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Gül M, Russo GI, Kandil H, Boitrelle F, Saleh R, Chung E, Kavoussi P, Mostafa T, Shah R, Agarwal A. Male Infertility: New Developments, Current Challenges, and Future Directions. World J Mens Health 2024; 42:502-517. [PMID: 38164030 PMCID: PMC11216957 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.230232] [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: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
There have been many significant scientific advances in the diagnostics and treatment modalities in the field of male infertility in recent decades. Examples of these include assisted reproductive technologies, sperm selection techniques for intracytoplasmic sperm injection, surgical procedures for sperm retrieval, and novel tests of sperm function. However, there is certainly a need for new developments in this field. In this review, we discuss advances in the management of male infertility, such as seminal oxidative stress testing, sperm DNA fragmentation testing, genetic and epigenetic tests, genetic manipulations, artificial intelligence, personalized medicine, and telemedicine. The role of the reproductive urologist will continue to expand in future years to address different topzics related to diverse questions and controversies of pathophysiology, diagnosis, and therapy of male infertility, training researchers and physicians in medical and scientific research in reproductive urology/andrology, and further development of andrology as an independent specialty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Gül
- Department of Urology, Selcuk University School of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
| | - Giorgio Ivan Russo
- Urology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
| | - Hussein Kandil
- Fakih IVF Fertility Center, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
| | - Florence Boitrelle
- Reproductive Biology, Fertility Preservation, Andrology, CECOS, Poissy Hospital, Poissy, France
- Paris Saclay University, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
| | - Ramadan Saleh
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
- Ajyal IVF Center, Ajyal Hospital, Sohag, Egypt
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
| | - Eric Chung
- Department of Urology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
| | - Parviz Kavoussi
- Department of Reproductive Urology, Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, Austin, TX, USA
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
| | - Taymour Mostafa
- Department of Andrology, Sexology and STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
| | - Rupin Shah
- Department of Urology, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
- Well Women's Centre, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai, India
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Ali MA, Qin Z, Dou S, Huang A, Wang Y, Yuan X, Zhang Y, Ni Q, Azmat R, Zeng C. Cryopreservation Induces Acetylation of Metabolism-Related Proteins in Boar Sperm. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10983. [PMID: 37446160 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryodamage affects the normal physiological functions and survivability of boar sperm during cryopreservation. Lysine acetylation is thought to be an important regulatory mechanism in sperm functions. However, little is known about protein acetylation and its effects on cryotolerance or cryodamage in boar sperm. In this study, the characterization and protein acetylation dynamics of boar sperm during cryopreservation were determined using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). A total of 1440 proteins were identified out of 4705 modified proteins, and 2764 quantifiable sites were elucidated. Among the differentially modified sites, 1252 were found to be upregulated compared to 172 downregulated sites in fresh and frozen sperms. Gene ontology indicated that these differentially modified proteins are involved in metabolic processes and catalytic and antioxidant activities, which are involved in pyruvate metabolism, phosphorylation and lysine degradation. In addition, the present study demonstrated that the mRNA and protein expressions of SIRT5, IDH2, MDH2 and LDHC, associated with sperm quality parameters, are downregulated after cryopreservation. In conclusion, cryopreservation induces the acetylation and deacetylation of energy metabolism-related proteins, which may contribute to the post-thawed boar sperm quality parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malik Ahsan Ali
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Ziyue Qin
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Shan Dou
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - Anqi Huang
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - Yihan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Xiang Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Qingyong Ni
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Rameesha Azmat
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Government College Women University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Changjun Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
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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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Sun TC, Li DM, Yu H, Song LL, Jia YJ, Lin L, Zhou SJ. Bilateral varicocele leads to ferroptosis, pyroptosis and necroptosis of human spermatozoa and affects semen quality in infertile men. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1091438. [PMID: 36819092 PMCID: PMC9932668 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1091438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This study explored the effects of bilateral varicocele on male semen quality in infertile men and the molecular mechanisms involving ferroptosis, pyroptosis and necroptosis signaling pathways. Methods: Totally, 20 healthy males and 26 patients with bilateral varicocele receiving infertility treatment were enrolled. Semen samples were collected. Basic semen parameters, acrosome integrity and membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and apoptosis rate were compared. Levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), iron, glutathione (GSH), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), and, Catalase (CAT), were detected in human seminal plasma. Relative mRNA expression of Ca 2+-independent phospholipases A2 beta (iPLA 2β), P53, Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) and GSH-dependent peroxidase 4 (GPX4) were evaluated. Relative protein expression was determined for GPX4, receptor interacting serine/threonine kinase 1 (RIPK1) and receptor interacting serine/threonine kinase 3 (RIPK3), as well as pyroptosis markers of Gasdermin E (GSDME) and heat shock protein 90 (HSP 90). Results: The results revealed that the bilateral varicocele group had significantly higher abnormalities (sperm progressive rate and sperm motility) compared to the control group. Meanwhile, compared to control group, GSH, T-SOD, and CAT levels were reduced in the bilateral varicocele group (p < 0.05). However, the level of ROS and iron were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Relative mRNA expression of P53, iPLA 2β, ZEB1, and GPX4 were reduced. In addition, ROS exposure activated ferroptosis-related signal pathways. RIPK1, RIPK3, GSDME and HSP 90 were increased in bilateral varicocele group. ROS exposure affected signaling pathways related to ferroptosis, necrosis and pyroptosis in human spermatozoa. Conclusion: Bilateral varicocele leads to ferroptosis, pyroptosis and necroptosis of human spermatozoa and affects semen quality in infertile men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tie Cheng Sun
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, China,HLA Laboratory, Beijing Red Cross Blood Center, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Tie Cheng Sun, ; Li Lin, ; Shan Jie Zhou,
| | - Dong Mei Li
- HLA Laboratory, Beijing Red Cross Blood Center, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Yu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Li Song
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Jun Jia
- HLA Laboratory, Beijing Red Cross Blood Center, Beijing, China
| | - Li Lin
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Tie Cheng Sun, ; Li Lin, ; Shan Jie Zhou,
| | - Shan Jie Zhou
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Tie Cheng Sun, ; Li Lin, ; Shan Jie Zhou,
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Kang C, Bertolla R, Pagani R. The '-ics' of male reproduction: genomics, epigenetics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiomics. Curr Opin Urol 2023; 33:31-38. [PMID: 36210759 DOI: 10.1097/mou.0000000000001052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review the most current findings, from the past 2 years, in various '-ics' fields in male infertility, with a specific focus on nonobstructive azoospermia, the most severe form, and varicocele, the most common correctable cause of male infertility. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies confirm previously identified causes and identify previously unknown genetic mutations as causes for nonobstructive azoospermia and varicocele. SUMMARY Infertility is a common problem for couples with approximately half of cases attributable to male factor infertility. Although advances in assisted reproductive technology have permitted many more men with infertility to father biological children, the majority of infertile men continue to have unknown causes. The recent explosion of the '-ics' fields, including genomics, epigenetics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiomics, has shed light on previously unknown causes for various diseases. New information in these fields will not only shed light on the pathogenesis of these conditions but also may shift the paradigm in clinical testing that may allow clinicians to provide more precise counseling and prognostic information for men with infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Kang
- Department of Urology, Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ricardo Bertolla
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Wang K, Gao Y, Wang C, Liang M, Liao Y, Hu K. Role of Oxidative Stress in Varicocele. Front Genet 2022; 13:850114. [PMID: 35401656 PMCID: PMC8984266 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.850114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the official statistics of the World Health Organization, at least 48 million couples and 186 million people suffer from infertility. Varicocele has been recognized as the leading cause of male infertility and can affect spermatogenesis and cause testicular and epididymal disorders through multiple diverse pathophysiological processes. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by oxidative stress have been reconciled as an important pathogenic factor throughout the course of varicocele. Testis respond to heat stress, hypoxia, and inflammation at the cost of producing excessive ROS. High levels of ROS can lead to infertility not only through lipid peroxidation or DNA damage, but also by inactivating enzymes and proteins in spermatogenesis. This review studies the oxidative stress and its role in the pathophysiology and molecular biology of varicocele in the context of a decline in fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Ke Hu
- *Correspondence: Ke Hu, ; Yaping Liao,
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Abo El Gheit RE, Soliman NA, Nagla SA, El‐Sayed RM, Badawi GA, Emam MN, Abdel Ghafar MT, Ibrahim MAA, Elswaidy NRM, Radwan DA, Alshenawy HA, Khaled HE, Kamel S, El‐Saka MH, Madi NM, Younis RL. Melatonin epigenetic potential on testicular functions and fertility profile in varicocele rat model is mediated by Silent information regulator1. Br J Pharmacol 2022; 179:3363-3381. [PMID: 35064582 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Varicocele is a leading cause of male infertility. Melatonin is a highly pleiotropic neurohormone. We aimed to characterize the melatonin epigenetic potential in varicocele and the involved molecular mechanisms. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Fifty-two male albino rats were randomly divided into four groups (13 rats each): control (I), melatonin (II), varicocele (III) and melatonin treated varicocele (IV) groups. Left varicocele was induced by partial left renal vein ligation. Reproductive hormones, epididymal sperm functional parameters, testicular 3/17 β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases, antioxidant enzymes, malondialdehyde, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and histopathological/Johnsen's score were evaluated. Flow cytometry and Comet were carried out to explore extent of sperm and testicular DNA damage. Testicular expression of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1), forkhead transcription factors-class O (type1) (FOXO1), tumour suppressor gene, P53, cation channels of sperm (CatSper) and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein was evaluated by western blot technique. Testicular expression of Bcl-2 and its associated X protein and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells were assayed by immunohistochemical staining. Testicular miR-34a expression was quantified by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. KEY RESULTS The varicocele induced testicular histological injury, enhanced oxidative stress, P53-mediated apoptosis, DNA damage and increased testicular miR-34a expression paralleled with down-regulated SIRT1/FOXO axis. Melatonin treatment of varicocele rats displayed antioxidant/anti-apoptotic efficacy and improved reproductive hormones axis, CatSper expression and fertility parameters. MiR-34a/SIRT1/FOXO1 epigenetic axis integrates testicular melatonin mediated intracellular transduction cascades in varicocele. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Melatonin can be used as an adjuvant therapy to improve varicocele and its complication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rehab E. Abo El Gheit
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine Tanta University Tanta Egypt
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Physical therapy Al Salam University Tanta Egypt
| | - Nema A. Soliman
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine Tanta University Egypt
| | - Salah A. Nagla
- Urology Department, Faculty of Medicine Tanta University Tanta Egypt
| | - Rehab M. El‐Sayed
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy Sinai University El‐Arish North Sinai Egypt
| | - Ghada A. Badawi
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy Sinai University El‐Arish North Sinai Egypt
| | - Marwa N. Emam
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine Tanta University Tanta Egypt
| | | | - Marwa A. A. Ibrahim
- Histology and Cell Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine Tanta University Tanta Egypt
| | - Noha R. M. Elswaidy
- Histology and Cell Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine Tanta University Tanta Egypt
| | - Doaa A. Radwan
- Anatomy and Embryology Department, Faculty of Medicine Tanta University Tanta Egypt
| | | | - Howayda E. Khaled
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science Suez Canal University Ismailia Egypt
| | - Samar Kamel
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Suez Canal University Ismailia Egypt
| | - Mervat H. El‐Saka
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine Tanta University Tanta Egypt
| | - Nermin M. Madi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine Tanta University Tanta Egypt
| | - Reham L. Younis
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine Tanta University Tanta Egypt
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Panner Selvam MK, Durairajanayagam D, Sikka SC. Molecular Interactions Associated with Oxidative Stress-Mediated Male Infertility: Sperm and Seminal Plasma Proteomics. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1358:63-76. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-89340-8_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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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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Finelli R, Darbandi S, Pushparaj PN, Henkel R, Ko E, Agarwal A. In Silico Sperm Proteome Analysis to Investigate DNA Repair Mechanisms in Varicocele Patients. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:757592. [PMID: 34975746 PMCID: PMC8719329 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.757592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Varicocele, a condition associated with increased oxidative stress, negatively affects sperm DNA integrity and reduces pregnancy rates. However, the molecular mechanisms related to DNA integrity, damage, and repair in varicocele patients remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the role of DNA repair molecular mechanisms in varicocele-related infertility by combining an in silico proteomics approach with wet-laboratory techniques. Proteomics results previously generated from varicocele patients (n=50) and fertile controls (n=10) attending our Andrology Center were reanalyzed using bioinformatics tools, including the WEB-based Gene SeT AnaLysis Toolkit, Open Target Platform, and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) involved in DNA repair. Subsequently, selected DEPs in spermatozoa were validated using western blotting in varicocele (n = 13) and fertile control (n = 5) samples. We identified 99 DEPs mainly involved in male reproductive system disease (n=66) and male infertility (n=47). IPA analysis identified five proteins [fatty acid synthase (FASN), myeloperoxidase (MPO), mitochondrial aconitate hydratase (ACO2), nucleoporin 93 (NUP93), and 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 14 (PSMD14)] associated with DNA repair deficiency, which showed altered expression in varicocele (P <0.03). We validated ACO2 downregulation (fold change=0.37, change%=-62.7%, P=0.0001) and FASN overexpression (fold change = 4.04, change %= 303.7%, P = 0.014) in men with varicocele compared to controls. This study combined a unique in silico approach with an in vitro validation of the molecular mechanisms that may be responsible for varicocele-associated infertility. We identified ACO2 and FASN as possible proteins involved in DNA repair, whose altered expression may contribute to DNA damage in varicocele pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Finelli
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Sara Darbandi
- Fetal Health Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
- Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
| | - Peter Natesan Pushparaj
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research and Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ralf Henkel
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
- LogixX Pharma, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Edmund Ko
- Department of Urology, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Ashok Agarwal,
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Karna KK, Choi NY, Kim CY, Kim HK, Shin YS, Park JK. Gui-A-Gra Attenuates Testicular Dysfunction in Varicocele-Induced Rats via Oxidative Stress, ER Stress and Mitochondrial Apoptosis Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239231. [PMID: 33287403 PMCID: PMC7730328 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239231] [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: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gui-A-Gra, a commercial insect powder from Gryllus bimaculatus, is registered as an edible insect by the Korean food and drug administration. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Gui-A-Gra on testicular damage induced by experimental left varicocele in male Sprague Dawley rats. A total of 72 rats were randomly divided into the following six groups (12 rats in each group): a normal control group (CTR), a group administrated with Gui-A-Gra 1.63 gm/kg (G1.63), a group administrated with Gui-A-Gra 6.5 gm/kg (G6.5), a varicocele (VC)-induced control group (VC), a VC-induced group administrated with Gui-A-Gra 1.63 gm/kg (VC + G1.63), and a VC-induced group administrated with Gui-A-Gra 6.5 gm/kg (VC + G6.5). Rats were administrated 1.63 or 6.5 gm/kg Gui-A-Gra once daily for 42 days. Indicators of sperm parameters, histopathology, reproductive hormones, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial apoptosis were analyzed to evaluate effects of Gui-A-Gra on VC-induced testicular dysfunction. Gui-A-Gra administration to VC-induced rats significantly (p < 0.05) increased sperm count and sperm motility, Johnsen score, spermatogenic cell density, serum testosterone, testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase, GPx4, and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) level. Moreover, pretreatment with Gui-A-Gra significantly (p < 0.05) decreased terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) positive cells/tubules, serum luteinizing hormone (LH), serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testicular tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS)/reactive nitrogen species (RNS) level, glucose-regulated protein-78 (Grp-78), phosphorylated c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), phosphorylated inositol-requiring transmembrane kinase/endoribonuclease 1α (p-IRE1α), cleaved caspase-3, and BCL2 associated X protein: B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bax: Bcl2) ratio in VC rats. These results suggest that protective effects of Gui-A-Gra on VC-induced testicular injury might be due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and androgenic activities that might be mediated via crosstalk of oxidative stress, ER stress, and mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keshab Kumar Karna
- Department of Urology, Institute for Medical Sciences, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea; (K.K.K.); (N.Y.C.)
- Biomedical Research Institute and Clinical Trial Center for Medical Device, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju 54907, Korea
| | - Na Young Choi
- Department of Urology, Institute for Medical Sciences, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea; (K.K.K.); (N.Y.C.)
- Biomedical Research Institute and Clinical Trial Center for Medical Device, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju 54907, Korea
| | - Chul Young Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Hanyang University, Ansan 426791, Korea;
| | - Hye Kyung Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Kyungsung University, Busan 48434, Korea;
| | - Yu Seob Shin
- Department of Urology, Institute for Medical Sciences, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea; (K.K.K.); (N.Y.C.)
- Biomedical Research Institute and Clinical Trial Center for Medical Device, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju 54907, Korea
- Correspondence: (Y.S.S.); (J.K.P.); Tel.: +82-63-250-1565 (Y.S.S.); +82-63-250-1510 (J.K.P.); Fax: +82-63-250-1564 (Y.S.S.); +82-63-250-1564 (J.K.P.)
| | - Jong Kwan Park
- Department of Urology, Institute for Medical Sciences, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea; (K.K.K.); (N.Y.C.)
- Biomedical Research Institute and Clinical Trial Center for Medical Device, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju 54907, Korea
- Correspondence: (Y.S.S.); (J.K.P.); Tel.: +82-63-250-1565 (Y.S.S.); +82-63-250-1510 (J.K.P.); Fax: +82-63-250-1564 (Y.S.S.); +82-63-250-1564 (J.K.P.)
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Phosphoproteomics and Bioinformatics Analyses Reveal Key Roles of GSK-3 and AKAP4 in Mouse Sperm Capacitation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197283. [PMID: 33023073 PMCID: PMC7582274 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein phosphorylation can induce signal transduction to change sperm motility patterns during sperm capacitation. However, changes in the phosphorylation of sperm proteins in mice are still incompletely understood. Here, capacitation-related phosphorylation in mouse sperms were firstly investigated by label-free quantitative (LFQ) phosphoproteomics coupled with bioinformatics analysis using ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) methods such as canonical pathway, upstream regulator, and network analysis. Among 1632 phosphopeptides identified at serine, threonine, and tyrosine residues, 1050 novel phosphosites, corresponding to 402 proteins, were reported. Gene heatmaps for IPA canonical pathways showed a novel role for GSK-3 in GP6 signaling pathways associated with capacitation for 60 min. At the same time, the reduction of the abundant isoform-specific GSK-3α expression was shown by western blot (WB) while the LFQ pY of this isoform slightly decreased and then increased. The combined results from WB and LFQ methods explain the less inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK-3α during capacitation and also support the predicted increases in its activity. In addition, pAKAP4 increased at the Y156 site but decreased at the Y811 site in a capacitated state, even though IPA network analysis and WB analysis for overall pAKAP revealed upregulated trends. The potential roles of GSK-3 and AKAP4 in fertility are discussed.
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