SARS-CoV-2 effects on sperm parameters: a meta-analysis study

Aim

The rapid outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic posed challenges across different medical fields, especially reproductive health, and gave rise to concerns regarding the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on male infertility, owing to the fact that the male reproductive system indicated to be extremely vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Only a small number of studies have investigated the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on male reproduction, but the results are not consistent. So, we performed this meta-analysis to draw a clearer picture and evaluate the impacts of COVID-19 on male reproductive system.

Method

We searched Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases to identify the potentially relevant studies. Standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was applied to assess the relationship. Heterogeneity testing, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias testing were also performed.

Results

A total of twelve studies including 7 case control investigations and 5 retrospective cohort studies were found relevant and chosen for our research. Our result showed that different sperm parameters including semen volume [SMD =  − 0.27 (− 0.46, − 1.48) (p = 0.00)], sperm concentration [SMD =  − 0.41 (− 0.67, − 0.15) (p = 0.002)], sperm count [SMD =  − 0.30 (− 0.44, − 0.17) (p = 0.00)], sperm motility [SMD =  − 0.66 (− 0.98, − 0.33) (p = 0.00)], and progressive motility [SMD =  − 0.35 (− 0.61, − 0.08) (p = 0.01)] were negatively influenced by SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, sperm concentration (p = 0.07) and progressive motility (p = 0.61) were not found to be significantly associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in case control studies. No publication bias was detected.

Conclusion

The present study revealed the vulnerability of semen quality to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our data showed a strong association of different sperm parameters with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The results suggested that SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients may negatively influence their fertility potential in a short-term period, but more studies are needed to decide about the long-term effects.

Genetic Variants miR-126, miR-146a, miR-196a2, and miR-499 in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Introduction: Alterations in certain microRNAs (miRNAs) and their target genes have reported in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and other disease of the female reproductive system, and so may be potential biomarkers. We hypothesised alterations in the prevalence of four miRNAs single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variants miR-126 rs4636297, miR-146a rs2910164, miR-196a2 rs11614913, and miR-499 rs3746444 in women with PCOS in comparison to healthy controls.

Methods: SNPs in the four miRNAs were determined in 385 patients and 385 controls by standard RT-PCR techniques.

Results: SNPs in miR-126 and miR-246a were significant linked with PCOS under the allelic, dominant, co-dominant, and recessive models (all p ≤ 0.01). The SNP in miR-499 was linked to PCOS in allelic (T, p = 0.002), dominant (p = 0.035) and recessive (p = 0.003) models. The SNPs -196a was significant linked to PCOS only in the recessive model (p = 0.037). Combining these SNPs in miR-499, mi146a, miR-196a and miR-126 respectively into allele haplotypes found highly significant odds ratios (95% CI) of 0.40 (0.29–0.54) (p < 0.001) for the C-G-C-G haplotype, and 0.46 (0.30–0.70) (p = 0.002) for the C-C-C-A haplotype (p = 0.002) for PCOS.

Conclusion: Single SNPs and haplotype combinations in certain SNPs in miR-126, miR-146a, miR-196a2 and miR-499 are strongly linked to PCOS, and so may be useful predictors of this condition.

The effects of hepatitis B virus infection on natural and IVF pregnancy: A meta-analysis study

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been considered a significant cause of human reproductive failure in different studies; however, there is a considerable disagreement on the true impacts of HBV on female reproduction. This study has evaluated the impact of HBV infection on pregnancy complications in natural pregnancy and also on pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.

METHOD

We searched Embase, Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar databases to identify the potentially relevant studies. Summary odds ratio (OR) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was applied to assess the relationship. Heterogeneity testing, sensitivity analysis and publication bias testing were also performed.

RESULTS

A total of 42 studies concerning the effect of HBV infection on the natural and IVF pregnancy were included in this study. Our meta-analysis results revealed that HBV infection had a positive correlation to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) [OR = 1.32 (1.17-1.48) (p < 0.01)] and preterm birth [OR = 1.26 (1.14-1.40) (p < 0.01)] in natural pregnancy; however, HBV infection was not significantly associated with decreased fertility rates among the patients who underwent IVF.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed a strong association of GDM and preterm birth with higher rates of HBV infection in pregnant women. Also, our results suggested that HBV infection in patients undergoing IVF may not negatively influence the pregnancy outcome. It may be rational to conclude that IVF might be rather a safe and effective method for HBV+ females who desire to have children.

SARS-CoV-2 effects on male reproduction: should men be worried??

The rapid spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has placed a global challenge on both healthcare and society. So far, studies have shown that men are more prone to become ill than women and are more likely to die compared to female patients. Higher rates of positive cases and fatality in men than women have drawn the attention of scientists to investigate the possible impacts of SARS-CoV-2 on the male reproductive system. In this review, we tried to summarise so far findings on the effect of the SARS-CoV-2 on the male reproductive function to further assess the potential risks of this novel coronavirus on male reproductive health.

Evaluation of Helicobacter pylori Genotypes in Obese Patients with Gastric Ulcer, Duodenal Ulcer, and Gastric Cancer: An Observational Study

INTRODUCTION

Obesity is a well-known risk factor for a variety of gastrointestinal disorders (GID). Helicobacter pylori is associated with different GID, such as gastric cancer and chronic gastritis. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of dominant genotypes in H. pylori isolated from obese patients diagnosed with gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, and gastric cancer.

METHODS

A total of 222 H. pylori-positive samples were collected from patients with obesity. GID and gastric cancer were identified by endoscopy and histopathology, respectively. Three biopsy specimens from the gastric antrum were obtained from each patient for culture tests, histological examination, and identification of vacuolating cytotoxin A (vacA) (vacA s1, vacA s2, vacA m1, vacA m2, vacA s1m1 vacA s1m2, vacA s2m1, and vacA s2m2), cagA, cagE, iceA1, oipA, dupA, and babA2 using polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

vacA, cagE, cagA, iceA1, oipA, dupA, and babA2 genes were detected in 222 (100%), 171 (77%), 161 (72.5%), 77 (34.6%), 77 (34.6%), 137 (61%), and 69 (31%) patients with obesity, respectively. Our findings revealed that vacA, iceA1, oipA, and babA2 were significantly associated with a higher risk of GID, while cagE, cagA, and dupA indicated no correlation with the development of GID. Also, in the combination of s- and m-region genotypes, s1m2 (79%) was the most frequently identified genotype in patients with obesity. A significant association was also found between cagA and the presence of vacA genotypes (except for vacA m1 and babA2).

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicated the high prevalence of different virulence genes in H. pylori isolated from obese patients and supported the significant role of H. pylori in the development of GID.

CD44 polymorphisms and its variants, as an inconsistent marker in cancer investigations

Among cell surface markers, CD44 is considered the main marker for identifying and isolating the cancer stem cells (CSCs) among other cells and has attracted significant attention in a variety of research areas. Many studies have shown the essential roles of CD44 in initiation, metastasis, and tumorigenesis in different types of cancer; however, the validity of CD44 as a therapeutic or diagnostic target has not been fully confirmed in some other studies. Whereas the association of specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CD44 gene and related variants with cancer risk have been observed in clinical investigations, the significance of these findings remains controversial. Here, we aimed to provide an up-to-date overview of recent studies on the association of CD44 polymorphisms and its variants with different kinds of cancer to determine whether or not it can be used as an appropriate candidate for cancer tracking.

MicroRNA variants in endometriosis and its severity

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are naturally occurring posttranscriptional regulatory molecules that potentially play a role in endometriotic lesion development.Method: We evaluated the prevalence of miRNAs variants miR-146a rs2910164, miR-149 rs2292832, miR-196a2 rs11614913, and miR-499 rs3746444 in endometriosis in 260 cases and 260 controls. DNA was extracted and genotyping of the SNPs was carried out by PCR.Results: There was a significant association of rs2910164 and rs2292832 with increased rates of endometriosis under the dominant (p < 0.001), recessive (p < 0.05), co-dominant (p < 0.001), and allelic model (p < 0.001). Also, rs3746444 showed a borderline association with endometriosis under the recessive model (p = 0.05); however, rs11614913 was not linked to endometriosis. Further analysis indicated the significant association of miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphism genotypes (GG, GC, and CC) and miR-149 rs2292832 genotypes (CC and CT) with endometriosis severity in patients (p < 0.001). Additionally, haplotype frequency in cases compared to controls and Linkage disequilibrium (LD) between the mentioned SNPs was appraised.Conclusion: MiR-146a, miR-149 and miR-499 may have a role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.

Association analysis of KISS1 polymorphisms and haplotypes with polycystic ovary syndrome

INTRODUCTION

KISS1 play an essential role in human reproductive functions by regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Loss-of-function mutations in this gene have been frequently identified in patients with different reproductive disorders. We hypothesised links between KISS1 polymorphisms and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In order to find links between KISS1 polymorphisms rs4889 C > G, rs12998 G > A, and rs35431622 A > G with PCOS, 770 blood samples were obtained from 385 control and 385 PCOS women. DNA was extracted, and genotyped for KISS1 variants by PCR.

RESULTS

rs12998 G > A was linked to PCOS in dominant (p < 0.001), recessive (p < 0.001), co-dominant (p < 0.001), and allelic models (p < 0.001). In addition, rs4889 C > G was linked in recessive, dominant, co-dominant, and allelic models (p < 0.001). rs35431622 A > G was not linked to PCOS. Further analysis indicated that C-G-G haplotype was more common and G-A-G haplotype was less prevalent in cases compared with controls.

CONCLUSION

KISS1 variants rs12998 G > A and rs4889 C > G may be linked to the pathophysiology of PCOS.

Opportunities and challenges of the tag-assisted protein purification techniques: Applications in the pharmaceutical industry

Tag-assisted protein purification is a method of choice for both academic researches and large-scale industrial demands. Application of the purification tags in the protein production process can help to save time and cost, but the design and application of tagged fusion proteins are challenging. An appropriate tagging strategy must provide sufficient expression yield and high purity for the final protein products while preserving their native structure and function. Thanks to the recent advances in the bioinformatics and emergence of high-throughput techniques (e.g. SEREX), many new tags are introduced to the market. A variety of interfering and non-interfering tags have currently broadened their application scope beyond the traditional use as a simple purification tool. They can take part in many biochemical and analytical features and act as solubility and protein expression enhancers, probe tracker for online visualization, detectors of post-translational modifications, and carrier-driven tags. Given the variability and growing number of the purification tags, here we reviewed the protein- and peptide-structured purification tags used in the affinity, ion-exchange, reverse phase, and immobilized metal ion affinity chromatographies. We highlighted the demand for purification tags in the pharmaceutical industry and discussed the impact of self-cleavable tags, aggregating tags, and nanotechnology on both the column-based and column-free purification techniques.

The effects of human immunodeficiency virus, human papillomavirus, herpes simplex virus-1 and -2, human herpesvirus-6 and -8, cytomegalovirus, and hepatitis B and C virus on female fertility and pregnancy

Female infertility may be defined as a woman of reproductive age being unable to become pregnant after a year of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Social, genetic, endocrine, physiological, and psychological factors as well as lifestyle habits (i.e., smoking and alcohol consumption), either alone or in combination with male factors, are major causes. However, approximately 15-30% of cases of female infertility remain unexplained. Numerous investigations have also indicated that microbiomes play an important role in human reproduction. All parts of the female reproductive system may be influenced by infectious and pathological agents, especially viruses, and these may interfere with reproductive function and so are risk factors for infertility, although in many cases an exact role is unclear. We present an overview of the impact of common viral infections on female reproduction, searching Medline, PubMed, Scopus, and Google scholar databases for potentially relevant studies of viruses known to have a potential effect. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), herpes simplex virus (HSV) and human herpesvirus (HHV) increase infertility rates whilst human papillomavirus (HPV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and hepatitis B and C virus (HBV, HCV) infections mostly lead to higher abortion and miscarriage rates. Moreover, HPV infection is linked to increased tubal infertility, endometriosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease. HPV was the most frequently observed infection and with lower pregnancy rate and foetal death in women undergoing IVF treatments. Assisted reproductive treatment could be a safe and effective approach for HIV and HBV infected women.

Bacterial infection of the male reproductive system causing infertility

Bacterial infections play a disruptive and hidden role in male reproductive failure. Different kinds of bacteria are often able to interfere with reproductive function in both sexes and lead to infertility. In this study, to further evaluate the role of bacterial infections in male reproduction we provided an extensive overview of so far researches investigating the effects of bacterial infections on male fertility. We searched Medline, PubMed, Scopus and Google scholar databases to identify the potentially relevant studies on bacterial infections and their implications in male infertility. All the bacteria included in this article have negative effects on the male reproductive function; however, there is ample evidence to blame bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma, Mycoplasma and Staphylococcus aureus for reduced fertility and deterioration of sperm parameters. More studies are needed to clarify the molecular mechanisms by which different bacteria exert their detrimental effects on male reproductive system. Getting more insight into probable mechanisms, would significantly facilitate the production of new, advanced, and effective remedies in the future. In view of all evidence, we strongly suggest increasing awareness among people and considering screening programs for patients seeking fertility both to avoid transmission and to improve fertility outcomes among them.

The advantages and disadvantages of sleeve gastrectomy; clinical laboratory to bedside review

Sleeve gastrectomy is a surgical technique and a leading method in metabolic surgery. Sleeve gastrectomy gained ever-increasing popularity among laparoscopic surgeons involved in bariatric surgery and has proved to be a successful method in achieving considerable weight loss in a short time. There are some disparate effects that patients may experience after sleeve gastrectomy including a reduction in BMI, weight, blood pressure, stroke, and cancer and also a significant remission in obesity-related diseases including type 2 diabetes (T2D), Non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD), cardiovascular disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and craniopharyngioma-related hypothalamic obesity as well as non-obesity-related diseases such as gout, musculoskeletal problems, ovarian disorders and urinary incontinence. The most common complications of sleeve gastrectomy are bleeding, nutrient deficiencies, and leakage. There are several studies on the impact of gender and ethnic disparities on post-operative complications. This study collects state of the art of reports on sleeve gastrectomy. The aim of this study was to analyze recent studies and review the advantages and disadvantages of sleeve gastrectomy.

Association study of rs10768683 and rs968857 polymorphisms with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) in a southern Iranian population

Previous studies reported that detection of polymorphisms inherited through paternal model could be potential markers for the Non-Invasive Prenatal Diagnosis (NIPD) of β-thalassemia. The aim of the current study was to find out the associations of rs10768683 and rs968857 with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) in a southern Iranian population. A total of 175 subjects were investigated, divided into patients with TDT as case group (n = 75) and healthy people as control group (n = 100). Genomic DNAs were extracted from peripheral blood using salting out procedure. Genotyping rs10768683 and rs968857 was carried out by ARMS-PCR, then statistical analyses were assessed using SPSS, and Medcalc ver. 18 software. Data showed that rs10768683 was statistically significant in co-dominant model of inheritance (P = 0.025, OR = 2.11 [1.08-4.15]) and genotype frequencies of CG among controls and cases were 0.68 and 0.80, respectively. However, according to genotype frequencies, there was no association between rs968857 and TDT among cases and healthy controls in any models of inheritance. In conclusion, the present study showed the association of rs10768683 with major β-thalassemia through ARMS-PCR technique.