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Baszyński J, Kamiński P, Mroczkowski S, Szymański M, Wasilow K, Stuczyński T, Stanek E, Brodzka S, Grochowalska R, Kurhaluk N, Tkaczenko H, Woźniak A. Do aluminum, boron, arsenic, cadmium, lipoperoxidation, and genetic polymorphism determine male fertility? ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 284:116919. [PMID: 39213757 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 08/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Male infertility is a world multifactorial problem modulated by environmental and genetic factors. Male aspects account for 20-50 % of infertility cases. Our results are unique because they treat the importance of components participating in the determination of male infertility (environmental and immunogenetic determinants, seminological analysis, lipoperoxidation, genetic determinants, role of aluminum, arsenic, cadmium and boron). We analyzed agents affecting male reproductive potential (aluminum, boron, cadmium, arsenic, lipid peroxidation, gene polymorphisms (MTHFRv.C677T (rs1801133) (chromosome-1) and IL-4v.C589T (rs2243250) (chromosome-5) in men with semen disorders (n=76) and with normozoospermia (n=87) from Central Poland. Polymorphisms of MTHFRv.C677T and IL-4v.C589T genes indirectly shape toxic metals concentration and lipoperoxidation but do not exert direct influence on male fertility disorders (monomorphism and lack of differences in genotypes frequency). Men with genotype TT or CC (IL-4v.C589T) show some differentiation in elements concentration and intensity of lipoperoxidation. Analysis of TT or CC (IL-4v.C589T) genotype brought correlations with B, Al, Cd, and lipoperoxidation (P<0.05) and suggesting that mentioned factors jointly shape male reproductive capability. Toxic metals may play an important role in shaping of men genetic polymorphisms, since Cd was identified as a factor increasing risk of qualification to infertile group, predisposing to fertility disorders. B, Al and Cd may be considered as important modulators of reproductive condition. However, lipoperoxidation as an isolated predictive parameter does not produce convincing results in male reproductive potential (higher MDA concentration in healthy men). Our results may be helpful in the diagnosis of male infertility, in the reduction of idiopathic cases of unknown origin and in implementation of targeted and more effective treatment (pharmacological, hormonal). Identification of environmental stressors and their correlations with fertility disorders can help to eliminate or reduce the impact of factors unfavorable to fertility. Our results highlight the importance of environmental and immunogenetic factors in shaping of defensive potential against destruction of spermatozoa and infer a role of oxidative stress in the induction of gene polymorphisms, affecting male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jędrzej Baszyński
- Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Division of Ecology and Environmental Protection, M. Skłodowska-Curie St. 9, Bydgoszcz PL 85-094, Poland.
| | - Piotr Kamiński
- Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Division of Ecology and Environmental Protection, M. Skłodowska-Curie St. 9, Bydgoszcz PL 85-094, Poland; University of Zielona Góra, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Biotechnology, Prof. Z. Szafran St. 1, Zielona Góra PL 65-516, Poland.
| | - Sławomir Mroczkowski
- UTP University of Science and Technology in Bydgoszcz, Faculty of Animal Breeding and Biology, Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Hetmańska St. 33, Bydgoszcz PL 85-039, Poland.
| | - Marek Szymański
- Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, University Hospital No. 2, Department of Obstetrics, Female Pathology and Oncological Gynecology, Ujejski St. 75, Bydgoszcz PL 85-168, Poland; NZOZ Medical Center Co. Prof. dr. hab. med. Wiesław Szymański, Dr. hab. med. Marek Szymański, Waleniowa St. 24, Bydgoszcz PL 85-435, Poland; 10th Military Research Hospital and Polyclinic, IPHC, Clinic of Gynaecology and Oncological Gynecology, Powst, Warszawy St. 5, Bydgoszcz PL 85-681, Poland.
| | - Karolina Wasilow
- 10th Military Research Hospital and Polyclinic, IPHC, Clinic of Gynaecology and Oncological Gynecology, Powst, Warszawy St. 5, Bydgoszcz PL 85-681, Poland; Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, University Hospital No. 2, Family Medicine Clinic, Ujejski St. 75, Bydgoszcz PL 85-168, Poland.
| | - Tomasz Stuczyński
- Institute of Soil and Plant Cultivation-Government Scientific Institute, Department of Soil Sciences, Czartoryskich St. 8, Puławy PL 24-100, Poland; The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Health, Konstantynów 1H, Lublin PL 20-708, Poland.
| | - Emilia Stanek
- Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Division of Ecology and Environmental Protection, M. Skłodowska-Curie St. 9, Bydgoszcz PL 85-094, Poland.
| | - Sylwia Brodzka
- Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Division of Ecology and Environmental Protection, M. Skłodowska-Curie St. 9, Bydgoszcz PL 85-094, Poland.
| | - Renata Grochowalska
- University of Zielona Góra, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department Biotechnology, Lab. of Cell Biochemistry and Biology, Prof. Szafran St. 1, Zielona Góra PL 65-516, Poland.
| | - Natalia Kurhaluk
- Pomeranian University in Słupsk, Institute of Biology and Earth Sciences, Department of Biology, Arciszewski St. 22 B, Słupsk PL 76-200, Poland.
| | - Halina Tkaczenko
- Pomeranian University in Słupsk, Institute of Biology and Earth Sciences, Department of Biology, Arciszewski St. 22 B, Słupsk PL 76-200, Poland.
| | - Alina Woźniak
- Nicholaus Copernicus University, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, M. Karłowicz St. 24, Bydgoszcz PL 85-092, Poland.
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Nikolic AZ, Dragojevic-Dikic S, Kocic J, Babic U, Joksimovic A, Radakovic-Cosic J, Gerginic V, Spasic D, Dugalic S, Petrovic A, Mandic-Rajcevic S, Perovic M. Influence of male body mass index on semen analysis parameters and in vitro fertilization outcomes. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e38949. [PMID: 39093753 PMCID: PMC11296464 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000038949] [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: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Concurrent global increase of prevalence of obesity and male fertility implies link between overweight and obesity with male subfertility. This hypothesis is supported by numerous population-based epidemiological studies. Increase in body mass index (BMI) is associated with poor sperm quality in fertile, and more noticeable in infertile men. Nevertheless, some studies disprove damaging effect of BMI on semen quality. To examine the influence of men's BMI in infertile couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) on semen analysis parameters and IVF outcomes. Study encompassed all couples who underwent IVF at Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic Narodni Front in Belgrade during 2018 and 2019. Exclusion criteria were azoospermia, conditions and diseases that could affect the semen analysis parameters (diabetes, malignant diseases treated with radiation and/or chemotherapy, trauma or surgery of the genital organs, mumps or undescended testicles in childhood). Evaluated semen analysis parameters included semen ejaculate volume, sperm pH, sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology. IVF outcomes comprised total number of embryos, number and percentage of obtained good-quality embryos and clinical pregnancy rates. Based on BMI value, participants were divided into a group of underweight (Group 1), normally weight (Group 2), overweight (Group 3), and obese men (Group 4). After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 411 men (couples) were included in the analysis. The largest number of men were overweight, while the smallest belonged to the group of underweight participants. There are no significant differences in the semen analysis parameters between study groups. Correlation analysis shown weak and insignificant correlation between BMI and semen analysis parameters. The number and proportion of good quality embryos is significantly lower in overweight and obese study groups compared to normal weight and underweight groups (2.89, 2.91, 2.42, and 2.36, respectively, P = .041). The differences in other IVF outcomes: total number of embryos (3.61, 3.74, 3.21, and 3.37, respectively) and clinical pregnancy rates (41.26%, 43.09%, 42.78%, and 39.95%, respectively) between study groups were not significant (P > .05). BMI does not significantly affect semen analysis parameters, but a higher BMI is associated with a lower number and proportion of good quality embryos in IVF outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Z. Nikolic
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics Narodni Front, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Svetlana Dragojevic-Dikic
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics Narodni Front, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jovana Kocic
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics Narodni Front, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Uros Babic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic of Urology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ana Joksimovic
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics Narodni Front, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Vladimir Gerginic
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics Narodni Front, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danijela Spasic
- University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies, Zemun, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Stefan Dugalic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic for Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Stefan Mandic-Rajcevic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Institute of Social Medicine, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milan Perovic
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics Narodni Front, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Guerra-Carvalho B, Carrageta DF, Maurício T, Pereira SC, Barros A, Carvalho RA, Alves MG, Domingues P, Oliveira PF. Metabolomics analysis of human spermatozoa reveals impaired metabolic pathways in asthenozoospermia. Eur J Clin Invest 2024:e14289. [PMID: 39046266 DOI: 10.1111/eci.14289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility is a major health issue, affecting 15% of reproductive-age couples with male factors contributing to 50% of cases. Asthenozoospermia (AS), or low sperm motility, is a common cause of male infertility with complex aetiology, involving genetic and metabolic alterations, inflammation and oxidative stress. However, the molecular mechanisms behind low motility are unclear. In this study, we used a metabolomics approach to identify metabolic biomarkers and pathways involved in sperm motility. METHODS We compared the metabolome and lipidome of spermatozoa of men with normozoospermia (n = 44) and AS (n = 22) using untargeted LC-MS and the metabolome of seminal fluid using 1H-NMR. Additionally, we evaluated the seminal fluid redox status to assess the oxidative stress in the ejaculate. RESULTS We identified 112 metabolites and 209 lipids in spermatozoa and 27 metabolites in the seminal fluid of normozoospermic and asthenozoospermic men. PCA analysis of the spermatozoa's metabolomics and lipidomics data showed a clear separation between groups. Spermatozoa of asthenozoospermic men presented lower levels of several amino acids, and increased levels of energetic substrates and lysophospholipids. However, the metabolome and redox status of the seminal fluid was not altered inAS. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate impaired metabolic pathways associated with redox homeostasis and amino acid, energy and lipid metabolism in AS. Taken together, these findings suggest that the metabolome and lipidome of human spermatozoa are key factors influencing their motility and that oxidative stress exposure during spermatogenesis or sperm maturation may be in the aetiology of decreased motility in AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Guerra-Carvalho
- LAQV-REQUIMTE and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
- ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - David F Carrageta
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Biomedicine and (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago Agra do Crasto, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Tatiana Maurício
- Institute of Biomedicine and (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago Agra do Crasto, Aveiro, Portugal
- Mass Spectrometry Centre, LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Sara C Pereira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
- ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Alberto Barros
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Centre for Reproductive Genetics Professor Alberto Barros, Porto, Portugal
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui A Carvalho
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- Institute of Biomedicine and (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago Agra do Crasto, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Pedro Domingues
- Mass Spectrometry Centre, LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
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Gül M, Russo GI, Kandil H, Boitrelle F, Saleh R, Chung E, Kavoussi P, Mostafa T, Shah R, Agarwal A. Male Infertility: New Developments, Current Challenges, and Future Directions. World J Mens Health 2024; 42:502-517. [PMID: 38164030 PMCID: PMC11216957 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.230232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
There have been many significant scientific advances in the diagnostics and treatment modalities in the field of male infertility in recent decades. Examples of these include assisted reproductive technologies, sperm selection techniques for intracytoplasmic sperm injection, surgical procedures for sperm retrieval, and novel tests of sperm function. However, there is certainly a need for new developments in this field. In this review, we discuss advances in the management of male infertility, such as seminal oxidative stress testing, sperm DNA fragmentation testing, genetic and epigenetic tests, genetic manipulations, artificial intelligence, personalized medicine, and telemedicine. The role of the reproductive urologist will continue to expand in future years to address different topzics related to diverse questions and controversies of pathophysiology, diagnosis, and therapy of male infertility, training researchers and physicians in medical and scientific research in reproductive urology/andrology, and further development of andrology as an independent specialty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Gül
- Department of Urology, Selcuk University School of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
| | - Giorgio Ivan Russo
- Urology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
| | - Hussein Kandil
- Fakih IVF Fertility Center, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
| | - Florence Boitrelle
- Reproductive Biology, Fertility Preservation, Andrology, CECOS, Poissy Hospital, Poissy, France
- Paris Saclay University, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
| | - Ramadan Saleh
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
- Ajyal IVF Center, Ajyal Hospital, Sohag, Egypt
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
| | - Eric Chung
- Department of Urology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
| | - Parviz Kavoussi
- Department of Reproductive Urology, Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, Austin, TX, USA
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
| | - Taymour Mostafa
- Department of Andrology, Sexology and STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
| | - Rupin Shah
- Department of Urology, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
- Well Women's Centre, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai, India
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Moustakli E, Zikopoulos A, Skentou C, Stavros S, Sofikitis N, Georgiou I, Zachariou A. Integrative Assessment of Seminal Plasma Biomarkers: A Narrative Review Bridging the Gap between Infertility Research and Clinical Practice. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3147. [PMID: 38892858 PMCID: PMC11173072 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13113147] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Infertility represents a significant global health challenge impacting millions of couples worldwide. Approximately half of all infertile couples exhibit compromised semen quality, indicative of diminished male fertility. While the diagnosis of male infertility traditionally relies on semen analysis, its limitations in providing a comprehensive assessment of male reproductive health have spurred efforts to identify novel biomarkers. Seminal plasma, a complex fluid containing proteins, lipids, and metabolites, has emerged as a rich source of such indicators. Reproduction depends heavily on seminal plasma, the primary transporter of chemicals from male reproductive glands. It provides a non-invasive sample for urogenital diagnostics and has demonstrated potential in the identification of biomarkers linked to illnesses of the male reproductive system. The abundance of seminal proteins has enabled a deeper understanding of their biological functions, origins, and differential expression in various conditions associated with male infertility, including azoospermia, asthenozoospermia, oligozoospermia, teratozoospermia, among others. The true prevalence of male infertility is understated due to the limitations of the current diagnostic techniques. This review critically evaluates the current landscape of seminal plasma biomarkers and their utility in assessing male infertility. Βy bridging the gap between research and clinical practice, the integrative assessment of seminal plasma biomarkers offers a multimodal approach to comprehensively evaluate male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efthalia Moustakli
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Athanasios Zikopoulos
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Barrack Rd, Exeter EX 25 DW, UK;
| | - Charikleia Skentou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School of Ioannina, University General Hospital, 45110 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Sofoklis Stavros
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Attikon Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece;
| | - Nikolaos Sofikitis
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Ioannina University, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (N.S.); (A.Z.)
| | - Ioannis Georgiou
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Athanasios Zachariou
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Ioannina University, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (N.S.); (A.Z.)
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Tiwari P, Yadav A, Kaushik M, Dada R. Cancer risk and male Infertility: Unravelling predictive biomarkers and prognostic indicators. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 558:119670. [PMID: 38614420 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2024.119670] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a global increase in cases of male infertility. There are about 30 million cases of male infertility worldwide and male reproductive health is showing rapid decline in last few decades. It is now recognized as a potential risk factor for developing certain types of cancer, particularly genitourinary malignancies like testicular and prostate cancer. Male infertility is considered a potential indicator of overall health and an early biomarker for cancer. Cases of unexplained male factor infertility have high levels of oxidative stress and oxidative DNA damage and this induces both denovo germ line mutations and epimutations due to build up of 8-hydroxy 2 deoxygunaosine abase which is highly mutagenic and also induces hypomethylation and genomic instability. Consequently, there is growing evidence to explore the various factors contributing to an increased cancer risk. Currently, the available prognostic and predictive biomarkers associated with semen characteristics and cancer risk are limited but gaining significant attention in clinical research for the diagnosis and treatment of elevated cancer risk in the individual and in offspring. The male germ cell being transcriptionally and translationally inert has a highly truncated repair mechanism and has minimal antioxidants and thus most vulnerable to oxidative injury due to environmental factors and unhealthy lifestyle and social habits. Therefore, advancing our understanding requires a thorough evaluation of the pathophysiologic mechanisms at the DNA, RNA, protein, and metabolite levels to identify key biomarkers that may underlie the pathogenesis of male infertility and associated cancer. Advanced methodologies such as genomics, epigenetics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics stand at the forefront of cutting-edge approaches for discovering novel biomarkers, spanning from infertility to associated cancer types. Henceforth, in this review, we aim to assess the role and potential of recently identified predictive and prognostic biomarkers, offering insights into the success of assisted reproductive technologies, causes of azoospermia and idiopathic infertility, the impact of integrated holistic approach and lifestyle modifications, and the monitoring of cancer susceptibility, initiation and progression. Comprehending these biomarkers is crucial for providing comprehensive counselling to infertile men and cancer patients, along with their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabhakar Tiwari
- Lab for Molecular Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 110029, India.
| | - Anjali Yadav
- Lab for Molecular Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Meenakshi Kaushik
- Lab for Molecular Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Rima Dada
- Lab for Molecular Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 110029, India.
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7
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Rais Y, Drabovich AP. Identification and Quantification of Human Relaxin Proteins by Immunoaffinity-Mass Spectrometry. J Proteome Res 2024. [PMID: 38739617 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.4c00027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The human relaxins belong to the Insulin/IGF/Relaxin superfamily of peptide hormones, and their physiological function is primarily associated with reproduction. In this study, we focused on a prostate tissue-specific relaxin RLN1 (REL1_HUMAN protein) and a broader tissue specificity RLN2 (REL2_HUMAN protein). Due to their structural similarity, REL1 and REL2 proteins were collectively named a 'human relaxin protein' in previous studies and were exclusively measured by immunoassays. We hypothesized that the highly selective and sensitive immunoaffinity-selected reaction monitoring (IA-SRM) assays would reveal the identity and abundance of the endogenous REL1 and REL2 in biological samples and facilitate the evaluation of these proteins for diagnostic applications. High levels of RLN1 and RLN2 transcripts were found in prostate and breast cancer cell lines by RT-PCR. However, no endogenous prorelaxin-1 or mature REL1 were detected by IA-SRM in cell lines, seminal plasma, or blood serum. The IA-SRM assay of REL2 demonstrated its undetectable levels (<9.4 pg/mL) in healthy control female and male sera and relatively high levels of REL2 in maternal sera across different gestational weeks (median 331 pg/mL; N = 120). IA-SRM assays uncovered potential cross-reactivity and nonspecific binding for relaxin immunoassays. The developed IA-SRM assays will facilitate the investigation of the physiological and pathological roles of REL1 and REL2 proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmine Rais
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Andrei P Drabovich
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G3, Canada
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8
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Fietz D, Sgaier R, O’Donnell L, Stanton PG, Dagley LF, Webb AI, Schuppe HC, Diemer T, Pilatz A. Proteomic biomarkers in seminal plasma as predictors of reproductive potential in azoospermic men. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1327800. [PMID: 38654926 PMCID: PMC11035875 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1327800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Azoospermia, characterized by an absence of sperm in the ejaculate, represents the most severe form of male infertility. While surgical sperm retrieval in obstructive azoospermia (OA) is successful in the majority of cases, patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) show retrieval rates of only about 50% and thus frequently have unnecessary surgery. Surgical intervention could be avoided if patients without preserved spermatogenesis are identified preoperatively. This prospective study aimed to discover biomarkers in seminal plasma that could be employed for a non-invasive differential diagnosis of OA/NOA in order to rationalize surgery recommendations and improve success rates. Methods All patients signed written informed consent, underwent comprehensive andrological evaluation, received human genetics to exclude relevant pathologies, and patients with azoospermia underwent surgical sperm retrieval. Using label-free LC-MS/MS, we compared the proteomes of seminal plasma samples from fertile men (healthy controls (HC), n=8) and infertile men diagnosed with 1) OA (n=7), 2) NOA with successful sperm retrieval (mixed testicular atrophy (MTA), n=8), and 3) NOA without sperm retrieval (Sertoli cell-only phenotype (SCO), n=7). Relative abundance changes of two candidate markers of sperm retrieval, HSPA2 and LDHC, were confirmed by Western Blot. Results We found the protein expression levels of 42 proteins to be significantly down-regulated (p ≤ 0.05) in seminal plasma from SCO NOA patients relative to HC whereas only one protein was down-regulated in seminal plasma from MTA patients. Analysis of tissue and cell expression suggested that the testis-specific proteins LDHC, PGK2, DPEP3, and germ-cell enriched heat-shock proteins HSPA2 and HSPA4L are promising biomarkers of spermatogenic function. Western blotting revealed a significantly lower abundance of LDHC and HSPA2 in the seminal plasma of men with NOA (SCO and MTA) compared to controls. Discussion The results indicate that certain testis-specific proteins when measured in seminal plasma, could serve as indicators of the presence of sperm in the testis and predict the success of sperm retrieval. Used in conjunction with conventional clinical assessments, these proteomic biomarkers may assist in the non-invasive diagnosis of idiopathic male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Fietz
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Raouda Sgaier
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Liza O’Donnell
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter G. Stanton
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Laura F. Dagley
- Advanced Technology and Biology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew I. Webb
- Advanced Technology and Biology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Hans-Christian Schuppe
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Thorsten Diemer
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Adrian Pilatz
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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9
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Parkes R, Garcia TX. Bringing proteomics to bear on male fertility: key lessons. Expert Rev Proteomics 2024; 21:181-203. [PMID: 38536015 PMCID: PMC11426281 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2024.2327553] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Male infertility is a major public health concern globally. Proteomics has revolutionized our comprehension of male fertility by identifying potential infertility biomarkers and reproductive defects. Studies comparing sperm proteome with other male reproductive tissues have the potential to refine fertility diagnostics and guide infertility treatment development. AREAS COVERED This review encapsulates literature using proteomic approaches to progress male reproductive biology. Our search methodology included systematic searches of databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles up to 2023. Keywords used included 'male fertility proteomics,' 'spermatozoa proteome,' 'testis proteomics,' 'epididymal proteomics,' and 'non-hormonal male contraception.' Inclusion criteria were robust experimental design, significant contributions to male fertility, and novel use of proteomic technologies. EXPERT OPINION Expert analysis shows a shift from traditional research to an integrative approach that clarifies male reproductive health's molecular intricacies. A gap exists between proteomic discoveries and clinical application. The expert opinions consolidated here not only navigate the current findings but also chart the future proteomic applications for scientific and clinical breakthroughs. We underscore the need for continued investment in proteomic research - both in the technological and collaborative arenas - to further unravel the secrets of male fertility, which will be central to resolving fertility issues in the coming era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Parkes
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine
| | - Thomas X. Garcia
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine
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10
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Yuan Q, Hong R, Ni Y, Jiang M, Liu J, Chen Z, Yang D. Correlation between seminal plasma biochemical markers and semen parameters in idiopathic oligoasthenoteratospermia: identification of biomarkers for L-carnitine therapy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1330629. [PMID: 38532897 PMCID: PMC10963428 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1330629] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background L-carnitine therapy for idiopathic sperm abnormalities exhibits variable effectiveness, and currently, there are no established criteria to predict patient response. This study investigated correlations between seminal plasma markers and semen parameters to identify biomarkers that can guide indications for L-carnitine therapy indications in patients with idiopathic sperm abnormalities. Methods A retrospective review was conducted on 223 male patients with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratospermia, who sought medical attention at our clinic between January 2020 and October 2022. These patients underwent a pretreatment seminal plasma biochemical analysis, followed by a three-month continuous L-carnitine treatment. The correlation between seminal plasma biochemical parameters and pretreatment semen parameters was analyzed. Semen quality was compared between cases with normal and abnormal seminal plasma biochemical parameters, both pretreatment and posttreatment. The correlation between the changes in semen parameters after treatment and seminal plasma biochemical parameters were investigated. Results Correlation analyses revealed significant associations between all pretreatment semen parameters and seminal plasma biochemical markers, except for liquefying time and the ratio of normal morphology. Subgroup analysis, stratified by seminal fructose, zinc, citric acid, and neutral glycosidase levels, demonstrated that abnormal groups exhibited significantly different levels of semen parameters compared with the normal groups. The changing difference and changing ratio in the ratio of forward motile sperm showed a negative correlation with seminal fructose levels (r=-0.165 and -0.144). The changing difference in semen volume was negatively correlated with the level of seminal neutral glycosidase (r=-0.158). The changing ratio in semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, and count of forward motile sperm all exhibited negative correlations with the levels of seminal neutral glycosidase (range from -0.178 to -0.224). Conclusion Seminal plasma biochemical markers, particularly fructose and neutral glycosidase, may serve as valuable indicators for determining the eligibility of patients with idiopathic sperm abnormalities for L-carnitine therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qilong Yuan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruifang Hong
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunping Ni
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Manbo Jiang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juan Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiqiang Chen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongyu Yang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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11
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Sawant S, Oluwayiose OA, Nowak K, Maxwell DL, Houle E, Paskavitz AL, Saddiki H, Bertolla RP, Pilsner JR. Associations between Sperm Epigenetic Age and Semen Parameters: An Evaluation of Clinical and Non-Clinical Cohorts. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:1567-1578. [PMID: 38392219 PMCID: PMC10887546 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46020101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The well-documented relationship between chronological age and the sperm methylome has allowed for the construction of epigenetic clocks that estimate the biological age of sperm based on DNA methylation, which we previously termed sperm epigenetic age (SEA). Our lab demonstrated that SEA is positively associated with the time taken to achieve pregnancy; however, its relationship with semen parameters is unknown. A total of 379 men from the Longitudinal Investigation of Fertility and Environment (LIFE) study, a non-clinical cohort, and 192 men seeking fertility treatment from the Sperm Environmental Epigenetics and Development Study (SEEDS) were included in the study. Semen analyses were conducted for both cohorts, and SEA was previously generated using a machine learning algorithm and DNA methylation array data. Association analyses were conducted via multivariable linear regression models adjusting for BMI and smoking status. We found that SEA was not associated with standard semen characteristics in SEEDS and LIFE cohorts. However, SEA was significantly associated with higher sperm head length and perimeter, the presence of pyriform and tapered sperm, and lower sperm elongation factor in the LIFE study (p < 0.05). Based on our results, SEA is mostly associated with defects in sperm head morphological factors that are less commonly evaluated during male infertility assessments. SEA shows promise to be an independent biomarker of sperm quality to assess male fecundity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savni Sawant
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, Immunology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Oladele A Oluwayiose
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Karolina Nowak
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - DruAnne L Maxwell
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Emily Houle
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Amanda L Paskavitz
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Hachem Saddiki
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Ricardo P Bertolla
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, São Paulo Federal University, São Paulo 04024-001, Brazil
| | - J Richard Pilsner
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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12
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Philibert P, Stévant I, Déjardin S, Girard M, Sellem E, Durix Q, Messager A, Gonzalez AA, Mialhe X, Pruvost A, Poulat F, Boizet-Bonhoure B. Intergenerational effects on fertility in male and female mice after chronic exposure to environmental doses of NSAIDs and 17α-ethinylestradiol mixtures. Food Chem Toxicol 2023; 182:114085. [PMID: 37844793 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.114085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) are extensively used in human and veterinary medicine. Due to their partial removal by wastewater treatment plants, they are frequent environmental contaminants, particularly in drinking water. Here, we investigated the adverse outcomes of chronic exposure to mixtures of NSAIDs (ibuprofen, 2hydroxy-ibuprofen, diclofenac) and EE2 at two environmentally relevant doses in drinking water, on the reproductive organ development and fertility in F1-exposed male and female mice and in their F2 offspring. In male and female F1 mice, which were exposed to these mixtures, reproductive organ maturation, estrous cyclicity, and spermiogenesis were altered. These defects were observed also in F2 animals, in addition to some specific sperm parameter alterations in F2 males. Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant changes in gene expression patterns and associated pathways implicated in testis and ovarian physiology. Chronic exposure of mice to NSAID and EE2 mixtures at environmental doses intergenerationally affected male and female fertility (i.e. total number of pups and time between litters). Our study provides new insights into the adverse effects of these pharmaceuticals on the reproductive health and will facilitate the implementation of a future regulatory environmental risk assessment of NSAIDs and EE2 for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Philibert
- Développement et Pathologie de La Gonade, Institut de Génétique Humaine, Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier UMR9002, Montpellier, France; Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, Hôpital Carèmeau, CHU de Nîmes, Nîmes, France.
| | - Isabelle Stévant
- Développement et Pathologie de La Gonade, Institut de Génétique Humaine, Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier UMR9002, Montpellier, France; The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 5290002, Israel.
| | - Stéphanie Déjardin
- Développement et Pathologie de La Gonade, Institut de Génétique Humaine, Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier UMR9002, Montpellier, France.
| | - Mélissa Girard
- Développement et Pathologie de La Gonade, Institut de Génétique Humaine, Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier UMR9002, Montpellier, France
| | - Eli Sellem
- Research and Development Department, Allice, Biology of Reproduction, INRA Domaine de Vilvert, Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Quentin Durix
- IExplore-RAM, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique, INSERM, Université de Montpellier UMR9002, Montpellier, France.
| | - Aurélie Messager
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour La Santé (DMTS), Université Paris Saclay, CEA, INRAE, SPI, Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
| | | | - Xavier Mialhe
- MGX-Montpellier GenomiX, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France.
| | - Alain Pruvost
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour La Santé (DMTS), Université Paris Saclay, CEA, INRAE, SPI, Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
| | - Francis Poulat
- Développement et Pathologie de La Gonade, Institut de Génétique Humaine, Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier UMR9002, Montpellier, France.
| | - Brigitte Boizet-Bonhoure
- Développement et Pathologie de La Gonade, Institut de Génétique Humaine, Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier UMR9002, Montpellier, France.
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13
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Catalán J, Yánez-Ortiz I, Martínez-Rodero I, Mateo-Otero Y, Nolis P, Yeste M, Miró J. Comparison of the metabolite profile of donkey and horse seminal plasma and its relationship with sperm viability and motility. Res Vet Sci 2023; 165:105046. [PMID: 37883856 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.105046] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Previous research revealed that several seminal plasma (SP) metabolites are related to sperm functionality, fertility, and preservation. While it is understood that variations between species exist, whether the SP metabolome differs between donkeys and horses has not been previously investigated. The aim of this work, therefore, was to characterize and compare donkey and horse SP metabolites using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and relate them to sperm viability and motility. For this purpose, ejaculates from 18 different donkeys and 18 different horses were collected and separated into two aliquots: one for harvesting the SP by centrifugation and obtaining the metabolic profile through NMR, and the other for evaluating sperm viability and motility. Based on total motility and sperm viability, samples were classified as with good (GQ) or poor (PQ) quality. The metabolomic profile of donkey and horse SP revealed the presence of 28 metabolites, which coincided in the two species. Yet, differences between horses and donkeys were observed in the concentration of 18 of these 28 metabolites, as well as between ejaculates classified as GQ or PQ and in the relationship of metabolites with sperm motility and viability. These findings suggest that sperm from donkeys and horses differ in their metabolism and energetic requirements, and that the concentration of specific SP metabolites may be related to sperm functionality. Further research should shed light on the metabolic needs of donkey and horse sperm, and evaluate how the knowledge collected from the contribution of these metabolites can help improve semen preservation in the two species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Catalán
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Unit of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, ES-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iván Yánez-Ortiz
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Unit of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, ES-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iris Martínez-Rodero
- Unit of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, ES-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yentel Mateo-Otero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Pau Nolis
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Facility, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, ES-08193, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), ES-08010 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Jordi Miró
- Unit of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, ES-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain.
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14
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Rahimian M, Askari M, Salehi N, Riccio A, Jaafarinia M, Almadani N, Totonchi M. A novel missense variant in CDK5RAP2 associated with non-obstructive azoospermia. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 62:830-837. [PMID: 38008501 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2023.03.015] [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: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The most severe type of male infertility is non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), where there is no sperm in the ejaculate due to failure of spermatogenesis, affecting 10%-20% of infertile men with azoospermia. Genetic studies have identified dozens of NOA genes. The main aim of the present study is to identify a novel monogenic mutation that may cause NOA. MATERIALS AND METHODS We studied the pedigree of a consanguineous family with three NOA and one fertile brother by a family-based exome-sequencing, segregation analysis, insilico protein modeling and single-cell RNA sequencing data analysis. RESULTS Bioinformatics analysis followed by sanger sequencing revealed that three NOA brothers were homozygous for a rare missense variant in Cyclin Dependent Kinase Regulatory Subunit Associated Protein 2 (Centrosomin) CDK5RAP2 (NM_018249:exon26:c.A4003T:p.R1335W, rs761196443). Protein modeling demonstrated that CDK5RAP2, Arg1335Trp resided nearby the Microtubule Associated Protein RP/EB Family Member 1 (EB1/MAPRE1) interaction site. As a consequence of the R1335W mutation, the positively charged Arginine was replaced by to the hydrophobic tryptophan residue, possibly leading to local instability in the structure and perturbation in the CDK5RAP2-MAPRE1 interaction. CONCLUSION Our study reports a novel missense variant of CDK5RAP2 that segregates in homozygosity with male infertility and NOA in a consanguineous family. In silico structural predictions and gene expression data indicate a potential role of the CDK5RAP2 variant in causing defective centrosomic maturation during spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mouness Rahimian
- Department of Genetics, Marvdasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Marvdasht, Iran
| | - Masomeh Askari
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Najmeh Salehi
- School of Biological Science, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran
| | - Andrea Riccio
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Mojtaba Jaafarinia
- Department of Genetics, Marvdasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Marvdasht, Iran
| | - Navid Almadani
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Totonchi
- School of Biological Science, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran; Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy; Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
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15
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Andone BA, Handrea-Dragan IM, Botiz I, Boca S. State-of-the-art and future perspectives in infertility diagnosis: Conventional versus nanotechnology-based assays. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2023; 54:102709. [PMID: 37717928 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2023.102709] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
According to the latest World Health Organization statistics, around 50 to 80 million people worldwide suffer from infertility, amongst which male factors are responsible for around 20 to 30 % of all infertility cases while 50 % were attributed to the female ones. As it is becoming a recurrent health problem worldwide, clinicians require more accurate methods for the improvement of both diagnosis and treatment schemes. By emphasizing the potential use of innovative methods for the rapid identification of the infertility causes, this review presents the news from this dynamic domain and highlights the benefits brought by emerging research fields. A systematic description of the standard techniques used in clinical protocols for diagnosing infertility in both genders is firstly provided, followed by the presentation of more accurate and comprehensive nanotechnology-related analysis methods such as nanoscopic-resolution imaging, biosensing approaches and assays that employ nanomaterials in their design. Consequently, the implementation of nanotechnology related tools in clinical practice, as recently demonstrated in the selection of spermatozoa, the detection of key proteins in the fertilization process or the testing of DNA integrity or the evaluation of oocyte quality, might confer excellent advantages both for improving the assessment of infertility, and for the success of the fertilization process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca-Astrid Andone
- Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, 42 T. Laurian Str., 400271 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; Faculty of Physics, Babes-Bolyai University, 1 M. Kogalniceanu Str., 400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Iuliana M Handrea-Dragan
- Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, 42 T. Laurian Str., 400271 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; Faculty of Physics, Babes-Bolyai University, 1 M. Kogalniceanu Str., 400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioan Botiz
- Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, 42 T. Laurian Str., 400271 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Sanda Boca
- Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, 42 T. Laurian Str., 400271 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 67-103 Donat Str., 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
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16
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Hosseini E, Amirjannati N, Henkel R, Bazrafkan M, Moghadasfar H, Gilany K. Targeted Amino Acids Profiling of Human Seminal Plasma from Teratozoospermia Patients Using LC-MS/MS. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:3285-3295. [PMID: 37264261 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01272-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Identifying the metabolome of human seminal plasma (HSP) is a new research area to screen putative biomarkers of infertility. This case-control study was performed on HSP specimens of 15 infertile patients with teratozoospermia (defined as normal sperm morphology < 4%) and 12 confirmed fertile normozoospermic men as the control group to investigate the seminal metabolic signature and whether there are differences in the metabolome between two groups. HSPs were subjected to LC-MS-MS analysis. MetaboAnalyst5.0 software was utilized for statistical analysis. Different univariate and multivariate analyses were used, including T-tests, fold change analysis, random forest (RF), and metabolite set enrichment analysis (MSEA). Teratozoospermic samples contained seventeen significantly different amino acids. Upregulated metabolites include glutamine, asparagine, and glycylproline, whereas downregulated metabolites include cysteine, γ-aminobutyric acid, histidine, hydroxylysine, hydroxyproline, glycine, proline, methionine, ornithine, tryptophan, aspartic acid, argininosuccinic acid, α-aminoadipic acid, and β-aminoisobutyric acid. RF algorithm defined a set of 15 metabolites that constitute the significant features of teratozoospermia. In particular, increased glutamine, asparagine, and decreased cysteine, tryptophan, glycine, and valine were strong predictors of teratozoospemia. The most affected metabolic pathways in teratozoospermic men are the aminoacyl-tRNA, arginine, valine-leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis. Altered metabolites detected in teratozoospermia were responsible for various roles in sperm functions that classified into four subgroups as follows: related metabolites to antioxidant function, energy production, sperm function, and spermatogenesis. The altered amino acid metabolome identified in this study may be related to the etiology of teratozoospermia, and may provide novel insight into potential biomarkers of male infertility for therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Hosseini
- Zanjan Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mousavi Hospital, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Naser Amirjannati
- Department of Andrology and Embryology, Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ralf Henkel
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
- LogixX Pharma, Theale, Berkshire, UK
| | - Mahshid Bazrafkan
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hanieh Moghadasfar
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kambiz Gilany
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
- Integrative Oncology Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
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17
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Yuan Y, Yu M, Chen L, Ren X, Qu Y, Shari A, Li G. Comparative analysis of different metabolites in semen of Guanzhong dairy goats with different motility rates. Theriogenology 2023; 210:53-61. [PMID: 37473596 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.07.009] [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: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
In order to explore the different metabolites of buck semen with different motility stored at 4 °C, the semen of bucks was collected by artificial vagina. The collected semen was divided into high motility group and low motility group after treatment, with 6 replicates set for each group. The semen metabolites of high motility group and low motility group were detected by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). The results showed that 101 different metabolites were detected in the high and low motility groups of bucks, of which 48 metabolites were significantly up-regulated (P < 0.05) and 53 metabolites were significantly down regulated (P < 0.05). Most of these metabolites belonged to lipids and lipid-like molecules, organic acids and their derivatives, and organic oxygen compounds, which were mainly related to energy metabolism. According to the functional enrichment analysis of the former differential metabolites in KEGG database, the top 20 most representative metabolic pathways were detected, among which the glycerophospholipid metabolic pathways changed significantly. From the perspective of metabolomics, this study revealed the differences of metabolites and characteristic compounds of semen with different motility of bucks under low temperature preservation, which provided a scientific basis for the preservation and utilization of semen of Guanzhong dairy goats in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Yuan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Mengqi Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Lu Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Xinyang Ren
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Yingxin Qu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Akang Shari
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Guang Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China.
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18
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Walter J, Eludin Z, Drabovich AP. Redefining serological diagnostics with immunoaffinity proteomics. Clin Proteomics 2023; 20:42. [PMID: 37821808 PMCID: PMC10568870 DOI: 10.1186/s12014-023-09431-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Serological diagnostics is generally defined as the detection of specific human immunoglobulins developed against viral, bacterial, or parasitic diseases. Serological tests facilitate the detection of past infections, evaluate immune status, and provide prognostic information. Serological assays were traditionally implemented as indirect immunoassays, and their design has not changed for decades. The advantages of straightforward setup and manufacturing, analytical sensitivity and specificity, affordability, and high-throughput measurements were accompanied by limitations such as semi-quantitative measurements, lack of universal reference standards, potential cross-reactivity, and challenges with multiplexing the complete panel of human immunoglobulin isotypes and subclasses. Redesign of conventional serological tests to include multiplex quantification of immunoglobulin isotypes and subclasses, utilize universal reference standards, and minimize cross-reactivity and non-specific binding will facilitate the development of assays with higher diagnostic specificity. Improved serological assays with higher diagnostic specificity will enable screenings of asymptomatic populations and may provide earlier detection of infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. In this review, we present the major clinical needs for serological diagnostics, overview conventional immunoassay detection techniques, present the emerging immunoassay detection technologies, and discuss in detail the advantages and limitations of mass spectrometry and immunoaffinity proteomics for serological diagnostics. Finally, we explore the design of novel immunoaffinity-proteomic assays to evaluate cell-mediated immunity and advance the sequencing of clinically relevant immunoglobulins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Walter
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 10-102 Clinical Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Zicki Eludin
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 10-102 Clinical Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Andrei P Drabovich
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 10-102 Clinical Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G3, Canada.
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GhoshRoy D, Alvi PA, Santosh KC. AI Tools for Assessing Human Fertility Using Risk Factors: A State-of-the-Art Review. J Med Syst 2023; 47:91. [PMID: 37610455 DOI: 10.1007/s10916-023-01983-8] [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: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Infertility has massively disrupted social and marital life, resulting in stressful emotional well-being. Early diagnosis is the utmost need for faster adaption to respond to these changes, which makes possible via AI tools. Our main objective is to comprehend the role of AI in fertility detection since we have primarily worked to find biomarkers and related risk factors associated with infertility. This paper aims to vividly analyse the role of AI as an effective method in screening, predicting for infertility and related risk factors. Three scientific repositories: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, are used to gather relevant articles via technical terms: (human infertility OR human fertility) AND risk factors AND (machine learning OR artificial intelligence OR intelligent system). In this way, we systematically reviewed 42 articles and performed a meta-analysis. The significant findings and recommendations are discussed. These include the rising importance of data augmentation, feature extraction, explainability, and the need to revisit the meaning of an effective system for fertility analysis. Additionally, the paper outlines various mitigation actions that can be employed to tackle infertility and its related risk factors. These insights contribute to a better understanding of the role of AI in fertility analysis and the potential for improving reproductive health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debasmita GhoshRoy
- School of Automation, Banasthali Vidyapith, 304022, Rajasthan, India
- Applied AI Research Lab, Vermillion, SD, 57069, USA
| | - P A Alvi
- Department of Physics, Banasthali Vidyapith, 304022, Rajasthan, India
| | - K C Santosh
- Department of Computer Science, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, 57069, USA.
- Applied AI Research Lab, Vermillion, SD, 57069, USA.
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20
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Alfaro Gómez M, Fernández-Santos MDR, Jurado-Campos A, Soria-Meneses PJ, Montoro Angulo V, Soler AJ, Garde JJ, Rodríguez-Robledo V. On Males, Antioxidants and Infertility (MOXI): Certitudes, Uncertainties and Trends. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1626. [PMID: 37627621 PMCID: PMC10451353 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12081626] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility (MI) involves various endogenous and exogenous facts. These include oxidative stress (OS), which is known to alter several physiological pathways and it is estimated to be present at high levels in up to 80% of infertile men. That is why since the late 20th century, the relationship between OS and MI has been widely studied. New terms have emerged, such as Male Oxidative Stress Infertility (MOSI), which is proposed as a new category to define infertile men with high OS levels. Another important term is MOXI: Male, Antioxidants, and Infertility. This term refers to the hypothesis that antioxidants could improve male fertility without the use of assisted reproductive technology. However, there are no evidence-based antioxidant treatments that directly improve seminal parameters or birth ratio. In this regard, there is controversy about their use. While certain scientists argue against their use due to the lack of results, others support this use because of their safety profile and low price. Some uncertainties related to the use of antioxidants for treating MI are their questionable efficacy or the difficulties in knowing their correct dosage. In addition, the lack of quality methods for OS detection can lead to excessive antioxidant supplementation, resulting in "reductive stress". Another important problem is that, although the inflammatory process is interdependent and closely linked to OS, it is usually ignored. To solve these uncertainties, new trends have recently emerged. These include the use of molecules with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential, which are also able to specifically target the reproductive tissue; as well as the use of new methods that allow for reliable quantification of OS and a quality diagnosis. This review aims to elucidate the main uncertainties about MOXI and to outline the latest trends in research to develop effective therapies with clinically relevant outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Alfaro Gómez
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Castilla la Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain;
| | - María del Rocío Fernández-Santos
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Castilla la Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain;
- SaBio IREC (CSIC—UCLM—JCCM), Campus Universitario, 02071 Albacete, Spain; (A.J.-C.); (P.J.S.-M.); (V.M.A.); (A.J.S.); (J.J.G.)
| | - Alejandro Jurado-Campos
- SaBio IREC (CSIC—UCLM—JCCM), Campus Universitario, 02071 Albacete, Spain; (A.J.-C.); (P.J.S.-M.); (V.M.A.); (A.J.S.); (J.J.G.)
| | - Pedro Javier Soria-Meneses
- SaBio IREC (CSIC—UCLM—JCCM), Campus Universitario, 02071 Albacete, Spain; (A.J.-C.); (P.J.S.-M.); (V.M.A.); (A.J.S.); (J.J.G.)
| | - Vidal Montoro Angulo
- SaBio IREC (CSIC—UCLM—JCCM), Campus Universitario, 02071 Albacete, Spain; (A.J.-C.); (P.J.S.-M.); (V.M.A.); (A.J.S.); (J.J.G.)
| | - Ana Josefa Soler
- SaBio IREC (CSIC—UCLM—JCCM), Campus Universitario, 02071 Albacete, Spain; (A.J.-C.); (P.J.S.-M.); (V.M.A.); (A.J.S.); (J.J.G.)
| | - José Julián Garde
- SaBio IREC (CSIC—UCLM—JCCM), Campus Universitario, 02071 Albacete, Spain; (A.J.-C.); (P.J.S.-M.); (V.M.A.); (A.J.S.); (J.J.G.)
| | - Virginia Rodríguez-Robledo
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Castilla la Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain;
- SaBio IREC (CSIC—UCLM—JCCM), Campus Universitario, 02071 Albacete, Spain; (A.J.-C.); (P.J.S.-M.); (V.M.A.); (A.J.S.); (J.J.G.)
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21
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Kumar N, Deepthi KN, Padugupati S, Ghose S, Narang R. Seminal plasma testis expressed sequence (TEX)-101 as a biomarker for the qualitative assessment of male factor infertility: A case-control study. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2023; 287:221-226. [PMID: 37390755 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study was conducted to assess the role of seminal plasma Testis Expressed Sequence (TEX)-101 as a biomarker of male infertility. STUDY DESIGN The study was conducted on 180 men (20-50 years) with 90 having abnormal semen reports as cases and 90 with normal reports as controls in a rural tertiary care center in Southern India over two years. After the enrolment of cases and control, semen samples were cryopreserved till the desired sample size was achieved and a biochemical test for TEX-101 was run using Human Testis-expressed Protein 101 ELISA Kit. The results of TEX-101 were compared between cases and controls and correlated with various semen parameters. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software version 22.0, a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Mean ± SD age of all participants was 29.94 ± 4.91 years. Of 90 cases, 48.9% had asthenospermia, 24.4% oligoasthenospermia, 15.6% oligospermia, 11.1% azoospermia. A statistically significant difference was observed in mean values of seminal plasma TEX-101 between cases (1.45 ± 0.08 ng/mL) and controls (2.26 ± 0.18 ng/mL), p = 0.001. A significant correlation (p = 0.001) was found between seminal TEX-101, semen volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility, and morphology. The area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve of TEX-101 between cases and controls was 1.00 (p = 0.001), indicating TEX-101 as a potential biomarker for distinguishing men with abnormal semen parameters from those with normal semen parameters. At a cut-off value of 1.84 ng/mL, seminal plasma TEX-101 had a sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values of 100% for male infertility prediction. CONCLUSION Seminal TEX-101 is a potential seminal biomarker and can be used in the qualitative assessment of male factor infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naina Kumar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bibinagar-508126, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
| | - K N Deepthi
- Department of Pathology, SVS Medical College, Yenugonda, Mahabubnagar 509001, Telangana, India
| | - Suhasini Padugupati
- Department of Biochemistry, SVS Medical College, Yenugonda, Mahabubnagar 509002, Telangana, India
| | - Seetesh Ghose
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Puducherry 607402, India.
| | - Rahul Narang
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bibinagar, 508126 Hyderabad, Telangana, India
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22
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Wang X, Li W, Feng X, Li J, Liu GE, Fang L, Yu Y. Harnessing male germline epigenomics for the genetic improvement in cattle. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2023; 14:76. [PMID: 37277852 PMCID: PMC10242889 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-023-00874-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm is essential for successful artificial insemination in dairy cattle, and its quality can be influenced by both epigenetic modification and epigenetic inheritance. The bovine germline differentiation is characterized by epigenetic reprogramming, while intergenerational and transgenerational epigenetic inheritance can influence the offspring's development through the transmission of epigenetic features to the offspring via the germline. Therefore, the selection of bulls with superior sperm quality for the production and fertility traits requires a better understanding of the epigenetic mechanism and more accurate identifications of epigenetic biomarkers. We have comprehensively reviewed the current progress in the studies of bovine sperm epigenome in terms of both resources and biological discovery in order to provide perspectives on how to harness this valuable information for genetic improvement in the cattle breeding industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wang
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, National Engineering Laboratory of Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Konge Larsen ApS, Kongens Lyngby, 2800, Denmark
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Wenlong Li
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, National Engineering Laboratory of Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xia Feng
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, National Engineering Laboratory of Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jianbing Li
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - George E Liu
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, USDA, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Lingzhao Fang
- Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark.
| | - Ying Yu
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, National Engineering Laboratory of Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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23
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Zhang J, Kanoatov M, Jarvi K, Gauthier-Fisher A, Moskovtsev SI, Librach C, Drabovich AP. Germ cell-specific proteins AKAP4 and ASPX facilitate identification of rare spermatozoa in non-obstructive azoospermia. Mol Cell Proteomics 2023; 22:100556. [PMID: 37087050 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2023.100556] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), the most severe form of male infertility, could be treated with intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection, providing spermatozoa were retrieved with the microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE). We hypothesized that testis- and germ cell-specific proteins would facilitate flow cytometry-assisted identification of rare spermatozoa in semen cell pellets of NOA patients, thus enabling non-invasive diagnostics prior to mTESE. Data mining, targeted proteomics, and immunofluorescent microscopy identified and verified a panel of highly testis-specific proteins expressed at the continuum of germ cell differentiation. Late germ cell-specific proteins AKAP4_HUMAN and ASPX_HUMAN (ACRV1 gene) revealed exclusive localization in spermatozoa tails and acrosomes, respectively. A multiplex imaging flow cytometry assay facilitated fast and unambiguous identification of rare but morphologically intact AKAP4+/ASPX+/Hoechst+ spermatozoa within debris-laden semen pellets of NOA patients. While the previously suggested markers for spermatozoa retrieval suffered from low diagnostic specificity, the multi-step gating strategy and visualization of AKAP4+/ASPX+/Hoechst+ cells with elongated tails and acrosome-capped nuclei facilitated fast and unambiguous identification of the mature intact spermatozoa. AKAP4+/ASPX+/Hoechst+ assay may emerge as a non-invasive test to predict retrieval of morphologically intact spermatozoa by mTESE, thus improving diagnostics and treatment of severe forms of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mirzo Kanoatov
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Keith Jarvi
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Sergey I Moskovtsev
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Clifford Librach
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrei P Drabovich
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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24
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Park YJ, Pang WK, Pang MG. Integration of omics studies indicates that species-dependent molecular mechanisms govern male fertility. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2023; 14:28. [PMID: 36859388 PMCID: PMC9979430 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-023-00836-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Comparative and comprehensive omics studies have recently been conducted to provide a comprehensive understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying infertility. However, because these huge omics datasets often contain irrelevant information, editing strategies for summarizing and filtering the data are necessary prerequisite steps for identifying biomarkers of male fertility. Here, we attempted to integrate omics data from spermatozoa with normal and below-normal fertility from boars and bulls, including transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data. Pathway enrichment analysis was conducted and visualized using g:Profiler, Cytoscape, EnrichmentMap, and AutoAnnotation to determine fertility-related biological functions according to species. RESULTS In particular, gamete production and protein biogenesis-associated pathways were enriched in bull spermatozoa with below-normal fertility, whereas mitochondrial-associated metabolic pathways were enriched in boar spermatozoa with normal fertility. These results indicate that below-normal fertility may be determined by aberrant regulation of protein synthesis during spermatogenesis, and the modulation of reactive oxygen species generation to maintain capacitation and the acrosome reaction governs boar sperm fertility. CONCLUSION Overall, this approach demonstrated that distinct molecular pathways drive sperm fertility in mammals in a species-dependent manner. Moreover, we anticipate that searching for species-specific signaling pathways may aid in the discovery of fertility-related biomarkers within large omics datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoo-Jin Park
- grid.254224.70000 0001 0789 9563Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546 Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Ki Pang
- grid.254224.70000 0001 0789 9563Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546 Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Geol Pang
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea.
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25
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Preianò M, Correnti S, Butt TA, Viglietto G, Savino R, Terracciano R. Mass Spectrometry-Based Untargeted Approaches to Reveal Diagnostic Signatures of Male Infertility in Seminal Plasma: A New Laboratory Perspective for the Clinical Management of Infertility? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:4429. [PMID: 36901856 PMCID: PMC10002484 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility has been recognized as a global health problem. Semen analysis, although considered the golden standard, may not provide a confident male infertility diagnosis alone. Hence, there is the urgent request for an innovative and reliable platform to detect biomarkers of infertility. The rapid expansion of mass spectrometry (MS) technology in the field of the 'omics' disciplines, has incredibly proved the great potential of MS-based diagnostic tests to revolutionize the future of pathology, microbiology and laboratory medicine. Despite the increasing success in the microbiology area, MS-biomarkers of male infertility currently remain a proteomic challenge. In order to address this issue, this review encompasses proteomics investigations by untargeted approaches with a special focus on experimental designs and strategies (bottom-up and top-down) for seminal fluid proteome profiling. The studies reported here witness the efforts of the scientific community to address these investigations aimed at the discovery of MS-biomarkers of male infertility. Proteomics untargeted approaches, depending on the study design, might provide a great plethora of biomarkers not only for a male infertility diagnosis, but also to address a new MS-biomarkers classification of infertility subtypes. From the early detection to the evaluation of infertility grade, new MS-derived biomarkers might also predict long-term outcomes and clinical management of infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Serena Correnti
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Græcia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Tahreem Arshad Butt
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Græcia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Viglietto
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rocco Savino
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Græcia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rosa Terracciano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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26
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Wang X, Liu X, Qu M, Li H. Sertoli cell-only syndrome: advances, challenges, and perspectives in genetics and mechanisms. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:67. [PMID: 36814036 PMCID: PMC11072804 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04723-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Male infertility can be caused by quantitative and/or qualitative abnormalities in spermatogenesis, which affects men's physical and mental health. Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS) is the most severe histological phenotype of male infertility characterized by the depletion of germ cells with only Sertoli cells remaining in the seminiferous tubules. Most SCOS cases cannot be explained by the already known genetic causes including karyotype abnormalities and microdeletions of the Y chromosome. With the development of sequencing technology, studies on screening new genetic causes for SCOS are growing in recent years. Directly sequencing of target genes in sporadic cases and whole-exome sequencing applied in familial cases have identified several genes associated with SCOS. Analyses of the testicular transcriptome, proteome, and epigenetics in SCOS patients provide explanations regarding the molecular mechanisms of SCOS. In this review, we discuss the possible relationship between defective germline development and SCOS based on mouse models with SCO phenotype. We also summarize the advances and challenges in the exploration of genetic causes and mechanisms of SCOS. Knowing the genetic factors of SCOS offers a better understanding of SCO and human spermatogenesis, and it also has practical significance for improving diagnosis, making appropriate medical decisions, and genetic counseling. For therapeutic implications, SCOS research, along with the achievements in stem cell technologies and gene therapy, build the foundation to develop novel therapies for SCOS patients to produce functional spermatozoa, giving them hope to father children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430000, China
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Mengyuan Qu
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Honggang Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430000, China.
- Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Wuhan, 430000, China.
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27
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Ejaculatory Duct Obstruction Affects Seminal Vesicle Contractile Efficacy and Smooth Muscle Ultrastructure in a Rat Model. Andrologia 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/5022466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of ejaculatory duct obstruction (EDO) on contractile efficacy, smooth muscle ultrastructure, and α1A and M3 receptors of rat seminal vesicles (SVs). A total of 48 male rats, aged 14-15 weeks, were randomly divided into three groups, namely, the control, complete EDO, and partial EDO. SV tissues were collected at 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively for further experiments. Results revealed a marked reduction in SV contractile efficacy over time following obstruction in the complete EDO group. The contractile force and frequency decreased and increased in the partial EDO group at week 4, respectively, whereas contractile efficacy significantly reduced at week 8. Moreover, obstruction resulted in significant downregulation in expression of α1A and M3 proteins and mRNAs in rats from the complete EDO group over time. Rats in the partial EDO group initially exhibited an increase followed by a decrease. Analysis of the ultrastructure of SV smooth muscles confirmed the above changes. In conclusion, complete EDO can lead to a progressive decrease in contractile efficiency of SVs. On the other hand, partial EDO can first compensate for the contraction of SVs and gradually decompensate afterwards.
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Song C, Chang L, Wang B, Zhang Z, Wei Y, Dou Y, Qi K, Yang F, Li X, Li X, Wang K, Qiao R, Han X. Seminal plasma metabolomics analysis of differences in liquid preservation ability of boar sperm. J Anim Sci 2023; 101:skad392. [PMID: 38006391 PMCID: PMC10718801 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skad392] [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: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The preservation of semen is pivotal in animal reproduction to ensure successful fertilization and genetic improvement of livestock and poultry. However, investigating the underlying causes of differences in sperm liquid preservation ability and identifying relevant biomarkers remains a challenge. This study utilized liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to analyze the metabolite composition of seminal plasma (SP) from two groups with extreme differences in sperm liquid preservation ability. The two groups namely the good liquid preservation ability (GPA) and the poor preservation ability (PPA). The aim was to explore the relationship between metabolite composition in SP and sperm liquid preservation ability, and to identify candidate biomarkers associated with this ability of sperm. The results revealed the identification of 756 metabolites and 70 differentially expressed metabolites (DEM) in the SP from two groups of boar semen with differing liquid preservation abilities at 17 °C. The majority of identified metabolites in the SP belonged to organic acids and derivatives as well as lipids and lipid-like molecules. The DEM in the SP primarily consisted of amino acids, peptides, and analogs. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis also demonstrated that the DEM are mainly concentrated in amino acid synthesis and metabolism-related pathways (P < 0.05). Furthermore, eleven key metabolites were identified and six target amino acids were verified, and the results were consistent with the non-targeted metabolic analysis. These findings indicated that amino acids and their associated pathways play a potential role in determining boar sperm quality and liquid preservation ability. D-proline, arginine, L-citrulline, phenylalanine, leucine, DL-proline, DL-serine, and indole may serve as potential biomarkers for early assessment of boar sperm liquid preservation ability. The findings of this study are helpful in understanding the causes and mechanisms of differences in the liquid preservation ability of boar sperm, and provide valuable insights for improving semen quality assessment methods and developing novel extenders or protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglei Song
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Lebin Chang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Bingjie Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yilin Wei
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yaqing Dou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Kunlong Qi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Feng Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Xiuling Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Xinjian Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Kejun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Ruimin Qiao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Xuelei Han
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
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Surface protein profiling of prostate-derived extracellular vesicles by mass spectrometry and proximity assays. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1402. [PMID: 36550367 PMCID: PMC9780212 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04349-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are mediators of intercellular communication and a promising class of biomarkers. Surface proteins of EVs play decisive roles in establishing a connection with recipient cells, and they are putative targets for diagnostic assays. Analysis of the surface proteins can thus both illuminate the biological functions of EVs and help identify potential biomarkers. We developed a strategy combining high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and proximity ligation assays (PLA) to first identify and then validate surface proteins discovered on EVs. We applied our workflow to investigate surface proteins of small EVs found in seminal fluid (SF-sEV). We identified 1,014 surface proteins and verified the presence of a subset of these on the surface of SF-sEVs. Our work demonstrates a general strategy for deep analysis of EVs' surface proteins across patients and pathological conditions, proceeding from unbiased screening by HRMS to ultra-sensitive targeted analyses via PLA.
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Omes C, Tomasoni V, De Amici M, Testa G, Torre C, Nappi RE. Calprotectin as a novel diagnostic approach to screen male infertility risk: A pilot study. Immunobiology 2022; 227:152291. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2022.152291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Exploring Nrf2 as a therapeutic target in testicular dysfunction. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 390:23-33. [PMID: 35788899 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03664-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Testicular dysfunction, a major contributory factor to infertility, has received a lot of attention over the recent years. Several studies have linked abnormal sperm function and morphology with an enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress. The nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2 (Nrf2) is a transcriptional response to cellular stresses (intrinsic or extrinsic) that regulates the oxidative status, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and proteostasis. In this review, the therapeutic role of Nrf2 was explored. To do so, scientific data were retrieved from databases such as Elsevier, Wiley, Web of Science, Springer, PubMed, Taylor and Francis, and Google Scholar using search terms such as "Nrf2" and "testis," "sperm," "testicular function," and "testosterone." It has been noted that Nrf2 influences the physiology and pathology of testicular dysfunction, especially in the spermatogenic process, by regulating cellular resistance to oxidative stress, inflammation, and environmental toxicants. However, numerous compounds serve as activators and inhibitors of testicular Nrf2. Nrf2 activators might play a therapeutic role in the prevention and treatment of testicular dysfunction, while molecules that inhibit Nrf2 might induce dysfunction in testis components. Nrf2 activators protect cells against oxidative damage and activate Nrf2/KEAP1 signaling which promotes its movement to the nucleus, and increased Nrf2 function and expression, along with their downstream antioxidant gene. Nrf2 inhibitors facilitate oxidative stress via interfering with the Nrf2 signal pathway. The Nrf2 activation could serve as a promising therapeutic target for testicular dysfunction. This review explored the effect of Nrf2 on testicular function while highlighting potential activators and inhibitors of Nrf2.
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Xu S, Wu Y, Chen Y, Lu W, Wang YX, Gao B, Zhang J. Environmental metal exposure, seminal plasma metabolome and semen quality: Evidence from Chinese reproductive-aged men. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 838:155860. [PMID: 35595136 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Environmental metal exposure has been associated with decreasing semen quality, but the effects of multiple metal exposure on seminal plasma metabolome remain obscure. In this study, semen and repeated urine samples from 551 volunteers were collected in Wuhan City. Heavy metals and trace elements were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer, and seminal plasma metabolomes were acquired using liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis showed more than half of the seminal plasma metals were associated with specific metabolite modules, whereas only a few urine metals presented weak associations, indicating that seminal plasma may be an ideal biological sample for male reproductive biomarker discovery and exposure risk assessment. Seminal plasma zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) concentrations were significantly associated with 22 metabolites (e.g., glycerophospholipids, acyl-carnitines and amino acid derivatives). Among these metabolites, acyl-carnitines were positively associated with semen quality and sperm concentration. Moreover, acyl-carnitines were associated with both Zn and Se exposure, indicating the potential role of carnitine pathway in their toxicity mechanism. Our findings suggest that seminal plasma metabolome connects Zn and Se exposure and sperm concentrations in Chinese men of reproductive age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yaru Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yujie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Wenqing Lu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yi-Xin Wang
- Departments of Nutrition, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Biling Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
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Olejnik B, Ferens-Sieczkowska M. Seminal Plasma Glycoproteins as Potential Ligands of Lectins Engaged in Immunity Regulation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10489. [PMID: 36078205 PMCID: PMC9518496 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Environmental pollution, chronic stress, and unhealthy lifestyle are factors that negatively affect reproductive potential. Currently, 15-20% of couples in industrialized countries face the problem of infertility. This growing health and social problem prompts researchers to explore the regulatory mechanisms that may be important for successful fertilization. In recent years, more attention has been paid to male infertility factors, including the impact of seminal plasma components on regulation of the female immune response to allogenic sperm, embryo and fetal antigens. Directing this response to the tolerogenic pathway is crucial to achieve a healthy pregnancy. According to the fetoembryonic defense hypothesis, the regulatory mechanism may be associated with the interaction of lectins and immunomodulatory glycoepitopes. Such interactions may involve lectins of dendritic cells and macrophages, recruited to the cervical region immediately after intercourse. Carbohydrate binding receptors include C type lectins, such as DC-SIGN and MGL, as well as galectins and siglecs among others. In this article we discuss the expression of the possible lectin ligands, highly fucosylated and high mannose structures, which may be recognized by DC-SIGN, glycans of varying degrees of sialylation, which may differ in their interaction with siglecs, as well as T and Tn antigens in O-glycans.
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Goel R, Batra H, Kumar M, Dada R, Kumar R. Evaluation of cell-free seminal mRNA for the diagnosis of obstruction as the cause of azoospermia in infertile men: A prospective cohort study. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14364. [PMID: 35942865 DOI: 10.1111/and.14364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Differentiating obstructive (OA) from non-obstructive (NOA) azoospermia is clinically important in managing infertile men. Classically, the differentiation has been based on clinical, hormonal and histological analysis. Histological tests are invasive and may miss spermatogenic areas. Seminal fluid can serve as a medium to assess the status of spermatogenesis and presence or absence of certain markers can help diagnosing and differentiating azoospermia. We evaluated the role of cell-free seminal markers: DDX4, PRM1 and PRM2 in diagnosing and differentiating between OA and NOA and classifying their subtypes. We observed DDX4 was more sensitive for NOA compared with OA. Among various subtypes of NOA, DDX4 positivity was higher in patients with maturation arrest and hypospermatogenesis compared with Sertoli cell only syndrome. PRM1 and PRM2 had very low positivity rate for any meaningful comparison. Seminal cell-free markers can serve as non-invasive tests in diagnosing and differentiating etiologies of azoospermia but their validity needs to be proved in long-term trials with more refined molecular techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritesh Goel
- Department of Urology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Harish Batra
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Department of Urology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rima Dada
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rajeev Kumar
- Department of Urology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Davalieva K, Rusevski A, Velkov M, Noveski P, Kubelka-Sabit K, Filipovski V, Plaseski T, Dimovski A, Plaseska-Karanfilska D. Comparative proteomics analysis of human FFPE testicular tissues reveals new candidate biomarkers for distinction among azoospermia types and subtypes. J Proteomics 2022; 267:104686. [PMID: 35914715 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2022.104686] [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: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Understanding molecular mechanisms that underpin azoospermia and discovery of biomarkers that could enable reliable, non-invasive diagnosis is highly needed. Using label-free data-independent LC-MS/MS acquisition coupled with ion mobility, we compared the FFPE testicular proteome of patients with obstructive (OA) and non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) subtypes hypospermatogenesis (Hyp) and Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCO). Out of 2044 proteins identified based on ≥2 peptides, 61 proteins had the power to quantitatively discriminate OA from NOA and 30 to quantitatively discriminate SCO from Hyp and OA. Among these, H1-6, RANBP1 and TKTL2 showed superior potential for quantitative discrimination among OA, Hyp and SCO. Integrin signaling pathway, adherens junction, planar cell polarity/convergent extension pathway and Dectin-1 mediated noncanonical NF-kB signaling were significantly associated with the proteins that could discriminate OA from NOA. Comparison with 2 transcriptome datasets revealed 278 and 55 co-differentially expressed proteins/genes with statistically significant positive correlation. Gene expression analysis by qPCR of 6 genes (H1-6, RANBP1, TKTL2, TKTL1, H2BC1, and ACTL7B) with the highest discriminatory power on protein level and the same regulation trend with transcriptomic datasets, confirmed proteomics results. In summary, our results suggest some underlying pathways in azoospermia and broaden the range of potential novel candidates for diagnosis. SIGNIFICANCE: Using a comparative proteomics approach on testicular tissue we have identified several pathways associated with azoospermia and a number of testis-specific and germ cell-specific proteins that have the potential to pinpoint the type of spermatogenesis failure. Furthermore, comparison with transcriptomics datasets based on genome-wide gene expression analyses of human testis specimens from azoospermia patients identified proteins that could discriminate between obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia subtypes on both protein and mRNA levels. Up to our knowledge, this is the first integrated comparative analysis of proteomics and transcriptomics data from testicular tissues. We believe that the data from our study contributes significantly to increase the knowledge of molecular mechanisms of azoospermia and pave the way for new investigations in regards to non-invasive diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Davalieva
- Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology "Georgi D Efremov", Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia, Macedonia.
| | - Aleksandar Rusevski
- Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology "Georgi D Efremov", Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia, Macedonia
| | - Milan Velkov
- Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology "Georgi D Efremov", Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia, Macedonia
| | - Predrag Noveski
- Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology "Georgi D Efremov", Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia, Macedonia
| | - Katerina Kubelka-Sabit
- Laboratory for Histopathology, Clinical Hospital "Sistina", 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia, Macedonia
| | - Vanja Filipovski
- Laboratory for Histopathology, Clinical Hospital "Sistina", 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia, Macedonia
| | - Toso Plaseski
- Faculty of Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolic Disorders Clinic, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia, Macedonia
| | - Aleksandar Dimovski
- Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology "Georgi D Efremov", Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia, Macedonia; Faculty of Pharmacy, University "St. Cyril and Methodius", 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia, Macedonia
| | - Dijana Plaseska-Karanfilska
- Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology "Georgi D Efremov", Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia, Macedonia.
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Zhu C, Jin L, Luo B, Zhou Q, Dong L, Li X, Zhang H, Huang Y, Li C, Zou L, Laghi L. Dominant Components of the Giant Panda Seminal Plasma Metabolome, Characterized by 1H-NMR Spectroscopy. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12121536. [PMID: 35739871 PMCID: PMC9219455 DOI: 10.3390/ani12121536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary As China’s flagship animal, the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) attracts much attention due to its small population and low natural reproductive rate. Therefore, artificial insemination has become the leading practical approach in the captive breeding programs of giant pandas worldwide. Seminal plasma acts as a medium between spermatozoa and the external stimuli, and its characteristics have been directly linked to fertility in both artificial insemination and natural fertilization. The current work, for the first time, attempts to characterize, by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR), the metabolome of healthy giant panda seminal plasma. A total of 35 molecules were quantified, with distinct age-related trends highlighted by a multivariate analysis, and the concentrations of 2,3-butanediol were significantly different between individuals younger than 8 years and older than 13 years. In addition, isopropanol’s concentration was significantly linked to estrus stages. Besides, the variations in the metabolome’s profile with storage time were also evaluated. This study may serve as a reference for research wishing to shed light on the biological mechanisms affecting giant panda sperm’s overall quality and may ultimately lead to novel approaches to giant panda artificial insemination. Abstract As an assisted breeding technique, artificial insemination has become the main effective practical approach in the captive breeding programs of giant panda worldwide. The composition of seminal plasma plays an important role in the success of breeding. The present work is the first attempt to characterize, by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR), the metabolome of healthy giant panda seminal plasma. A total of 35 molecules were quantified, with the concentration of 2,3-butanediol being significantly different between individuals younger than 8 years and older than 13 years, and other distinct age-related trends were highlighted by a multivariate analysis. Isopropanol’s concentration was significantly linked to estrus stages. Besides, the variations in the metabolome’s profile during storage were also evaluated. This study may serve as a reference for further research wishing to shed light on the biological mechanisms affecting giant panda sperm’s overall quality and may ultimately lead to novel approaches to giant panda artificial insemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglin Zhu
- College of Food Science and Technology, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China;
| | - Lei Jin
- College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China;
| | - Bo Luo
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in the Giant Panda National Park, The China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Dujiangyan 611800, China; (B.L.); (Q.Z.); (L.D.); (X.L.); (H.Z.); (Y.H.)
| | - Qiang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in the Giant Panda National Park, The China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Dujiangyan 611800, China; (B.L.); (Q.Z.); (L.D.); (X.L.); (H.Z.); (Y.H.)
| | - Li Dong
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in the Giant Panda National Park, The China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Dujiangyan 611800, China; (B.L.); (Q.Z.); (L.D.); (X.L.); (H.Z.); (Y.H.)
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in the Giant Panda National Park, The China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Dujiangyan 611800, China; (B.L.); (Q.Z.); (L.D.); (X.L.); (H.Z.); (Y.H.)
| | - Hemin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in the Giant Panda National Park, The China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Dujiangyan 611800, China; (B.L.); (Q.Z.); (L.D.); (X.L.); (H.Z.); (Y.H.)
| | - Yan Huang
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in the Giant Panda National Park, The China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Dujiangyan 611800, China; (B.L.); (Q.Z.); (L.D.); (X.L.); (H.Z.); (Y.H.)
| | - Caiwu Li
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in the Giant Panda National Park, The China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Dujiangyan 611800, China; (B.L.); (Q.Z.); (L.D.); (X.L.); (H.Z.); (Y.H.)
- Correspondence: (C.L.); (L.Z.); Tel.: +86-0835-2318208 (C.L.); +86-028-86290986 (L.Z.)
| | - Likou Zou
- College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China;
- Correspondence: (C.L.); (L.Z.); Tel.: +86-0835-2318208 (C.L.); +86-028-86290986 (L.Z.)
| | - Luca Laghi
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, 47521 Cesena, Italy;
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Li B, Ma J, Zhu L, Yan Y, Wu Y, Zheng C, Wu Z, Li L, Wang Q, Zheng Y. Metabolomic profiling and alleviation of oxidative stress of Huangjing Zanyu capsule treating oligoasthenospermia. Transl Androl Urol 2022; 11:659-674. [PMID: 35693713 PMCID: PMC9177266 DOI: 10.21037/tau-22-293] [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: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) patent medicine Huangjing Zanyu capsule (HJZY capsule) has achieved satisfactory clinical effects in the treatment of oligoasthenospermia (OAS). This study aimed to elucidate the impact of HJZY capsule on the reproductive system, focusing on oxidative stress and metabolism profiling during the intervention, to clarify the therapeutic mechanism of HJZY capsule in treating OAS. Methods Cyclophosphamide was used to establish OAS model rats. Time-sequence specimen collection was applied to monitor the dynamic development of the pharmacological effect of HJZY capsule. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and malonaldehyde (MDA) were evaluated by biochemistry kits to examine the impact of HJZY capsule on oxidative stress. Non-targeted metabolomics was conducted for urine and testis samples, respectively, to investigate metabolic pathways through which the HJZY capsule takes effect. Results The HJZY capsule elevated sperm density from 62.1±8.28, passing 68.4±7.52, to 75.9±8.48×106/mL, and sperm motility from 62.0%±3.94%, passing 70.8%±9.72%, to 68.8%±4.37%. Meanwhile, SOD (P<0.05 in week 2) and GPX activity levels of HJZY groups were elevated to a certain degree, respectively, and lipid oxidation was attenuated, as shown by decreased MDA content (P<0.05 in week 2). Metabolomics results showed that the HJZY capsule could modulate pathways including taurine metabolism, purine and pyrimidine metabolism, glycerolipid and glycerophospholipid metabolism, and multiple amino acid metabolisms, among others. The cluster analysis results showed that urinary and testicular metabolomics differed in the strength of discrimination between rats in the OAS model and the HJZY groups. Conclusions The HJZY capsule exerts a comprehensive effect on OAS through influencing various metabolic pathways. Non-targeted metabolomics provides an effective way for profiling complex TCM prescriptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyi Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jinchen Ma
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Linghui Zhu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Yan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yuqi Wu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chenglong Zheng
- Beijing Gulou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhisheng Wu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lingru Li
- National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Wang
- National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yanfei Zheng
- National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Xu X, Chen J, Du X, Yao L, Wang Y. CRISPR/Cas9 Mediated Disruption of Seminal Fluid Protein Sfp62 Induces Male Sterility in Bombyx mori. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11040561. [PMID: 35453761 PMCID: PMC9024854 DOI: 10.3390/biology11040561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary In gamogenetic animals, seminal fluid proteins are essential for male fertility. In this study, we investigated the function of the seminal fluid protein Sfp62 by using the CRISPR/Cas9 system in lepidopteran model insect Bombyx mori. Sfp62 mutation led to male sterility and can be inherited stably. The mutation did not affect growth and developmental nor female fertility. These data indicate that Sfp62 is an ideal target for sterile insect technology (SIT), in which genetically modified insects are released on a large scale to mate with wild-type insects in order to reduce or even eradicate the target pests. The determining factors for the effective implementation of SIT include the strong competitiveness of the modified individuals and multi-generational effects resulting from the mutation. Sfp62 meets these criteria and is therefore a promising target for biological pest control. Abstract Seminal fluid proteins provide factors necessary for development, storage, and activation of sperm. Altered expression of seminal fluid proteins can lead to defect in male infertility. We investigated the function of seminal fluid protein Sfp62 in the model lepidopteran insect Bombyx mori using CRISPR/Cas9 mediated mutagenesis. The knockout of BmSfp62 gene led to male sterility but has no effect on female fertility. The mutation did not affect growth and development of the silkworm of both sexes. Motility of sperm in male mutants was decreased and the mRNA expression levels of other genes encoding seminal fluid proteins were altered in BmSfp62 mutants compared to the wild-type controls. The male sterility caused by mutation of BmSfp62 was stably inherited. As the proteins encoded by Sfp62 genes are conserved among lepidopteran species, Sfp62 is a potential target for the biological management of lepidopteran pests.
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Dasgupta M, Kumaresan A, Saraf KK, Nag P, Sinha MK, Aslam M. K. M, Karthikkeyan G, Prasad TSK, Modi PK, Datta TK, Ramesha K, Manimaran A, Jeyakumar S. Deep Metabolomic Profiling Reveals Alterations in Fatty Acid Synthesis and Ketone Body Degradations in Spermatozoa and Seminal Plasma of Astheno-Oligozoospermic Bulls. Front Vet Sci 2022; 8:755560. [PMID: 35087889 PMCID: PMC8787163 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.755560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Male fertility is extremely important in dairy animals because semen from a single bull is used to inseminate several thousand females. Asthenozoospermia (reduced sperm motility) and oligozoospermia (reduced sperm concentration) are the two important reasons cited for idiopathic infertility in crossbred bulls; however, the etiology remains elusive. In this study, using a non-targeted liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry-based approach, we carried out a deep metabolomic analysis of spermatozoa and seminal plasma derived from normozoospermic and astheno-oligozoospermic bulls. Using bioinformatics tools, alterations in metabolites and metabolic pathways between normozoospermia and astheno-oligozoospermia were elucidated. A total of 299 and 167 metabolites in spermatozoa and 183 and 147 metabolites in seminal plasma were detected in astheno-oligozoospermic and normozoospermic bulls, respectively. Among the mapped metabolites, 75 sperm metabolites were common to both the groups, whereas 166 and 50 sperm metabolites were unique to astheno-oligozoospermic and normozoospermic bulls, respectively. Similarly, 86 metabolites were common to both the groups, whereas 45 and 37 seminal plasma metabolites were unique to astheno-oligozoospermic and normozoospermic bulls, respectively. Among the differentially expressed metabolites, 62 sperm metabolites and 56 seminal plasma metabolites were significantly dysregulated in astheno-oligozoospermic bulls. In spermatozoa, selenocysteine, deoxyuridine triphosphate, and nitroprusside showed significant enrichment in astheno-oligozoospermic bulls. In seminal plasma, malonic acid, 5-diphosphoinositol pentakisphosphate, D-cysteine, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate were significantly upregulated, whereas tetradecanoyl-CoA was significantly downregulated in the astheno-oligozoospermia. Spermatozoa from astheno-oligozoospermic bulls showed alterations in the metabolism of fatty acid and fatty acid elongation in mitochondria pathways, whereas seminal plasma from astheno-oligozoospermic bulls showed alterations in synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies, pyruvate metabolism, and inositol phosphate metabolism pathways. The present study revealed vital information related to semen metabolomic differences between astheno-oligozoospermic and normospermic crossbred breeding bulls. It is inferred that fatty acid synthesis and ketone body degradations are altered in the spermatozoa and seminal plasma of astheno-oligozoospermic crossbred bulls. These results open up new avenues for further research, and current findings can be applied for the modulation of identified pathways to restore sperm motility and concentration in astheno-oligozoospermic bulls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohua Dasgupta
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)—National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Arumugam Kumaresan
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)—National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Kaustubh Kishor Saraf
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)—National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Pradeep Nag
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)—National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Manish Kumar Sinha
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)—National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Muhammad Aslam M. K.
- Base Farm, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Kolahalamedu, India
| | - Gayathree Karthikkeyan
- Centre for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India
| | - T. S. Keshava Prasad
- Centre for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India
| | - Prashant Kumar Modi
- Centre for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India
| | - Tirtha Kumar Datta
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)—National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Kerekoppa Ramesha
- Dairy Production Section, Southern Regional Station of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)—National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Ayyasamy Manimaran
- Dairy Production Section, Southern Regional Station of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)—National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Sakthivel Jeyakumar
- Dairy Production Section, Southern Regional Station of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)—National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
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Mateo-Otero Y, Ribas-Maynou J, Delgado-Bermúdez A, Llavanera M, Recuero S, Barranco I, Yeste M. Aldose Reductase B1 in Pig Sperm Is Related to Their Function and Fertilizing Ability. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:773249. [PMID: 35173684 PMCID: PMC8842650 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.773249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Aldose reductase B1 (AKR1B1) has been reported to participate in the modulation of male and female reproductive physiology in several mammalian species. In spite of this, whether or not AKR1B1 could be related to sperm quality, functionality and fertilizing ability is yet to be elucidated. The present study, therefore, aimed to investigate: i) the presence of AKR1B1 in epididymal and ejaculated sperm; ii) the relationship between the AKR1B1 present in sperm and the physiology of the male gamete; iii) the liaison between the relative content of AKR1B1 in sperm and their ability to withstand preservation for 72 h; and iv) the potential link between sperm AKR1B1 and in vitro fertility outcomes. Immunoblotting revealed that AKR1B1 is present in both epididymal and ejaculated sperm with a similar relative content. Moreover, the relative levels of AKR1B1 in sperm (36 kDa band) were found to be negatively related to several kinematic parameters and intracellular calcium levels, and positively to the percentage of sperm with distal cytoplasmic droplets after storage. Finally, AKR1B1 amounts in sperm (36 kDa band) were negatively associated to fertilization rate at two days post-fertilization and embryo development at six days post-fertilization. The results of the present work suggest that AKR1B1 in sperm is probably acquired during maturation rather than at ejaculation and could play a role in that process. Moreover, AKR1B1 seems to be related to the sperm resilience to preservation and to their fertilizing capacity, as lower levels of the 36 kDa band (putative inactive form of this protein) result in better reproductive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yentel Mateo-Otero
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- *Correspondence: Marc Yeste, ; Jordi Ribas-Maynou,
| | - Ariadna Delgado-Bermúdez
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Marc Llavanera
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Sandra Recuero
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Isabel Barranco
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell’Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marc Yeste
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- *Correspondence: Marc Yeste, ; Jordi Ribas-Maynou,
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Zhu C, Chen F, Zhang S, She H, Ju Y, Wen X, Yang C, Sun Y, Dong N, Xue T, Liu K, Li F, Cui H. Influence of sperm DNA fragmentation on the clinical outcome of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:945242. [PMID: 35909570 PMCID: PMC9329669 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.945242] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the effect of elevated sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) on fresh and frozen embryo transfer cycles. METHODS A retrospective study was performed with 549 fresh embryo transfer cycles and 1340 frozen embryo transfer cycles after in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) from 2016 to 2021. RESULTS The statistical results of 549 fresh embryo transfer cycles showed that the delivery rate in the normal sperm DFI group (43.9% vs. 27.1%, P = 0.014) was significantly higher than that in the abnormal sperm DFI group, and there were no significant differences in the biochemical pregnancy rate (59.0% vs. 50.8%, P = 0.232), clinical pregnancy rate (53.1% vs. 40.7%, P = 0.072), or miscarriage rate (17.3% vs. 33.3%, P = 0.098) between the two groups. The results of 1340 frozen embryo transfer cycles showed that the biochemical pregnancy rate (57.9% vs. 45.6%, P = 0.006) and clinical pregnancy rate (50.3% vs. 40.7%, P = 0.027) in the normal sperm DFI group were significantly higher than those in the abnormal sperm DFI group. The delivery rate (40.9% vs. 33.3%, P = 0.074) and miscarriage rate (18.6% vs. 18.0%, P = 0.919) were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSION The increase of sperm DFI significantly reduced the delivery rate of fresh embryo transfer cycles and the biochemical pregnancy rate and clinical pregnancy rate of frozen embryo transfer cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhui Zhu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Institute of Epigenetics and Epigenomics, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Fang Chen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Shengmin Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Hong She
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yun Ju
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xidong Wen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Chunxia Yang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Naijun Dong
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Tongmin Xue
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Kaifeng Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Feng Li, ; Hengmi Cui,
| | - Hengmi Cui
- Institute of Epigenetics and Epigenomics, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Feng Li, ; Hengmi Cui,
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Han Y, Xu H, Feng G, Wang H, Alpadi K, Chen L, Zhang M, Li R. An online tool for predicting ovarian reserve based on AMH level and age: A retrospective cohort study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:946123. [PMID: 35937788 PMCID: PMC9353219 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.946123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To establish a more convenient ovarian reserve model with anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level and age (the AA model), with blood samples taken at any time in the menstrual cycle. METHODS We have established this AA model for predicting ovarian reserve using the AMH level and age. The outcome variable was defined as poor ovarian response (POR) with <5 oocytes retrieved during assisted reproductive technology treatment cycles. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator logistic regression with 5-fold cross validation methods was applied to construct the model, and that with the lowest scaled log-likelihood was selected as the final one. RESULTS The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the training, inner, and external validation sets were 0.862, 0.843, and 0.854 respectively. The main effects of AMH level and age contributing to the prediction of POR were 95.3% and 1.8%, respectively. The incidences of POR increased with its predicted probability in both the model building and in external validation datasets, indicating its stability. An online website-based tool for assessing the score of ovarian reserve (http://121.43.113.123:9999) has been developed. CONCLUSIONS Based on external validation data, the AA model performed well in predicting POR, and was more cost-effective and convenient than our previous published models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Han
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huiyu Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Guoshuang Feng
- Big Data Center, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing, China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | | | - Lixue Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Mengqian Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Rong Li,
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Vickram AS, Anbarasu K, Jeyanthi P, Gulothungan G, Nanmaran R, Thanigaivel S, Sridharan TB, Rohini K. Identification and Structure Prediction of Human Septin-4 as a Biomarker for Diagnosis of Asthenozoospermic Infertile Patients-Critical Finding Toward Personalized Medicine. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:723019. [PMID: 34926486 PMCID: PMC8677696 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.723019] [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: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Semen parameters are been found as a key factor to evaluate the count and morphology in the given semen sample. The deep knowledge of male infertility will unravel with semen parameters correlated with molecular and biochemical parameters. The current research study is to identify the motility associated protein and its structure through the in-silico approach. Semen samples were collected and initial analysis including semen parameters was analyzed by using the World Health Organization protocol. Semen biochemical parameters, namely, seminal plasma protein concentration, fructose content, and glucosidase content were calculated and evaluated for correlation. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) were carried out for identification of Septin-4 presence in the semen sample. Mascot search was done for protein conformation and in-silico characterization of Septin-4 by structural modeling in Iterative Threading Assembly Refinement (I-TASSER). Twenty-five nanoseconds molecular dynamics (MD) simulations results showed the stable nature of Septin-4 in the dynamic system. Overall, our results showed the presence of motility-associated protein in normospermia and control samples and not in the case of asthenospermia and oligoasthenospermia. Molecular techniques characterized the presence of Septin-4 and as a novel biomarker for infertility diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Vickram
- Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering (SSE), SIMATS, Chennai, India
| | - K Anbarasu
- Department of Bioinformatics, Saveetha School of Engineering (SSE), SIMATS, Chennai, India
| | - Palanivelu Jeyanthi
- Department of Biotechnology, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, India
| | - G Gulothungan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering (SSE), SIMATS, Chennai, India
| | - R Nanmaran
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering (SSE), SIMATS, Chennai, India
| | - S Thanigaivel
- Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering (SSE), SIMATS, Chennai, India
| | - T B Sridharan
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, India
| | - Karunakaran Rohini
- Unit of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, AIMST University, Bedong, Malaysia
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Araujo SC, Bertolla RP. Protein markers of spermatogenesis and their potential use in the management of azoospermia. Expert Rev Proteomics 2021; 18:939-948. [PMID: 34812697 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2021.2010548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Azoospermia, absence of sperm in the ejaculate is classified as obstructive (OA) and non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). In OA, sperm are produced, but due to physical obstruction in the male reproductive tract, they are not released in the ejaculate. NOA, on the other hand, is defined as the absence of sperm in the ejaculate due to testicular dysfunction. In NOA, spermatogenesis is frequently preserved in specific sites, and proteomics studies have been employed in order to identify men with preserved spermatogenesis. AREAS COVERED Differential protein expression in patients with male infertility is an indicator of impaired spermatogenesis. Here, we reviewed proteins with a potential role as biomarkers of spermatogenesis that could help in the management of non-obstructive and obstructive azoospermia. The following keywords were used for bibliographic research: seminal plasma, proteomics, male infertility, nonobstructive, obstructive, azoospermia, oligospermia. EXPERT OPINION Biopsy is an invasive and potentially harmful technique for detecting spermatogenesis in men with OA and NOA. Seminal plasma proteins are highly promising as biomarkers for spermatogenesis. Current literature presents a number of potential candidate biomarkers for determining preserved spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Costa Araujo
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Pimenta Bertolla
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Chereshnev VA, Pichugova SV, Beikin YB, Chereshneva MV, Iukhta AI, Stroev YI, Churilov LP. Pathogenesis of Autoimmune Male Infertility: Juxtacrine, Paracrine, and Endocrine Dysregulation. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2021; 28:471-488. [PMID: 35366245 PMCID: PMC8830464 DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology28040030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
According to global data, there is a male reproductive potential decrease. Pathogenesis of male infertility is often associated with autoimmunity towards sperm antigens essential for fertilization. Antisperm autoantibodies (ASAs) have immobilizing and cytotoxic properties, impairing spermatogenesis, causing sperm agglutination, altering spermatozoa motility and acrosomal reaction, and thus preventing ovum fertilization. Infertility diagnosis requires a mandatory check for the ASAs. The concept of the blood-testis barrier is currently re-formulated, with an emphasis on informational paracrine and juxtacrine effects, rather than simple anatomical separation. The etiology of male infertility includes both autoimmune and non-autoimmune diseases but equally develops through autoimmune links of pathogenesis. Varicocele commonly leads to infertility due to testicular ischemic damage, venous stasis, local hyperthermia, and hypoandrogenism. However, varicocelectomy can alter the blood-testis barrier, facilitating ASAs production as well. There are contradictory data on the role of ASAs in the pathogenesis of varicocele-related infertility. Infection and inflammation both promote ASAs production due to "danger concept" mechanisms and because of antigen mimicry. Systemic pro-autoimmune influences like hyperprolactinemia, hypoandrogenism, and hypothyroidism also facilitate ASAs production. The diagnostic value of various ASAs has not yet been clearly attributed, and their cut-levels have not been determined in sera nor in ejaculate. The assessment of the autoimmunity role in the pathogenesis of male infertility is ambiguous, so the purpose of this review is to show the effects of ASAs on the pathogenesis of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeriy A. Chereshnev
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 620049 Yekaterinburg, Russia; (V.A.C.); (S.V.P.); (M.V.C.)
| | - Svetlana V. Pichugova
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 620049 Yekaterinburg, Russia; (V.A.C.); (S.V.P.); (M.V.C.)
- State Autonomous Healthcare Institution of the Sverdlovsk Region “Clinical and Diagnostic Center” (GAUZ SO “CDC” Clinical Diagnostic Center), 620144 Yekaterinburg, Russia;
| | - Yakov B. Beikin
- State Autonomous Healthcare Institution of the Sverdlovsk Region “Clinical and Diagnostic Center” (GAUZ SO “CDC” Clinical Diagnostic Center), 620144 Yekaterinburg, Russia;
| | - Margarita V. Chereshneva
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 620049 Yekaterinburg, Russia; (V.A.C.); (S.V.P.); (M.V.C.)
| | - Angelina I. Iukhta
- Laboratory of the Mosaics of Autoimmunity, Saint Petersburg State University, 199304 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (Y.I.S.); (L.P.C.)
| | - Yuri I. Stroev
- Laboratory of the Mosaics of Autoimmunity, Saint Petersburg State University, 199304 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (Y.I.S.); (L.P.C.)
| | - Leonid P. Churilov
- Laboratory of the Mosaics of Autoimmunity, Saint Petersburg State University, 199304 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (Y.I.S.); (L.P.C.)
- Saint Petersburg Research Institute of Phthisiopulmonology, 191036 Saint Petersburg, Russia
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Jia B, Liang J, Lv C, Memon S, Fang Y, Wu G, Quan G. The characteristics of proteome and metabolome associated with contrasting sperm motility in goat seminal plasma. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15562. [PMID: 34330982 PMCID: PMC8324791 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95138-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm motility is an index tightly associated with male fertility. A close relationship between seminal plasma and sperm motility has been confirmed. This study was to assess the protein and metabolite profiles of seminal plasma obtained from adult goats with high or low sperm motility using the proteomic and metabolomic strategies. In total, 2098 proteins were found. 449 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) were identified, and 175 DAPs were enriched in the high motility group. The obtained DAPs primarily exist in cytoplasma and extra-cellular portion. The Gene Ontology enrichment analysis demonstrated the main functional roles of these DAPs in regulating biological process, metabolic process of organic substances, cellular-metabolic process, primary-metabolic process, metabolic process of nitrogen compounds, etc. Additionally, the Kyoto-Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed that these DAPs were primarily involved in phosphatidylinositol signaling system, salivary secretion, proteasome, apoptosis, mitophagy-animal, etc. Aided by the parallel reaction monitoring technology, the abundance changing pattern of 19 selected DAPs was consistent with that of the corresponding proteins obtained by TMT. A total of 4603 metabolites were identified in seminal plasma. 1857 differential metabolites were found between the high motility group and the low motility group, and 999 metabolites were up-regulated in the high motility group. The KEGG analysis demonstrated the primary involvement of the differential metabolites in metabolic and synthetic activities. In conclusion, we first established the proteome and metabolome databank of goat seminal plasma, detecting some proteins and metabolites which may affect sperm motility. This study will be valuable for understanding mechanisms leading to poor sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoyu Jia
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Jiachong Liang
- Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Jindian, Panlong County, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China
- Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Jindian, Panlong County, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Chunrong Lv
- Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Jindian, Panlong County, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China
- Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Jindian, Panlong County, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Sameeullah Memon
- Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Jindian, Panlong County, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Yi Fang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Grassland Farming, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agoecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun City, Jilin Province, China
| | - Guoquan Wu
- Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Jindian, Panlong County, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China.
- Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Jindian, Panlong County, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China.
| | - Guobo Quan
- Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Jindian, Panlong County, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China.
- Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Jindian, Panlong County, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China.
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47
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Fang X, Gamallat Y, Chen Z, Mai H, Zhou P, Sun C, Li X, Li H, Zheng S, Liao C, Yang M, Li Y, Yang Z, Ma C, Han D, Zuo L, Xu W, Hu H, Sun L, Li N. Hypomorphic and hypermorphic mouse models of Fsip2 indicate its dosage-dependent roles in sperm tail and acrosome formation. Development 2021; 148:269073. [PMID: 34125190 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations in multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF)-associated genes lead to decreased sperm motility and impaired male fertility. As an MMAF gene, the function of fibrous sheath-interacting protein 2 (FSIP2) remains largely unknown. In this work, we identified a homozygous truncating mutation of FSIP2 in an infertile patient. Accordingly, we constructed a knock-in (KI) mouse model with this mutation. In parallel, we established an Fsip2 overexpression (OE) mouse model. Remarkably, KI mice presented with the typical MMAF phenotype, whereas OE mice showed no gross anomaly except for sperm tails with increased length. Single-cell RNA sequencing of the testes uncovered altered expression of genes related to sperm flagellum, acrosomal vesicle and spermatid development. We confirmed the expression of Fsip2 at the acrosome and the physical interaction of this gene with Acrv1, an acrosomal marker. Proteomic analysis of the testes revealed changes in proteins sited at the fibrous sheath, mitochondrial sheath and acrosomal vesicle. We also pinpointed the crucial motifs of Fsip2 that are evolutionarily conserved in species with internal fertilization. Thus, this work reveals the dosage-dependent roles of Fsip2 in sperm tail and acrosome formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Fang
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623 Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaser Gamallat
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623 Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiheng Chen
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623 Guangzhou, China
| | - Hanran Mai
- Department of Andrology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623 Guangzhou, China
| | - Pei Zhou
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623 Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuanbo Sun
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623 Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoliang Li
- Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041 Chengdu, China
| | - Hong Li
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623 Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuxin Zheng
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623 Guangzhou, China
| | - Caihua Liao
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623 Guangzhou, China
| | - Miaomiao Yang
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623 Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Li
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623 Guangzhou, China
| | - Zeyu Yang
- Guangdong Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Shantou, 515063 Guangdong, China
| | - Caiqi Ma
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623 Guangzhou, China
| | - Dingding Han
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623 Guangzhou, China
| | - Liandong Zuo
- Department of Andrology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623 Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenming Xu
- Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041 Chengdu, China
| | - Hao Hu
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623 Guangzhou, China.,Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052 Zhengzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structural Birth Defect Disease, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623 Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling Sun
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623 Guangzhou, China
| | - Na Li
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623 Guangzhou, China
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48
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Peroxiredoxin 4 directly affects the male fertility outcome in porcine. Theriogenology 2021; 171:85-93. [PMID: 34051589 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Peroxiredoxins (Prdxs) are known to play a critical role in regulating male fertility as antioxidant enzymes. Although several studies have suggested a close association between Prdxs and male fertility, few studies have explored the efficacy of Prdxs to predict male fertility. Therefore, the current study was designed to discover the most efficient biomarkers among the Prdxs with six isoforms. Our study showed a significant positive correlation between the litter size and the levels of PRDX 4 among all isoforms in spermatozoa. Subsequently, a regression analysis using a combination of markers was conducted to increase efficacy for fertility prediction. Nevertheless, PRDX4 had the highest efficacy compared to other combination models to predict litter size. The prediction accuracy of male fertility was further evaluated through receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, which showed that PRDX 4 could predict the litter size with high overall accuracy of 95%. Moreover, litter size was increased by 1.55 piglets after predicting high litter size using PRDX 4. This is the first study to comprehensively elucidate the role of all isoforms of PRDXs on male fertility to the best of our knowledge. PRDX 4 was tested and evaluated up to a practical level. Data here reported suggesting PRDX 4 marker allowed the highest accuracy for male fertility prediction and diagnosis, leading to a measurable improvement in the male fertility outcome.
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49
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Saleem TH, Okasha M, Ibrahim HM, Abu El-Hamd M, Fayed HM, Hassan MH. Biochemical Assessments of Seminal Plasma Zinc, Testis-Expressed Sequence 101 and Free Amino Acids and Their Correlations with Reproductive Hormones in Male Infertility. Biol Trace Elem Res 2021; 199:1729-1742. [PMID: 32767245 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-020-02310-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The role of the male factors in the couple's infertility has been significantly increased in recent years due to a sententious assessment of male reproductive functions and enhanced diagnostic tools. We investigated the correlations among the seminal plasma (SP) levels of each of zinc, testis-expressed sequence 101 (TEX101), and free amino acids levels with reproductive hormones in adult fertile and infertile men. The study included 100 infertile men categorized into 50 non-obstructive azoospermic patients and 50 patients with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (iOAT), in addition to 50 fertile controls. Semen analyses, serum ELISA assays for male reproductive hormones (follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), total testosterone, and prolactin), colorimetric assays of SP zinc and total proteins, SP free amino acids using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and ELISA assays of SP TEX101 were performed for all subjects. Infertile men with azoospermia had significantly lower SP median levels of zinc, TEX101, and many SP free amino acids compared to both men with iOAT and fertile controls (P ˂ 0.05 for all). There were lower SP levels of zinc and some free amino acids among men with iOAT compared to the fertile controls (P ˂ 0.05 for all) with non-significant difference regarding to SP TEX101 (P ˃ 0.05). Azoospermic men exhibited negative correlations between FSH, LH, and prolactin with some SP free amino acids (P ˂ 0.05 for all), and a positive correlation between glycine with total testosterone (P ˂ 0.05). Among iOAT patients, LH and FSH were positively correlated with SP zinc, TEX101, and some measured free amino acids (P ˂ 0.05 for all). Total testosterone was positively correlated with some amino acids, while prolactin was negatively correlated with glycine (P ˂ 0.05 for all). iOAT and azoospermic men exhibited low SP zinc and some free amino acids levels that were more pronounced in azoospermic men and were significantly associated with the reproductive hormones. TEX101 could be a helpful confirmatory test for azoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahia H Saleem
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Marwa Okasha
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biochemistry, South Valley University, Qena, 83523, Egypt
| | - Hassan M Ibrahim
- Dermatology, Venereology & Andrology, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | | | - Hanan M Fayed
- Clinical Pathology, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Mohammed H Hassan
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biochemistry, South Valley University, Qena, 83523, Egypt.
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50
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Wu X, Lin D, Sun F, Cheng CY. Male Infertility in Humans: An Update on Non-obstructive Azoospermia (NOA) and Obstructive Azoospermia (OA). ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1288:161-173. [PMID: 34453736 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77779-1_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and obstructive azoospermia (OA) are two common causes of infertility that affect a considerable number of men. However, few studies were performed to understand the molecular etiology of these disorders. Studies based on bioinformatics and genetic analyses in recent years, however, have yielded insightful information and have identified a number of genes that are involved in these disorders. In this review, we briefly summarize and evaluate these findings. We also discuss findings based on epigenetic modifications of sperm DNAs that affect a number of genes pertinent to NOA and OA. The information summarized in this Chapter should be helpful to investigators in future functional studies of NOA and OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dengfeng Lin
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital (SRRSH), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - C Yan Cheng
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital (SRRSH), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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