1
|
Yang W, Hua R, Cao Y, He X. A metabolomic perspective on the mechanisms by which environmental pollutants and lifestyle lead to male infertility. Andrology 2024; 12:719-739. [PMID: 37815095 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of male infertility (MI) is rising annually. According to epidemiological studies, environmental pollution (e.g., organic, inorganic, and air pollutants), occupational exposure (e.g., high temperature, organic solvents, and pesticides), and poor lifestyle (e.g., diet, sleep, smoking, alcohol consumption, and exercise) are important non-genetic causative factors of MI. Due to multiple and complex causative factors, the dose-effect relationship, and the uncertainty of pathogenicity, the pathogenesis of MI is far from fully clarified. Recent data show that the pathogenesis of MI can be monitored by the metabolites in serum, seminal plasma, urine, testicular tissue, sperm, and other biological samples. It is considered that these metabolites are closely related to MI phenotypes and can directly reflect the individual pathological and physiological conditions. Therefore, qualitative and quantitative analysis of the metabolome, the related metabolic pathways, and the identification of biomarkers will help to explore the MI-related metabolic problems and provide valuable insights into its pathogenic mechanisms. Here, we summarized new findings in MI metabolomics biomarkers research and their abnormal metabolic pathways triggered by the presented non-genetic risk factors, providing a metabolic landscape of semen and seminal plasma in general MI patients. Then, we compared the similarities and differences in semen and seminal plasma biomarkers between MI patients exposed to environmental and poor lifestyle factors and MI patients in general, and summarized some common biomarkers. We provide a better understanding of the biological underpinnings of MI pathogenesis, which might offer novel diagnostic, prognostic, and precise treatment approaches to MI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Rong Hua
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Victor Oluwaloseyi A, Aduragbemi Noah O, Lydia Oluwatoyin A, Gaffar Y, Moses O, Oyedayo Phillips A, Comfort Onaolapo M, Sylvester Olateju B, Ademola Ayodele A, Mega Obukohwo O, Ayodeji Folorunsho A. Metabolomics of male infertility. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 556:117850. [PMID: 38431200 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2024.117850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
This review explores the use of metabolomics in male infertility. Metabolomics, an evolving omics technology that targets the products of cellular metabolism, is valuable for elucidating underlying pathophysiology of many disorders including male infertility. The identification of reliable biomarkers is essential for accurate diagnosis and for developing precision therapeutics for those afflicted by reproductive dysfunction. Unfortunately, despite significant progress to date, the intricate relationships between these metabolic pathways and male infertility remain elusive. It is clear, however, that additional research is required to more fully characterize the role of metabolomics in this disorder and in the potential development of targeted therapies for precision medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amos Victor Oluwaloseyi
- Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria; Anchor Biomed Research Institute, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Odeyemi Aduragbemi Noah
- Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Ajayi Lydia Oluwatoyin
- Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Yusuff Gaffar
- Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Olotu Moses
- Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | | | - Moyinoluwa Comfort Onaolapo
- Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria; Anchor Biomed Research Institute, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | | | - Adelakun Ademola Ayodele
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | | | - Ajayi Ayodeji Folorunsho
- Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria; Anchor Biomed Research Institute, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria; Department of Physiology, Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Freitas-Martins A, Sousa MI, Cristo MI, Ramalho-Santos J, Amaral S. Metabolic characterization of human sperm cells using the Seahorse metabolic flux analyzer. Andrology 2024; 12:410-421. [PMID: 37357530 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13486] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The concerning trend on male infertility global prevalence, together with the unexplainable causes in half of those cases, highlights that there are still aspects of this disease to be understood and solved. To address this issue, one should not only be aware of the limitations of the implemented diagnostic tools, but also understand the sperm cell in depth, structurally, biochemically, molecularly in order to develop reliable and ready-to-be new/improved diagnostic tools. In this sense, the sperm cells metabolism, highly related to its functionality, seems to be a promising aspect to explore. Though there is much information on the human sperm metabolism, there is still a lack of a quick integrated and comprehensive analysis that may be introduced with the potential to reveal innovative clinically relevant information. OBJECTIVES Find metabolic details on human sperm that can be accessed easily, in real time and using few cells, relying on the bivalent potential of the Seahorse flux analyzer (SFA). RESULTS We have obtained standard records on human sperm cells' oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), that together with the metabolic metrics provided information on sperm cells' oxidative and glycolytic metabolism. Furthermore, a metabolic interindividual variation was observed. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Although the comparison with other species or cell types is not linear and warrant further studies, the metabolic profile of human sperm cells seems to be similar to that of other species. Altogether our results corroborate the value of SFA for metabolic human sperm cell analysis, warranting new studies, and anticipating several applications in the male infertility field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Artur Freitas-Martins
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- CNC-Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- IIIUC-Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Inês Sousa
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- CNC-Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- IIIUC-Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Inês Cristo
- CNC-Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- IIIUC-Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Ramalho-Santos
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- CNC-Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sandra Amaral
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- CNC-Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- IIIUC-Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Li J, Yang F, Dong L, Chang D, Yu X. Seminal plasma biomarkers for predicting successful sperm retrieval in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia: a narrative review of human studies. Basic Clin Androl 2023; 33:9. [PMID: 37076787 PMCID: PMC10116801 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-023-00184-0] [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: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is considered to be the most severe form of male infertility. Before the emergence of surgical testicular sperm extraction and assisted reproductive technology, NOA patients could hardly become biological fathers of their children. However, failure of the surgery could cause physical and psychological harm to patients such as testicular damage, pain, hopeless of fertility and additional cost. Therefore, predicting the successful sperm retrieval (SSR) is so important for NOA patients to make their choice whether to do the surgery or not. Because seminal plasma is secreted by the testes and accessory gonads, it can reflect the spermatogenic environment, making it a preferential choice for SSR valuation. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the available evidence and provide the reader with a broad overview of biomarkers in seminal plasma for SSR prediction. RESULTS A total of 15,390 studies were searched from PUBMED, EMBASE, CENTRAL and Web of Science, but only 6615 studies were evaluated after duplications were removed. The abstracts of 6513 articles were excluded because they were irrelevant to the topic. The full texts of 102 articles were obtained, with 21 of them being included in this review. The included studies range in quality from medium to high. In the included articles, surgical sperm extraction methods included conventional testicular sperm extraction (TESE) and microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE). Currently, the biomarkers in seminal plasma used to predict SSR are primarily RNAs, metabolites, AMH, inhibin B, leptin, survivin, clusterin, LGALS3BP, ESX1, TEX101, TNP1, DAZ, PRM1 and PRM2. CONCLUSION The evidence does not conclusively indicate that AMH and INHB in seminal plasma are valuable to predict the SSR. It is worth noting that RNAs, metabolites and other biomarkers in seminal plasma have shown great potential in predicting SSR. However, existing evidence is insufficient to provide clinicians with adequate decision support, and more prospective, large sample size, and multicenter trials are urgently needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junjun Li
- Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, The Fifth People's Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611130, Chengdu, China
| | - Fang Yang
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 610072, Chengdu, China
| | - Liang Dong
- The Reproductive & Women-Children Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Degui Chang
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 610072, Chengdu, China
| | - Xujun Yu
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Serri O, Boguenet M, Chao de la Barca JM, Bouet PE, El Hachem H, Blanchet O, Reynier P, May-Panloup P. A Metabolomic Profile of Seminal Fluid in Extremely Severe Oligozoopermia Suggesting an Epididymal Involvement. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12121266. [PMID: 36557304 PMCID: PMC9783920 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12121266] [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: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Male infertility has increased in the last decade. Pathophysiologic mechanisms behind extreme oligospermia (EO) are not yet fully understood. In new “omics” approaches, metabolomic can offer new information and help elucidate these mechanisms. We performed a metabolomics study of the seminal fluid (SF) in order to understand the mechanisms implicated in EO. We realized a targeted quantitative analysis using high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry to compare the SF metabolomic profile of 19 men with EO with that of 22 men with a history of vasectomy (V) and 20 men with normal semen parameters (C). A total of 114 metabolites were identified. We obtained a multivariate OPLS-DA model discriminating the three groups. Signatures show significantly higher levels of amino acids and polyamines in C group. The sum of polyunsaturated fatty acids and free carnitine progressively decrease between the three groups (C > EO > V) and sphingomyelins are significantly lower in V group. Our signature characterizing EO includes metabolites already linked to infertility in previous studies. The similarities between the signatures of the EO and V groups are clear evidence of epididymal dysfunction in the case of testicular damage. This study shows the complexity of the metabolomic dysfunction occurring in the SF of EO men and underlines the importance of metabolomics in understanding male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Orianne Serri
- Reproductive Biology Unit, Angers University Hospital, 49000 Angers, France
- Correspondence:
| | - Magalie Boguenet
- MITOVASC, INSERM 1083-CNRS 6015, SFR ICAT, Angers University, IBS–CHU, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Juan Manuel Chao de la Barca
- MITOVASC, INSERM 1083-CNRS 6015, SFR ICAT, Angers University, IBS–CHU, 49000 Angers, France
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, Angers University Hospital, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Pierre-Emmanuel Bouet
- MITOVASC, INSERM 1083-CNRS 6015, SFR ICAT, Angers University, IBS–CHU, 49000 Angers, France
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Angers University Hospital, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Hady El Hachem
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1100, Lebanon
| | - Odile Blanchet
- CRB, BB-0033-00038, Angers University Hospital, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Pascal Reynier
- MITOVASC, INSERM 1083-CNRS 6015, SFR ICAT, Angers University, IBS–CHU, 49000 Angers, France
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, Angers University Hospital, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Pascale May-Panloup
- Reproductive Biology Unit, Angers University Hospital, 49000 Angers, France
- MITOVASC, INSERM 1083-CNRS 6015, SFR ICAT, Angers University, IBS–CHU, 49000 Angers, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Blaurock J, Baumann S, Grunewald S, Schiller J, Engel KM. Metabolomics of Human Semen: A Review of Different Analytical Methods to Unravel Biomarkers for Male Fertility Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169031. [PMID: 36012302 PMCID: PMC9409482 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Human life without sperm is not possible. Therefore, it is alarming that the fertilizing ability of human spermatozoa is continuously decreasing. The reasons for that are widely unknown, but there is hope that metabolomics-based investigations may be able to contribute to overcoming this problem. This review summarizes the attempts made so far. Methods: We will discuss liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS), gas chromatography (GC), infrared (IR) and Raman as well as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Almost all available studies apply one of these methods. Results: Depending on the methodology used, different compounds can be detected, which is (in combination with sophisticated methods of bioinformatics) helpful to estimate the state of the sperm. Often, but not in all cases, there is a correlation with clinical parameters such as the sperm mobility. Conclusions: LC-MS detects the highest number of metabolites and can be considered as the method of choice. Unfortunately, the reproducibility of some studies is poor, and, thus, further improvements of the study designs are needed to overcome this problem. Additionally, a stronger focus on the biochemical consequences of the altered metabolite concentrations is also required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janet Blaurock
- Training Center of the European Academy of Andrology (EAA), Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology Clinic, University Hospital Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sven Baumann
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Legal Medicine, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sonja Grunewald
- Training Center of the European Academy of Andrology (EAA), Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology Clinic, University Hospital Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jürgen Schiller
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, Leipzig University, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kathrin M. Engel
- Training Center of the European Academy of Andrology (EAA), Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology Clinic, University Hospital Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, Leipzig University, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sengupta P, Roychoudhury S, Nath M, Dutta S. Oxidative Stress and Idiopathic Male Infertility. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1358:181-204. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-89340-8_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
8
|
Agarwal A, Baskaran S, Parekh N, Cho CL, Henkel R, Vij S, Arafa M, Panner Selvam MK, Shah R. Male infertility. Lancet 2021; 397:319-333. [PMID: 33308486 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(20)32667-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 391] [Impact Index Per Article: 130.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
It is estimated that infertility affects 8-12% of couples globally, with a male factor being a primary or contributing cause in approximately 50% of couples. Causes of male subfertility vary highly, but can be related to congenital, acquired, or idiopathic factors that impair spermatogenesis. Many health conditions can affect male fertility, which underscores the need for a thorough evaluation of patients to identify treatable or reversible lifestyle factors or medical conditions. Although semen analysis remains the cornerstone for evaluating male infertility, advanced diagnostic tests to investigate sperm quality and function have been developed to improve diagnosis and management. The use of assisted reproductive techniques has also substantially improved the ability of couples with infertility to have biological children. This Seminar aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the assessment and management of men with infertility, along with current controversies and future endeavours.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Saradha Baskaran
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Neel Parekh
- Department of Urology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Chak-Lam Cho
- SH Ho Urology Center, Department of Surgery, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ralf Henkel
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Medical Bioscience, University of Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sarah Vij
- Department of Urology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Mohamed Arafa
- Male Infertility Unit, Urology Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Andrology Department, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Rupin Shah
- Department of Urology, Lilavati Hospital and Research Center, Mumbai, India
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Liu P, Yuan G, Zhou Q, Liu Y, He X, Zhang H, Guo Y, Wen Y, Huang S, Ke Y, Chen J. The association between metal exposure and semen quality in Chinese males: The mediating effect of androgens. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 264:113975. [PMID: 32559873 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.113975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
As a crucial factor in male reproduction, androgens may represent an intermediate biological mechanism linking metal exposure with effects on semen quality. This study aimed to investigate the association between metal exposure and semen quality, and to assess the mediating role of seminal androgens between metal exposure and semen quality. We investigated the presence of 10 metals in semen and assessed their effect on semen quality in 1136 men recruited from a hospital in Shenzhen, China. Of these, 464 subjects were randomly selected for 4 androgens detection in semen. Cross-sectional associations between single/multiple metals, androgen levels and semen quality were explored by multivariable linear regressions. Mediation analysis was performed to detect the role of seminal androgens on the association between metal exposure and semen quality. Seminal selenium and iron were positively associated with both sperm concentration and total sperm count. Negative associations were observed between both manganese and zinc and sperm concentration, molybdenum and total sperm count, copper and sperm motility. Furthermore, we found significant dose-dependent relationships between both iron and selenium levels and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), arsenic levels and testosterone, as well as zinc and dehydroepiandrosterone. Mediation analysis indicated that higher seminal iron and selenium were associated with an increasing sperm concentration after controlling for DHT, with 10.32% and 12.89% of these associations were mediated by DHT, respectively. A similar mediation effect of DHT was observed in the associations between iron and selenium levels and total sperm count (13.39% and 21.57% mediation, respectively). Our findings suggested that the presence of selenium and iron in semen was beneficial to sperm concentration and total count. Seminal manganese, zinc, molybdenum and copper may be associated with reduced semen quality. The associations between seminal selenium and iron and sperm concentration and total count were partially explained by the concomitant variation of seminal DHT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peiyi Liu
- Department of Molecular Epidemiology, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 Longyuan Rd, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Rd, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Guanxiang Yuan
- Laboratory of Physical Testing and Chemical Analysis, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 Longyuan Rd, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- Shenzhen People's Hospital, 1017 Dongmen North Rd, Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Shenzhen People's Hospital, 1017 Dongmen North Rd, Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinpeng He
- Department of Molecular Epidemiology, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 Longyuan Rd, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Huimin Zhang
- Laboratory of Physical Testing and Chemical Analysis, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 Longyuan Rd, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Yinsheng Guo
- Department of Environment and Health, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 Longyuan Rd, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Wen
- Department of Molecular Epidemiology, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 Longyuan Rd, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Suli Huang
- Department of Environment and Health, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 Longyuan Rd, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuebin Ke
- Department of Molecular Epidemiology, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 Longyuan Rd, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinquan Chen
- Department of Molecular Epidemiology, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 Longyuan Rd, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Memili E, Moura AA, Kaya A. Metabolomes of sperm and seminal plasma associated with bull fertility. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 220:106355. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
|
11
|
Panner Selvam MK, Finelli R, Agarwal A, Henkel R. Proteomics and metabolomics - Current and future perspectives in clinical andrology. Andrologia 2020; 53:e13711. [PMID: 32598566 DOI: 10.1111/and.13711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteomics and metabolomics are emerging as promising tools to investigate the molecular mechanisms associated with male infertility. Proteins and metabolites play a pivotal role in regulating the molecular pathways associated with physiological functions of spermatozoa. Semen analysis, physical examination and laboratory work up cannot identify the etiology of infertility in 30%-40% of cases, which are classified as idiopathic. Therefore, the application of proteomics and metabolomics in the field of andrology will aid to overcome the limitations of the standard semen analysis. Understanding the molecular pathways associated with male infertility will help in planning ad hoc treatments, contributing to the clinical management of infertile patients. In this review, proteomics and metabolomics studies on spermatozoa and seminal plasma are discussed with a focus on molecular biomarkers associated with male infertility-related conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Renata Finelli
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ralf Henkel
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Yu L, Yang X, Ma B, Ying H, Shang X, He B, Zhang Q. Abnormal arachidonic acid metabolic network may reduce sperm motility via P38 MAPK. Open Biol 2020; 9:180091. [PMID: 31014201 PMCID: PMC6501647 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.180091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthenozoospermia is a common cause of male infertility, the aetiology of which remains unclear in 50–60% of cases. The current study aimed to characterize metabolic alterations in asthenozoospermic seminal plasma and to explore the signalling pathways involved in sperm motility regulation. At first, high-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry was used to detect the targeted metabolic network of arachidonic acid (AA). Metabolomic multivariate data analysis showed significant distinction of AA metabolites between asthenozoospermic and healthy seminal plasma. AA as well as its lipoxygenase (LOX) and cytochrome P450 metabolites were found to be abnormally increased, while cyclooxygenase (COX) metabolites were complicatedly disturbed in asthenozoospermic volunteers compared with those in healthy ones. In vitro experiments and western blot analysis of sperm cells revealed a decrease in sperm motility and upregulation of sperm phosphor-P38 induced by AA. P38 inhibitor could increase AA-reduced sperm motility. Also, all the inhibitors of the three metabolic pathways of AA could block AA-induced P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation and further improve sperm motility. We report here for the first time that an abnormal AA metabolic network could reduce sperm motility via P38 MAPK activation through the LOX, cytochrome P450 and COX metabolic pathways, which might be an underlying pathomechanism of asthenozoospermia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisha Yu
- 1 College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University , Nanjing 210009 , People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojing Yang
- 1 College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University , Nanjing 210009 , People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Ma
- 1 College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University , Nanjing 210009 , People's Republic of China
| | - Hanjie Ying
- 2 College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University , Nanjing 211816 , People's Republic of China
| | - Xuejun Shang
- 3 Department of Andrology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University , Nanjing 210002 , People's Republic of China
| | - Bingfang He
- 1 College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University , Nanjing 210009 , People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Zhang
- 1 College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University , Nanjing 210009 , People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Murgia F, Corda V, Serrenti M, Usai V, Santoru ML, Hurt KJ, Passaretti M, Monni MC, Atzori L, Monni G. Seminal Fluid Metabolomic Markers of Oligozoospermic Infertility in Humans. Metabolites 2020; 10:metabo10020064. [PMID: 32053951 PMCID: PMC7074256 DOI: 10.3390/metabo10020064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects 12–15% of couples worldwide, and male factors are the cause of nearly half of all cases. Studying seminal fluid composition could lead to additional diagnostic accuracy and a better understanding of the pathophysiology of male factor infertility. Metabolomics offers a new opportunity to evaluate biomarkers and better understand pathological mechanisms. The aim of the study was to identify new markers or therapeutic targets to improve outcomes in male factor or idiopathic infertility patients. Semen samples were obtained from 29 men with a normal spermogram test, and from 18 oligozoospermic men. Samples were processed and analyzed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy and, subsequently, multivariate and univariate statistical analyses. Receiving Operator Curves (ROC) and Spearman correlations were also performed. An Orthogonal Partial Least Square Discriminant Analysis supervised multivariate model was devised to compare the groups. The levels of fructose, myo-inositol, aspartate and choline were altered. Moreover, Spearman Correlation associated fructose, aspartate and myo-inositol with the total amount of spermatozoa, total motile spermatozoa, % of immotility and % of “in situ” spermatozoic motility respectively. NMR-based metabolomics allowed the identification of a specific metabolic fingerprint of the seminal fluids of patients affected by oligozoospermia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Murgia
- Clinical Metabolomics Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy; (F.M.); (M.L.S.); (M.P.); (L.A.)
| | - Valentina Corda
- Department of Prenatal and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Fetal Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico “A.Cao”, 09121 Cagliari, Italy; (V.C.); (M.S.); (V.U.); (M.C.M.)
| | - Marianna Serrenti
- Department of Prenatal and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Fetal Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico “A.Cao”, 09121 Cagliari, Italy; (V.C.); (M.S.); (V.U.); (M.C.M.)
| | - Valeria Usai
- Department of Prenatal and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Fetal Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico “A.Cao”, 09121 Cagliari, Italy; (V.C.); (M.S.); (V.U.); (M.C.M.)
| | - Maria Laura Santoru
- Clinical Metabolomics Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy; (F.M.); (M.L.S.); (M.P.); (L.A.)
| | - K. Joseph Hurt
- Divisions of Maternal Fetal Medicine and Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Mauro Passaretti
- Clinical Metabolomics Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy; (F.M.); (M.L.S.); (M.P.); (L.A.)
| | - Maria Carla Monni
- Department of Prenatal and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Fetal Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico “A.Cao”, 09121 Cagliari, Italy; (V.C.); (M.S.); (V.U.); (M.C.M.)
| | - Luigi Atzori
- Clinical Metabolomics Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy; (F.M.); (M.L.S.); (M.P.); (L.A.)
| | - Giovanni Monni
- Department of Prenatal and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Fetal Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico “A.Cao”, 09121 Cagliari, Italy; (V.C.); (M.S.); (V.U.); (M.C.M.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wang YX, Wu Y, Chen HG, Duan P, Wang L, Shen HQ, Lu WQ, Sun B, Wang Q, Zhang B, Chavarro JE, Zhang J, Pan A. Seminal plasma metabolome in relation to semen quality and urinary phthalate metabolites among Chinese adult men. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 129:354-363. [PMID: 31150977 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.05.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing body of evidence has found links between endocrine disruptor phthalates and male reproductive disorders, but the mechanisms underlying these relationships are poorly known. Seminal plasma metabolomes may mediate associations of phthalate exposure with impaired semen quality. OBJECTIVE To identify seminal plasma metabolomes associated with poor semen quality and evaluate their associations with urinary phthalate metabolites among 660 Chinese adult men. METHOD The seminal plasma metabolic profiles were acquired using an untargeted approach based on liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. We explored the differences in seminal plasma metabolites between participants with poor and good semen quality and evaluated cross-sectional associations between discriminatory metabolic biomarkers and urinary phthalate metabolites. RESULTS Differences between poor and good semen quality groups were observed in relation to 25 seminal plasma metabolites, mostly related to the metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and acylcarnitine (all p < 0.05). After adjusting for various confounders and multiple tests, metabolites were all significantly associated with one or more individual sperm quality parameters (motility, concentration, total count, and morphology) (all p < 0.05). Among identified metabolic biomarkers, seminal plasma L-palmitoylcarnitine, linoelaidyl carnitine, and oleic acid were inversely associated with urinary mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), and seminal plasma L-acetylcarnitine was inversely associated with the proportion of di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate metabolites (DEHP) excreted as MEHP in urine (%MEHP) (all p < 0.05). Mediation analysis revealed that oleic acid and L-acetylcarnitine mediated significant proportions (6.7% and 17%, respectively) of the positive associations between urinary DEHP metabolites and the percentage of spermatozoa with an abnormal head. CONCLUSIONS Elevated urinary phthalate metabolites may impact semen quality by causing metabolic disorders of seminal plasma PUFAs and acylcarnitine. These pathways warrant further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Xin Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Departments of Nutrition, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yan Wu
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
| | - Heng-Gui Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Duan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Xiangyang No. 1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, China
| | - Liang Wang
- Departments of Nutrition, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - He-Qing Shen
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
| | - Wen-Qing Lu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bin Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Pathology, Bengbu Medical College, Anhui, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Departments of Nutrition, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Fukuoka University School of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Jorge E Chavarro
- Departments of Nutrition, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jie Zhang
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China; School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
| | - An Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Phillips KM, Read CC, Kriese-Anderson LA, Rodning SP, Brandebourg TD, Biase FH, Marks ML, Elmore JB, Stanford MK, Dyce PW. Plasma metabolomic profiles differ at the time of artificial insemination based on pregnancy outcome, in Bos taurus beef heifers. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13196. [PMID: 30181662 PMCID: PMC6123494 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31605-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility remains the most prevalent reason for cattle being removed from production environments. We utilized metabolomic profiling to identify metabolites in the blood plasma that may be useful in identifying infertile heifers at the time of artificial insemination (AI). Prior to AI, phenotypic parameters including body condition, weight, and reproductive organ measurements were collected. These were determined not effective at differentiating between fertile and infertile heifers. Analysis of the resulting metabolomic profiles revealed 15 metabolites at significantly different levels (T-test P ≤ 0.05), with seven metabolites having a greater than 2-fold difference (T-test P ≤ 0.05, fold change ≥2, ROC-AUC ≥ 0.80) between infertile and fertile heifers. We further characterized the utility of using the levels of these metabolites in the blood plasma to discriminate between fertile and infertile heifers. Finally, we investigated the potential role inflammation may play by comparing the expression of inflammatory cytokines in the white blood cells of infertile heifers to that of fertile heifers. We found significantly higher expression in infertile heifers of the proinflammatory markers tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin 6 (IL6), and the C-X-C motif chemokine 5 (CXCL5). Our work offers potentially valuable information regarding the diagnosis of fertility problems in heifers undergoing AI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn M Phillips
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Casey C Read
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Lisa A Kriese-Anderson
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Soren P Rodning
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Terry D Brandebourg
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Fernando H Biase
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | | | | | | | - Paul W Dyce
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Qiao S, Wu W, Chen M, Tang Q, Xia Y, Jia W, Wang X. Seminal plasma metabolomics approach for the diagnosis of unexplained male infertility. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0181115. [PMID: 28797078 PMCID: PMC5552325 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We used a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) based metabolomics approach to obtain the metabolic profiling of unexplained male infertility (UMI), and identified seminal plasma biomarkers associated with UMI by a two-stage population study. A robust OPLS-DA model based on these identified metabolites was able to distinguish 82% of the UMI patients from health controls with a specificity of 92%. In this model, 44 metabolites were found differentially expressed in UMI subjects compared with health controls. By pathway enrichment analysis, we identified several major changed metabolic pathways related to UMI. Our findings provide new perspective for the diagnosis of UMI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanlei Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Applied Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Applied Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Minjian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Applied Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiuqin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yankai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Applied Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Jia
- University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
- * E-mail: (XW); (WJ)
| | - Xinru Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Applied Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- * E-mail: (XW); (WJ)
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Minai-Tehrani A, Jafarzadeh N, Gilany K. Metabolomics: a state-of-the-art technology for better understanding of male infertility. Andrologia 2015; 48:609-16. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A. Minai-Tehrani
- Nanobiotechnology Research Center; Avicenna Research Institute; ACECR; Tehran Iran
| | - N. Jafarzadeh
- Department of Medical Physics; Tarbiat Modares University; Tehran Iran
| | - K. Gilany
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center; Avicenna Research Institute; ACECR; Tehran Iran
| |
Collapse
|