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Spaggiari G, Costantino F, Dalla Valentina L, Romeo M, Furini C, Roli L, De Santis MC, Canu G, Trenti T, Granata ARM, Simoni M, Santi D. Are they functional hypogonadal men? Testosterone serum levels unravel male idiopathic infertility subgroups. Endocrine 2024; 84:757-767. [PMID: 38372906 PMCID: PMC11076374 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-024-03717-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate total testosterone distribution in male idiopathic infertility. METHODS A retrospective, real-world case-control clinical study was conducted. Cases consisted of men evaluated for couple infertility, specifically those with alterations in semen parameters and normal gonadotropin levels, and after excluding all known causes of male infertility. Controls were male subjects who underwent semen analysis for screening purposes, without any abnormality detected. The total testosterone distribution was evaluated in cases and controls. Further analyses were performed subgrouping cases according to total testosterone reference threshold suggested by scientific societies (i.e., 3.5 ng/mL). RESULTS Cases included 214 idiopathic infertile men (mean age 38.2 ± 6.2 years) and controls 224 subjects with normozoospermia (mean age 33.7 ± 7.5 years). Total testosterone was not-normally distributed in both cases and controls, with positive asymmetric distribution slightly shifted on the left in cases. The rate of subjects with testosterone lower than 3.5 ng/mL was higher in cases (23.8%) than controls (4.5%) (p < 0.001). In cases with testosterone lower than 3.5 ng/mL, a significant direct correlation between testosterone and the percentage of normal morphology sperms was highlighted, also applying multivariate stepwise linear regression analysis (R = 0.430, standard error = 0.3, p = 0.020). CONCLUSION Although idiopathic infertile men show by definition altered semen analysis and gonadotropins within reference ranges, testosterone serum levels are widely variable in this population. Approximately a quarter of these patients present some sort of functional hypogonadism. Our data support the need to better classify idiopathic male infertility and total testosterone serum levels could be a supportive parameter in tracing the patient's therapeutic profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Spaggiari
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Andrology and Sexual Medicine of the Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Costantino
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Leonardo Dalla Valentina
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Marilina Romeo
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Chiara Furini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Laura Roli
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Azienda USL of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Canu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Azienda USL of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Tommaso Trenti
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Azienda USL of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Antonio R M Granata
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Andrology and Sexual Medicine of the Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Daniele Santi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy.
- Unit of Andrology and Sexual Medicine of the Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy.
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
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Hokmabadi A, Ranjbar E, Alipour F, Ebrahimzadeh-Bideskan A, Afshari JT, Rezaei MM, Shafieian R. Protective effect of dental pulp stem cells' conditioned medium against cisplatin-induced testicular damage in rats. Toxicology 2024; 504:153788. [PMID: 38527609 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Cisplatin is a highly effective chemotherapy drug used to treat most solid tumors. However, one of its side effects is testicular toxicity, which can lead to fertility abnormalities. This study investigated the effectiveness of dental pulp mesenchymal stem cells conditioned medium (DPSC-CM) on cisplatin-induced testicular toxicity. In this study, 36 eight-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups equally (n = 12). Group 1 control "CTR", which received normal saline (0.5 ml) intraperitoneally (i.p), group 2 "Cis" which received an intraperitoneal dose of cisplatin (7 mg/kg), and group 3 "Cis+CM" which received an i.p injection of DPSC-CM (0.5 mg/kg) after cisplatin injection. Biochemical, histomorphometric, and histopathological studies were performed on the testis. Our results exhibited that cis administration led to a decline in total body weight, testis weight, diameter, and volume. A decrease in testosterone and IL-6 serum levels, as well as a decrease in IL-6 and TNFα levels, the activity of catalase and SOD enzymes, and an increase in MDA in testicular tissue were detected. Testicular tissue damage was associated with a significant decrease in tube diameter, germinal epithelium height, number of spermatogonia and Sertoli cells, along with a noticeable increase in basement membrane thickness, and perivascular fibrosis. DMSC-CM improved all the mentioned parameters. Taken together, our results demonstrated that DMSC-CM due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, could be effective in reversing cisplatin-induced testicular toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afsaneh Hokmabadi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Esmaeil Ranjbar
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Alipour
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Alireza Ebrahimzadeh-Bideskan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Jalil Tavakol Afshari
- Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Morteza Rezaei
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Reyhaneh Shafieian
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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3
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Mekkawy MH, Abdou FY, Ali MM, Abd-ElRaouf A. A novel approach of using Maca root as a radioprotector in a rat testicular damage model focusing on GRP78/CHOP/Caspase-3 pathway. Arch Biochem Biophys 2024; 755:109963. [PMID: 38518815 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2024.109963] [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: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite the effectiveness of ionizing radiation in treating cancer, it can damage healthy tissues in the vicinity. Due to the high radio-sensitivity of testicular tissues, radiation therapy may affect spermatogenesis, which may result in infertility. Hence, in this study testicular damage model is constructed to investigate the mitigation effect of Maca root powder and its potential radioprotective activity through both oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stresses, besides the apoptotic pathway. METHODS Male albino rats were exposed to 6Gy of whole-body gamma radiation single dose. Maca root powder (1 g/kg b.wt./day, by oral gavage) was administered for a week before irradiation, then d-galactose (300 mg/kg, by oral gavage) and Maca daily for another week. RESULTS Gamma radiation and d-galactose revealed a significant decrease in serum testosterone, sperm count, and motility and higher percentage of the sperm head abnormality, while Maca root treatment maintained all sperm morphology parameters. Maca root treatment demonstrated a notable defense against radiation-induced oxidative stress and ameliorated malonaldehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) levels, reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and the ratio of GSH/GSSG in testis tissues. Exposure to gamma rays and d-galactose displayed a significant elevation in GRP78, CHOP, total caspase-3 as well as active (cleaved) caspase-3 levels, whereas treatment with Maca significantly reduced the ER and apoptotic markers levels. Also, Maca improved the histological changes of the disorganized seminiferous tubules induced by irradiation. CONCLUSION Our findings show for the first time that Maca has a protective effect on male reproductive damage induced by radiotherapy. Maca root reveals anti-apoptotic effect and protection against testicular damage via GRP78/CHOP/caspase-3 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai H Mekkawy
- Drug Radiation Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Fatma Y Abdou
- Drug Radiation Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Maha M Ali
- Drug Radiation Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Amira Abd-ElRaouf
- Drug Radiation Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt.
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Wankeu-Nya M, Djeumeni ON, Nde Z, Tchamadeu MC, Kengne TI, Hatho TDH, Koloko BL, Massoma LD, Dongmo AB, Moundipa FP, Watcho P. Aphrodisiac and androgenic effects of the aqueous extract of the roots of Vepris afzelii on cyproterone acetate-induced hypogonadism in rat. Int J Impot Res 2024:10.1038/s41443-024-00892-9. [PMID: 38684852 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-024-00892-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
This work aimed to evaluate the effects of the aqueous extract of Vepris afzelii roots on a rat model of hypogonadism. Phytochemical screening and acute toxicity of the extract were performed using different procedures. Hypogonadism was induced orally in adult Wistar rats using cyproterone acetate (30 mg/kg) for ten days. Besides six normal rats (10 ml/kg of distilled water, normal control), 30 hypogonadal rats were subdivided into five groups of six animals each, receiving for 14 days: distilled water (10 ml/kg, hypogonadal control), testosterone (4 mg/kg/3days) and the extract of V. afzelii (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg). Sexual behavior, sperm parameters, testes function and structure were assessed. Compared to the normal controls, significant (p = 0.0000) increases in mount (24 ± 0.94 seconds vs. 1200 ± 00 seconds) and intromission (49.16 ± 10.85 seconds vs. 1200 ± 00 seconds) latencies, and post-ejaculatory interval (381.72 ± 37.55 seconds vs. 1200 ± 00 seconds) were observed in all groups receiving cyproterone acetate on day 0. Total inhibitions of mounts (63.50 ± 8.91 vs. 00 ± 00), intromissions (36.66 ± 3.51 vs. 00 ± 00) (p = 0.0000), ejaculations (2.83 ± 00 vs. 00 ± 00, p = 0.0002) frequencies and mean copulatory interval (627.30 ± 81.80 vs. 00 ± 00, p = 0.0000) were also observed in these groups. Moreover, decreases in daily sperm production (2.65 ± 0.19 vs. 1.17 ± 0.08, p = 0.0498), percentage of sperm mobility (78.64 ± 8.41 vs. 10.12 ± 2.32), serum testosterone level (8.39 ± 0.63 ng/dl vs. 1.68 ± 0.19 ng/dl), diameter of seminiferous tubules (111.97 ± 0.51 µm vs. 94.51 ± 0.57 µm) and height of germinal epithelium (46.58 ± 0.34 µm vs. 33.74 ± 0.66 µm) (p = 0.0000) associated with increases in sperm transit (3.13 ± 0.45 vs. 11.07 ± 1.45, p = 0.0000) were also observed in these groups. Interestingly, compared to hypogonadal control and day 0, the administration of V. afzelii extract induced significant (p = 0.0000) improvements in all these altered parameters with 400 mg/kg being the most active dose. These results, attributed to saponins, flavonoids, polyphenols and triterpenes detected in this plant's extract confirm its traditional usage and could be useful for the management of patients suffering from hypogonadism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Modeste Wankeu-Nya
- Laboratory of Biology and Physiology of Animal Organisms, Department of Animal Organisms Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon.
| | - Ornéla Néely Djeumeni
- Laboratory of Biology and Physiology of Animal Organisms, Department of Animal Organisms Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Zacharie Nde
- Laboratory of Biology and Physiology of Animal Organisms, Department of Animal Organisms Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Marie Claire Tchamadeu
- Laboratory of Biology and Physiology of Animal Organisms, Department of Animal Organisms Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Tomutou Inès Kengne
- Laboratory of Biology and Physiology of Animal Organisms, Department of Animal Organisms Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Towo Dominique Hyacinthe Hatho
- Laboratory of Biology and Physiology of Animal Organisms, Department of Animal Organisms Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Brice Landry Koloko
- Laboratory of Biotechnologies, Department of Thermal Engineering and Energy, University Institute of Technology, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Lembè Dieudonné Massoma
- Laboratory of Biology and Physiology of Animal Organisms, Department of Animal Organisms Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Alain Bertrand Dongmo
- Laboratory of Biology and Physiology of Animal Organisms, Department of Animal Organisms Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Fewou Paul Moundipa
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Pierre Watcho
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
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Seong H, Song JW, Lee KH, Jang G, Shin DM, Shon WJ. Taste receptor type 1 member 3 regulates Western diet-induced male infertility. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2024; 1869:159433. [PMID: 38007088 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2023.159433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Western diet (WD), characterized by a high intake of fats and sugary drinks, is a risk factor for male reproductive impairment. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this remain unclear. Taste receptor type 1 member 3 (TAS1R3), activated by ligands of WD, is highly expressed in extra-oral tissues, particularly in the testes. Here, we investigated to determine the effects of WD intake on male reproduction and whether TAS1R3 mediates WD-induced impairment in male reproduction. Male C57BL/6 J wild-type (WT) and Tas1r3 knockout (KO) mice were fed either a normal diet and plain water (ND) or a 60 % high-fat-diet and 30 % (w/v) sucrose water (WD) for 18 weeks (n = 7-9/group). Long-term WD consumption significantly impaired sperm count, motility and testicular morphology in WT mice with marked Tas1r3 overexpression, whereas Tas1r3 KO mice were protected from WD-induced reproductive impairment. Testicular transcriptome analysis revealed downregulated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling and significantly elevated AMPK-targeted nuclear receptor 4A1 (Nr4a1) expression in WD-fed Tas1r3 KO mice. In vitro studies further validated that Tas1r3 knockdown in Leydig cells prevented the suppression of Nr4a1 and downstream steroidogenic genes (Star, Cyp11a1, Cyp17a1, and Hsd3b1) caused by high glucose, fructose, and palmitic acid levels, and maintained the levels of testosterone. Additionally, we analyzed the public human dataset to assess the clinical implications of our findings and confirmed a significant association between TAS1R3 and male-infertility-related diseases. Our findings suggest that TAS1R3 regulates WD-induced male reproductive impairment via the AMPK/NR4A1 signaling and can be a novel therapeutic target for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hobin Seong
- Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Human Ecology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Won Song
- Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Human Ecology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Keon-Hee Lee
- Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Human Ecology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Goo Jang
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine and the Research Institute of Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea; Comparative Medicine Disease Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Mi Shin
- Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Human Ecology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea; Research Institute of Human Ecology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - Woo-Jeong Shon
- Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Human Ecology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea; Research Institute of Human Ecology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
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Nie P, Wen S, Wang M, Xu H. Exploration of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101 ameliorated the alcohol-induced testicular dysfunction based on metabolome analysis. Food Chem Toxicol 2024; 185:114463. [PMID: 38244668 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2024.114463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
The decline in male sperm quality caused by multiple factors has become a widespread concern. Alcohol excessive consumption is one of the factors that induce testicular dysfunction. Testicular dysfunction caused by alcohol abuse is related to oxidative stress and inflammation. Probiotics can ameliorate alcohol-induced testicular dysfunction. However, the specific mechanism is not explicit. This study aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanism by which Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101 ameliorates the alcohol-induced testicular dysfunction. The model of alcohol-induced testicular dysfunction in C57B/6 male mice was established according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101 supplementation was orally administered to mice during the experiment. The results showed that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101 promoted androgen production, reduced testis inflammation, and improved testis antioxidant capacity, thereby improving sperm quality and sperm motility and ultimately ameliorating alcohol-induced testicular disorder. Three key metabolite pathways and six key metabolites were identified by metabolome analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penghui Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, PR China
| | - Siyue Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, PR China
| | - Mengqi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, PR China
| | - Hengyi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, PR China; International Institute of Food Innovation Co., Ltd., Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330200, PR China.
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Holt R, Yahyavi SK, Kooij I, Poulsen NN, Juul A, Jørgensen N, Blomberg Jensen M. Effects of vitamin D on sex steroids, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone to luteinizing hormone ratio in 307 infertile men. Andrology 2024; 12:553-560. [PMID: 37555466 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Vitamin D status has been associated with sex steroid production. The question is whether vitamin D supplementation has an impact on sex steroid production in infertile men with vitamin D insufficiency? DESIGN A single-center, double-blinded, randomized clinical trial. Differences in sex steroids and reproductive hormones were predefined secondary outcomes, vitamin D status at baseline was a predefined subgroup and the primary outcome was differences in semen quality. METHODS A total of 307 infertile men were included and randomized 1:1 to active or placebo treatment for 150 days. Men in the active group initially received an oral bolus of 300,000 IU cholecalciferol, followed by daily supplementation with 1400 IU cholecalciferol and 500 mg calcium. RESULTS After intervention, no differences were found in serum concentrations of sex steroids, luteinizing hormone, testosterone/luteinizing hormone ratio or SHBG between the vitamin D and placebo group. However, in a predefined subgroup analysis of men with serum 25OHD ≤ 50 nmol/L, men treated with vitamin D had a significantly higher testosterone/luteinizing hormone ratio [4.2 (3.8-4.4) vs. 3.7 (3.4-4.0); p = 0.033] compared with placebo treatment. In men with vitamin D deficiency, the difference between groups was larger but not significant due to few men with serum 25OHD < 25 nmol/L. CONCLUSION Vitamin D + calcium supplementation did not alter sex steroid production in infertile men. However, vitamin D insufficient men treated with vitamin D supplementation had a significantly higher testosterone/LH ratio compared with placebo-treated men, suggesting that optimal Leydig cell function are dependent on adequate vitamin D status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rune Holt
- Group of Skeletal, Mineral and Gonadal Endocrinology, Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Division of Translational Endocrinology, Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sam Kafai Yahyavi
- Group of Skeletal, Mineral and Gonadal Endocrinology, Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Division of Translational Endocrinology, Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ireen Kooij
- Group of Skeletal, Mineral and Gonadal Endocrinology, Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Division of Translational Endocrinology, Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nadia Nicholine Poulsen
- Group of Skeletal, Mineral and Gonadal Endocrinology, Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Division of Translational Endocrinology, Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin Blomberg Jensen
- Group of Skeletal, Mineral and Gonadal Endocrinology, Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Division of Translational Endocrinology, Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Panga MJ, Zhao Y. Male Reproductive Toxicity of Antifouling Chemicals: Insights into Oxidative Stress-Induced Infertility and Molecular Mechanisms of Zinc Pyrithione (ZPT). Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:173. [PMID: 38397771 PMCID: PMC10886347 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13020173] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Zinc pyrithione (ZPT), a widely utilized industrial chemical, is recognized for its versatile properties, including antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, and antifouling activities. Despite its widespread use, recent research has shed light on its toxicity, particularly towards the male reproductive system. While investigations into ZPT's impact on male reproduction have been conducted, most of the attention has been directed towards marine organisms. Notably, ZPT has been identified as a catalyst for oxidative stress, contributing to various indicators of male infertility, such as a reduced sperm count, impaired sperm motility, diminished testosterone levels, apoptosis, and degenerative changes in the testicular tissue. Furthermore, discussions surrounding ZPT's effects on DNA and cellular structures have emerged. Despite the abundance of information regarding reproductive toxicity, the molecular mechanisms underlying ZPT's detrimental effects on the male reproductive system remain poorly understood. This review focuses specifically on ZPT, delving into its reported toxicity on male reproduction, while also addressing the broader context by discussing other antifouling chemicals, and emphasizing the need for further exploration into its molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ye Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
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Corda PO, Moreira J, Howl J, Oliveira PF, Fardilha M, Silva JV. Differential Proteomic Analysis of Human Sperm: A Systematic Review to Identify Candidate Targets to Monitor Sperm Quality. World J Mens Health 2024; 42:71-91. [PMID: 37118964 PMCID: PMC10782124 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.220262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The advent of proteomics provides new opportunities to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying male infertility. The selection of relevant targets based on a single analysis is not always feasible, due to the growing number of proteomic studies with conflicting results. Thus, this study aimed to systematically review investigations comparing the sperm proteome of normozoospermic and infertile men to define a panel of proteins with the potential to be used to evaluate sperm quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS A literature search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases following the PRISMA guidelines. To identify proteins systematically reported, first the studies were divided by condition into four groups (asthenozoospermia, low motility, unexplained infertility, and infertility related to risk factors) and then, all studies were analysed simultaneously (poor sperm quality). To gain molecular insights regarding identified proteins, additional searches were performed within the Human Protein Atlas, Mouse Genome Informatics, UniProt, and PubMed databases. RESULTS Thirty-two studies were included and divided into 4 sub-analysis groups. A total of 2752 proteins were collected, of which 38, 1, 3 and 2 were indicated as potential markers for asthenozoospermia, low motility, unexplained infertility and infertility related to risk factors, respectively, and 58 for poor sperm quality. Among the identified proteins, ACR, ACRBP, ACRV1, ACTL9, AKAP4, ATG3, CCT2, CFAP276, CFAP52, FAM209A, GGH, HPRT1, LYZL4, PRDX6, PRSS37, REEP6, ROPN1B, SPACA3, SOD1, SPEM1, SPESP1, SPINK2, TEKT5, and ZPBP were highlighted due to their roles in male reproductive tissues, association with infertility phenotypes or participation in specific biological functions in spermatozoa. CONCLUSIONS Sperm proteomics allows the identification of protein markers with the potential to overcome limitations in male infertility diagnosis and to understand changes in sperm function at the molecular level. This study provides a reliable list of systematically reported proteins that could be potential targets for further basic and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro O Corda
- Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Jéssica Moreira
- Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - John Howl
- Research Institute in Healthcare Science, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Margarida Fardilha
- Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Joana Vieira Silva
- Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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10
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Han X, Wang B, Situ C, Qi Y, Zhu H, Li Y, Guo X. scapGNN: A graph neural network-based framework for active pathway and gene module inference from single-cell multi-omics data. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002369. [PMID: 37956172 PMCID: PMC10681325 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Although advances in single-cell technologies have enabled the characterization of multiple omics profiles in individual cells, extracting functional and mechanistic insights from such information remains a major challenge. Here, we present scapGNN, a graph neural network (GNN)-based framework that creatively transforms sparse single-cell profile data into the stable gene-cell association network for inferring single-cell pathway activity scores and identifying cell phenotype-associated gene modules from single-cell multi-omics data. Systematic benchmarking demonstrated that scapGNN was more accurate, robust, and scalable than state-of-the-art methods in various downstream single-cell analyses such as cell denoising, batch effect removal, cell clustering, cell trajectory inference, and pathway or gene module identification. scapGNN was developed as a systematic R package that can be flexibly extended and enhanced for existing analysis processes. It provides a new analytical platform for studying single cells at the pathway and network levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Han
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chenghao Situ
- Department of Histology and Embryology, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yaling Qi
- Department of Histology and Embryology, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Zhu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuejiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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11
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Grande G, Graziani A, De Toni L, Garolla A, Milardi D, Ferlin A. Acquired Male Hypogonadism in the Post-Genomic Era-A Narrative Review. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1854. [PMID: 37763258 PMCID: PMC10532903 DOI: 10.3390/life13091854] [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: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Although precision medicine took its first steps from genomic medicine, it has gone far beyond genomics, considering the full complexity of cellular physiology. Therefore, the present time can be considered as the "post-genomic era". In detail, proteomics captures the overall protein profile of an analyzed sample, whilst metabolomics has the purpose of studying the molecular aspects of a known medical condition through the measurement of metabolites with low molecular weight in biological specimens. In this review, the role of post-genomic platforms, namely proteomics and metabolomics, is evaluated with a specific interest in their application for the identification of novel biomarkers in male hypogonadism and in the identification of new perspectives of knowledge on the pathophysiological function of testosterone. Post-genomic platforms, including MS-based proteomics and metabolomics based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-HRMS, have been applied to find solutions to clinical questions related to the diagnosis and treatment of male hypogonadism. In detail, seminal proteomics helped us in identifying novel non-invasive markers of androgen activity to be translated into clinical practice, sperm proteomics revealed the role of testosterone in spermatogenesis, while serum metabolomics helped identify the different metabolic pathways associated with testosterone deficiency and replacement treatment, both in patients with insulin sensitivity and patients with insulin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Grande
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.G.); (L.D.T.); (A.G.); (A.F.)
| | - Andrea Graziani
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.G.); (L.D.T.); (A.G.); (A.F.)
| | - Luca De Toni
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.G.); (L.D.T.); (A.G.); (A.F.)
| | - Andrea Garolla
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.G.); (L.D.T.); (A.G.); (A.F.)
| | - Domenico Milardi
- Division of Endocrinology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli” Scientific Hospitalization and Treatment Institute (IRCCS), 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Alberto Ferlin
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.G.); (L.D.T.); (A.G.); (A.F.)
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12
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Ozoani H, Ezejiofor AN, Okolo KO, Orish CN, Cirovic A, Cirovic A, Orisakwe OE. Zinc and selenium attenuate quaternary heavy metal mixture-induced testicular damage via amplification of the antioxidant system, reduction in metal accumulation, inflammatory and apoptotic biomarkers. Toxicol Res 2023; 39:497-515. [PMID: 37398573 PMCID: PMC10313602 DOI: 10.1007/s43188-023-00187-z] [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: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Heavy metals (HMs) such as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg) are highly toxic elements. They are often found together in nature as a heavy metal mixture (HMM) and are known to contribute to subfertility/infertility as environmental pollutants. This study aims to evaluate the potential benefits of treating HMM-induced testicular pathophysiology with zinc (Zn) and/or selenium (Se). Six-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats were grouped into 5 (n = 7). The control group received deionized water, while the other groups were treated with PbCl2 (20 mg kg-1), CdCl2 (1.61 mg kg-1), HgCl2 (0.40 mg kg-1), and Na2AsO3 (10 mg kg-1) in deionized water for 60 days. Additionally, groups III to V received Zn, Se, and Zn/Se, respectively, for 60 days. The study evaluated testis weight, metal accumulation, sperm analysis, FSH, LH, testosterone, prolactin, oxidative stress, antioxidants, pro-inflammatory and apoptotic markers, and presented structural changes in the testis as micrographs. HMM caused a significant increase in testis weight, metal accumulation, prolactin, oxidative stress, and pro-inflammatory and apoptotic markers, while significantly decreasing semen analysis, FSH, LH, and testosterone. Histology showed decreased spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis, as evidenced by the structure of the germ cells and spermatids. However, Zn, Se, or both ameliorated and reversed some of the observed damages. This study provides further evidence for the mitigative potential of Zn, Se, or both in reversing the damage inflicted by HMM in the testis, and as a countermeasure towards improving HM-induced decrease in public health fecundity. Graphical abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison Ozoani
- African Centre of Excellence for Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE-PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt, PMB, 5323, Port Harcourt, Choba Nigeria
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Science and Technology, Nsukka, Enugu State Nigeria
| | - Anthonet N. Ezejiofor
- African Centre of Excellence for Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE-PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt, PMB, 5323, Port Harcourt, Choba Nigeria
| | - Kenneth O. Okolo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Science and Technology, Nsukka, Enugu State Nigeria
| | - Chinna N. Orish
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, PMB, 5323, Port Harcourt, Choba Nigeria
| | - Ana Cirovic
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandar Cirovic
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Orish E. Orisakwe
- African Centre of Excellence for Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE-PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt, PMB, 5323, Port Harcourt, Choba Nigeria
- Provictoire Research Institute, Port Harcourt, Rivers State Nigeria
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13
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Miyazaki MA, Guilharducci RL, Intasqui P, Bertolla RP. Mapping the human sperm proteome - novel insights into reproductive research. Expert Rev Proteomics 2023; 20:19-45. [PMID: 37140161 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2023.2210764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Spermatozoa are highly specialized cells with unique morphology. In addition, spermatozoa lose a considerable amount of cytoplasm during spermiogenesis, when they also compact their DNA, resulting in a transcriptionally quiescent cell. Throughout the male reproductive tract, sperm will acquire proteins that enable them to interact with the female reproductive tract. After ejaculation, proteins undergo post-translational modifications for sperm to capacitate, hyperactivate and fertilize the oocyte. Many proteins have been identified as predictors of male infertility, and also investigated in diseases that compromise reproductive potential. AREAS COVERED In this review we proposed to summarize the recent findings about the sperm proteome and how they affect sperm structure, function, and fertility. A literature search was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar databases within the past 5 years until August 2022. EXPERT OPINION Sperm function depends on protein abundance, conformation, and PTMs; understanding the sperm proteome may help to identify pathways essential to fertility, even making it possible to unravel the mechanisms involved in idiopathic infertility. In addition, proteomics evaluation offers knowledge regarding alterations that compromise the male reproductive potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mika Alexia Miyazaki
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Raquel Lozano Guilharducci
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paula Intasqui
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Pimenta Bertolla
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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14
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Cosci I, Grande G, Di Nisio A, Rocca MS, Del Fiore P, Benna C, Mocellin S, Ferlin A. Cutaneous Melanoma and Hormones: Focus on Sex Differences and the Testis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010599. [PMID: 36614041 PMCID: PMC9820190 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma, the most aggressive type of skin cancer, remains one the most represented forms of cancer in the United States and European countries, representing, in Australia, the primary cause of cancer-related deaths. Recently, many studies have shown that sex disparities previously observed in most cancers are particularly accentuated in melanoma, where male sex is consistently associated with an increased risk of disease progression and a higher mortality rate. The causes of these sex differences rely on biological mechanisms related to sex hormones, immune homeostasis and oxidative processes. The development of newer therapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) (i.e., anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibodies) has dramatically changed the treatment landscape of metastatic melanoma patients, though ICIs can interfere with the immune response and lead to inflammatory immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Recently, some studies have shown a potential adverse influence of this immunotherapy treatment also on male fertility and testicular function. However, while many anticancer drugs are known to cause defects in spermatogenesis, the effects of ICIs therapy remain largely unknown. Notwithstanding the scarce and conflicting information available on this topic, the American Society of Clinical Oncology guidelines recommend sperm cryopreservation in males undergoing ICIs. As investigations regarding the long-term outcomes of anticancer immunotherapy on the male reproductive system are still in their infancy, this review aims to support and spur future research in order to understand a potential gonadotoxic effect of ICIs on testicular function, spermatogenesis and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Cosci
- Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Grande
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Nisio
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Santa Rocca
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Paolo Del Fiore
- Soft-Tissue, Peritoneum and Melanoma Surgical Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Clara Benna
- Soft-Tissue, Peritoneum and Melanoma Surgical Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences (DISCOG), University of Padua, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Simone Mocellin
- Soft-Tissue, Peritoneum and Melanoma Surgical Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences (DISCOG), University of Padua, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Alberto Ferlin
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-049-8212723
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