocol, quality control and measurement of sperm DNA fragmentation using a benchtop flow cytometer. We also briefly discuss the factors that can affect the results, challenges and clinical implications of TUNEL in assessing male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Sharma
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Concetta Iovine
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ralf Henkel
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
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Muratori M, Pellegrino G, Mangone G, Azzari C, Lotti F, Tarozzi N, Boni L, Borini A, Maggi M, Baldi E. DNA Fragmentation in Viable and Non-Viable Spermatozoa Discriminates Fertile and Subfertile Subjects with Similar Accuracy. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9051341. [PMID: 32375389 PMCID: PMC7290809 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9051341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm DNA fragmentation (sDF) negatively affects reproduction and is traditionally detected in total sperm population including viable and non-viable spermatozoa. Here, we aimed at exploring the ability of DNA fragmentation to discriminate fertile and subfertile men when detected in viable (viable sDF), non-viable (non-viable sDF), and total spermatozoa (total sDF). We revealed sDF in 91 male partners of infertile couples and 71 fertile men (max 1 year from natural conception) with LiveTUNEL coupled to flow cytometry, able to reveal simultaneously DNA fragmentation and cell viability. We found that the three sDF parameters discriminated fertile and subfertile men with similar accuracy and independently from age and basal semen parameters: AUCs (area under the curves) (95% CI) were: 0.696 (0.615–0.776), p < 0.001 for total sDF; 0.718 (0.640–0.797), p < 0.001 for viable sDF; 0.760 (0.685–0.835), p < 0.001 for non-viable sDF. We also found that total and non-viable but not viable sDF significantly correlated to age and semen quality. In conclusion, the three sDF parameters similarly discriminated fertile and subfertile men. Viable spermatozoa with DNA fragmentation are likely cells able to fertilize the oocyte but failing to properly support subsequent embryo development. Non-viable sDF could be a sign of a subtler damage extended beyond the non-viable cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Muratori
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, Center of Excellence DeNothe, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (G.P.); (F.L.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-055-275-8235
| | - Giulia Pellegrino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, Center of Excellence DeNothe, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (G.P.); (F.L.); (M.M.)
| | - Giusi Mangone
- Pediatric Section, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence and Anna Meyer Children’s University Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy; (G.M.); (C.A.)
| | - Chiara Azzari
- Pediatric Section, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence and Anna Meyer Children’s University Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy; (G.M.); (C.A.)
| | - Francesco Lotti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, Center of Excellence DeNothe, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (G.P.); (F.L.); (M.M.)
| | - Nicoletta Tarozzi
- 9.baby, Family and Fertility Center, 40125 Bologna, Italy; (N.T.); (A.B.)
| | - Luca Boni
- Clinical Trials Center, AOU Careggi, 50139 Florence, Italy;
| | - Andrea Borini
- 9.baby, Family and Fertility Center, 40125 Bologna, Italy; (N.T.); (A.B.)
| | - Mario Maggi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, Center of Excellence DeNothe, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (G.P.); (F.L.); (M.M.)
| | - Elisabetta Baldi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Center of Excellence DeNothe, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy;
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Liu D, Dong Z, Xiang F, Liu H, Wang Y, Wang Q, Rao J. Dendrobium Alkaloids Promote Neural Function After Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Through Inhibiting Pyroptosis Induced Neuronal Death in both In Vivo and In Vitro Models. Neurochem Res 2019; 45:437-454. [PMID: 31865520 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-019-02935-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pyroptosis is a newly identified lytic form of programmed cell death which is characterized by plasma membrane blebbing and rupture. Pyroptosis occurs in cerebral ischemia injury, and contributes to the activation and secretion of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, and IL-6. Previous reports have found that Dendrobium alkaloids (DNLA) can exert neuroprotective effects against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) damage in vitro, but the mechanisms underlying these effects remain elusive. In this study, we investigated whether DNLA exerted therapeutic benefits against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (CIR) damage via ameliorating pyroptosis and inflammation. OGD/R damage was induced in HT22 cells pretreated with DNLA (0.03, 0.3, or 3 mg/ml, 24 h prior to OGD/R), MCC950 (10 ng/ml, 1 h prior), and VX765 (10 ng/ml, 1 h prior). Neuronal apoptosis, necrosis, pyroptosis, and pathological changes were analyzed 24 h following OGD/R. Further to this, male C57/BL mice pretreated with different concentrations of DNLA (0.5 or 5 mg/kg, ip.) for 24 h and VX765 (50 mg/kg, ip., 1 h before CIR) underwent transient middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion. We found that DNLA pretreatment resulted in a lower neurologic deficit score, a reduced infarct volume, fewer pyroptotic cells, and reduced levels of inflammatory factors 24 h after CIR. Furthermore, DNLA administration also reduced the levels of the pyroptosis-associated proteins Caspase-1 and gasdermin-D, particularly in the hippocampal CA1 region. Similar decreases were observed in the levels of the inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18. OGD/R-associated ultrastructural damage was seen to improve following DNLA administration, likely due to the regulation of the tight junction protein Pannexin-1 by DNLA. Overall, these findings demonstrate that DNLA can protect against CIR damage through inhibiting pyroptosis-induced neuronal death, providing new therapeutic insights for CIR injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daohang Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, District of Yuzhong, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Zhi Dong
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, District of Yuzhong, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Fei Xiang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, District of Yuzhong, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Hailin Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, District of Yuzhong, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yuchun Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, District of Yuzhong, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, District of Yuzhong, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jiangyan Rao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, District of Yuzhong, Chongqing, 400016, China
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9
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De Geyter C, Gobrecht-Keller U, Ahler A, Fischer M. Removal of DNA-fragmented spermatozoa using flow cytometry and sorting does not improve the outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:2079-2086. [PMID: 31463874 PMCID: PMC6823333 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01571-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The DNA fragmentation in sperm is associated with reduced outcome in assisted reproduction. Using YoPro1 as the staining dye and flow cytometry and sorting (FACS), the number of spermatozoa with DNA fragmentation can be lowered to 5%. Can the cumulative outcome of ICSI be improved using FACS? METHODS A prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial was conducted in 104 infertile couples with male infertility based on abnormal conventional semen analysis results. Cumulative ongoing pregnancy rate was the primary outcome parameter. In 52 cases, semen was processed for ICSI using swim-up. In another 52 cases, spermatozoa with fragmented DNA were removed with FACS. RESULTS The cumulative pregnancy rate at 12 weeks of gestation (51.9% versus 46.2%) and live birth rate (42.3% versus 34.6%) were higher and the miscarriage rate was lower (27.8% versus 35.3%) after FACS-sorting as compared with swim-up. An interim analysis scheduled before initiation of the study after 100 cases demonstrated that the aim of a 20% gain in pregnancy rate could not be achieved. For that reason, the prospective study was stopped prematurely. CONCLUSIONS A trend towards consistently better results was achieved by removing spermatozoa with fragmented DNA. The fragmentation of the DNA in sperm is the end stage of apoptosis. Sorting of spermatozoa may be improved by selecting parameters of processes active more upstream of apoptosis, such as chromatin decondensation. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT02166567 . June 14, 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian De Geyter
- Reproductive Medicine and Gynecological Endocrinology (RME), University Hospital, University of Basel, Vogesenstrasse 134, CH-4031, Basel, Switzerland.
- Reproductive Medicine and Gyn. Endocrinology (RME), Vogesenstrasse 134, CH-4031, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Ursula Gobrecht-Keller
- Reproductive Medicine and Gynecological Endocrinology (RME), University Hospital, University of Basel, Vogesenstrasse 134, CH-4031, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Astrid Ahler
- Reproductive Medicine and Gynecological Endocrinology (RME), University Hospital, University of Basel, Vogesenstrasse 134, CH-4031, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Fischer
- Reproductive Medicine and Gynecological Endocrinology (RME), University Hospital, University of Basel, Vogesenstrasse 134, CH-4031, Basel, Switzerland
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10
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Vinnakota C, Cree L, Peek J, Morbeck DE. Incidence of high sperm DNA fragmentation in a targeted population of subfertile men. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2019; 65:451-457. [PMID: 31550174 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2019.1668077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Sperm DNA integrity is important for fertility, however the incidence of high levels of DNA fragmentation (DNA fragmentation index (DFI) >30%) is not well described. In 2011, our clinics implemented guidelines for sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) testing based on risk factors using the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA). The aim of this retrospective study is to characterise SDF and associated factors (age, semen parameters, smoking status and BMI) for sub-fertile males (n = 1082) and sperm donors (n = 234). The average DFI was 12.1 ± 9.8%. The distribution of men with low, moderate and high SDF (<15, 15-30 and >30%) was 74.8%, 19.4% and 5.8%, respectively. Men with high DFI were older (45 ± 9.5 vs 38 ± 6.7) and had lower percentage of motile sperm (38.8 ± 16.1% vs 55.3 ± 15.8%) than men with normal DFI. Over 17% of the men in the quartile with the highest age and lowest motility had a high DFI (>30%), compared to a high DFI rate of 2-4% for the other 3 quartiles. Repeat testing following lifestyle interventions was available for 29 couples where the men had high initial DFI (35 ± 9.5%). Of these men, 71.4% had a decrease of DFI into the moderate or low range. This study shows that SDF testing can be targeted based on age and sperm motility, thereby reducing unnecessary testing. Furthermore, we provide evidence that lifestyle modifications can reduce DNA fragmentation in men with high DFI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chitra Vinnakota
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lynsey Cree
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - John Peek
- Fertility Associates, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Dean E Morbeck
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Fertility Associates, Auckland, New Zealand
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Punjabi U, Van Mulders H, Goovaerts I, Peeters K, Roelant E, De Neubourg D. DNA fragmentation in concert with the simultaneous assessment of cell viability in a subfertile population: establishing thresholds of normality both before and after density gradient centrifugation. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:1413-1421. [PMID: 31089933 PMCID: PMC6642232 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01476-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE TUNEL assay is the most common, direct test for sperm chromatin integrity assessment. But, lack of standardized protocols makes interlaboratory comparisons impossible. Consequently, clinical thresholds to predict the chance of a clinical pregnancy also vary with the technique adopted. This prospective study was undertaken to assess the incidence of sperm DNA fragmentation in a subfertile population and to establish threshold values of normality as compared to a fertile cohort, both before and after density gradient centrifugation in the total and vital fractions. METHOD Men presenting at a university hospital setup for infertility treatment. DNA damage via TUNEL assay was validated on fresh semen samples, as conventional semen parameters, to reduce variability of results. RESULTS Total DNA fragmentation in the neat semen was significantly higher in the subfertile group, but the vital fraction was not significantly different between the two cohorts. After gradient centrifugation, DNA fragmentation increased significantly in the total fraction of the subfertile group but decreased significantly in the vital fraction. In the fertile cohort, there was a non-significant increase in total fragmentation and in the vital fraction the trend was unclear. CONCLUSIONS Estimating total and vital sperm DNA fragmentation, after density gradient centrifugation, increased both the sensitivity and the specificity, thereby lowering the number of false negatives and false positives encountered. These findings provide opportunities to investigate the significance of the total and the vital fractions after different assisted reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Punjabi
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650, Edegem, Belgium.
- University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - H Van Mulders
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - I Goovaerts
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - K Peeters
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - E Roelant
- Clinical Trial Center (CTC), CRC Antwerp, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - D De Neubourg
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
- University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
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Silva WTAF, Sáez-Espinosa P, Torijo-Boix S, Romero A, Devaux C, Durieux M, Gómez-Torres MJ, Immler S. The effects of male social environment on sperm phenotype and genome integrity. J Evol Biol 2019; 32:535-544. [PMID: 30817032 PMCID: PMC6850410 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sperm function and quality are primary determinants of male reproductive performance and hence fitness. The presence of rival males has been shown to affect ejaculate and sperm traits in a wide range of taxa. However, male physiological conditions may not only affect sperm phenotypic traits but also their genetic and epigenetic signatures, affecting the fitness of the resulting offspring. We investigated the effects of male‐male competition on sperm quality using TUNEL assays and geometric morphometrics in the zebrafish, Danio rerio. We found that the sperm produced by males exposed to high male–male competition had smaller heads but larger midpiece and flagellum than sperm produced by males under low competition. Head and flagella also appeared less sensitive to the osmotic stress induced by activation with water. In addition, more sperm showed signals of DNA damage in ejaculates of males under high competition. These findings suggest that the presence of a rival male may have positive effects on sperm phenotypic traits but negative effects on sperm DNA integrity. Overall, males facing the presence of rival males may produce faster swimming and more competitive sperm but this may come at a cost for the next generation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Alejandro Romero
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Caroline Devaux
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Mathilde Durieux
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - María José Gómez-Torres
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain.,Cátedra Human Fertility, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Simone Immler
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
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