1
|
Agudo-Rios C, Sanchez-Rodriguez A, Idrovo IID, Laborda-Gomariz JÁ, Soler AJ, Teves ME, Roldan ERS. Sperm Chromatin Status and DNA Fragmentation in Mouse Species with Divergent Mating Systems. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15954. [PMID: 37958937 PMCID: PMC10648696 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115954] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm DNA integrity and chromatin status serve as pivotal indicators of sperm quality, given their intricate link to sperm function, embryo development, and overall fertility. Defects in chromatin compaction, which are often associated with compromised protamine content, can lead to damaged DNA strands. In this study, the chromatin status and possible correlation with DNA damage was assessed in males of three mouse species: Mus musculus, M. spretus, and M. spicilegus. We employed various staining methods, including aniline blue, methylene blue (Diff-Quik), toluidine blue, and chromomycin A3, to assess chromatin compaction in cauda epididymal sperm. Samples were also analyzed by the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) to estimate DNA fragmentation (%tDFI, %HDS). Analyses were carried out on freshly collected sperm and cells incubated for 3 h in a HEPES-buffered modified Tyrode's medium simulating conditions of the female reproductive tract. Notably, the analysis of chromatin status yielded minimal abnormal values across all three species employing diverse methodologies. SCSA analyses revealed distinct variations in %tDFI between species. Following sperm incubation, the percentages of sperm stained with methylene blue exhibited differences among the species and were significantly correlated to the DNA fragmentation index. HDS demonstrated correlations with the percentages of sperm stained by aniline blue, methylene blue, and chromomycin A3. Overall, chromatin compaction was high across all species, with limited differences among them. The relationship between chromatin status and DNA integrity appeared to be related to levels of sperm competition among species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clara Agudo-Rios
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Sanchez-Rodriguez
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ingrid I. D. Idrovo
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Ana J. Soler
- SaBio IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), ETSIAM, Campus Universitario, 02071 Albacete, Spain
| | - Maria E. Teves
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Eduardo R. S. Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Agudo-Rios C, Rogers A, King I, Bhagat V, Nguyen LMT, Córdova-Fletes C, Krapf D, Strauss JF, Arévalo L, Merges GE, Schorle H, Roldan ERS, Teves ME. SPAG17 mediates nuclear translocation of protamines during spermiogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1125096. [PMID: 37766963 PMCID: PMC10520709 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1125096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Protamines (PRM1 and PRM2) are small, arginine-rich, nuclear proteins that replace histones in the final stages of spermiogenesis, ensuring chromatin compaction and nuclear remodeling. Defects in protamination lead to increased DNA fragmentation and reduced male fertility. Since efficient sperm production requires the translocation of protamines from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, we investigated whether SPAG17, a protein crucial for intracellular protein trafficking during spermiogenesis, participates in protamine transport. Initially, we assessed the protein-protein interaction between SPAG17 and protamines using proximity ligation assays, revealing a significant interaction originating in the cytoplasm and persisting within the nucleus. Subsequently, immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry (IP/MS) assays validated this initial observation. Sperm and spermatids from Spag17 knockout mice exhibited abnormal protamination, as revealed by chromomycin A3 staining, suggesting defects in protamine content. However, no differences were observed in the expression of Prm1 and Prm2 mRNA or in protein levels between testes of wild-type and Spag17 knockout mice. Conversely, immunofluorescence studies conducted on isolated mouse spermatids unveiled reduced nuclear/cytoplasm ratios of protamines in Spag17 knockout spermatids compared to wild-type controls, implying transport defects of protamines into the spermatid nucleus. In alignment with these findings, in vitro experiments involving somatic cells, including mouse embryonic fibroblasts, exhibited compromised nuclear translocation of PRM1 and PRM2 in the absence of SPAG17. Collectively, our results present compelling evidence that SPAG17 facilitates the transport of protamines from the cytoplasm to the nucleus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clara Agudo-Rios
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Amber Rogers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Isaiah King
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Virali Bhagat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Le My Tu Nguyen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Carlos Córdova-Fletes
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Diego Krapf
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Jerome F. Strauss
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Lena Arévalo
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gina Esther Merges
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Eduardo R. S. Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Eugenia Teves
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pourmasumi S, Nazari A, Ahmadi Z, Kouni SN, de Gregorio C, Koniari I, Dousdampanis P, Mplani V, Plotas P, Assimakopoulos S, Gogos C, Aidonisdis G, Roditis P, Matsas N, Velissaris D, Calogiuri G, Hung MY, Altay S, Kounis NG. The Effect of Long COVID-19 Infection and Vaccination on Male Fertility; A Narrative Review. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10121982. [PMID: 36560392 PMCID: PMC9783106 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10121982] [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: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Earlier research has suggested that the male reproductive system could be particularly vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection, and infections involving this novel disease not only pose serious health threats but could also cause male infertility. Data from multi-organ research during the recent outbreak indicate that male infertility might not be diagnosed as a possible consequence of COVID-19 infection. Several review papers have summarized the etiology factors on male fertility, but to date no review paper has been published defining the effect of COVID-19 infection on male fertility. Therefore, the aim of this study is to review the published scientific evidence regarding male fertility potential, the risk of infertility during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on the male reproductive system. The effects of COVID-19 infection and the subsequent vaccination on seminal fluid, sperm count, sperm motility, sperm morphology, sperm viability, testes and sex hormones are particularly reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soheila Pourmasumi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan 7717933777, Iran
- Clinical Research Development Unit, Ali-Ibn Abi-Talib Hospital, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan 7717933777, Iran
| | - Alireza Nazari
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan 7717933777, Iran
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan 7717933777, Iran
| | - Zahra Ahmadi
- Pistachio Safety Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan 7717933777, Iran
| | | | - Cesare de Gregorio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina Medical School, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Ioanna Koniari
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
| | - Periklis Dousdampanis
- Department of Nephrology, Saint Andrews State General Hospital, 26221 Patras, Greece
| | - Virginia Mplani
- Intensive Care Unit, Patras University Hospital, 26500 Patras, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Plotas
- Department of Speech Therapy, University of Patras, 26500 Patras, Greece
| | - Stelios Assimakopoulos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Patras Medical School, 26500 Patras, Greece
| | - Christos Gogos
- COVID-19 Unit, Papageorgiou General Hospital, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Pavlos Roditis
- Department of Cardiology, Mamatsio Kozanis General Hospital, 50100 Kozani, Greece
| | - Nikos Matsas
- Cardiology Private Practice, 30131 Agrinion, Greece
| | | | - Gianfranco Calogiuri
- Pneumonology Department, Civil Hospital “Ninetto Melli”, Pietro Vernoti, 72027 Brindisi, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Section of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Bari Medical School, 70121 Bari, Italy
| | - Ming-Yow Hung
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Taipei Heart Institute, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Servet Altay
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine Trakya University, Edirne 22030, Turkey
| | - Nicholas G. Kounis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Patras Medical School, 26500 Patras, Greece
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
PRM1 Gene Expression and Its Protein Abundance in Frozen-Thawed Spermatozoa as Potential Fertility Markers in Breeding Bulls. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9030111. [PMID: 35324839 PMCID: PMC8951773 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9030111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional genes and proteins in sperm play an essential role in bulls’ reproductive processes. They are more accurate in determining bull fertility than conventional semen quality tests. Protamine-1 (PRM1) is a gene or protein crucial for packaging and protecting sperm DNA until fertilization affects normal sperm function. This study analyzes the genes and proteins potential from PRM1 as fertility markers for different breeds of bulls utilized in the artificial insemination programs, expected to be an accurate tool in interpreting bull fertility in Indonesia. This study used Limousin, Holstein, and Ongole Grade bulls divided into two groups based on fertility, high-fertility (HF) and low fertility (LF). The semen quality assessment included progressive motility (computer-assisted semen analysis), viability (eosin-nigrosine), and plasma membrane integrity (HOS test). Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) was assessed using the acridine orange staining and the Halomax test. Sperm PRM deficiency was evaluated with the chromomycin A3 method. Moreover, PRM1 gene expression was measured using qRT-PCR, and the PRM1 protein abundance was measured with the enzyme immunoassay method. Semen quality values, relative expression of PRM1 gene, and quantity of PRM1 protein were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in HF bulls than in LF bulls. The SDF and PRM deficiency values in LF bulls were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than HF bulls. Additionally, PRM1 at the gene and protein levels correlated significantly (p < 0.01) with fertility. Therefore, PRM1 is a potential candidate for fertility markers in bulls in Indonesia.
Collapse
|
5
|
Nazari A, Sabeti P, Pourmasumi S. Comparison between sperm parameters and chromatin in recurrent pregnancy loss couples after antioxidant therapy. J Family Med Prim Care 2020; 9:597-601. [PMID: 32318388 PMCID: PMC7113919 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1105_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims: Recurrent Pregnancy loss (RPL) is a heterogeneous disease. The role of maternal factor is clear but the relationship between the paternal factors remains uncertain. It has been shown that increase the level of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and decrease the antioxidant levels in men can lead to RPL. New researches show treatment with antioxidant can improved sperm parameter. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of vitamin E plus Zinc therapy on sperm parameters and chromatin quality in couples with RPL. Methods: In this clinical trial study, 60 RPL patients were selected from RPL clinic. Standard sperm parameters were analyzed and then male partners were intake vitamin E and Zinc in antioxidant therapy plan for 90 days. After that, sperm parameters were analyzed again. Sperm chromatin assay was reviewed before and after vitamin E and Zinc therapy by cytochemical assay including aniline blue (AB), chromomycin A3 (CMA3), toluidine blue (TB). To assess DNA fragmentation index, TUNEL test was used. Data were analyzed and compared before and after treatment. Results: data analysis showed all sperm parameters significantly improved after treatment (P < 0.001). The number of AB+ and TB+ sperms were decreased significantly after vitamin E and Zinc therapy (P = 0.0001). Decrease in DNA fragmentation in post treatment group in comparison to pre-treatment was statistically significant. Conclusion: Supplemental of vitamin E plus Zinc may improve sperm parameters chromatin quality and decrease sperm DNA fragmentation in RPL patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Nazari
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran.,Clinical Research Development Unit (CRDU), Moradi Hospital, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Parvin Sabeti
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Soheila Pourmasumi
- Clinical Research Development Unit (CRDU), Moradi Hospital, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran.,Pistachio Safety Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|