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Olesti E, Boccard J, Rahban R, Girel S, Moskaleva NE, Zufferey F, Rossier MF, Nef S, Rudaz S, González-Ruiz V. Low-polarity untargeted metabolomic profiling as a tool to gain insight into seminal fluid. Metabolomics 2023; 19:53. [PMID: 37271779 PMCID: PMC10239740 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-023-02020-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A decrease in sperm cell count has been observed along the last several decades, especially in the most developed regions of the world. The use of metabolomics to study the composition of the seminal fluid is a promising approach to gain access to the molecular mechanisms underlying this fact. OBJECTIVES In the present work, we aimed at relating metabolomic profiles of young healthy men to their semen quality parameters obtained from conventional microscopic analysis. METHODS An untargeted metabolomics approach focusing on low- to mid-polarity compounds was used to analyze a subset of seminal fluid samples from a cohort of over 2700 young healthy men. RESULTS Our results show that a broad metabolic profiling comprising several families of compounds (including acyl-carnitines, steroids, and other lipids) can contribute to effectively distinguish samples provided by individuals exhibiting low or high absolute sperm counts. CONCLUSION A number of metabolites involved in sexual development and function, signaling, and energy metabolism were highlighted as being distinctive of samples coming from either group, proving untargeted metabolomics as a promising tool to better understand the pathophysiological processes responsible for male fertility impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eulalia Olesti
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Julien Boccard
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rita Rahban
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sergey Girel
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Natalia E Moskaleva
- Laboratory of Pharmacokinetics and Metabolomic Analysis, Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Fanny Zufferey
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland
- Service of Clinical Chemistry & Toxicology, Central Institute of Hospitals, Hospital of Valais, Sion, Switzerland
| | - Michel F Rossier
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland
- Service of Clinical Chemistry & Toxicology, Central Institute of Hospitals, Hospital of Valais, Sion, Switzerland
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Serge Nef
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Serge Rudaz
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Víctor González-Ruiz
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland
- Centro de Metabolómica y Bioanálisis (CEMBIO), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Madrid, Spain
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2
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Osadchuk LV, Kleshchev MA, Osadchuk AV. Steroid Hormones in Seminal Plasma: the Relationship with Sperm Quality. Bull Exp Biol Med 2023; 174:318-321. [PMID: 36723737 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-023-05699-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to find out whether the seminal testosterone and/or estradiol levels could serve as prognostic criteria for normal spermatogenesis and whether they are able to characterize the sperm pathology. The study involved healthy young male volunteers (n=269); serum and seminal steroid hormones were measured; the sperm concentration, mobility, and morphology were evaluated. The results indicate that the seminal testosterone concentration is lower (p<0.05) and the seminal estradiol is higher than the corresponding parameters in the serum (p<0.05). The seminal testosterone and estradiol concentrations negatively correlated with the sperm concentration, and the seminal estradiol concentration was higher in pathozoospermic than in normospermic men (p<0.05). It is assumed that the seminal estradiol level can be an indicator of sperm quality and serve as a biological predictor of normal spermatogenesis; in addition, this parameter can be used for diagnostic purposes in patients with impaired spermatogenesis induced by excess of estrogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- L V Osadchuk
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - M A Kleshchev
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - A V Osadchuk
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
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3
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Quilaqueo N, Villegas JV. Endocrine disruptor chemicals. A review of their effects on male reproduction and antioxidants as a strategy to counter it. Andrologia 2021; 54:e14302. [PMID: 34761829 DOI: 10.1111/and.14302] [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: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocrine disruptor chemicals are exogenous molecules that generate adverse effects on human health by destabilizing the homeostasis of endocrine system and affecting directly human reproductive system by inhibiting or activating oestrogenic or androgenic receptors. Endocrine disruptor chemicals generate transgenerational epigenetic problems, besides being associated with male infertility. Epidemiological data indicate that the increase in reproductive problems in males in the last 50 years is correlated with the increase of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the environment, being associated with a decrease in semen quality and direct effects on spermatozoa, such as alterations in motility, viability and acrosomal reaction, due to the generation of oxidative stress, and have also been postulated as a possible cause of testicular dysgenesis syndrome. Diverse antioxidants, such as C and E vitamins, N-acetylcysteine, selenium and natural vegetable extracts, are among the alternatives under study to counter the effects of endocrine disruptor chemicals. In some cases, the usage of them has given positive results and the opposite in others. In this review, we summarize the recent information about the effects of endocrine disruptor chemicals on male reproduction, on sperm cells, and the results of studies that have tested antioxidants as a strategy to diminish their harmful effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson Quilaqueo
- Center of Reproductive Biotechnology - Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEBIOR - BIOREN), University of La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Juana V Villegas
- Center of Reproductive Biotechnology - Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEBIOR - BIOREN), University of La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.,Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
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Lassi M, Tomar A, Comas-Armangué G, Vogtmann R, Dijkstra DJ, Corujo D, Gerlini R, Darr J, Scheid F, Rozman J, Aguilar-Pimentel A, Koren O, Buschbeck M, Fuchs H, Marschall S, Gailus-Durner V, Hrabe de Angelis M, Plösch T, Gellhaus A, Teperino R. Disruption of paternal circadian rhythm affects metabolic health in male offspring via nongerm cell factors. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/22/eabg6424. [PMID: 34039610 PMCID: PMC8153725 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg6424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Circadian rhythm synchronizes each body function with the environment and regulates physiology. Disruption of normal circadian rhythm alters organismal physiology and increases disease risk. Recent epidemiological data and studies in model organisms have shown that maternal circadian disruption is important for offspring health and adult phenotypes. Less is known about the role of paternal circadian rhythm for offspring health. Here, we disrupted circadian rhythm in male mice by night-restricted feeding and showed that paternal circadian disruption at conception is important for offspring feeding behavior, metabolic health, and oscillatory transcription. Mechanistically, our data suggest that the effect of paternal circadian disruption is not transferred to the offspring via the germ cells but initiated by corticosterone-based parental communication at conception and programmed during in utero development through a state of fetal growth restriction. These findings indicate paternal circadian health at conception as a newly identified determinant of offspring phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Lassi
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Archana Tomar
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Gemma Comas-Armangué
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Rebekka Vogtmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics-University Hospital Essen - Essen, Germany
| | - Dorieke J Dijkstra
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - David Corujo
- Cancer and Leukemia Epigenetics and Biology Program, Josep Carreras Institute for Leukemia Research (IJC) Badalona, Spain
| | - Raffaele Gerlini
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) Neuherberg, Germany
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jonatan Darr
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Fabienne Scheid
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jan Rozman
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) Neuherberg, Germany
- Czech Centre for Phenogenomics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Antonio Aguilar-Pimentel
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) Neuherberg, Germany
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Omry Koren
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Marcus Buschbeck
- Cancer and Leukemia Epigenetics and Biology Program, Josep Carreras Institute for Leukemia Research (IJC) Badalona, Spain
- Program for Predictive and Personalized Medicine of Cancer, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (PMPPC-IGTP), 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Helmut Fuchs
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) Neuherberg, Germany
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Susan Marschall
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) Neuherberg, Germany
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Valerie Gailus-Durner
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) Neuherberg, Germany
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Martin Hrabe de Angelis
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) Neuherberg, Germany
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Germany
- Chair of Experimental Genetics, School of Life Science Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München Freising, Germany
| | - Torsten Plösch
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Alexandra Gellhaus
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics-University Hospital Essen - Essen, Germany
| | - Raffaele Teperino
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, Germany.
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) Neuherberg, Germany
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5
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Bóveda P, Esteso MC, Velázquez R, Castaño C, Toledano-Díaz A, López-Sebastián A, Mejía O, Millán de la Blanca MG, Ungerfeld R, Santiago-Moreno J. Influence of circulating testosterone concentration on sperm cryoresistance: The ibex as an experimental model. Andrology 2021; 9:1242-1253. [PMID: 33686789 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have noted that the circulating testosterone concentration may affect the ability of spermatozoa to survive cryopreservation. However, few attempts to confirm such a relationship have been made. Wild ruminant species have very marked seasonal changes in their reproductive function and strong annual changes in their plasma testosterone concentration. OBJECTIVES The present work examines the influence of induced changes in testosterone secretion on sperm variables following conventional slow freezing and ultra-rapid freezing, using the Iberian ibex as an experimental model. MATERIALS AND METHODS In a first experiment, testosterone levels were reduced in the middle of the rutting season (December) using the antiandrogen cyproterone acetate (CA). In a second experiment, testosterone levels were increased at the end of the rutting season (January) via the use of the androgen testosterone propionate (TP). RESULTS During December, the testosterone concentration was found to be higher in the blood and seminal plasma of untreated males than in those of CA-treated males (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). Compared with controls, the TP-treated animals had higher blood plasma testosterone concentrations but lower seminal plasma testosterone concentrations during January (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). The seminal vesicles of the TP-treated males were larger than those of untreated males (p < 0.05). When CA was administered, sperm viability improved compared with controls (p < 0.05), irrespective of the freezing protocol followed. For the ultra-rapid freezing procedure, the cryoresistance ratio for motility decreased when TP was administered (p < 0.05). The values for fresh sperm morphometric variables decreased during the 50 days after the end of CA treatment (p < 0.001) and increased over the same time after the end of TP treatment (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The circulating testosterone concentration appears to influence sperm cryoresistance. This may explain the seasonal changes seen in sperm freezability in some species, independent of fresh sperm quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Bóveda
- Department of Animal Reproduction, INIA, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Octavio Mejía
- Centro de Enseñanza, Investigación y Extensión en Producción Ovina, FMVZ-UNAM, Tres Marías, Morelos, Mexico
| | | | - Rodolfo Ungerfeld
- Departamento de Biociencias Veterinarias, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
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Olesti E, Boccard J, Visconti G, González-Ruiz V, Rudaz S. From a single steroid to the steroidome: Trends and analytical challenges. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 206:105797. [PMID: 33259940 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2020.105797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
For several decades now, the analysis of steroids has been a key tool in the diagnosis and monitoring of numerous endocrine pathologies. Thus, the available methods used to analyze steroids in biological samples have dramatically evolved over time following the rapid pace of technology and scientific knowledge. This review aims to synthetize the advances in steroids' analysis, from classical approaches considering only a few steroids or a limited number of steroid ratios, up to the new steroid profiling strategies (steroidomics) monitoring large sets of steroids in biological matrices. In this context, the use of liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry has emerged as the technique of choice for the simultaneous determination of a high number of steroids, including phase II metabolites, due to its sensitivity and robustness. However, the large dynamic range to be covered, the low natural abundance of some key steroids, the selectivity of the analytical methods, the extraction protocols, and the steroid ionization remain some of the current challenges in steroid analysis. This review provides an overview of the different analytical workflows available depending on the number of steroids under study. Special emphasis is given to sample treatment, acquisition strategy, data processing, steroid identification and quantification using LC-MS approaches. This work also outlines how the availability of steroid standards, the need for complementary analytical strategies and the improvement of calibration approaches are crucial for achieving complete steroidome quantification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eulalia Olesti
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Switzerland; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Switzerland; Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Switzerland
| | - Julien Boccard
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Switzerland; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Switzerland; Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Switzerland
| | - Gioele Visconti
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Switzerland; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Víctor González-Ruiz
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Switzerland; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Switzerland; Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Switzerland
| | - Serge Rudaz
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Switzerland.
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Wang F, Yang W, Ouyang S, Yuan S. The Vehicle Determines the Destination: The Significance of Seminal Plasma Factors for Male Fertility. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228499. [PMID: 33198061 PMCID: PMC7696680 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Of all human infertility cases, up to 50% show contributing factors leading to defects in the male reproductive physiology. Seminal plasma (SP) is the biological fluid derived from the male accessory sex gland which carries spermatozoa passing throughout the male and female reproductive tract during ejaculation. It contains a complicated set of heterogeneous molecular structures, including proteins, cell-free nucleic acid (DNA, microRNA and LncRNA), and small-molecule metabolites as well as inorganic chemicals (ions). For a long time, the substantial significance of seminal plasma factors’ functions has been underestimated, which is restricted to spermatozoa transport and protection. Notably, significant advancements have been made in dissecting seminal plasma components, revealing new insights into multiple aspects of sperm function, as well as fertilization and pregnancy outcomes in recent years. In this review, we summarize the state-of-art discoveries regarding SP compositions and their implications in male fertility, particularly describing the novel understanding of seminal plasma components and related modifications using “omics” approaches and mainly focusing on proteome and RNA-seq data in the latest decade. Meanwhile, we highlighted the proposed mechanism of the regulation of SP molecules on immunomodulation in the female reproductive tract. Moreover, we also discussed the proteins investigated as non-invasive diagnosis biomarkers for male infertility in the clinic.
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8
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Liu P, Yuan G, Zhou Q, Liu Y, He X, Zhang H, Guo Y, Wen Y, Huang S, Ke Y, Chen J. The association between metal exposure and semen quality in Chinese males: The mediating effect of androgens. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 264:113975. [PMID: 32559873 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.113975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
As a crucial factor in male reproduction, androgens may represent an intermediate biological mechanism linking metal exposure with effects on semen quality. This study aimed to investigate the association between metal exposure and semen quality, and to assess the mediating role of seminal androgens between metal exposure and semen quality. We investigated the presence of 10 metals in semen and assessed their effect on semen quality in 1136 men recruited from a hospital in Shenzhen, China. Of these, 464 subjects were randomly selected for 4 androgens detection in semen. Cross-sectional associations between single/multiple metals, androgen levels and semen quality were explored by multivariable linear regressions. Mediation analysis was performed to detect the role of seminal androgens on the association between metal exposure and semen quality. Seminal selenium and iron were positively associated with both sperm concentration and total sperm count. Negative associations were observed between both manganese and zinc and sperm concentration, molybdenum and total sperm count, copper and sperm motility. Furthermore, we found significant dose-dependent relationships between both iron and selenium levels and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), arsenic levels and testosterone, as well as zinc and dehydroepiandrosterone. Mediation analysis indicated that higher seminal iron and selenium were associated with an increasing sperm concentration after controlling for DHT, with 10.32% and 12.89% of these associations were mediated by DHT, respectively. A similar mediation effect of DHT was observed in the associations between iron and selenium levels and total sperm count (13.39% and 21.57% mediation, respectively). Our findings suggested that the presence of selenium and iron in semen was beneficial to sperm concentration and total count. Seminal manganese, zinc, molybdenum and copper may be associated with reduced semen quality. The associations between seminal selenium and iron and sperm concentration and total count were partially explained by the concomitant variation of seminal DHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyi Liu
- Department of Molecular Epidemiology, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 Longyuan Rd, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Rd, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Guanxiang Yuan
- Laboratory of Physical Testing and Chemical Analysis, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 Longyuan Rd, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- Shenzhen People's Hospital, 1017 Dongmen North Rd, Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Shenzhen People's Hospital, 1017 Dongmen North Rd, Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinpeng He
- Department of Molecular Epidemiology, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 Longyuan Rd, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Huimin Zhang
- Laboratory of Physical Testing and Chemical Analysis, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 Longyuan Rd, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Yinsheng Guo
- Department of Environment and Health, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 Longyuan Rd, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Wen
- Department of Molecular Epidemiology, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 Longyuan Rd, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Suli Huang
- Department of Environment and Health, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 Longyuan Rd, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuebin Ke
- Department of Molecular Epidemiology, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 Longyuan Rd, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinquan Chen
- Department of Molecular Epidemiology, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 Longyuan Rd, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
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9
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Nikolaeva M, Arefieva A, Babayan A, Chagovets V, Kitsilovskaya N, Starodubtseva N, Frankevich V, Kalinina E, Krechetova L, Sukhikh G. Immunoendocrine Markers of Stress in Seminal Plasma at IVF/ICSI Failure: a Preliminary Study. Reprod Sci 2020; 28:144-158. [PMID: 32638280 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00253-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We have previously shown that high level of seminal interleukin (IL)-18 is positively associated with a greater risk of pregnancy failure in women exposed to their partners' seminal plasma (SP) during the in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycle. Since IL-18 and IL-1β considered to be the key immune markers of stress, here we ask whether their increase in SP may be due to the stress experienced by men engaged in the IVF programs. Therefore, we correlated seminal IL-18 with IL-1β and both cytokines with the seminal steroids, whose increase indicates the activation of neuroendocrine stress response systems. Retrospective analysis of stored seminal samples was performed. Based on previously identified cutoff level for content of IL-18 per ejaculate, samples with high IL-18 content from IVF failure group (n = 9), as well as samples with low IL-18 content from IVF success group (n = 7), were included in the study. Seminal cytokines were evaluated using FlowCytomix™ technology. A set of 16 biologically active steroids in SP was quantified by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Concentrations and total amounts per ejaculate of cytokines and steroids were determined. A positive significant correlation was found between the levels of IL-18 and IL-1β. There was also a positive correlation between IL-18 or IL-1β and 17-α-hydroxypregnenolone, 17-α-hydroxyprogesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA sulfate (DHEAS), androstenedione, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, progesterone, corticosterone, 11-deoxycorticosterone, and the ratio of DHEAS/cortisol. We suggested that stress-related overexpression of immune and hormonal factors in SP may be the key link between male stress and embryo implantation failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Nikolaeva
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997.
| | - Alla Arefieva
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997
| | - Alina Babayan
- Department of Assisted Technologies in Treatment of Infertility, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997
| | - Vitaliy Chagovets
- Department of Systems Biology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997
| | - Natalia Kitsilovskaya
- Department of Systems Biology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997
| | - Natalia Starodubtseva
- Department of Systems Biology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997.,Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Institutskiy per. 9, Dolgoprudny, Moscow, Russia, 141701
| | - Vladimir Frankevich
- Department of Systems Biology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997
| | - Elena Kalinina
- Department of Assisted Technologies in Treatment of Infertility, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997
| | - Lubov Krechetova
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997
| | - Gennady Sukhikh
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997.,First Moscow State Medical University named after I.M. Sechenov, Trubetskaya str. 8-2, Moscow, Russia, 119991
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Olesti E, Garcia A, Rahban R, Rossier MF, Boccard J, Nef S, González-Ruiz V, Rudaz S. Steroid profile analysis by LC-HRMS in human seminal fluid. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2020; 1136:121929. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2019.121929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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11
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Lelono A, Riedstra B, Groothuis T. Ejaculate testosterone levels affect maternal investment in red junglefowl (Gallus gallus gallus). Sci Rep 2019; 9:12126. [PMID: 31431647 PMCID: PMC6702165 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48563-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Substantial concentrations of testosterone are not only present in a male’s circulation, but also in its ejaculate. Surprisingly, the regulation of ejaculate T and its effects on females and their offspring, potentially a cryptic paternal trait, are not known. We found lower circulating and higher ejaculate T concentrations in subordinate red junglefowl (Gallus gallus gallus) males compared to dominant males, suggestive of an adaptive trade-off in T allocation to circulation and their ejaculate. Subsequently, we artificially inseminated females with either testosterone enriched (TE) or control ejaculates (CE) in a cross-over design. TE females produced heavier eggs than CE females. Offspring growth and tonic immobility were affected in a sex-specific way by TE. TE sons were heavier with shorter TI duration than CE sons, and TE daughters were lighter than CE daughters but daughters did not differ in TI score. However, the chicks competitiveness was not influenced by the TE nor CE. This indicates a previously unknown function of ejaculate testosterone as well as a new form of interaction between a cryptic paternal trait and a maternal effect that may be widespread in the animal kingdom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmoro Lelono
- Behavioural Biology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands. .,Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Jember, 68121, Jember, East Java, Indonesia.
| | - Bernd Riedstra
- Behavioural Biology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ton Groothuis
- Behavioural Biology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
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12
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Steroid profiles in both blood serum and seminal plasma are not correlated and do not reflect sperm quality: Study on the male reproductive health of fifty young Swiss men. Clin Biochem 2018; 62:39-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2018.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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13
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Estrogen Modulates Glycerol Permeability in Sertoli Cells through Downregulation of Aquaporin-9. Cells 2018; 7:cells7100153. [PMID: 30274223 PMCID: PMC6211071 DOI: 10.3390/cells7100153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Revised: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
High 17β-Estradiol (E2) levels are known to cause alterations of spermatogenesis and environments throughout the male reproductive tract. Sertoli cells (SCs) ensure an adequate environment inside the seminiferous tubule. Glycerol stands as essential for the maintenance of blood⁻testis barrier created by SCs, however, the role of E2 in this process is not known. Herein, we hypothesized that the effect of E2 on glycerol permeability in mouse SCs (mSCs) could be mediated by aquaglyceroporins. The expression of aquaglyceroporins was assessed by RT-PCR and qRT-PCR. Glycerol permeability was evaluated by stopped-flow light scattering. We were able to identify the expression of AQP3 and AQP9 in mSCs where AQP9 is more abundant than AQP3. Our results show that high E2 levels decrease AQP9 mRNA abundance with no influence on AQP3 in mSCs. Interestingly, high E2 levels decreased mSCs' permeability to glycerol, while downregulating AQP9 expression, thus suggesting a novel mechanism by which E2 modulates fluid secretion in the testis. In conclusion, E2 is an important regulator of mSCs physiology and secretion through changes in AQP9 expression and function. Thus, alterations in glycerol permeability induced by E2 may be the cause for male infertility in cases associated with the presence of high E2 levels.
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Vitku J, Kolatorova L, Hampl R. Occurrence and reproductive roles of hormones in seminal plasma. Basic Clin Androl 2017; 27:19. [PMID: 29046808 PMCID: PMC5640966 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-017-0062-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Only 2-5% of seminal fluid is composed of spermatozoa, while the rest is seminal plasma. The seminal plasma is a rich cocktail of organic and inorganic compounds including hormones, serving as a source of nutrients for sperm development and maturation, protecting them from infection and enabling them to overcome the immunological and chemical environment of the female reproductive tract. In this review, a survey of the hormones found in human seminal plasma, with particular emphasis on reproductive hormones is provided. Their participation in fertilization is discussed including their indispensable role in ovum fertilization. The origin of individual hormones found in seminal plasma is discussed, along with differences in the concentrations in seminal plasma and blood plasma. A part of review is devoted to methods of measurement, emphasising particular instances in which they differ from measurement in blood plasma. These methods include separation techniques, overcoming the matrix effect and current ways for end-point measurement, focusing on so called hyphenated techniques as a combination of chromatographic separation and mass spectrometry. Finally, the informative value of their determination as markers of male fertility disorders (impaired spermatogenesis, abnormal sperm parameters, varicocele) is discussed, along with instances where measuring their levels in seminal plasma is preferable to measurement of levels in blood plasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Vitku
- Department of Steroids and Proteofactors, Institute of Endocrinology, Narodni 8, 116 94 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Kolatorova
- Department of Steroids and Proteofactors, Institute of Endocrinology, Narodni 8, 116 94 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Richard Hampl
- Department of Steroids and Proteofactors, Institute of Endocrinology, Narodni 8, 116 94 Prague, Czech Republic
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15
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Immunosuppressants and Male Reproduction. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1034:179-210. [PMID: 29256132 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-69535-8_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged use of immunosuppressant medications is occasionally seen in infertile men with chronic inflammatory conditions; autoimmune disorders; or an organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Chronic inflammation impacts negatively on male reproductive endpoints, so immunosuppressant therapy can produce improvements. Corticosteroids have been used to treat antisperm antibodies and even as an empirical treatment for male infertility in general. Trials of these methods have provided mixed results on semen quality and fertility, with improvement, no change and negative effects reported by different investigators. In a substantial number of observational studies, patients on long-term therapy with prednisone for chronic inflammatory disease, testosterone levels were lower compared to untreated controls, though randomized controlled trials have not been conducted. Similarly decreases in testosterone have been reported in men receiving corticosteroids to minimize transplant rejection; however, most were treated with multiple immunosuppressive medications that may have contributed to this effect. A large number of trials of healthy men treated with corticosteroids have shown some disruption in reproductive hormone levels, but other studies reported no effect. Studies in monkeys, rats (at human equivalent dose), cattle, sheep, and horses have shown endocrine disruption, including low testosterone with dexamethasone treatment. Of the cytostatic immunosuppressives, which have high potential for cellular damage, cyclophosphamide has received the most attention, sometimes lowering sperm counts significantly. Methotrexate may decrease sperm numbers in humans and has significant negative impacts in rodents. Other chemotherapeutic drugs used as immunosuppressants are likely to impact negatively on male fertility endpoints, but few data have been collected. The TNF-α Inhibitors have also received little experimental attention. There is some evidence that the immunophilin modulators: cyclosporine, sirolimus, and everolimus cause endocrine disruption and semen quality impairment. As we review in this chapter, results in experimental species are concerning, and well-designed studies are lacking for the effects of these medications on reproductive endpoints in men.
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Hampl R, Kubátová J, Stárka L. Steroids and endocrine disruptors--History, recent state of art and open questions. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 155:217-23. [PMID: 24816231 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2014.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Revised: 04/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This introductory chapter provides an overview of the levels and sites at which endocrine disruptors (EDs) affect steroid actions. In contrast to the special issue of Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology published three years ago and devoted to EDs as such, this paper focuses on steroids. We tried to point to more recent findings and opened questions. EDs interfere with steroid biosynthesis and metabolism either as inhibitors of relevant enzymes, or at the level of their expression. Particular attention was paid to enzymes metabolizing steroid hormones to biologically active products in target cells, such as aromatase, 5α-reductase and 3β-, 11β- and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases. An important target for EDs is also steroid acute regulatory protein (StAR), responsible for steroid precursor trafficking to mitochondria. EDs influence receptor-mediated steroid actions at both genomic and non-genomic levels. The remarkable differences in response to various steroid-receptor ligands led to a more detailed investigation of events following steroid/disruptor binding to the receptors and to the mapping of the signaling cascades and nuclear factors involved. A virtual screening of a large array of EDs with steroid receptors, known as in silico methods (≡computer simulation), is another promising approach for studying quantitative structure activity relationships and docking. New data may be expected on the effect of EDs on steroid hormone binding to selective plasma transport proteins, namely transcortin and sex hormone-binding globulin. Little information is available so far on the effects of EDs on the major hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal/gonadal axes, of which the kisspeptin/GPR54 system is of particular importance. Kisspeptins act as stimulators for hormone-induced gonadotropin secretion and their expression is regulated by sex steroids via a feed-back mechanism. Kisspeptin is now believed to be one of the key factors triggering puberty in mammals, and various EDs affect its expression and function. Finally, advances in analytics of EDs, especially those persisting in the environment, in various body fluids (plasma, urine, seminal fluid, and follicular fluid) are mentioned. Surprisingly, relatively scarce information is available on the simultaneous determination of EDs and steroids in the same biological material. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Endocrine disruptors & steroids'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Hampl
- Institute of Endocrinology, Národní 8, 116 94 Praha 1, Czech Republic.
| | - Jana Kubátová
- Institute of Endocrinology, Národní 8, 116 94 Praha 1, Czech Republic
| | - Luboslav Stárka
- Institute of Endocrinology, Národní 8, 116 94 Praha 1, Czech Republic
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VITKU J, SOSVOROVA L, CHLUPACOVA T, HAMPL R, HILL M, SOBOTKA V, HERACEK J, BICIKOVA M, STARKA L. Differences in Bisphenol A and Estrogen Levels in the Plasma and Seminal Plasma of Men With Different Degrees of Infertility. Physiol Res 2015; 64:S303-11. [DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.933090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The general population is potentially exposed to many chemicals that can affect the endocrine system. These substances are called endocrine disruptors (EDs), and among them bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most widely used and well studied. Nonetheless, there are still no data on simultaneous measurements of various EDs along with steroids directly in the seminal fluid, where deleterious effects of EDs on spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis are assumed. We determined levels of BPA and 3 estrogens using LC-MS/MS in the plasma and seminal plasma of 174 men with different degrees of infertility. These men were divided according their spermiogram values into 4 groups: (1) healthy men, and (2) slightly, (3) moderate, and (4) severely infertile men. Estradiol levels differed across the groups and body fluids. Slightly infertile men have significantly higher BPA plasma and seminal plasma levels in comparison with healthy men (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively). Furthermore, seminal BPA, but not plasma BPA, was negatively associated with sperm concentration and total sperm count (–0.27; p<0.001 and –0.24; p<0.01, respectively). These findings point to the importance of seminal plasma in BPA research. Overall, a disruption of estrogen metabolism was observed together with a weak but significant impact of BPA on sperm count and concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. VITKU
- Department of Steroids and Proteofactors, Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czech Republic
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Development and validation of LC–MS/MS method for quantification of bisphenol A and estrogens in human plasma and seminal fluid. Talanta 2015; 140:62-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2015.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Revised: 03/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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