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Aitken RJ, Drevet JR, Moazamian A, Gharagozloo P. Male Infertility and Oxidative Stress: A Focus on the Underlying Mechanisms. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11020306. [PMID: 35204189 PMCID: PMC8868102 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11020306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a critical role in defining the functional competence of human spermatozoa. When generated in moderate amounts, ROS promote sperm capacitation by facilitating cholesterol efflux from the plasma membrane, enhancing cAMP generation, inducing cytoplasmic alkalinization, increasing intracellular calcium levels, and stimulating the protein phosphorylation events that drive the attainment of a capacitated state. However, when ROS generation is excessive and/or the antioxidant defences of the reproductive system are compromised, a state of oxidative stress may be induced that disrupts the fertilizing capacity of the spermatozoa and the structural integrity of their DNA. This article focusses on the sources of ROS within this system and examines the circumstances under which the adequacy of antioxidant protection might become a limiting factor. Seminal leukocyte contamination can contribute to oxidative stress in the ejaculate while, in the germ line, the dysregulation of electron transport in the sperm mitochondria, elevated NADPH oxidase activity, or the excessive stimulation of amino acid oxidase action are all potential contributors to oxidative stress. A knowledge of the mechanisms responsible for creating such stress within the human ejaculate is essential in order to develop better antioxidant strategies that avoid the unintentional creation of its reductive counterpart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-2-4921-6851
| | - Joël R. Drevet
- GReD Institute, INSERM U1103-CNRS UMR6293—Université Clermont Auvergne, Faculty of Medicine, CRBC Building, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (J.R.D.); (A.M.)
| | - Aron Moazamian
- GReD Institute, INSERM U1103-CNRS UMR6293—Université Clermont Auvergne, Faculty of Medicine, CRBC Building, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (J.R.D.); (A.M.)
- CellOxess LLC, Ewing, NJ 08628, USA;
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Cryoprotective Effects of Ergothioneine and Isoespintanol on Canine Semen. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11102757. [PMID: 34679779 PMCID: PMC8532791 DOI: 10.3390/ani11102757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cryopreserving dog semen allows the long-term availability of male gametes for future artificial insemination and other assisted reproductive techniques. However, freezing causes irreversible damage to sperm that can affect its ability to fertilize and generate a viable pregnancy. Sperm alterations are partly attributed to oxidation produced by reactive oxygen species (ROS); therefore, antioxidants have been included as extenders for seminal cryopreservation. The unconventional natural antioxidants might reduce deleterious changes in cryopreserved dog sperm; therefore, we evaluated the effects of cryopreservation with the antioxidants ergothioneine and isoespintanol on thawed canine sperm. Various concentrations of both antioxidants improved the movement capacity and structure of thawed spermatozoa, possibly by reducing ROS production. The unconventional antioxidants isoespintanol and ergothioneine improved the quality of cryopreserved canine semen and hence improved assisted canine reproduction. Abstract Sperm undergo oxidative stress due to excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during cryopreservation. Some unconventional natural antioxidants can reduce ROS-induced changes in cryopreserved canine sperm. This study aimed to identify the cryoprotective effects of ergothioneine and isoespintanol on the quality of thawed canine semen. Twelve ejaculates from six dogs were cryopreserved in a tris-yolk extender without (control) or with 50 (E50), 100 (E100), or 150 (E150) µM ergothioneine or 20 (I20), 40 (I40), or 60 (I60) µM isoespintanol. We evaluated the motility and kinetics of thawed sperm using computerized analysis; determined morphology by eosin-nigrosin staining; functional membrane integrity using hypoosmotic tests, and structural membrane and acrosome integrity; mitochondrial membrane potential by fluorescence microscopy; and ROS production by spectrophotometry. Data were statistically analyzed using mixed models and Tukey tests. E100 increased total (60.6% vs. 49.6%) and progressive (26.4% vs. 20.1%) motility, straight line velocity (41.3 vs. 35.9 µm/s), and rapid sperm (17.6% vs. 12.3%) compared with controls. However, E150 reduced the numbers of hyperactive sperm. E100, I40, and I60 reduced the abnormal morphology and ROS production, and all concentrations of both antioxidants increased acrosomal integrity. We concluded that ergothioneine and isoespintanol reduce deleterious sperm alterations and oxidative stress in thawed canine semen.
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Tvrdá E, Benko F, Slanina T, du Plessis SS. The Role of Selected Natural Biomolecules in Sperm Production and Functionality. Molecules 2021; 26:5196. [PMID: 34500629 PMCID: PMC8434568 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26175196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence from in vivo as well as in vitro studies indicates that natural biomolecules may play important roles in the prevention or management of a wide array of chronic diseases. Furthermore, the use of natural compounds in the treatment of male sub- or infertility has been proposed as a potential alternative to conventional therapeutic options. As such, we aimed to evaluate the effects of selected natural biomolecules on the sperm production, structural integrity, and functional activity. At the same time, we reviewed their possible beneficial or adverse effects on male reproductive health. Using relevant keywords, a literature search was performed to collect currently available information regarding molecular mechanisms by which selected natural biomolecules exhibit their biological effects in the context of male reproductive dysfunction. Evidence gathered from clinical trials, in vitro experiments and in vivo studies suggest that the selected natural compounds affect key targets related to sperm mitochondrial metabolism and motion behavior, oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA integrity and cell death. The majority of reports emphasize on ameliorative, stimulating and protective effects of natural biomolecules on the sperm function. Nevertheless, possible adverse and toxic behavior of natural compounds has been indicated as well, pointing out to a possible dose-dependent impact of natural biomolecules on the sperm survival and functionality. As such, further research leading to a deeper understanding of the beneficial or adverse roles of natural compounds is necessary before these can be employed for the management of male reproductive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Tvrdá
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia; (F.B.); (T.S.)
| | - Filip Benko
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia; (F.B.); (T.S.)
| | - Tomáš Slanina
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia; (F.B.); (T.S.)
| | - Stefan S. du Plessis
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai 505055, United Arab Emirates;
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Mahiddine FY, Kim MJ. Overview on the Antioxidants, Egg Yolk Alternatives, and Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Derivatives Used in Canine Sperm Cryopreservation. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:1930. [PMID: 34203537 PMCID: PMC8300182 DOI: 10.3390/ani11071930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm cryopreservation is a widely used assisted reproductive technology for canine species. The long-term storage of dog sperm is effective for the breeding of dogs living far apart, scheduling the time of artificial insemination that suits the female, and preventing diseases of the reproductive tract. However, spermatozoa functions are impaired during the freeze-thaw processes, which may decrease reproductive performance. Numerous attempts have been made to restore such impairments, including the use of cryoprotectants to prevent the damage caused by ice crystal formation, and supplementation of antioxidants to reduce reactive oxygen species generation due to osmotic stress during the procedure. Egg yolk derivatives, antioxidants, and, more recently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their derivatives have been proposed in this research field. This review article will summarize the current literature available on the topic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Min-Jung Kim
- Department of Research and Development, Mjbiogen Corp., Gwangnaru-ro 144, Seoul 14788, Korea;
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Santonastaso M, Mottola F, Iovine C, Colacurci N, Rocco L. Protective Effects of Curcumin on the Outcome of Cryopreservation in Human Sperm. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:2895-2905. [PMID: 33861392 PMCID: PMC8523395 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00572-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cryopreservation causes decreased sperm fertility potential due to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and physical-chemical damage, resulting in reduced sperm viability and motility. The addition of antioxidants to freezing media could protect sperm from cryo-damage, counteracting the harmful effects of ROS. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of curcumin supplementation in freezing medium on preventing cryo-damage in human semen. Semen samples collected from fertile men were cryopreserved in freezing medium supplemented with different concentrations of curcumin (2.5, 5, 10, and 20 μM). After freezing-thawing, sperm parameters, DNA fragmentation, intracellular ROS, and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) gene expression were evaluated. Supplementation with 20 μM curcumin in freezing medium caused increases in progressive and nonprogressive motility and significant reductions in intracellular ROS and DNA fragmentation in frozen-thawed sperm cells. Following cryopreservation, GPX4 mRNA expression was significantly upregulated in thawed semen supplemented with 20 μM curcumin compared to the control. The results showed that curcumin supplementation in freezing medium was protective against human sperm parameters and sperm DNA, counteracting oxidative damage induced by the freeze-thaw process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Santonastaso
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Special Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Filomena Mottola
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Concetta Iovine
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Nicola Colacurci
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Special Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Lucia Rocco
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy.
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Shahedi A, Talebi AR, Mirjalili A, Pourentezari M. Protective effects of curcumin on chromatin quality, sperm parameters, and apoptosis following testicular torsion-detorsion in mice. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2021; 48:27-33. [PMID: 33648042 PMCID: PMC7943345 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2020.03853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The chief outcome of testicular torsion in clinical and experimental contexts is testicular ischemia. Curcumin, a compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has fascinated researchers and clinicians for its promise in the treatment of fertility diseases. Methods Thirty-five fully grown male mice were randomly classified into five groups: control, sham, testicular torsion, treatment group 1 (testicular torsion+short-term curcumin), and treatment group 2 (testicular torsion+long-term curcumin). Thirty-five days later, spermatozoa from the right cauda epididymis were analyzed with regard to count and motility. Toluidine blue (TB), aniline blue (AB), and chromomycin A3 (CMA3) staining assays were used to evaluate the sperm chromatin integrity. In addition, the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling (TUNEL) test was used to assess apoptosis. Result Treatment group 1 exhibited a remarkably elevated sperm count compared to the testicular torsion group. Additionally, notably lower sperm motility was found in the testicular torsion group compared to the control, treatment 1, and treatment 2 groups. Staining (CMA3, AB, and TB) and the TUNEL test indicated significantly greater testicular torsion in the torsion group compared to the control group (p<0.05). The data also revealed notably lower results of all sperm chromatin assays and lower apoptosis in both treatment groups relative to the testicular torsion group (p<0.05). Significantly elevated (p<0.05) AB and TB results were noted in treatment group 1 compared to treatment group 2. Conclusion Curcumin can compensate for the harmful effects of testicular ischemia and improve sperm chromatin quality in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Shahedi
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Ali Reza Talebi
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.,Department of Reproductive Biology, Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Aghdas Mirjalili
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Majid Pourentezari
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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Ciani F, Maruccio L, Cocchia N, d’Angelo D, Carotenuto D, Avallone L, Namagerdi AA, Tafuri S. Antioxidants in assisted reproductive technologies: An overview on dog, cat, and horse. J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8:173-184. [PMID: 33860028 PMCID: PMC8043350 DOI: 10.5455/javar.2021.h500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are widely used as a tool to improve reproductive performance in both humans and animals. In particular, in the veterinary field, ARTs are used to improve animal genetics, recover endangered animals, and produce offspring in the event of subfertility or infertility in males or females. However, the use of ARTs did not improve the fertilization rate in some animals due to various factors such as the difficulty in reproducing an anatomical and humoral substrate typical of the natural condition or due to the increase in catabolites and their difficult elimination. The in vitro environment allows the production and increase in the concentration of substances, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), which could be harmful to gametes. If produced in high concentration, the ROS becomes deleterious, both in vitro and in vivo systems. It has been seen that the use of antioxidants can help neutralize or counteract the production of ROS. The present study aims to report the latest findings regarding the use of antioxidants in ARTs of some domestic species, such as dogs, cats, and horses, compared to other animal species, such as cattle, in which ARTs have instead developed more widely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Ciani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Lucianna Maruccio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Natascia Cocchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Danila d’Angelo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Avallone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Simona Tafuri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Félix F, Oliveira CCV, Cabrita E. Antioxidants in Fish Sperm and the Potential Role of Melatonin. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 10:E36. [PMID: 33396234 PMCID: PMC7824569 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10010036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the effects of novel antioxidants have played an important role in the research focusing on fish cell protection. As food demand grows, aquaculture production becomes more intensive, and fish are more exposed to oxidative stress conditions, like high densities, temperature shifting, frequent fish handling and samplings, and prophylactic or disease treatments, which expose fish to a different environment. Particularly in reproduction, germ cells lose antioxidant capacity with spermatogenesis, as spermatozoa are more prone to oxidative stress. Antioxidants have been used in a variety of fish physiological problems including in reproduction and in the establishment of cryopreservation protocols. From the most used antioxidants to natural plant food and herbs, and endogenously produced antioxidants, like melatonin, a review of the literature available in terms of their effects on the protection of fish spermatozoa is presented here in a classified structure. Several direct and indirect approaches to improve gamete quality using antioxidants administration are mentioned (through feed supplementation or by adding in cryopreservation media), as well as factors affecting the efficiency of these molecules and their mechanisms of action. Special attention is given to the unclear melatonin pathway and its potential scavenger activity to prevent and counteract oxidative stress damage on fish spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Catarina C. V. Oliveira
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal;
| | - Elsa Cabrita
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal;
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