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Zhu W, Jiang L, Li Y, Sun J, Lin C, Huang X, Ni W. DNA comethylation analysis reveals a functional association between BRCA1 and sperm DNA fragmentation. Fertil Steril 2022; 117:963-973. [PMID: 35256191 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.01.025] [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: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify the DNA comethylation patterns associated with sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) and to explore the potential associations of hub genes with SDF. DESIGN Prospective study. SETTING University-affiliated reproductive medicine center. PATIENT(S) A total of 300 male patients consulting for couple infertility were recruited from the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Comethylation network analysis based on the genome-wide methylation profile of spermatozoal DNA from 20 men was performed to identify hub modules and genes involved in SDF. Human spermatozoa were used for targeted bisulfite amplicon sequencing (267 men) or droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (45 men). The potential role of Brca1 in DNA damage was explored in mouse GC2 spermatocyte cells. Oxidative damage to spermatocytes was modeled by incubating GC2 cells with H2O2 (25 mM) for 90 minutes. RESULT(S) BRCA1 was identified as a hub gene in SDF. Promoter hypermethylation of BRCA1 was observed in those samples with a high DNA fragmentation index (DFI) compared to those with a low DFI. Concomitantly, BRCA1 mRNA expression was lower in samples with a high DFI than with a low DFI. In the GC2 cell model, Brca1 knockdown reduced cell proliferation and increased sensitivity to oxidative stress. Moreover, it increased double-strand breaks and decreased the protein levels of the DNA repair genes MRE11 and RAD51. CONCLUSION(S) A prominent cluster of comethylated patterns associated with SDF was identified. BRCA1 may be the hub gene involved in sperm DNA damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijian Zhu
- Central Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Jiang
- Central Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Junhui Sun
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunchun Lin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuefeng Huang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wuhua Ni
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China.
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Finelli R, Leisegang K, Kandil H, Agarwal A. Oxidative Stress: A Comprehensive Review of Biochemical, Molecular, and Genetic Aspects in the Pathogenesis and Management of Varicocele. World J Mens Health 2021; 40:87-103. [PMID: 34666421 PMCID: PMC8761243 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.210153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a condition due to an imbalance between the concentrations of oxidants and antioxidants, and it is a well-recognized contributor in several male infertility conditions. Varicocele, a common vascular condition, may cause male infertility due to hyperthermia, hypoxia and/or exposure to toxic adrenal and renal metabolites. In this review, the mechanisms by which oxidative stress can affect cellular integrity and functions are described, along with molecular markers of cellular oxidative damage, and the most commonly performed techniques for their detection in seminal fluid. Moreover, we focus on the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of varicocele based on recently published evidence from omics based studies, such as proteomics and genomics. Finally, we discuss strategies for the management of oxidative stress and the clinical guidelines for testing oxidative stress-related sperm DNA fragmentation in this group of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Finelli
- Department of Urology, American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Kristian Leisegang
- School of Natural Medicine, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Hussein Kandil
- Fakih IVF Fertility Center, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- Department of Urology, American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Esteves SC, Zini A, Coward RM, Evenson DP, Gosálvez J, Lewis SEM, Sharma R, Humaidan P. Sperm DNA fragmentation testing: Summary evidence and clinical practice recommendations. Andrologia 2020; 53:e13874. [PMID: 33108829 PMCID: PMC7988559 DOI: 10.1111/and.13874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We herein summarise the evidence concerning the impact of sperm DNA fragmentation in various clinical infertility scenarios and the advances on sperm DNA fragmentation tests. The collected evidence was used to formulate 41 recommendations. Of these, 13 recommendations concern technical aspects of sperm DNA fragmentation testing, including pre‐analytical information, clinical thresholds and interpretation of results. The remaining 28 recommendations relate to indications for sperm DNA fragmentation testing and clinical management. Clinical scenarios like varicocele, unexplained infertility, idiopathic infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilisation/intracytoplasmic sperm injection, fertility counselling for men with infertility risk factors and sperm cryopreservation have been contemplated. The bulk evidence supporting the recommendations has increased in recent years, but it is still of moderate to low quality. This guideline provides clinicians with advice on best practices in sperm DNA fragmentation testing. Also, recommendations are provided on possible management strategies to overcome infertility related to sperm DNA fragmentation, based on the best available evidence. Lastly, we identified gaps in knowledge and opportunities for research and elaborated a list of recommendations to stimulate further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro C Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Referral Center for Male Reproduction, Campinas, SP, Brazil.,Department of Surgery (Division of Urology), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil.,Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Armand Zini
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, St. Mary's Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Robert Matthew Coward
- Department of Urology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,UNC Fertility, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Donald P Evenson
- SCSA Diagnostics, Brookings, SD, USA.,Sanford Medical School, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Jaime Gosálvez
- Unit of Genetics, Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sheena E M Lewis
- Queens University Belfast, Belfast, UK.,Examenlab Ltd., Belfast, UK
| | - Rakesh Sharma
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Peter Humaidan
- Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Fertility Clinic Skive, Skive Regional Hospital, Skive, Denmark
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Esteves SC. Are specialized sperm function tests clinically useful in planning assisted reproductive technology? Int Braz J Urol 2020; 46:116-123. [PMID: 31851468 PMCID: PMC6968890 DOI: 10.1590/s1677-5538.ibju.2020.01.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
40-year-old male patient and 32-year-old female partner, with a history of primary infertility of two years duration. The workup revealed idiopathic mild oligoasthenotheratozoospermia, and no apparent female infertility factors. The couple has failed three intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles, planning more IUI cycles but also considering in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro C Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Clínica de Andrologia e Reprodução Humana, Centro de Referência para Reprodução Masculina, Campinas, SP, Brasil.,Departamento de Cirurgia (Disciplina de Urologia), Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brasil.,Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Hassanen E, Elqusi K, Zaki H, Henkel R, Agarwal A. TUNEL assay: Establishing a sperm DNA fragmentation cut-off value for Egyptian infertile men. Andrologia 2019; 51:e13375. [PMID: 31347719 DOI: 10.1111/and.13375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Male factor infertility is responsible for half of all infertility cases. Conventional semen analysis is inadequate to evaluate male fertility. Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) test can be done by: direct methods such as Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) and Comet assay, or indirect like Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA) and Sperm Chromatin Dispersion (SCD). TUNEL assay measures both single- and double-strand breaks and is technically less demanding, while SCSA tests for the susceptibility for nuclear DNA denaturation and samples should be sent to the reference lab. Studies showed that a single cut-off value does not fit all. Therefore, this study aimed at establishing a cut-off value to discriminate between fertile and infertile Egyptian men. We enrolled 354 infertile men and 40 proven fertile volunteers.TUNEL assay was performed using Apo-Direct kit and bench top flow cytometer.The calculated SDF cut-off value was 20.3% with a sensitivity of 96.6% and specificity of 87.5%, and the overall accuracy of the test was 95.7%. Sperm DNA fragmentation Test using TUNEL assay is valuable tool for male infertility evaluation, and it assists in offering the best treatment options based on it's results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ralf Henkel
- University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa.,American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Cho CL, Agarwal A. Role of sperm DNA fragmentation in male factor infertility: A systematic review. Arab J Urol 2018; 16:21-34. [PMID: 29713533 PMCID: PMC5922225 DOI: 10.1016/j.aju.2017.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To summarise the latest evidence on the role of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) in male factor infertility, as SDF has been emerging as a valuable tool for male infertility evaluation. METHODS A search of PubMed was conducted using the keywords 'sperm DNA fragmentation' and 'male infertility'. Studies in languages other than English were excluded. All identified studies were screened and clinical studies in humans were included. RESULTS In all, 150 articles were included for analysis. Current evidence supports the association between high SDF and poor reproductive outcomes for natural conception and intrauterine insemination. Although the relationship between high SDF and in vitro fertilisation and intracytoplasmic sperm injection is less clear, the negative implication of high SDF on pregnancy loss is evident. Various treatment strategies have been attempted with varying success. The predictive value of SDF testing on outcomes of natural pregnancy and assisted reproduction illustrates its value in clinical practice. CONCLUSION The significant role of SDF in male factor infertility is supported by current evidence. The beneficial role of SDF testing in selection of varicocelectomy candidates, evaluation of patients with unexplained infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss, selection of the most appropriate assisted reproductive technique with highest success rate for infertile couples, and assessment of infertile men with modifiable lifestyle factors or gonadotoxin exposure has been recently proposed.
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Key Words
- ART, assisted reproductive technology
- ASRM, American Society for Reproductive Medicine
- Assisted reproductive technology (ART)
- Comet, single cell gel electrophoresis assay
- EAU, European Association of Urology
- ICSI, intracytoplasmic sperm injection
- IMSI, intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection
- IUI, intrauterine insemination
- IVF, in vitro fertilisation
- MACS, magnetic cell sorting
- Male infertility
- OR, odds ratio
- PICSI, physiological ICSI with hyaluronic acid binding assay
- ROS, reactive oxygen species
- RR, relative risk
- SCD, sperm chromatin dispersion
- SCSA, sperm chromatin structure assay
- SDF, sperm DNA fragmentation
- Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF)
- TUNEL, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling
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Affiliation(s)
- Chak-Lam Cho
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Kwong Wah Hospital, Yaumatei, Hong Kong
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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