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Liu S, Alipour H, Zachar V, Kesmodel US, Dardmeh F. Effect of Postbiotics Derived from Lactobacillus rhamnosus PB01 (DSM 14870) on Sperm Quality: A Prospective In Vitro Study. Nutrients 2024; 16:1781. [PMID: 38892713 PMCID: PMC11174611 DOI: 10.3390/nu16111781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Vaginally administered postbiotics derived from Lactobacillus were recently demonstrated to be effective in alleviating bacterial vaginosis and increasing pregnancy rates. However, their potential effect on sperm quality has not been well investigated. This controlled in vitro study aimed to assess the dose- and time-dependent effects of postbiotics derived from Lactobacillus rhamnosus PB01 (DSM 14870) on sperm quality parameters. The experiment was conducted in vitro to eliminate potential confounding factors from the female reproductive tract and vaginal microbiota. Sperm samples from 18 healthy donors were subjected to analysis using Computer-Aided Sperm Analysis (CASA) in various concentrations of postbiotics and control mediums at baseline, 60 min, and 90 min of incubation. Results indicated that lower postbiotic concentration (PB5) did not adversely affect sperm motility, kinematic parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation, and normal morphology at any time. However, concentrations exceeding 15% demonstrated a reduction in progressively motile sperm and a negative correlation with non-progressively motile sperm at all time points. These findings underscore the importance of balancing postbiotic dosage to preserve sperm motility while realizing the postbiotics' vaginal health benefits. Further research is warranted to understand the underlying mechanisms and refine practical applications in reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihan Liu
- Regenerative Medicine Group, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9260 Gistrup, Denmark; (H.A.); (V.Z.)
| | - Hiva Alipour
- Regenerative Medicine Group, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9260 Gistrup, Denmark; (H.A.); (V.Z.)
| | - Vladimir Zachar
- Regenerative Medicine Group, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9260 Gistrup, Denmark; (H.A.); (V.Z.)
| | - Ulrik Schiøler Kesmodel
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, 9260 Gistrup, Denmark;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aalborg University Hospital, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Fereshteh Dardmeh
- Regenerative Medicine Group, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9260 Gistrup, Denmark; (H.A.); (V.Z.)
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Cheng A, Luo H, Fan B, Xiang Q, Nie Z, Feng S, Qiao Y, Wu Y, Zhu Q, Liu R, Song X, Li X, Zhang J. Fluoride induces pyroptosis via IL-17A-mediated caspase-1/11-dependent pathways and Bifidobacterium intervention in testis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:172036. [PMID: 38554964 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Fluoride, a ubiquitous environmental pollutant, poses a significant public health threat. Our previous study revealed a correlation between fluoride-induced testicular pyroptosis and male reproductive dysfunction. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Wild-type and interleukin 17A knockout mice were exposed to sodium fluoride (100 mg/L) in deionized drinking water for 18 weeks. Bifidobacterium intervention (1 × 109 CFU/mL, 0.2 mL/day, administered via gavage) commenced in the 10th week. Sperm quality, testicular morphology, key pyroptosis markers, spermatogenesis key genes, IL-17A signaling pathway, and pyroptosis pathway related genes were determined. The results showed that fluoride reduced sperm quality, damaged testicular morphology, affected spermatogenesis, elevated IL-17A levels, and induced testicular pyroptosis. Bifidobacterium intervention alleviated adverse reproductive outcomes. Fluoride-activated testicular pyroptosis through both typical and atypical pathways, with IL-17A involvement. Bifidobacterium supplementation attenuated pyroptosis by downregulating IL-17A, inhibiting NLRP3 and PYRIN-mediated caspase-1 and caspase-11 dependent pathways in testis, thereby alleviating fluoride-induced male reproductive damage. In summary, this study uncovers the mechanism underlying fluorine-induced testicular pyroptosis and illustrates the novel protecting feature of Bifidobacterium against fluoride-induced harm to male reproduction, along with its potential regulatory mechanism. These results provide fresh perspectives on treating male reproductive dysfunction resulting from fluoride or other environmental toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ao Cheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, China
| | - Huifeng Luo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, China
| | - Bingchao Fan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, China
| | - Qing Xiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, China
| | - Zhaochen Nie
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, China
| | - Shuang Feng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, China
| | - Yurou Qiao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, China
| | - Yue Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, China
| | - Qianlong Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, China
| | - Rongxiu Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, China
| | - Xiaochao Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, China
| | - Xiang Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, China
| | - Jianhai Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, China.
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Henkel R. Leukocytospermia and/or Bacteriospermia: Impact on Male Infertility. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2841. [PMID: 38792382 PMCID: PMC11122306 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13102841] [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: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a globally underestimated public health concern affecting almost 190 million people, i.e., about 17.5% of people during their lifetime, while the prevalence of male factor infertility is about 7%. Among numerous other causes, the prevalence of male genital tract infections reportedly ranges between 10% and 35%. Leukocytospermia is found in 30% of infertile men and up to 20% in fertile men. Bacterial infections cause an inflammatory response attracting leukocytes, which produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and release cytokines, both of which can cause damage to sperm, rendering them dysfunctional. Although leukocytospermia and bacteriospermia are both clinical conditions that can negatively affect male fertility, there is still debate about their impact on assisted reproduction outcomes and management. According to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, leukocytes should be determined by means of the Endtz test or with monoclonal antibodies against CD15, CD68 or CD22. The cut-off value proposed by the WHO is 1 × 106 peroxidase-positive cells/mL. For bacteria, Gram staining and semen culture are regarded as the "gold standard", while modern techniques such as PCR and next-generation sequencing (NGS) are allowing clinicians to detect a wider range of pathogens. Whereas the WHO manual does not specify a specific value as a cut-off for bacterial contamination, several studies consider semen samples with more than 103 colony-forming units (cfu)/mL as bacteriospermic. The pathogenic mechanisms leading to sperm dysfunction include direct interaction of bacteria with the male germ cells, bacterial release of spermatotoxic substances, induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and ROS, all of which lead to oxidative stress. Clinically, bacterial infections, including "silent" infections, are treatable, with antibiotics being the treatment of choice. Yet, non-steroidal antiphlogistics or antioxidants should also be considered to alleviate inflammatory lesions and improve semen quality. In an assisted reproduction set up, sperm separation techniques significantly reduce the bacterial load in the semen. Nonetheless, contamination of the semen sample with skin commensals should be prevented by applying relevant hygiene techniques. In patients where leukocytospermia is detected, the causes (e.g. infection, inflammation, varicocele, smoking, etc.) of the leukocyte infiltration have to be identified and addressed with antibiotics, anti-inflammatories or antioxidants in cases where high oxidative stress levels are detected. However, no specific strategy is available for the management of leukocytospermia. Therefore, the relationship between bacteriospermia and leukocytospermia as well as their specific impact on functional sperm parameters and reproductive outcome variables such as fertilization or clinical pregnancy must be further investigated. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an update on the current knowledge on leukocytospermia and bacteriospermia and their impact on male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Henkel
- LogixX Pharma Ltd., Merlin House, Brunel Road, Theale, Reading RG7 4AB, UK;
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0HS, UK
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa
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Muñoz E, Fuentes F, Felmer R, Arias ME, Yeste M. Effects of Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species on Male Fertility. Antioxid Redox Signal 2024; 40:802-836. [PMID: 38019089 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2022.0163] [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] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Significance: In recent decades, male fertility has been severely reduced worldwide. The causes underlying this decline are multifactorial, and include, among others, genetic alterations, changes in the microbiome, and the impact of environmental pollutants. Such factors can dysregulate the physiological levels of reactive species of oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen (RNS) in the patient, generating oxidative and nitrosative stress that impairs fertility. Recent Advances: Recent studies have delved into other factors involved in the dysregulation of ROS and RNS levels, such as diet, obesity, persistent infections, environmental pollutants, and gut microbiota, thus leading to new strategies to solve male fertility problems, such as consuming prebiotics to regulate gut flora or treating psychological conditions. Critical Issues: The pathways where ROS or RNS may be involved as modulators are still under investigation. Moreover, the extent to which treatments can rescue male infertility as well as whether they may have side effects remains, in most cases, to be elucidated. For example, it is known that prescription of antioxidants to treat nitrosative stress can alter sperm chromatin condensation, which makes DNA more exposed to ROS and RNS, and may thus affect fertilization and early embryo development. Future Directions: The involvement of extracellular vesicles, which might play a crucial role in cell communication during spermatogenesis and epididymal maturation, and the relevance of other factors such as sperm epigenetic signatures should be envisaged in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwin Muñoz
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Centre of Excellence in Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- Doctoral Program in Sciences, Major in Applied Cellular and Molecular Biology, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Fernanda Fuentes
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Centre of Excellence in Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- Doctoral Program in Sciences, Major in Applied Cellular and Molecular Biology, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Ricardo Felmer
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Centre of Excellence in Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- Department of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - María Elena Arias
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Centre of Excellence in Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- Department of Agricultural Production, Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
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5
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Jendraszak M, Skibińska I, Kotwicka M, Andrusiewicz M. The elusive male microbiome: revealing the link between the genital microbiota and fertility. Critical review and future perspectives. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2024:1-29. [PMID: 38523477 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2024.2331489] [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: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
There is a growing focus on understanding the role of the male microbiome in fertility issues. Although research on the bacterial communities within the male reproductive system is in its initial phases, recent discoveries highlight notable variations in the microbiome's composition and abundance across distinct anatomical regions like the skin, foreskin, urethra, and coronary sulcus. To assess the relationship between male genitourinary microbiome and reproduction, we queried various databases, including MEDLINE (available via PubMed), SCOPUS, and Web of Science to obtain evidence-based data. The literature search was conducted using the following terms "gut/intestines microbiome," "genitourinary system microbiome," "microbiome and female/male infertility," "external genital tract microbiome," "internal genital tract microbiome," and "semen microbiome." Fifty-one relevant papers were analyzed, and eleven were strictly semen quality or male fertility related. The male microbiome, especially in the accessory glands like the prostate, seminal vesicles, and bulbourethral glands, has garnered significant interest because of its potential link to male fertility and reproduction. Studies have also found differences in bacterial diversity present in the testicular tissue of normozoospermic men compared to azoospermic suggesting a possible role of bacterial dysbiosis and reproduction. Correlation between the bacterial taxa in the genital microbiota of sexual partners has also been found, and sexual activity can influence the composition of the urogenital microbiota. Exploring the microbial world within the male reproductive system and its influence on fertility opens doors to developing ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat infertility. The present work emphasizes the importance of using consistent methods, conducting long-term studies, and deepening our understanding of how the reproductive tract microbiome works. This helps make research comparable, pinpoint potential interventions, and smoothly apply microbiome insights to real-world clinical practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Jendraszak
- Chair and Department of Cell Biology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Izabela Skibińska
- Chair and Department of Cell Biology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Kotwicka
- Chair and Department of Cell Biology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Mirosław Andrusiewicz
- Chair and Department of Cell Biology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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6
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Ashonibare VJ, Akorede BA, Ashonibare PJ, Akhigbe TM, Akhigbe RE. Gut microbiota-gonadal axis: the impact of gut microbiota on reproductive functions. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1346035. [PMID: 38482009 PMCID: PMC10933031 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1346035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The influence of gut microbiota on physiological processes is rapidly gaining attention globally. Despite being under-studied, there are available data demonstrating a gut microbiota-gonadal cross-talk, and the importance of this axis in reproduction. This study reviews the impacts of gut microbiota on reproduction. In addition, the possible mechanisms by which gut microbiota modulates male and female reproduction are presented. Databases, including Embase, Google scholar, Pubmed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science, were explored using relevant key words. Findings showed that gut microbiota promotes gonadal functions by modulating the circulating levels of steroid sex hormones, insulin sensitivity, immune system, and gonadal microbiota. Gut microbiota also alters ROS generation and the activation of cytokine accumulation. In conclusion, available data demonstrate the existence of a gut microbiota-gonadal axis, and role of this axis on gonadal functions. However, majority of the data were compelling evidences from animal studies with a great dearth of human data. Therefore, human studies validating the reports of experimental studies using animal models are important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victory J. Ashonibare
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Oasis of Grace Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria
| | - Bolaji A. Akorede
- Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Oasis of Grace Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, United States
| | - Precious J. Ashonibare
- Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Oasis of Grace Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria
- Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Tunmise M. Akhigbe
- Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Oasis of Grace Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria
- Breeding and Genetic Unit, Department of Agronomy, Osun State University, Ejigbo, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Roland Eghoghosoa Akhigbe
- Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Oasis of Grace Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria
- Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
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7
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Corral-Vazquez C, Blanco J, Sarrate Z, Anton E. Unraveling the Intricacies of the Seminal Microbiome and Its Impact on Human Fertility. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:150. [PMID: 38534419 DOI: 10.3390/biology13030150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Although the microbial communities from seminal fluid were an unexplored field some decades ago, their characteristics and potential roles are gradually coming to light. Therefore, a complex and specific microbiome population with commensal niches and fluctuating species has started to be revealed. In fact, certain clusters of bacteria have been associated with fertility and health, while the outgrowth of several species is potentially correlated with infertility indicators. This constitutes a compelling reason for outlining the external elements that may induce changes in the seminal microbiome composition, like lifestyle factors, gut microbiota, pathologies, prebiotics, and probiotics. In this review, we summarize the main findings about seminal microbiome, its origins and composition, its relationship with fertility, health, and influence factors, while reminding readers of the limitations and advantages introduced from technical variabilities during the experimental procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia Corral-Vazquez
- Genetics of Male Fertility Group, Unitat de Biologia Cel·lular (Facultat de Biociències), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Joan Blanco
- Genetics of Male Fertility Group, Unitat de Biologia Cel·lular (Facultat de Biociències), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Zaida Sarrate
- Genetics of Male Fertility Group, Unitat de Biologia Cel·lular (Facultat de Biociències), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Ester Anton
- Genetics of Male Fertility Group, Unitat de Biologia Cel·lular (Facultat de Biociències), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
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8
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Virk MS, Virk MA, He Y, Tufail T, Gul M, Qayum A, Rehman A, Rashid A, Ekumah JN, Han X, Wang J, Ren X. The Anti-Inflammatory and Curative Exponent of Probiotics: A Comprehensive and Authentic Ingredient for the Sustained Functioning of Major Human Organs. Nutrients 2024; 16:546. [PMID: 38398870 PMCID: PMC10893534 DOI: 10.3390/nu16040546] [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: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Several billion microorganisms reside in the gastrointestinal lumen, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and yeast. Among them, probiotics were primarily used to cure digestive disorders such as intestinal infections and diarrhea; however, with a paradigm shift towards alleviating health through food, their importance is large. Moreover, recent studies have changed the perspective that probiotics prevent numerous ailments in the major organs. Probiotics primarily produce biologically active compounds targeting discommodious pathogens. This review demonstrates the implications of using probiotics from different genres to prevent and alleviate ailments in the primary human organs. The findings reveal that probiotics immediately activate anti-inflammatory mechanisms by producing anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, IL-11, and IL-13, and hindering pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α by involving regulatory T cells (Tregs) and T helper cells (Th cells). Several strains of Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus reuteri, Bifidobacterium longum, and Bifidobacterium breve have been listed among the probiotics that are excellent in alleviating various simple to complex ailments. Therefore, the importance of probiotics necessitates robust research to unveil the implications of probiotics, including the potency of strains, the optimal dosages, the combination of probiotics, their habitat in the host, the host response, and other pertinent factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Safiullah Virk
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (M.S.V.)
| | | | - Yufeng He
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (M.S.V.)
| | - Tabussam Tufail
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (M.S.V.)
- University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, The University of Lahore, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Mehak Gul
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Qayum
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (M.S.V.)
| | - Abdur Rehman
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (M.S.V.)
| | - Arif Rashid
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (M.S.V.)
| | - John-Nelson Ekumah
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (M.S.V.)
| | - Xu Han
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (M.S.V.)
| | - Junxia Wang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (M.S.V.)
| | - Xiaofeng Ren
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (M.S.V.)
- Institute of Food Physical Processing, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
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9
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Darwish AM, Almehiza AA, Khattab AEN, Sharaf HA, Naglah AM, Bhat MA, Zen AA, Kalmouch A. Using Selenium-enriched Mutated Probiotics as Enhancer for Fertility Parameters in Mice. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024:10.1007/s12011-024-04067-x. [PMID: 38321304 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-024-04067-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Increasing fertility rates have become one of the factors that concern all people in the world. Therefore, the study aims to use two mutated strains of probiotics enriched with selenium (PSe40/60/1 and BSe50/20/1) to improve fertility. Thirty Swiss albino male mice were divided into three groups; control, LP + S was given Lactobacillus plantarum PSe40/60/1 plus selenium, and BL + S was given Bifidobacterium longum BSe50/20/1 plus selenium. Free testosterone, LH, and FSH were measured in serum by biochemical analysis. Testicular tissues were examined by histopathological analysis. The count and motility of sperm, and sperm abnormalities were determined by microscopic examination. The method of qRT-PCR was used to detect gene expression of Tspyl1, Hsd3b6, and Star genes. The biochemical results showed that serum content of free testosterone (FT) hormone had significantly increase in the BL + S and LP + S groups compared with control. Levels of LH and FSH hormones were the highest in the BL + S group. The treated groups showed all developmental stages of spermatogenesis, including spermatogenesis, spermatocytes, and seminiferous tubule spermatids, as well as intact Sertoli cells and Leydig cells without changes. When compared to the control group, sperm count and motility increased in the BL + S group, while sperm abnormalities decreased. The expression of Tspyl1 gene in testicular tissues decreased in the LP + S and BL + S groups, while the expression of Star and Hsd3b6 genes was higher in the BL + S group and lower in the LP + S group compared with the control group. Therefore, Bifidobacterium longum BSe50/20/1 enriched with selenium could be useful in enhancing male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Mohamed Darwish
- Cell Biology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Abdulrahman A Almehiza
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. BOX 2457, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abd El-Nasser Khattab
- Genetics and Cytology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Hafiza A Sharaf
- Pathology Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M Naglah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. BOX 2457, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mashooq A Bhat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. BOX 2457, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amer Alhaj Zen
- Chemistry & Forensics Department, Clifton Camus, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, Ng118NS, UK
| | - Atef Kalmouch
- Peptide Chemistry Department, Chemical Industries Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
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10
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Zhang W, Jia Q, Han M, Zhang X, Guo L, Sun S, Yin W, Bo C, Han R, Sai L. Bifidobacteria in disease: from head to toe. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2024; 69:1-15. [PMID: 37644256 DOI: 10.1007/s12223-023-01087-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Bifidobacteria as a strictly anaerobic gram-positive bacteria, is widely distributed in the intestine, vagina and oral cavity, and is one of the first gut flora to colonize the early stages of life. Intestinal flora is closely related to health, and dysbiosis of intestinal flora, especially Bifidobacteria, has been found in a variety of diseases. Numerous studies have shown that in addition to maintaining intestinal homeostasis, Bifidobacteria may be involved in diseases covering all parts of the body, including the nervous system, respiratory system, genitourinary system and so on. This review collects evidence for the variation of Bifidobacteria in typical diseases among various systems, provides mild and effective therapeutic options for those diseases that are difficult to cure, and moves Bifidobacteria from basic research to further clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiliang Zhang
- Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Qiang Jia
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Mingming Han
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Limin Guo
- Rongcheng Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Rongcheng, Shandong, China
| | - Shichao Sun
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctoral candidate Class of 2022, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Wenhui Yin
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Cunxiang Bo
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ru Han
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Linlin Sai
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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11
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Wu LY, Yang TH, Ou YC, Lin H. The role of probiotics in women's health: An update narrative review. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 63:29-36. [PMID: 38216265 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2023.09.018] [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] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Probiotics, live microorganisms that confer health benefits to the host when administered in adequate amounts, have gained considerable attention for their potential role in maintaining women's health. This overview summarizes key clinical findings on the beneficial effects of probiotics in various aspects of women's health. Probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus species, contribute to vaginal health by promoting a balanced vaginal microbiome to prevent infections and maintain an acidic environment. In gynecologic conditions, probiotics show potential in preventing and managing bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and sexually transmitted infections. Probiotic supplementation has also been associated with improvements in metabolic parameters and menstrual irregularities in polycystic ovary syndrome patients. During pregnancy, probiotics may be helpful in reducing the risk of gestational diabetes, maternal group B streptococcal colonization, obstetric anemia, and postpartum mastitis. In recent years, the potential role of probiotics in the prevention and management of gynecologic cancer has gained attention. Further research is needed to better understand the specific mechanisms and determine the optimal Lactobacillus strains and dosages regimens for gynecologic cancer prevention and therapy. In conclusion, probiotics offer a non-invasive and cost-effective approach to support women's health and prevent obstetric and gynecologic complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Ying Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Hwa Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Che Ou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chia-Yi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chia-Yi, Taiwan
| | - Hao Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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12
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Huang F, Cao Y, Liang J, Tang R, Wu S, Zhang P, Chen R. The influence of the gut microbiome on ovarian aging. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2295394. [PMID: 38170622 PMCID: PMC10766396 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2023.2295394] [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: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian aging occurs prior to the aging of other organ systems and acts as the pacemaker of the aging process of multiple organs. As life expectancy has increased, preventing ovarian aging has become an essential goal for promoting extended reproductive function and improving bone and genitourinary conditions related to ovarian aging in women. An improved understanding of ovarian aging may ultimately provide tools for the prediction and mitigation of this process. Recent studies have suggested a connection between ovarian aging and the gut microbiota, and alterations in the composition and functional profile of the gut microbiota have profound consequences on ovarian function. The interaction between the gut microbiota and the ovaries is bidirectional. In this review, we examine current knowledge on ovary-gut microbiota crosstalk and further discuss the potential role of gut microbiota in anti-aging interventions. Microbiota-based manipulation is an appealing approach that may offer new therapeutic strategies to delay or reverse ovarian aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiling Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric & Gynecologic Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Cao
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jinghui Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric & Gynecologic Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Ruiyi Tang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric & Gynecologic Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Si Wu
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetics of Birth Defects, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute; MOE Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children; Rare Disease Center, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric & Gynecologic Diseases, Beijing, China
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13
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Mahiddine FY, You I, Park H, Kim MJ. Management of dog sperm parameters and gut microbiota composition with Lactobacillus rhamnosus supplementation. Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:1629-1640. [PMID: 36977954 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10116-y] [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: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
The effects of probiotics supplementation on the reproductive function have been evaluated in many species, but no study has evaluated the changes in the gut microbiome along with the sperm quality changes simultaneously. This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with probiotics on the gut microbiome, sperm quality and gene expression, along with possible correlations between these parameters in dogs. The dogs were supplemented with Lactobacillus rhamnosus for six weeks, and fecal and semen samples were collected at 0, 3, and 6 weeks. Fecal samples were assessed using 16S Metagenomic Sequencing for gut microbiome analysis; and semen samples were analyzed using computer-assisted sperm analysis, DNA and acrosome integrity assessment, viability and morphology assessment, and real-time PCR. The analyses suggested that probiotic supplementation improved kinematic parameters, viability, DNA and acrosome integrity, and morphology of sperms. The mRNA levels of genes associated with fertility, DNA repair and integrity, and antioxidation were also upregulated. The sperm parameters were positively correlated with the relative abundance of Actinobacteria, Allobaculum, Phascolarctobacterium and Catenibacterium, and negatively correlated with Faecalibacterium and Streptococcus. Taken together, the sperm quality enhancement through the gut-testis axis may be due to a change in the gut microorganisms populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feriel Yasmine Mahiddine
- Department of Research and Development, Mjbiogen Corp, Seoul, 04788, Republic of Korea
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnologies, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Inhwan You
- Department of Research and Development, Mjbiogen Corp, Seoul, 04788, Republic of Korea
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnologies, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Heekee Park
- Department of Research and Development, Mjbiogen Corp, Seoul, 04788, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Jung Kim
- Department of Research and Development, Mjbiogen Corp, Seoul, 04788, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnologies, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
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14
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Alqawasmeh O, Fok E, Yim H, Li T, Chung J, Chan D. The microbiome and male infertility: looking into the past to move forward. HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:450-462. [PMID: 36039770 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2022.2098540] [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: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The human body harbours trillions of microbes, and their influence on human health has been explored in many parts of the human body, including the male reproductive system. From routine culturing to polymerise chain reaction (PCR) and high throughput DNA sequencing, several studies have identified bacteria in the male reproductive system. In this review, we discuss the past and current literature surrounding the testicular and semen microbiome in correlation with male infertility. We further highlight the potential benefits of probiotics as an alternative therapeutic option for male infertility. Although not conclusive, emerging data are indicating potential implications of certain bacterial members on male fertility. There is a general agreement on the negative impact of some pathogenic bacterial species on semen parameters, including sperm counts, motility, morphology, and DNA integrity. On the other hand, Lactobacillus, known as a human-friendly bacteria, has shown protective effects on semen parameters, which makes it a potentially good probiotic. In order to confirm the findings of previous studies, more clinical studies with larger sample sizes and the right controls are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Odai Alqawasmeh
- Assisted Reproductive Technology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ellis Fok
- Department of Biomedical Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Howard Yim
- Microbiome Research Centre, Department of Medicine, St George & Sutherland Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tin Li
- Assisted Reproductive Technology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jacqueline Chung
- Assisted Reproductive Technology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - David Chan
- Assisted Reproductive Technology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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15
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Magill RG, MacDonald SM. Male infertility and the human microbiome. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2023; 5:1166201. [PMID: 37361341 PMCID: PMC10289028 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2023.1166201] [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: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The historical belief in urology was that the genitourinary system should be sterile in a normal, healthy, asymptomatic adult. This idea was perpetuated for decades until research revealed a diverse microbiota existing in human anatomical niches that contributed to both human health and disease processes. In recent years, the search for an etiology and modifiable risk factors in infertility has turned to the human microbiome as well. Changes in the human gut microbiome have been associated with changes in systemic sex hormones and spermatogenesis. Certain microbial species are associated with higher levels of oxidative stress, which may contribute to an environment higher in oxidative reactive potential. Studies have demonstrated a link between increased oxidative reactive potential and abnormal semen parameters in infertile men. It has also been hypothesized that antioxidant probiotics may be able to correct an imbalance in the oxidative environment and improve male fertility, with promising results in small studies. Further, the sexual partner's microbiome may play a role as well; studies have demonstrated an overlap in the genitourinary microbiomes in sexually active couples that become more similar after intercourse. While the potential applications of the microbiome to male fertility is exciting, there is a need for larger studies with uniform microbial sequencing procedures to further expand this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Resa G. Magill
- McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Susan M. MacDonald
- Department of Urology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
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16
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Cao T, Wang S, Pan Y, Guo F, Wu B, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Tian J, Xing Q, Liu X. Characterization of the semen, gut, and urine microbiota in patients with different semen abnormalities. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1182320. [PMID: 37293215 PMCID: PMC10244769 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1182320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Semen quality is decreasing worldwide, leading to increased male infertility. This study analyzed the microbiota of the gut, semen, and urine in individuals with semen abnormalities to identify potential probiotics and pathogenic bacteria that affect semen parameters and help develop new methods for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with semen abnormalities. Methods We recruited 12 individuals with normal semen parameters (control group), 12 with asthenospermia but no semen hyperviscosity (Group_1), 6 with oligospermia (Group_2), 9 with severe oligospermia or azoospermia (Group_3), and 14 with semen hyperviscosity only (Group_4). The semen, gut, and urine microbiota were examined by analyzing the 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequence using next-generation sequencing. Results The gut microbes were clustered into the highest number of operational taxonomic units, followed by urine and semen. Furthermore, the α-diversity of gut microbes was highest and significantly different from that of urine and semen microbiota. The microbiota of the gut, urine, and semen were all significantly different from each other in terms of β-diversity. The gut abundance of Collinsella was significantly reduced in groups 1, 3, and 4. Furthermore, the gut abundance of Bifidobacterium and Blautia was significantly decreased in Group_1, while that of Bacteroides was significantly increased in Group_3. The abundance of Staphylococcus was significantly increased in the semen of groups 1 and 4. Finally, Lactobacillus abundance was significantly reduced in the urine of groups 2 and 4. Discussion This study comprehensively describes the differences in intestinal and genitourinary tract microbiota between healthy individuals and those with abnormal semen parameters. Furthermore, our study identified Collinsella, Bifidobacterium, Blautia, and Lactobacillus as potential probiotics. Finally, the study identified Bacteroides in the gut and Staphylococcus in semen as potential pathogenic bacteria. Our study lays the foundation of a new approach to the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingshuai Cao
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Department of Urology, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Shangren Wang
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yang Pan
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Feng Guo
- Department of Urology, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Bin Wu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yingchun Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yujie Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Jiaqing Tian
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Qingfei Xing
- Department of Urology, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Liu
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
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Interaction between Host and Microbes in the Semen of Patients with Idiopathic Nonobstructive Azoospermia. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0436522. [PMID: 36633411 PMCID: PMC9927269 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04365-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Men with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) face the dual problems of low sperm count and low sperm quality. Most men with NOA without a clear cause are classified as having idiopathic NOA (iNOA). Previous studies found that microbes exist in semen, and the semen microbes of NOA men are different from those of normal men. However, the relevant mechanism is not clear. In this study, we answered the three questions of "who is there," "what is it doing," and "who is doing it" by combining 16s rRNA, nontargeted metabolome detection and metabolite traceability analysis. We found that the composition and interaction of seminal plasma microbes in the iNOA group changed. Metabolite traceability analysis and metabolic pathway analysis revealed that microbial abnormalities in the NOA group were closely related to the decrease of microbial degradation of toluene and the increase of metabolism of fructose or mannose. In addition, the metabolic relationship between microbes and the host in male semen in iNOA revealed that such microbes can produce harmful metabolites that affect sperm quality, the microbes compete with sperm for essential nutrients, and their presence reduces sperm production of essential nutrients. IMPORTANCE Idiopathic nonobstructive azoospermia is one of the great challenges in assisted reproductive therapy. Although microdissection testicular sperm extraction technology is currently available, many men with iNOA still face the problem of poor sperm retrieval and poor sperm quality. The role of seminal plasma microbes in male disease has been continuously investigated since semen was demonstrated to harbor commensal microbes. To our knowledge, this is the first detailed description of the microbe-host relationship in iNOA semen. This study is an important complement to research on the treatment and etiology of iNOA and the rationale for our ongoing research.
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Assessing the Neurotoxicity of a Sub-Optimal Dose of Rotenone in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) and the Possible Neuroactive Potential of Valproic Acid, Combination of Levodopa and Carbidopa, and Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11102040. [PMID: 36290763 PMCID: PMC9598446 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11102040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is an enigmatic neurodegenerative disorder that is currently the subject of extensive research approaches aiming at deepening the understanding of its etiopathophysiology. Recent data suggest that distinct compounds used either as anticonvulsants or agents usually used as dopaminergic agonists or supplements consisting of live active lactic acid bacteria strains might alleviate and improve PD-related phenotypes. This is why we aimed to elucidate how the administration of rotenone (ROT) disrupts homeostasis and the possible neuroactive potential of valproic acid (VPA), antiparkinsonian agents (levodopa and carbidopa – LEV+CARB), and a mixture of six Lactobacillus and three Bifidobacterium species (PROBIO) might re-establish the optimal internal parameters. ROT causes significant changes in the central nervous system (CNS), notably reduced neurogenesis and angiogenesis, by triggering apoptosis, reflected by the increased expression of PARKIN and PINK1 gene(s), low brain dopamine (DA) levels, and as opposed to LRRK2 and SNCA compared with healthy zebrafish. VPA, LEV/CARB, and PROBIO sustain neurogenesis and angiogenesis, manifesting a neuroprotective role in diminishing the effect of ROT in zebrafish. Interestingly, none of the tested compounds influenced oxidative stress (OS), as reflected by the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymatic activity revealed in non-ROT-exposed zebrafish. Overall, the selected concentrations were enough to trigger particular behavioral patterns as reflected by our parameters of interest (swimming distance (mm), velocity (mm/s), and freezing episodes (s)), but sequential testing is mandatory to decipher whether they exert an inhibitory role following ROT exposure. In this way, we further offer data into how ROT may trigger a PD-related phenotype and the possible beneficial role of VPA, LEV+CARB, and PROBIO in re-establishing homeostasis in Danio rerio.
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19
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Santacroce L, Imbimbo C, Ballini A, Crocetto F, Scacco S, Cantore S, Di Zazzo E, Colella M, Jirillo E. Testicular Immunity and Its Connection with the Microbiota. Physiological and Clinical Implications in the Light of Personalized Medicine. J Pers Med 2022; 12:1335. [PMID: 36013286 PMCID: PMC9409709 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12081335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproduction is a complex process, which is based on the cooperation between the endocrine-immune system and the microbiota. Testicular immunity is characterized by the so-called immune privilege, a mechanism that avoids autoimmune attacks against proteins expressed by spermatozoa. Testicular microbiota is connected with the gut microbiota, the most prevalent site of commensals inthe body. Both microbiotas take part inthe development of the immune system and protection againstpathogen invasion. Dysbiosis is caused by concurrent pathologies, such as obesity, diabetes, infections and trauma. The substitution of beneficial bacteria with pathogens may lead to destruction of spermatozoa directly or indirectly and, ultimately, to male infertility. Novel therapeutic interventions, i.e., nutritional interventions and supplementation of natural products, such as, probiotics, prebiotics, antioxidants and polyphenols, may lead to the restoration of the otherwise-impaired male reproductive potential, even if experimental and clinical results are not always concordant. In this review, the structure and immune function of the testis will be described with special reference to the blood-testisbarrier. The regulatory role of both the gut and testicular microbiota will be illustrated in health and disease, also emphasizing therapeutic attempts with natural products for the correction of male infertility, in the era of personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Santacroce
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Ciro Imbimbo
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, School of Medicine, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Ballini
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Felice Crocetto
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, School of Medicine, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131Naples, Italy
| | - Salvatore Scacco
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Stefania Cantore
- Independent Researcher, Sorriso & Benessere—Ricerca e Clinica, 70129 Bari, Italy
| | - Erika Di Zazzo
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “V. Tiberio”, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Marica Colella
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Emilio Jirillo
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
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Doroftei B, Ilie OD, Dabuleanu AM, Hutanu D, Vaduva CC. A Retrospective Narrative Mini-Review Regarding the Seminal Microbiota in Infertile Male. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58081067. [PMID: 36013533 PMCID: PMC9414835 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58081067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background: Infertility is a global burden that affects both sexes with the male component remaining as an explored yet crucial research field that might offer novel evidence. Material and Methods: The present narrative mini-review aims to summarize all existing literature regarding the composition of the seminal microflora in infertile men. We performed searches in PubMed/Medline, ISI Web of Knowledge, Scopus, and ScienceDirect between 2018 and 2022 using a combination of keywords. Results: A total of n = 33 studies met the eligibility criteria and were further considered. From this, n = 14 were conducted on human patients, n = 3 on zebrafish (Danio rerio), n = 5 on rats, and n = 11 on mice. In twenty-five out of thirty-three papers, the authors sequenced the 16S rRNA; situations occurred where researchers focused on standard laboratory protocols. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are widely recognized as putative beneficial lactic bacteria. These two entities are capable of restoring the host’s eubiosis to some extent, blocking pathogens’ proliferation and endotoxins, and even alleviating specific patterns encountered in disease(s) (e.g., obesity, type 1 diabetes) due to prolonged exposure to toxicants in adults or from a developmental stage. Over the years, distinct approaches have been perfected, such as the transfer of feces between two species or conventional rudimentary products with proven efficiency. Conclusions: The seminal microflora is decisive and able to modulate psychological and physiological responses. Each individual possesses a personalized microbial profile further shaped by exogenous factors, regardless of sex and species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Doroftei
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street, No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology “Cuza Voda”, Cuza Voda Street, No. 34, 700038 Iasi, Romania
- Origyn Fertility Center, Palace Street, No. 3C, 700032 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ovidiu-Dumitru Ilie
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University, Carol I Avenue, No. 20A, 700505 Iasi, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Ana-Maria Dabuleanu
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street, No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology “Cuza Voda”, Cuza Voda Street, No. 34, 700038 Iasi, Romania
- Origyn Fertility Center, Palace Street, No. 3C, 700032 Iasi, Romania
| | - Delia Hutanu
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry-Biology-Geography, West University of Timisoara, Vasile Parvan Avenue, No. 4, 300115 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Constantin-Cristian Vaduva
- Department of Mother and Child Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Petru Rares Street, No. 2, 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Hospital Filantropia, Filantropia Street, No. 1, 200143 Craiova, Romania
- Department of Infertility and IVF, HitMed Medical Center, Stefan cel Mare Street, No. 23-23A, 200130 Craiova, Romania
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Possible Implications of Bacteriospermia on the Sperm Quality, Oxidative Characteristics, and Seminal Cytokine Network in Normozoospermic Men. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158678. [PMID: 35955814 PMCID: PMC9369207 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This study focused on the identification of bacterial profiles of semen in normozoospermic men and their possible involvement in changes to the sperm structural integrity and functional activity. Furthermore, we studied possible fluctuations of selected cytokines, oxidative markers, and antibacterial proteins as a result of bacterial presence in the ejaculate. Sperm motility was assessed with computer-assisted sperm analysis, while sperm apoptosis, necrosis and acrosome integrity were examined with fluorescent methods. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was quantified via luminometry, sperm DNA fragmentation was evaluated using the TUNEL protocol and chromatin-dispersion test, while the JC-1 assay was applied to evaluate the mitochondrial membrane potential. Cytokine levels were quantified with the biochip assay, whilst selected antibacterial proteins were quantified using the ELISA method. The predominant species identified by the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry were Staphylococcus hominis, Staphylococcus capitis and Micrococcus luteus. The results revealed that the sperm quality decreased proportionally to the increasing bacterial load and occurrence of conditionally pathogenic bacteria, including Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests revealed a substantial resistance of randomly selected bacterial strains to ampicillin, vancomycin, tobramycin, and tetracycline. Furthermore, an increased bacterial quantity in semen was accompanied by elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1, interleukin-2, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha as well as ROS overproduction and lipid peroxidation of the sperm membranes. Our results suggest that semen quality may be notably affected by the bacterial quantity as well as quality. It seems that bacteriospermia may be associated with inflammatory processes, oxidative stress, sperm structural deterioration, and a subsequent risk for the development of subfertility, even in normozoospermic males.
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22
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Garcia-Segura S, del Rey J, Closa L, Garcia-Martínez I, Hobeich C, Castel AB, Vidal F, Benet J, Ribas-Maynou J, Oliver-Bonet M. Seminal Microbiota of Idiopathic Infertile Patients and Its Relationship With Sperm DNA Integrity. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:937157. [PMID: 35837328 PMCID: PMC9275566 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.937157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of new biomarkers for human male infertility is crucial to improve the diagnosis and the prognosis of this disease. Recently, seminal microbiota was shown to be related to sperm quality parameters, suggesting an effect in human fertility and postulating it as a biomarker candidate. However, its relationship to sperm DNA integrity has not been studied yet. The aim of the present study is to characterize the seminal microbiota of a western Mediterranean population and to evaluate its relationship to sperm chromatin integrity parameters, and oxidative stress. For that purpose, 14 samples from sperm donors and 42 samples from infertile idiopathic patients were obtained and were analyzed to assess the composition of the microbiota through full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing (Illumina MiSeq platform). Microbial diversity and relative abundances were compared to classic sperm quality parameters (macroscopic semen parameters, motility, morphology and concentration), chromatin integrity (global DNA damage, double-stranded DNA breaks and DNA protamination status) and oxidative stress levels (oxidation-reduction potential). The seminal microbiota observed of these samples belonged to the phyla Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes. The most abundant genera were Finegoldia, Peptoniphilus, Anaerococcus, Campylobacter, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Moraxella, Prevotella, Ezakiella, Corynebacterium and Lactobacillus. To our knowledge, this is the first detection of Ezakiella genus in seminal samples. Two clusters of microbial profiles were built based on a clustering analysis, and specific genera were found with different frequencies in relation to seminal quality defects. The abundances of several bacteria negatively correlate with the sperm global DNA fragmentation, most notably Moraxella, Brevundimonas and Flavobacterium. The latter two were also associated with higher sperm motility and Brevundimonas additionally with lower oxidative-reduction potential. Actinomycetaceae, Ralstonia and Paenibacillus correlated with reduced chromatin protamination status and increased double-stranded DNA fragmentation. These effects on DNA integrity coincide in many cases with the metabolism or enzymatic activities of these genera. Significant differences between fertile and infertile men were found in the relative presence of the Propionibacteriaceae family and the Cutibacterium, Rhodopseudomonas and Oligotropha genera, which supports its possible involvement in male fertility. Our findings sustain the hypothesis that the seminal microbiome has an effect on male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Garcia-Segura
- Unit of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Javier del Rey
- Unit of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Laia Closa
- Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Laboratory, Banc de Sang i Teixits (BST), Barcelona, Spain
- Medicina Transfusional, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iris Garcia-Martínez
- Medicina Transfusional, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
- Grup de Coagulopaties Congènites, Banc de Sang i Teixits (BST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos Hobeich
- Medicina Transfusional, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
- Grup de Coagulopaties Congènites, Banc de Sang i Teixits (BST), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Francisco Vidal
- Medicina Transfusional, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
- Grup de Coagulopaties Congènites, Banc de Sang i Teixits (BST), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Benet
- Unit of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- *Correspondence: Jordi Ribas-Maynou, ; Maria Oliver-Bonet,
| | - Maria Oliver-Bonet
- Unit of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Spain
- *Correspondence: Jordi Ribas-Maynou, ; Maria Oliver-Bonet,
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23
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Lin Y, Wang K, Che L, Fang Z, Xu S, Feng B, Zhuo Y, Li J, Wu C, Zhang J, Xiong H, Yu C, Wu D. The Improvement of Semen Quality by Dietary Fiber Intake Is Positively Related With Gut Microbiota and SCFA in a Boar Model. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:863315. [PMID: 35633720 PMCID: PMC9130837 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.863315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although fiber-rich diets have been positively associated with sperm quality, there have not been any studies that have examined the effects of dietary fiber and its metabolites on sperm quality in young or pre-pubescent animals. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of dietary fiber supplementation on semen quality and the underlying mechanisms in a boar model. Sixty purebred Yorkshire weaning boars were randomly divided into the four groups (T1–T4). Groups T1, T2, and T3 boars were fed diets with different levels of fiber until reaching 160 days of age and were then fed the same diet, while group T4 boars were fed a basal diet supplemented with butyrate and probiotics. Compared with T1 boars, sperm motility and effective sperm number were significantly higher among T3 boars. Meanwhile, at 240 days of age, the acetic acid and total short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) contents in the sera of T3 and T4 boars were significantly higher than those in T1 boars. The abundance of microbiota in T2 and T3 boars was significantly higher than that in T1 boars (P < 0.01). Moreover, dietary fiber supplementation increased “beneficial gut microbes” such as UCG-005, Rumenococcus, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and Lactobacillus and decreased the relative abundance of “harmful microbes” such as Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, Romboutsia and Turicibacter. Collectively, the findings of this study indicate that dietary fiber supplementation improves gut microbiota and promotes SCFA production, thereby enhancing spermatogenesis and semen quality. Moreover, the effects of dietary fiber are superior to those of derived metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Lin
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Ke Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Lianqiang Che
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhengfeng Fang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Shengyu Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin Feng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Yong Zhuo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Jian Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Caimei Wu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Junjie Zhang
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, China
| | - Haoyu Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Chenglong Yu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - De Wu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
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24
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Iniesta S, Esteban S, Armijo Ó, Lobo S, Manzano S, Espinosa I, Cárdenas N, Bartha JL, Jiménez E. Ligilactobacillus salivarius PS11610 exerts an effect on the microbial and immunological profile of couples suffering unknown infertility. Am J Reprod Immunol 2022; 88:e13552. [PMID: 35506742 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13552] [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: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Unknown or idiopathic infertility has been associated with urogenital tract dysbiosis, reducing pregnancy and delivery ratios during assisted reproductive treatments (ART). The Ligilactobacillus salivarius PS11610 strain has shown extraordinary antimicrobial activity in vitro against urogenital pathogens as well as other probiotic characteristics. Therefore, an intervention study was performed to evaluate the effect of L. salivarius PS11610 on the microbial composition of urogenital tract in infertile couples with bacterial dysbiosis. METHOD OF STUDY Seventeen couples undergoing ART diagnosed with unknown infertility were selected. After confirming urogenital dysbiosis, they started a 6-month treatment with L. salivarius PS11610 (1 dose/12 h for female and 1 dose/24 h for male). Vaginal, seminal, glans, uterine and plasma samples were collected for determination of the microbiome and immune profile at the beginning and the end of the treatment. RESULTS Supplementation with L. salivarius PS11610 significantly modified the urogenital microbiome composition in male and female samples, solving dysbiosis of 67% of the couples. Pathogens disappeared from the vaginal samples whereas Lactobacilli percentage increased after 3 and 6 months of treatment. Moreover, L. salivarius PS11610 changed the uterine microbiome that could be associated with a change of the uterine immune profile. Additionally, the probiotic intake could be associated with the observed change in the systemic immunological profile of couples. Finally, the pregnant and delivery ratio were improved. CONCLUSIONS Probiotic supplementation with L. salivarius PS11610 improved the male and female urogenital tract microbiome, modulating the immune system and increasing pregnancy success in couples undergoing ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Iniesta
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Esteban
- Probisearch, SLU. c/Santiago Grisolía, 2, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ónica Armijo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sonia Lobo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Susana Manzano
- Probisearch, SLU. c/Santiago Grisolía, 2, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Espinosa
- Probisearch, SLU. c/Santiago Grisolía, 2, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nivia Cárdenas
- Probisearch, SLU. c/Santiago Grisolía, 2, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Luis Bartha
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Jiménez
- Probisearch, SLU. c/Santiago Grisolía, 2, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
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25
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Paternal periconception metabolic health and offspring programming. Proc Nutr Soc 2022; 81:119-125. [DOI: 10.1017/s0029665121003736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The association between maternal metabolic status at the time of conception and subsequent embryogenesis and offspring development has been studied in detail. However, less attention has been given to the significance of paternal nutrition and metabolism in directing offspring health. Despite this disparity, emerging evidence has begun to highlight an important connection between paternal metabolic well-being, semen quality, embryonic development and ultimately adult offspring health. This has established a new component within the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease hypothesis. Building on the decades of understanding and insight derived from the numerous models of maternal programming, attention is now becoming focused on defining the mechanisms underlying the links between paternal well-being, post-fertilisation development and offspring health. Understanding how the health and fitness of the father impact on semen quality is of fundamental importance for providing better information to intending fathers. Furthermore, assisted reproductive practices such as in vitro fertilisation rely on our ability to select the best quality sperm from a diverse and heterogeneous population. With considerable advances in sequencing capabilities, our understanding of the molecular and epigenetic composition of the sperm and seminal plasma, and their association with male metabolic health, has developed dramatically over recent years. This review will summarise our current understanding of how a father's metabolic status at the time of conception can affect sperm quality, post-fertilisation embryonic and fetal development and offspring health.
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26
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Wang H, Xu A, Gong L, Chen Z, Zhang B, Li X. The Microbiome, an Important Factor That Is Easily Overlooked in Male Infertility. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:831272. [PMID: 35308385 PMCID: PMC8924671 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.831272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Humankind has been interested in reproduction for millennia. Infertility, in which male factors contribute to approximately 50%, is estimated to concern over 72 million people worldwide. Despite advances in the diagnosis, medical treatment, and psychosocial management of male infertility over the past few decades, approximately 30% of male infertility is still thought to be idiopathic. Despite emerging advances in the microbiome associated with male infertility have indicated that the microbiome may be a key factor to the management of male infertility, roles, and mechanisms of the microbiome remain ambiguous. Here, we mainly discussed the association between microbial infection in the genital tract and male infertility, effect of antimicrobial therapy on male reproduction, association between microbial dysbiosis and male infertility, and effect of probiotic intervention on male reproduction. This review made progress toward establishing a relationship between the microbiome and male infertility, and explored the role of the microbiome in male infertility. We call for more high-quality studies to focus on the relationship between microbes and male infertility, and strongly suggest increasing awareness among sterile males with microbial infection and/or microbial dysbiosis when they seek fertility help.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hefeng Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Anran Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Liping Gong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yicheng Street Community Health Service Center, Linyi, China
| | - Zhaowen Chen
- Department of Obstetrics, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Xiuyun Li
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Jinan, China
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27
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Gachet C, Prat M, Burucoa C, Grivard P, Pichon M. Spermatic Microbiome Characteristics in Infertile Patients: Impact on Sperm Count, Mobility, and Morphology. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11061505. [PMID: 35329834 PMCID: PMC8952859 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11061505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Through sperm alteration, semen microbiota tend to be recognized as a cause of infertility, but due to the limited number of studies focusing on this ecological niche, this hypothesis remains controversial. This study aimed to characterize and compare the bacterial communities of sperm samples from patients undergoing couple infertility treatment at the time of diagnosis. The study was prospective (September 2019 to March 2020), monocentric, and focused on alterations of spermatic parameters: count, motility, and morphology. After the amplification of the 16S rDNA (V1 to V3), libraries (n = 91, including 53 patients with abnormalities) were sequenced using the MiSeq platform (Illumina). After quality control processing using a homemade pipeline (QIIME2 modules), the main genera were: Prevotella, Finegoldia, Pseudomonas, Peptinophilus, Streptococcus, Anaerococcus and Corynebacterium. Restricted diversity was observed in samples from patients with abnormal sperm morphology (α-diversity, p < 0.05), whereas diversity increased in patients with an abnormal sperm count (β-diversity, p < 0.05). The enrichment of the genus Prevotella and Haemophilus was observed in negative sperm culture samples and samples with abnormal counts, respectively (p < 0.05). Microbiota differed in their composition according to sperm parameters. Finally, this work highlights the need for the optimization of the management of couples undergoing infertility treatment, possibly by modulating the genital microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Gachet
- Laboratory of Andrology and Medically Assisted Reproduction Laboratory, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Poitiers, 86021 Poitiers, France; (C.G.); (P.G.)
- Bacteriology Laboratory, Infectious Agents Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Poitiers, 86021 Poitiers, France; (M.P.); (C.B.)
| | - Manon Prat
- Bacteriology Laboratory, Infectious Agents Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Poitiers, 86021 Poitiers, France; (M.P.); (C.B.)
| | - Christophe Burucoa
- Bacteriology Laboratory, Infectious Agents Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Poitiers, 86021 Poitiers, France; (M.P.); (C.B.)
- INSERM Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1070 Pharmacology of Antimicrobial Agents and Resistance, University of Poitiers, 86073 Poitiers, France
| | - Philippe Grivard
- Laboratory of Andrology and Medically Assisted Reproduction Laboratory, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Poitiers, 86021 Poitiers, France; (C.G.); (P.G.)
| | - Maxime Pichon
- Bacteriology Laboratory, Infectious Agents Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Poitiers, 86021 Poitiers, France; (M.P.); (C.B.)
- INSERM Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1070 Pharmacology of Antimicrobial Agents and Resistance, University of Poitiers, 86073 Poitiers, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-(0)-5-49-444-143
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28
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Feng T, Liu Y. Microorganisms in the reproductive system and probiotic's regulatory effects on reproductive health. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:1541-1553. [PMID: 35465162 PMCID: PMC9010680 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of microbial communities in the reproductive tract has been revealed, and this resident microbiota is involved in the maintenance of health. Intentional modulation via probiotics has been proposed as a possible strategy to enhance reproductive health and reduce the risk of diseases. The male seminal microbiota has been suggested as an important factor that influences a couple’s health, pregnancy outcomes, and offspring health. Probiotics have been reported to play a role in male fertility and to affect the health of mothers and offspring. While the female reproductive microbiota is more complicated and has been identified in both the upper and lower reproductive systems, they together contribute to health maintenance. Probiotics have shown regulatory effects on the female reproductive tract, thereby contributing to homeostasis of the tract and influencing the health of offspring. Further, through transmission of bacteria or through other indirect mechanisms, the parent’s reproductive microbiota and probiotic intervention influence infant gut colonization and immunity development, with potential health consequences. In vitro and in vivo studies have explored the mechanisms underlying the benefits of probiotic administration and intervention, and an array of positive results, such as modulation of microbiota composition, regulation of metabolism, promotion of the epithelial barrier, and improvement of immune function, have been observed. Herein, we review the state of the art in reproductive system microbiota and its role in health and reproduction, as well as the beneficial effects of probiotics on reproductive health and their contributions to the prevention of associated diseases.
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29
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The Semen Microbiome and Semen Parameters in Healthy Stallions. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12050534. [PMID: 35268102 PMCID: PMC8908834 DOI: 10.3390/ani12050534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Stallion infertility is a major cause of concern in the horse industry. Despite zootechnics advances, sub- or infertile animals appear in stud farms without a toxic, genetic, or nutritional reason. Recent research in human andrology has opened the door for a new, plausible factor that affects sperm quality: seminal microflora. In recent years, there has been an increasing amount of evidence regarding the relationship between different seminal flora compositions and male fertility. However, little has been studied in veterinary science, including horses. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine associations with the presence of bacteria families in horse semen with five sperm quality parameters: concentration, total number of spermatozoa, total and progressive sperm motility, and DNA fragmentation. Our study detected a correlation between the presence of the Peptoniphilaceae family and higher total motility and the presence of Clostridiales Incertae Sedis XI and lower progressive motility. These changes in seminal flora may contribute to the idiopathically poorer sperm quality in certain animals. Although further mechanisms behind bacteria–spermatozoa interactions are unknown, these associations are already leading to a new therapeutic approach to infertility: the use of prebiotics, which has already yielded promising results in human andrology. Abstract Despite the advances in reproductive technology, there is still a considerable number of low sperm quality cases in stallions. Recent studies in humans have detected several seminal microflora–spermatozoa associations behind some idiopathic infertility cases. However, no studies are available on horses, and there is limited information on the microflora present in stallion ejaculates. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to examine associations to the presence of bacteria families with five sperm quality parameters: concentration, total number of spermatozoa, total and progressive motility, and DNA fragmentation. Samples were cryopreserved after their extraction. High-speed homogenization using grinding media was performed for cell disruption. Family identification was performed via 16S rRNA sequencing. Bacterial families were only considered if the relative abundance was higher than 1%. Only two families appeared to have a correlation with two sperm quality parameters. Peptoniphilaceae correlated positively with total sperm motility, whereas Clostridiales Incertae Sedis XI correlated negatively with progressive motility. No significant differences were found for the rest of the parameters. In conclusion, the seminal microbiome may affect spermatozoa activity. Our findings are based on statistical associations; thus, further studies are needed to understand the internal interactions between seminal flora and cells.
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30
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Hashem NM, Gonzalez-Bulnes A. The Use of Probiotics for Management and Improvement of Reproductive Eubiosis and Function. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14040902. [PMID: 35215551 PMCID: PMC8878190 DOI: 10.3390/nu14040902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproductive tract dysbiosis, due to the action of pathogens and/or unhealthy lifestyle, has been related to many reproductive diseases and disorders in mammalian species. Classically, such a problem has been confronted by the administration of antibiotics. Despite their effectiveness for controlling disease, treatments with antibiotics may negatively affect the fertility of males and females and, mainly, may induce antibiotic resistance. Accordingly, safer alternatives for maintaining reproductive system eubiosis, such as probiotics, are required. The present review summarizes the current knowledge on the biodiversity of the microbiota at the reproductive tract, possible changes in the case of dysbiosis, and their relationships with adequate reproductive health and functioning in both females and males. Afterwards, mechanisms of action and benefits of different probiotics are weighed since the biological activities of probiotics may provide a promising alternative to antibiotics for maintaining and restoring reproductive eubiosis and function. However, at present, it is still necessary for further research to focus on: (a) identifying mechanisms by which probiotics can affect reproductive processes; (b) the safety of probiotics to the host, specifically when consumed during sensitive reproductive windows such as pregnancy; and (c) the hazards instructions and regulatory rules required for marketing these biological-based therapies with sufficient safety. Thus, in this review, to draw a comprehensive overview with a relatively low number of clinical studies in this field, we showed the findings of studies performed either on human or animal models. This review strategy may help provide concrete facts on the eligible probiotic strains, probiotics colonization and transfer route, and prophylactic and/or therapeutic effects of different probiotic strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nesrein M. Hashem
- Department of Animal and Fish Production, Faculty of Agriculture (El-Shatby), Alexandria University, Alexandria 21545, Egypt
- Correspondence: (N.M.H.); (A.G.-B.)
| | - Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes
- Departamento de Produccion y Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, C/Tirant lo Blanc, 7, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115 Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence: (N.M.H.); (A.G.-B.)
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31
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Akram M, Ali SA, Behare P, Kaul G. Dietary intake of probiotic fermented milk benefits the gut and reproductive health in mice fed with an obesogenic diet. Food Funct 2021; 13:737-752. [PMID: 34939079 DOI: 10.1039/d1fo02501e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Probiotics have been suggested as alternatives to pharmacological drugs in the treatment of a variety of medical problems, including obesity management, which is often linked to low sperm production. Also, probiotic fermented products are known to boost host immune response, immunosenescence, infection tolerance, and redox homeostasis, but their direct role in male fertility has been less investigated. This study assessed the effect of two probiotic strains, L. fermentum NCDC 400 and L. rhamnosus NCDC 610, and fructooligosaccharide (FOS) fermented milk supplementation. We identified the significantly reduced oxidative stress markers in the plasma and liver of HF diet-fed animals. We determined the role of key testicular enzymes of steroidogenic pathway genes StAR, P450scc, and 17βHSD in maintaining the testosterone concentration and restoring testicular structures. In conclusion, the present work illustrated the ability of both probiotics L. fermentum NCDC 400 and L. rhamnosus NCDC 610 as regulatory agents with beneficial effects on weight loss and endogenous testosterone with substantially improved sperm motility in male diet-induced obesity (DIO) models. Our findings indicate that fermented milk supplementation may be an alternative treatment for preventing obesity and other related metabolic syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Akram
- Semen Biology Lab, Animal Biochemistry Division, National Dairy Research Institute, Haryana, India
| | - Syed Azmal Ali
- Cell Biology and Proteomics Lab, National Dairy Research Institute, Haryana, India
| | - Pradip Behare
- National Collection of Dairy Cultures (NCDC) Lab, Dairy Microbiology Division, ICAR, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Gautam Kaul
- Semen Biology Lab, Animal Biochemistry Division, National Dairy Research Institute, Haryana, India
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Changizi V, Azadbakht O, Ghanavati R, Behrouj H, Motevaseli E, Khanzadeh P. Effect of Lactobacillus species on apoptosis-related genes BCL2, BAX, and caspase 3 in the testes of gamma-irradiated rats. Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992) 2021; 67:1581-1585. [PMID: 34909882 DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.20210634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ionizing radiation has various applications, including uses in medicine, industry, agriculture, and research. However, ionizing radiation is accompanied by side effects in normal radiosensitive tissues. Probiotics as natural radioprotective agents can protect normal tissues from ionizing radiation. In this regard, this study aimed to investigate the effect of Lactobacillus species on apoptosis-related genes BCL2, BAX, and caspase 3 (CASP3) in the testes of gamma-irradiated rats. METHODS A total of 30 male Wistar rats were involved in this study. The animals received the whole- body radiation with the dose rate of 2 Gy gamma-ray and were orally gavaged with 0.2 mL of 1×1010 Lactobacillus species in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for 4 weeks. Then, the relative gene expression levels of BCL2, BAX, and CASP3 in the testis were assessed by using the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS Compared with the control group, radiation significantly downregulated the BCL2 and upregulated the BAX and CASP3 genes (p<0.0001). However, Lactobacillus species significantly reversed these effects. CONCLUSION All in all, according to our results, employing Lactobacilli probiotics as a natural radioprotector may protect radiosensitive tissue from damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Changizi
- Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Allied Medical Sciences School, Technology of Radiology and Radiotherapy Department - Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Azadbakht
- Behbahan Faculty of Medical Sciences, Radiology Technology Department - Behbahan, Iran
| | - Roya Ghanavati
- Behbahan Faculty of Medical Sciences, Medical Laboratory Sciences Department - Behbahan, Iran
| | - Hamid Behrouj
- Behbahan Faculty of Medical Sciences, Medical Laboratory Sciences Department - Behbahan, Iran
| | - Elahe Motevaseli
- Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Advanced Technologies in Medicine School, Molecular Medicine Department - Tehran, Iran
| | - Pegah Khanzadeh
- Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Allied Medical Sciences School, Technology of Radiology and Radiotherapy Department - Tehran, Iran
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Wang Y, Xie Z. Exploring the role of gut microbiome in male reproduction. Andrology 2021; 10:441-450. [PMID: 34918486 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of the gut microbiome on the organism has become a growing research focus with the development of 16S rRNA sequencing. However, the effect of the gut microbiome in male reproduction has yet to be investigated. OBJECTIVE To overview on possible mechanisms by which gut microbiome could affect male reproduction and therapeutic opportunities related to the gut microbiome METHODS: Authors searched PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library for medical subject headings terms and free text words referred to "male infertility" "testis" "gut microbiome" "insulin resistance" "erectile dysfunction" "therapy" "sex hormones" "Genital Diseases." until Dec 2nd 2021. RESULTS Evidence suggests that immune system activation caused by the gut microbiome translocation not only leads to testicular and epididymal inflammation but can also induce insulin resistance together with gastrointestinal hormones such as leptin and ghrelin, which in turn affects the secretion of various sex hormones such as LH, FSH, and T to regulate spermatogenesis. In addition, the gut microbiome can influence spermatogenesis by controlling and metabolizing androgens as well as affecting the blood-testis barrier. It also promotes vascular inflammation by raising trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) levels in the blood, which causes erectile dysfunction. Testicular microbiome and gut microbiome can interact to influence male reproductive function. This study discusses therapeutic options such as probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, as well as the challenges and opportunities behind ongoing research, and emphasizes the need for additional research in the future to demonstrate the links and underlying mechanisms between gut microbiome and male reproduction. Therapeutic options such as probiotic, prebiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation are potential treatments for male infertility. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Gut microbiota may have a causal role in male reproduction health, therapeutic strategies such as supplementation with appropriate probiotics could be undertaken as a complementary treatment. In the future, additional research is needed to demonstrate the links and underlying mechanisms between gut microbiome and male reproduction. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Second Clinical Medical School, Zhejiang, 310053, China
| | - Zuogang Xie
- Wenzhou Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Affiliated to Zhejiang, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Andrology, Zhejiang, 325000, China
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Rivera VV, Cardona Maya WD, Suárez JP. The relationship between sexually transmitted bacteria, microbiota and seminal quality in asymptomatic men. Asian J Urol 2021; 9:473-479. [PMID: 36381602 PMCID: PMC9643280 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajur.2021.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To detect DNA of different microorganisms, in semen samples from apparently healthy men and correlate their presence with seminal quality. Methods Semen samples from 81 healthy volunteers were collected, and semen parameters were analyzed. DNA extraction was performed using the phenol-chloroform technique, and the microorganisms were detected by the amplification of specific primers using polymerase chain reaction. Results DNA from at least one of the microorganisms was detected in 78 samples. The most frequent microorganism found in semen were: Lactobacillus spp. (70%), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhoeae) (36%), Streptococcus epidermidis (64%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (56%), Staphylococcus aureus (32%), Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) (28%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (27%). The seminal parameters of all semen samples were over the lower reference values for normal semen analysis. To compare with negative samples, seminal volume was higher for the Escherichia coli positive samples and lower for Pseudomonas aeruginosa positive samples. Semen samples positive for Staphylococcus aureus had worse sperm morphology. The frequency of progressive motility was higher in positive samples for N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis. Positive semen samples for C. trachomatis had a higher concentration per milliliter. Conclusion It is common to find microorganisms in semen of asymptomatic men, including those responsible for sexually transmitted infections. Antimicrobial treatment is recommended only in those individuals with a sexually transmitted infection (C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae) and always promote condom use.
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Unraveling the Balance between Genes, Microbes, Lifestyle and the Environment to Improve Healthy Reproduction. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12040605. [PMID: 33924000 PMCID: PMC8073673 DOI: 10.3390/genes12040605] [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: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans’ health is the result of a complex and balanced interplay between genetic factors, environmental stimuli, lifestyle habits, and the microbiota composition. The knowledge about their single contributions, as well as the complex network linking each to the others, is pivotal to understand the mechanisms underlying the onset of many diseases and can provide key information for their prevention, diagnosis and therapy. This applies also to reproduction. Reproduction, involving almost 10% of our genetic code, is one of the most critical human’s functions and is a key element to assess the well-being of a population. The last decades revealed a progressive decline of reproductive outcomes worldwide. As a consequence, there is a growing interest in unveiling the role of the different factors involved in human reproduction and great efforts have been carried out to improve its outcomes. As for many other diseases, it is now clear that the interplay between the underlying genetics, our commensal microbiome, the lifestyle habits and the environment we live in can either exacerbate the outcome or mitigate the adverse effects. Here, we aim to analyze how each of these factors contribute to reproduction highlighting their individual contribution and providing supporting evidence of how to modify their impact and overall contribution to a healthy reproductive status.
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Heat-Treated Bifidobacterium longum CECT-7347: A Whole-Cell Postbiotic with Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Gut-Barrier Protection Properties. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10040536. [PMID: 33808122 PMCID: PMC8067082 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10040536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-viable preparations of probiotics, as whole-cell postbiotics, attract increasing interest because of their intrinsic technological stability, and their functional properties, such as immune system modulation, gut barrier maintenance, and protection against pathogens. However, reports on Bifidobacteria-derived postbiotics remain scarce. This study aims to demonstrate the functional properties of a heat-treated (HT), non-viable, Bifidobacterium longum strain, CECT-7347, a strain previously selected for its anti-inflammatory phenotype and ability to improve biomarkers of intestinal integrity in clinical trials. The study used the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and HT-29 cell cultures as eukaryotic model systems. Our results show that HT-CECT-7347 preserves the capacity to protect against oxidative stress damage, while it also reduces acute inflammatory response and gut-barrier disruption, and inhibits bacterial colonization, by activating pathways related to innate immune function. These findings highlight the interest of the ingredient as a novel postbiotic and pave the way to broaden the range of HT-CECT-7347 applications in gut health.
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Abbasi B, Abbasi H, Niroumand H. Synbiotic (FamiLact) administration in idiopathic male infertility enhances sperm quality, DNA integrity, and chromatin status: A triple-blinded randomized clinical trial. Int J Reprod Biomed 2021; 19:235-244. [PMID: 33842820 PMCID: PMC8023005 DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v19i3.8571] [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: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Idiopathic male infertility is often treated empirically. A recent body of evidence has indicated the association between pro ± prebiotics administration and improvement in semen parameters. OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of FamiLact (probiotic + prebiotic) administration on male subjects with idiopathic infertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty-six men with idiopathic male infertility were randomly/equally divided into two groups. Men in the case and control groups received 500 mg of FamiLact and an identical placebo for 80 days, respectively. A semen sample was obtained from each of the participants before initiation and after the termination of the treatment course. Samples underwent regular semen analysis and were further analyzed to assess the level of DNA damage (sperm chromatin structure assay), oxidative stress (BODIPY C11 staining), and protamine deficiency (chromomycin-A3 staining) in spermatozoa. RESULTS No significant difference was observed between the baseline values of both groups. After intervention, mean sperm concentration, motility, and normal morphology were significantly higher in the FamiLact group compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). In the FamiLact receivers, we detected improvement regarding the following parameters: concentration, motility, abnormal morphology, sperm lipid peroxidation, and DNA fragmentation (p ≤ 0.02). Likewise, in the placebo group, we noticed a decrease in the post-medication mean value of DNA fragmentation (p = 0.03) while observing no significant difference regarding other parameters. CONCLUSION FamiLact administration improves sperm concentration, motility, and abnormal morphology and decrease sperm DNA damage, possibly through alleviating oxidative stress in the seminal fluid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behzad Abbasi
- Trauma Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Hassan Niroumand
- Trauma Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Effects of Microbiota Imbalance in Anxiety and Eating Disorders: Probiotics as Novel Therapeutic Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052351. [PMID: 33652962 PMCID: PMC7956573 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Anxiety and eating disorders produce a physiological imbalance that triggers alterations in the abundance and composition of gut microbiota. Moreover, the gut–brain axis can be altered by several factors such as diet, lifestyle, infections, and antibiotic treatment. Diet alterations generate gut dysbiosis, which affects immune system responses, inflammation mechanisms, the intestinal permeability, as well as the production of short chain fatty acids and neurotransmitters by gut microbiota, which are essential to the correct function of neurological processes. Recent studies indicated that patients with generalized anxiety or eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorders) show a specific profile of gut microbiota, and this imbalance can be partially restored after a single or multi-strain probiotic supplementation. Following the PRISMA methodology, the current review addresses the main microbial signatures observed in patients with generalized anxiety and/or eating disorders as well as the importance of probiotics as a preventive or a therapeutic tool in these pathologies.
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Prebiotic-alginate edible coating on fresh-cut apple as a new carrier for probiotic lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. Lebensm Wiss Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2020.110483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Contrary to historic dogma, many tissues and organs in the human body contain a resident population of bacteria, fungi, and viruses collectively known as the microbiome. The microbiome plays a role in both homeostatic symbiosis and also pathogenic dysbiosis in a wide array of diseases. Our understanding of the relationship between the microbiome and male factor infertility is in its infancy but is slowly evolving. RECENT FINDINGS Recent literature indicates that semen (and likely the testis) is not sterile and contains a distinct microbiome, and these changes in its composition are associated with alterations in semen quality and fertility status. Preliminary investigation indicates that manipulating the human microbiome may have implications in improving semen parameters and fertility. SUMMARY In this review, we describe relationships between the microbiome and the genitourinary system, discuss the prior work on the relationship among bacteriospermia, leukocytospermia and male factor infertility, and summarize the current literature utilizing 16s rRNA-based next-generation sequencing on the seminal and testicular microbiome. We explore the specific microbial taxa implicated in various aspects of spermatic dysfunction and introduce preliminary evidence for therapeutic approaches to alter the microbiome and improve fertility status.
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Probiotic therapy in couples with infertility: A systematic review. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2020; 256:95-100. [PMID: 33188995 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2020.10.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The reproductive microbiome is becoming increasingly recognised for its influence on fertility. While there has been much work to investigate the treatment of bacterial vaginosis and disordered microbiomes in optimizing outcomes in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), the role of routinely prescribed probiotics is yet to be established. The therapeutic potential of probiotic therapy remains an exciting opportunity in ART and this review endeavours to summarise its evidence to date. A systematic review of MEDLINE (Pubmed), Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), EMBASE, Web of Science and the Cochrane database was performed on 7th May 2019, and repeated on 26th August 2019. The search was built using the terms 'subfertility;' 'probiotic therapy;' 'clinical pregnancy rate' and 'assisted reproductive outcomes.' The primary outcome was change in clinical pregnancy rate. Secondary outcomes included improvements in male and female fertility parameters and microbial assessment. The initial search found 882 articles, of which 26 full manuscripts were reviewed. Four articles were eligible for inclusion. Of the two studies that reported the primary outcome, only one study found probiotics increased the clinical pregnancy rate non-significantly (48.0%-58.8%, p = 0.47). It also found higher miscarriage rate (30 % vs 16.6 %, p = 0.47) in the group treated with probiotics. Both studies on males with oral probiotic found significantly improved sperm motility. While benefit in sperm motility has been observed with male probiotic therapy, there is conflicting evidence on the efficacy of probiotic therapy for women undergoing assisted reproduction. High quality randomized studies are needed to definitively examine probiotic therapy and establish its benefit for couples undergoing assisted reproduction.
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Santana RV, Santos DCD, Santana ACA, Oliveira Filho JGD, Almeida ABD, Lima TMD, Silva FG, Egea MB. Quality parameters and sensorial profile of clarified “Cerrado” cashew juice supplemented with Sacharomyces boulardii and different sweeteners. Lebensm Wiss Technol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2020.109319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Valcarce DG, Martínez-Vázquez JM, Riesco MF, Robles V. Probiotics reduce anxiety-related behavior in zebrafish. Heliyon 2020; 6:e03973. [PMID: 32435716 PMCID: PMC7229491 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that gut microbiome could have effects on neurological processes and on behavior. In this study we used the novel tank test (NTT) to analyze zebrafish exploring behavior after four months’ supplementation with probiotics with probed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Results showed that prolonged ingestion of Lactobacillus rhamnosus CECT8361 and Bifidobacterium longum CECT7347 significantly alters the swimming pattern and mean swimming speed in the zebrafish model. After treatment, zebrafish strongly reduced their bottom-dwelling geotactic behavior when placed in a new tank, which could be correlated to a lower state of anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- David G Valcarce
- IEO, Spanish Institute of Oceanography, Planta de Cultivos El Bocal, Barrio Corbanera, Monte, 39012, Santander, Spain
| | - Juan M Martínez-Vázquez
- IEO, Spanish Institute of Oceanography, Planta de Cultivos El Bocal, Barrio Corbanera, Monte, 39012, Santander, Spain
| | - Marta F Riesco
- IEO, Spanish Institute of Oceanography, Planta de Cultivos El Bocal, Barrio Corbanera, Monte, 39012, Santander, Spain
| | - Vanesa Robles
- IEO, Spanish Institute of Oceanography, Planta de Cultivos El Bocal, Barrio Corbanera, Monte, 39012, Santander, Spain.,Cell Biology Area, Department of Molecular Biology, Universidad de León, 24071, León, Spain
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Microbiota and Human Reproduction: The Case of Male Infertility. High Throughput 2020; 9:ht9020010. [PMID: 32294988 PMCID: PMC7349524 DOI: 10.3390/ht9020010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing interest in metagenomics is enhancing our knowledge regarding the composition and role of the microbiota in human physiology and pathology. Indeed, microbes have been reported to play a role in several diseases, including infertility. In particular, the male seminal microbiota has been suggested as an important factor able to influence couple’s health and pregnancy outcomes, as well as offspring health. Nevertheless, few studies have been carried out to date to deeper investigate semen microbiome origins and functions, and its correlations with the partner’s reproductive tract microbiome. Here, we report the state of the art regarding the male reproductive system microbiome and its alterations in infertility.
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Molina NM, Sola-Leyva A, Saez-Lara MJ, Plaza-Diaz J, Tubić-Pavlović A, Romero B, Clavero A, Mozas-Moreno J, Fontes J, Altmäe S. New Opportunities for Endometrial Health by Modifying Uterine Microbial Composition: Present or Future? Biomolecules 2020; 10:E593. [PMID: 32290428 PMCID: PMC7226034 DOI: 10.3390/biom10040593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Current knowledge suggests that the uterus harbours its own microbiota, where the microbes could influence the uterine functions in health and disease; however, the core uterine microbial composition and the host-microbial relationships remain to be fully elucidated. Different studies are indicating, based on next-generation sequencing techniques, that microbial dysbiosis could be associated with several gynaecological disorders, such as endometriosis, chronic endometritis, dysfunctional menstrual bleeding, endometrial cancer, and infertility. Treatments using antibiotics and probiotics and/or prebiotics for endometrial microbial dysbiosis are being applied. Nevertheless there is no unified protocol for assessing the endometrial dysbiosis and no optimal treatment protocol for the established dysbiosis. With this review we outline the microbes (mostly bacteria) identified in the endometrial microbiome studies, the current treatments offered for bacterial dysbiosis in the clinical setting, and the future possibilities such as pro- and prebiotics and microbial transplants for modifying uterine microbial composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerea M. Molina
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (N.M.M.); (A.S.-L.); (M.J.S.-L.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18014 Granada, Spain; (J.P.-D.); (B.R.); (A.C.); (J.M.-M.); (J.F.)
| | - Alberto Sola-Leyva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (N.M.M.); (A.S.-L.); (M.J.S.-L.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18014 Granada, Spain; (J.P.-D.); (B.R.); (A.C.); (J.M.-M.); (J.F.)
| | - Maria Jose Saez-Lara
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (N.M.M.); (A.S.-L.); (M.J.S.-L.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18014 Granada, Spain; (J.P.-D.); (B.R.); (A.C.); (J.M.-M.); (J.F.)
- “José Mataix Verdú” Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INYTA), Biomedical Research Centre (CIBM), University of Granada, 18100 Granada, Spain
| | - Julio Plaza-Diaz
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18014 Granada, Spain; (J.P.-D.); (B.R.); (A.C.); (J.M.-M.); (J.F.)
- “José Mataix Verdú” Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INYTA), Biomedical Research Centre (CIBM), University of Granada, 18100 Granada, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain
| | | | - Barbara Romero
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18014 Granada, Spain; (J.P.-D.); (B.R.); (A.C.); (J.M.-M.); (J.F.)
- Unidad de Reproducción, UGC de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain
| | - Ana Clavero
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18014 Granada, Spain; (J.P.-D.); (B.R.); (A.C.); (J.M.-M.); (J.F.)
- Unidad de Reproducción, UGC de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain
| | - Juan Mozas-Moreno
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18014 Granada, Spain; (J.P.-D.); (B.R.); (A.C.); (J.M.-M.); (J.F.)
- Unidad de Reproducción, UGC de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública-CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Departament of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Juan Fontes
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18014 Granada, Spain; (J.P.-D.); (B.R.); (A.C.); (J.M.-M.); (J.F.)
- Unidad de Reproducción, UGC de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain
| | - Signe Altmäe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (N.M.M.); (A.S.-L.); (M.J.S.-L.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18014 Granada, Spain; (J.P.-D.); (B.R.); (A.C.); (J.M.-M.); (J.F.)
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, 50410 Tartu, Estonia
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Ghoneum M, Abdulmalek S, Pan D. Reversal of age-associated oxidative stress in mice by PFT, a novel kefir product. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2020; 34:2058738420950149. [PMID: 32862733 PMCID: PMC7466882 DOI: 10.1177/2058738420950149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oxidative stress is a key contributor to aging and age-related diseases. In the present study, we examine the protective effects of PFT, a novel kefir product, against age-associated oxidative stress using aged (10-month-old) mice. METHODS Mice were treated with PFT orally at a daily dose of 2 mg/kg body weight over 6 weeks, and antioxidant status, protein oxidation, and lipid peroxidation were studied in the brain, liver, and blood. RESULTS PFT supplementation significantly reduced the oxidative stress biomarkers malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide; reversed the reductions in glutathione (GSH) levels, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and anti-hydroxyl radical (AHR) content; enhanced the antioxidant enzyme activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD); inhibited the liver enzyme levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT); significantly reduced triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels; and significantly elevated high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Interestingly, PFT supplementation reversed the oxidative changes associated with aging, thus bringing levels to within the limits of the young control mice in the brain, liver, and blood. We also note that PFT affects the redox homeostasis of young mice and that it is corrected post-treatment with PFT. CONCLUSION Our findings show the effectiveness of dietary PFT supplementation in modulating age-associated oxidative stress in mice and motivate further studies of PFT's effects in reducing age-associated disorders where free radicals and oxidative stress are the major cause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamdooh Ghoneum
- Department of Surgery, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shaymaa Abdulmalek
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Deyu Pan
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Altmäe S, Franasiak JM, Mändar R. The seminal microbiome in health and disease. Nat Rev Urol 2019; 16:703-721. [PMID: 31732723 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-019-0250-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Owing to the fact that there are more microbial than human cells in our body and that humans contain more microbial than human genes, the microbiome has huge potential to influence human physiology, both in health and in disease. The use of next-generation sequencing technologies has helped to elucidate functional, quantitative and mechanistic aspects of the complex microorganism-host interactions that underlie human physiology and pathophysiology. The microbiome of semen is a field of increasing scientific interest, although this microbial niche is currently understudied compared with other areas of microbiome research. However, emerging evidence is beginning to indicate that the seminal microbiome has important implications for the reproductive health of men, the health of the couple and even the health of offspring, owing to transfer of microorganisms to the partner and offspring. As this field expands, further carefully designed and well-powered studies are required to unravel the true nature and role of the seminal microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Signe Altmäe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain. .,Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia. .,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs. GRANADA, Granada, Spain.
| | | | - Reet Mändar
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
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Long Exposure to a Diet Supplemented with Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Probiotics Improves Sperm Quality and Progeny Survival in the Zebrafish Model. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9080338. [PMID: 31382562 PMCID: PMC6724062 DOI: 10.3390/biom9080338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present experiment is to study the effects of oral ingestion of a mixture of two probiotic bacteria on sperm quality and progenies. Three homogeneous groups of juvenile zebrafish were created. Once having reached adulthood (3 months postfertilization; mpf), each group received different feeding regimens: a standard diet (control), a maltodextrin-supplemented diet (vehicle control), or a probiotic-supplemented diet (a mixture (1:1) of Lactobacillus rhamnosus CECT8361 and Bifidobacterium longum CECT7347). The feeding regime lasted 4.5 months. Growth parameters (weight and length) were determined at 3, 5, and 7.5 mpf. Sperm motility was evaluated using computer-assisted sperm analysis at 5 and 7.5 mpf. Progeny survival, hatching rate, and malformation rate were also evaluated. Results showed that probiotic-supplemented diet improved growth parameters compared with the standard diet. The highest percentage of motile spermatozoa was reported in the probiotic-fed group. Concomitantly, the percentage of fast sperm subpopulation was significantly lower in samples derived from control males. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in progeny survival between the probiotic-fed group and the control group at three developmental times (24 hours postfertilization (hpf), 5 days postfertilization (dpf) and 7 dpf). In conclusion, in zebrafish, prolonged ingestion of a mixture of Lactobacillus rhamnosus CECT8361 and Bifidobacterium longum CECT7347 has positive effects on growth, sperm quality, and progeny survival.
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Bambace MF, Alvarez MV, Moreira MDR. Novel functional blueberries: Fructo-oligosaccharides and probiotic lactobacilli incorporated into alginate edible coatings. Food Res Int 2019; 122:653-660. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2019.01.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Diet Supplemented with Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Probiotics Improves Sperm Quality after Only One Spermatogenic Cycle in Zebrafish Model. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11040843. [PMID: 31013929 PMCID: PMC6549425 DOI: 10.3390/nu11040843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a medical concern worldwide and could also have economic consequences in farmed animals. Developing an efficient diet supplement with immediate effects on sperm quality is a promising tool for human reproduction and for domesticated animal species. This study aims at elucidating the effect of a short-time probiotic supplementation consisting of a mixture of two probiotic bacteria with proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities on zebrafish sperm quality and male behavior. For this purpose, three homogeneous groups of males in terms of motility (<60%) were established. The control group was fed with a normal standard diet. The other received supplements: One group (vehicle control) was fed with maltodextrin and the other received a probiotic preparation based on a mixture (1:1) of Lactobacillus rhamnosus CECT8361 and Bifidobacterium longum CECT7347. The feeding regime was 21 days corresponding with a single spermatogenesis in zebrafish. The preparation did not modify animal weight, positively affected the number of fluent males, increased sperm concentration, total motility, progressive motility, and fast spermatozoa subpopulations. Moreover, the animals fed with the supplement showed different behavior patterns compared to control groups. Our results suggest a diet-related modulation on the exploration activity indicating a lower stress-like conduct. The studied formulation described here should be considered as advantageous in male reproductive biotechnology.
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