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Davies R, Jayasena CN, Rai R, Minhas S. The Role of Seminal Oxidative Stress in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12030723. [PMID: 36978971 PMCID: PMC10045000 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12030723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Recurrent pregnancy loss is a distressing condition affecting 1–2% of couples. Traditionally investigations have focused on the female, however more recently researchers have started to explore the potential contribution of the male partner. Seminal reactive oxygen species have a physiological function in male reproduction but in excess are suspected to generate structural and functional damage to the sperm. Evidence is mounting to support an association between elevated seminal reaction oxygen species and recurrent pregnancy loss. Studies suggest that the rates of sperm DNA damage are higher in the male partners of women affected by recurrent pregnancy loss compared with unaffected men. However, the available pool of data is conflicting, and interpretation is limited by the recent change in nomenclature and the heterogeneity of study methodologies. Furthermore, investigation into the effects of oxidative stress on the epigenome show promise. The value of antioxidant therapy in the management of recurrent pregnancy loss currently remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhianna Davies
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Channa N. Jayasena
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Raj Rai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St Mary’s Hospital, Imperial College NHS Trust, London W2 1NY, UK
| | - Suks Minhas
- Department of Urology, Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College NHS Trust, London W6 8RF, UK
- Correspondence:
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Habibi M, Fakhari Zavareh Z, Abbasi B, Esmaeili V, Shahverdi A, Sadighi Gilani MA, Tavalaee M, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Alpha-Lipoic Acid Supplementation for Male Partner of Couples with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: A Post hoc analysis in Clinical Trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2023; 17:67-74. [PMID: 36617206 PMCID: PMC9807888 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2022.543027.1222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased sperm DNA damage is known as one of the causes of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) which can be due to increased levels of oxidative stress. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) on sperm parameters and sperm functions in couples with a history of RPL. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this post hoc analysis in clinical trial study, a total of 37 couples with RPL (n=12 and n=25 for placebo and ALA groups, respectively) were considered. Men were treated with ALA (600 mg/day) or placebo for 80 days. Semen samples were acquired from the participants before initiation and after completion of the medication course and assessed regarding conventional sperm parameters, chromatin damage/integrity, intracellular oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and seminal antioxidant characteristics. Individuals were further followed up for twelve months for pregnancy occurrence and outcomes. Finally, after excluding patients with no history of RPL, the data was analyzed. RESULTS No significant differences were observed between the baseline measures of the aforementioned parameters except for seminal volume. After the intervention, the mean sperm DNA damage, protamine deficiency, and persisted histones were significantly lower in the ALA group than in placebo receivers (P<0.05). A decrease in the mean of seminal total antioxidant capacity (P=0.03), malondialdehyde (P=0.02), and sperm DNA damage (P=0.004) as well as an increase in sperm total motility (P=0.04) after treatment with ALA was noticed. In addition, the mean of protamine deficiency and persisted histones were declined post-ALA therapy (P=0.003 and 0.002, respectively). The percentage of spontaneous pregnancy in the ALA group (4 of 25 cases; 16%) was higher than in the placebo group (1 of 12, 8.3%). CONCLUSION ALA-therapy attenuates sperm DNA damage and lipid peroxidation while enhancing sperm total motility and chromatin compaction in the male partner of couples with PRL (registration number: IRCT20190406043177N1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Habibi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive
Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohreh Fakhari Zavareh
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive
Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behzad Abbasi
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology,
ACECR, Isfahan, Iran,Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Vahid Esmaeili
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive
Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdolhossein Shahverdi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive
Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Sadighi Gilani
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine,
ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marziyeh Tavalaee
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology,
ACECR, Isfahan, Iran,P.O.Box: 8165131378Department of Animal BiotechnologyReproductive Biomedicine Research CenterRoyan Institute for BiotechnologyACECRIsfahanIran
Emails:,
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology,
ACECR, Isfahan, Iran,Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center, Isfahan, Iran,P.O.Box: 8165131378Department of Animal BiotechnologyReproductive Biomedicine Research CenterRoyan Institute for BiotechnologyACECRIsfahanIran
Emails:,
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Drevet JR, Hallak J, Nasr-Esfahani MH, Aitken RJ. Reactive Oxygen Species and Their Consequences on the Structure and Function of Mammalian Spermatozoa. Antioxid Redox Signal 2022; 37:481-500. [PMID: 34913729 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2021.0235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Significance: Among the 200 or so cell types that comprise mammals, spermatozoa have an ambiguous relationship with the reactive oxygen species (ROS) inherent in the consumption of oxygen that supports aerobic metabolism. Recent Advances: In this review, we shall see that spermatozoa need the action of ROS to reach their structural and functional maturity, but that due to intrinsic unique characteristics, they are, perhaps more than any other cell type, susceptible to oxidative damage. Recent studies have improved our knowledge of how oxidative damage affects sperm structures and functions. The focus of this review will be on how genetic and epigenetic oxidative alterations to spermatozoa can have dramatic unintended consequences in terms of both the support and the suppression of sperm function. Critical Issues: Oxidative stress can have dramatic consequences not only for the spermatozoon itself, but also, and above all, on its primary objective, which is to carry out fertilization and to ensure, in part, that the embryonic development program should lead to a healthy progeny. Future Directions: Sperm oxidative DNA damage largely affects the integrity of the paternal genetic material to such an extent that the oocyte may have difficulties in correcting it. Diagnostic and therapeutic actions should be considered more systematically, especially in men with difficulties to conceive. Research is underway to determine whether the epigenetic information carried by spermatozoa is also subject to changes mediated by pro-oxidative situations. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 37, 481-500.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joël R Drevet
- Faculty of Medicine, GReD Institute, INSERM U1103-CNRS UMR6293-Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jorge Hallak
- Androscience, Science and Innovation Center in Andrology and High-Complex Clinical and Research Andrology Laboratory, São Paulo, Brazil.,Division of Urology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Men's Health Study Group, Institute for Advanced Studies, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Reproductive Toxicology Unit, Department of Pathology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mohammad-Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.,Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Robert J Aitken
- Faculty of Science and Priority Research Center for Reproductive Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia.,Faculty of Health and Medicine, Priority Research Center for Reproductive Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia
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Lawlor M, Zigo M, Kerns K, Cho IK, Easley IV CA, Sutovsky P. Spermatozoan Metabolism as a Non-Traditional Model for the Study of Huntington’s Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137163. [PMID: 35806166 PMCID: PMC9266437 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s Disease (HD) is a fatal autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease manifested through motor dysfunction and cognitive deficits. Decreased fertility is also observed in HD animal models and HD male patients, due to altered spermatogenesis and sperm function, thus resulting in reduced fertilization potential. Although some pharmaceuticals are currently utilized to mitigate HD symptoms, an effective treatment that remedies the pathogenesis of the disease is yet to be approved by the FDA. Identification of genes and relevant diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic target pathways including glycolysis and mitochondrial complex-I-dependent respiration may be advantageous for early diagnosis, management, and treatment of the disease. This review addresses the HD pathway in neuronal and sperm metabolism, including relevant gene and protein expression in both neurons and spermatozoa, indicated in the pathogenesis of HD. Furthermore, zinc-containing and zinc-interacting proteins regulate and/or are regulated by zinc ion homeostasis in both neurons and spermatozoa. Therefore, this review also aims to explore the comparative role of zinc in both neuronal and sperm function. Ongoing studies aim to characterize the products of genes implicated in HD pathogenesis that are expressed in both neurons and spermatozoa to facilitate studies of future treatment avenues in HD and HD-related male infertility. The emerging link between zinc homeostasis and the HD pathway could lead to new treatments and diagnostic methods linking genetic sperm defects with somatic comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Lawlor
- Division of Animal Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (M.L.); (M.Z.); (K.K.)
| | - Michal Zigo
- Division of Animal Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (M.L.); (M.Z.); (K.K.)
| | - Karl Kerns
- Division of Animal Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (M.L.); (M.Z.); (K.K.)
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - In Ki Cho
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (I.K.C.); (C.A.E.IV)
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Charles A. Easley IV
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (I.K.C.); (C.A.E.IV)
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (M.L.); (M.Z.); (K.K.)
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(573)-882-3329
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Impact of Vitamin C on Gene Expression Profile of Inflammatory and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines in the Male Partners of Couples with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss. Int J Inflam 2022; 2022:1222533. [PMID: 35360193 PMCID: PMC8964205 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1222533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune system disorders and increased inflammation in the male reproductive system can lead to fetal risk in the early stages of development and implantation. Antioxidants such as vitamin C can play a protective role against sperm inflammatory reactions. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of vitamin C on the expression of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine genes in the male partners of couples with recurrent pregnancy loss. In this randomized clinical trial, twenty male partners of couples with RPL were examined for sperm parameters and expression profile of some inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine genes before and after treatment with vitamin C. There was a statistically significant higher rate of normal morphology and sperm concentration in each patient before and after treatment with vitamin C (p ≤ 0.05). The mRNA levels of interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were significantly decreased in the sperm of patients after treatment with vitamin C compared to before treatment. In contrast, the gene expression levels of interleukin 4 and transforming growth factor-beta showed a significant increase in the sperm of patients after treatment with vitamin C. Oral daily administration of vitamin C may be effective in the fertility potential of male partners of couples with RPL not only through the improvement of the sperm parameters but also by modulating the expression profile of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory genes. Further studies on protein levels are needed to clarify the role of TNF-⍺ and IFN-γ as a prognostic value in evaluating the recurrent abortion risk in infertile male partners. This trial is registered with IRCT20180312039059N1.
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Zhang X, Wang H, Feng T, Yang J, Huang Q, Lu C, Guan Y, Sun R, Chen M, Qian Y. The relationship between semen factors and unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion. Clin Chim Acta 2020; 510:605-612. [PMID: 32827532 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2020.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The male factor may contribute to unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA). The relationship between semen factors and URSA is largely unknown. The analysis of metabolomics which is broadly acknowledged as the omics closest to the phenotype is suitable for providing assistance in the semen parameters analysis. METHODS We conducted a study including couples with URSA and controls which was next combined with a meta-analysis, and finally the study included 2352 subjects on semen parameters and URSA. Metabolomics analysis was conducted to detect semen metabolic factors related to URSA in total of 106 samples including seminal plasma and sperm cells. RESULTS The URSA group had significantly lower total sperm count, sperm concentration, motility and normal morphology percentage. Meta-analysis next showed consistent findings. Metabolomics revealed that 4 metabolites and one pathway and 8 metabolites and one pathway were significantly associated with URSA in sperm and seminal plasma, respectively. The combination of ascorbic acid and guanine in seminal plasma and hexadecanedioic acid and pyroglutamic acid in sperm showed ability for URSA prediction. CONCLUSION We provided novel insights into semen indices in relation to URSA. Lower sperm number and quality might increase the risk of URSA, and oxidative stress and hormone metabolism in sperm as well as nucleic acid synthesis and oxidative stress in seminal plasma were related to URSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Zhang
- Reproductive Medical Center of Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210011, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Ting Feng
- Reproductive Medical Center of Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210011, China
| | - Jihong Yang
- Reproductive Medical Center of Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210011, China
| | - Qianqian Huang
- Reproductive Medical Center of Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210011, China
| | - Chaoyi Lu
- Reproductive Medical Center of Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210011, China
| | - Yusheng Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Rongli Sun
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Minjian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
| | - Yun Qian
- Reproductive Medical Center of Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210011, China.
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