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Garrido N, Boitrelle F, Saleh R, Durairajanayagam D, Colpi G, Agarwal A. Sperm epigenetics landscape: correlation with embryo quality, reproductive outcomes and offspring's health. Panminerva Med 2023; 65:166-178. [PMID: 37335245 DOI: 10.23736/s0031-0808.23.04871-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetics refers to how gene expression and function are modulated without modifying the DNA sequence but through subtle molecular changes or interactions with it. As spermatogenesis progresses, male germ cells suffer plenty of epigenetic modifications, resulting in the definitive epigenome of spermatozoa conditioning its functionality, and this process can be altered by several internal and external factors. The paternal epigenome is crucial for sperm function, fertilization, embryo development, and offspring's health, and altered epigenetic states are associated with male infertility with or without altered semen parameters, embryo quality impairment, and worse ART outcomes together with the future offspring's health risks mainly through intergenerational transmission of epigenetic marks. Identifying epigenetic biomarkers may improve male factor diagnosis and the development of targeted therapies, not only to improve fertility but also to allow an early detection of risk and disease prevention in the progeny. While still there is much research to be done, hopefully in the near future, improvements in high-throughput technologies applied to epigenomes will permit our understanding of the underlying epigenetic mechanisms and the development of diagnostics and therapies leading to improved reproductive outcomes. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of epigenetics in sperm and how epigenetics behave during spermatogenesis. Additionally, we elaborate on the relationship of sperm epigenetics with sperm parameters and male infertility, and highlight the impact of sperm epigenetic alterations on sperm parameters, embryo quality, ART outcomes, miscarriage rates and offspring's health. Furthermore, we provide insights into the future research of epigenetic alterations in male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Garrido
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Florence Boitrelle
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Reproductive Biology, Fertility Preservation, Andrology, CECOS, Poissy Hospital, Poissy, France
- Paris Saclay University, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Ramadan Saleh
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Damayanthi Durairajanayagam
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Giovanni Colpi
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Next Fertility Procrea, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA -
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Åsenius F, Danson AF, Marzi SJ. DNA methylation in human sperm: a systematic review. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 26:841-873. [PMID: 32790874 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies in non-human mammals suggest that environmental factors can influence spermatozoal DNA methylation, and some research suggests that spermatozoal DNA methylation is also implicated in conditions such as subfertility and imprinting disorders in the offspring. Together with an increased availability of cost-effective methods of interrogating DNA methylation, this premise has led to an increasing number of studies investigating the DNA methylation landscape of human spermatozoa. However, how the human spermatozoal DNA methylome is influenced by environmental factors is still unclear, as is the role of human spermatozoal DNA methylation in subfertility and in influencing offspring health. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The aim of this systematic review was to critically appraise the quality of the current body of literature on DNA methylation in human spermatozoa, summarize current knowledge and generate recommendations for future research. SEARCH METHODS A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases was conducted using the search terms 'semen' OR 'sperm' AND 'DNA methylation'. Publications from 1 January 2003 to 2 March 2020 that studied human sperm and were written in English were included. Studies that used sperm DNA methylation to develop methodologies or forensically identify semen were excluded, as were reviews, commentaries, meta-analyses or editorial texts. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) criteria were used to objectively evaluate quality of evidence in each included publication. OUTCOMES The search identified 446 records, of which 135 were included in the systematic review. These 135 studies were divided into three groups according to area of research; 56 studies investigated the influence of spermatozoal DNA methylation on male fertility and abnormal semen parameters, 20 studies investigated spermatozoal DNA methylation in pregnancy outcomes including offspring health and 59 studies assessed the influence of environmental factors on spermatozoal DNA methylation. Findings from studies that scored as 'high' and 'moderate' quality of evidence according to GRADE criteria were summarized. We found that male subfertility and abnormal semen parameters, in particular oligozoospermia, appear to be associated with abnormal spermatozoal DNA methylation of imprinted regions. However, no specific DNA methylation signature of either subfertility or abnormal semen parameters has been convincingly replicated in genome-scale, unbiased analyses. Furthermore, although findings require independent replication, current evidence suggests that the spermatozoal DNA methylome is influenced by cigarette smoking, advanced age and environmental pollutants. Importantly however, from a clinical point of view, there is no convincing evidence that changes in spermatozoal DNA methylation influence pregnancy outcomes or offspring health. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Although it appears that the human sperm DNA methylome can be influenced by certain environmental and physiological traits, no findings have been robustly replicated between studies. We have generated a set of recommendations that would enhance the reliability and robustness of findings of future analyses of the human sperm methylome. Such studies will likely require multicentre collaborations to reach appropriate sample sizes, and should incorporate phenotype data in more complex statistical models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amy F Danson
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sarah J Marzi
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK.,Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Kulac T, Hekim N, Kocamanoglu F, Beyaz C, Gunes S, Asci R. Methylation patterns of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene promoter in infertile males. Andrologia 2020; 53:e13942. [PMID: 33372270 DOI: 10.1111/and.13942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Errors of folate/homocysteine pathways which are critical for transferring methyl groups have been suggested to affect male fertility. We aimed to evaluate the methylation patterns of the promoter of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene in infertile males and to investigate the association between MTHFR promoter methylation and success of sperm retrieval. Thirty-five nonobstructive azoospermic and 46 severe oligozoospermic patients constituted the study group and were compared with 49 fertile and/or normozoospermic men. The methylation status was analysed by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction. MTHFR promoter methylation was detected in infertile men with NOA and SO in the ratio of 48.6% and 58.7%, respectively. Methylation was also observed in 51% of controls. MTHFR promoter was methylated in 65% of men with viable spermatozoon during TESE. No association was found regarding to the profile of MTHFR promoter methylation between both NOA and SO patients and controls (p = .621). There was no relation between the methylation status of MTHFR promoter and low motility and poor morphology (p = .682 and p = .413, respectively). No association was found between MTHFR promoter methylation and presence of viable spermatozoa (p = .382). Our data indicate that the promoter methylation of MTHFR gene may not be associated with male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuba Kulac
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Neslihan Hekim
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Fatih Kocamanoglu
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Cengiz Beyaz
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Sezgin Gunes
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey.,Department of Multidisciplinary Molecular Medicine, Health Sciences Institute, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Ramazan Asci
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey.,Department of Multidisciplinary Molecular Medicine, Health Sciences Institute, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
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Han LJ, He XF, Ye XH. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T and A1298C polymorphisms and male infertility risk: An updated meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e23662. [PMID: 33371103 PMCID: PMC7748209 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000023662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND 18 previous meta-analyses have been published on the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T and A1298C polymorphisms with male infertility risk. However, results of the previous meta-analyses were still inconsistent. Moreover, their meta-analyses did not assess false-positive report probabilities except one study. Furthermore, many new studies have been published, and therefore an updated meta-analysis and re-analysis of systematic previous meta-analyses were performed to further explore these issues. OBJECTIVES To determine the association between MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms and male infertility risk. METHODS Crude odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals were used to assess the association between MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms and male infertility risk. We used the Bayesian false discovery probability (BFDP) to assess the credibility of statistically significant associations. RESULTS Fifty-nine studies were included concerning the MTHFR C677T and 28 studies were found on the MTHFR A1298C with male infertility risk. Overall, the MTHFR C677T was associated with increased male infertility risk in overall populations, Africans, East Asians, West Asians, South Asians, azoospermia, and Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT). In further sensitivity analysis and BFDP test, the positive results were only considered as "noteworthy" in the overall population (TT vs CC: BFDP = 0.294, CT + TT vs CC: BFDP = 0.300, T vs C: BFDP = 0.336), East Asians (TT vs CC: BFDP = 0.089, TT vs CT + CC: BFDP = 0.020, T vs C: BFDP < 0.001), West Asians (TT vs CC: BFDP = 0.584), hospital-based studies (TT vs CC: BFDP = 0.726, TT vs CT + CC: BFDP = 0.126), and OAT (TT vs CT + CC: BFDP = 0.494) for MTHFR C677T. In addition, a significantly increased male infertility risk was found in East Asians and population-based studies for MTHFR A1298C. However, we did not find that the positive results were considered as "noteworthy" in the overall and all subgroup analyses for MTHFR A1298C. CONCLUSIONS In summary, this study indicates that the MTHFR C677T is associated with increased male infertility risk in East Asians, West Asians, and OAT. No significant association was observed on the MTHFR A1298C with male infertility risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiao-Feng He
- Department of Science and Education, Heping Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Shanxi, Changzhi city
| | - Xiang-Hua Ye
- Department of Radiotherapy, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, Hangzhou city, PR China
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Elsaid HH, El-Hefnawy KA, Elalawi SM. C677T MTHFR Gene Polymorphism is Contributing Factor in Development of Renal Impairment in Young Hypertensive Patients. Indian J Clin Biochem 2020; 36:213-220. [PMID: 33867713 DOI: 10.1007/s12291-020-00890-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Homocysteine concentration affected by the activities of the enzymes methylene tetra-hyrdofolate reductase (MTHFR). Polymorphisms in MTHFR gene associated with an impairment of MTHFR activity. Hyperhomocysteinemia is a result of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in MTHFR 677 C>T that can cause homocysteine levels in the blood to increase. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships between MTHFR C677T (rs1801133) gene polymorphism, changes in homocysteine concentrations and progress of renal impairment in young adult hypertensive patients. Two hundred young hypertensive patients (age 21-24 years) were involved in this study; they were classified into patients with and without renal impairment in addition to 200 age and sex matched healthy controls. All participants were submitted to laboratory investigations as assay of MTHFR gene polymorphism C677T (rs1801133) by PCR/RFLP, determination of lipid profile, homocysteine and folic acid concentrations in addition to urinary albumin creatinine ratio (UACR). The levels of both homocysteine and UACR in the TT genotype patients were higher than those in the CC genotype group. Individuals who carry the T allele were more risky to hypertension and progress to early renal impairment in young age compared with those carrying the C allele [OR 2.02 (1.33-3.08), P < 0.001]. Genetic variants of C677T MTHFR gene and hyperhomocysteinemia may be responsible for rapid progress of renal impairment in Egyptian young age hypertensive patients. TT genotype or T allele may be considered as a predisposing factor for both elevated Hcy levels and the development of renal impairment. This study believed that lowering of homocysteine level can reduce renal impairment of hypertensive patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanaa H Elsaid
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Khaled A El-Hefnawy
- Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Saffaa M Elalawi
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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Xie C, Ping P, Ma Y, Wu Z, Chen X. Correlation between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphism and oligoasthenospermia and the effects of folic acid supplementation on semen quality. Transl Androl Urol 2019; 8:678-685. [PMID: 32038964 DOI: 10.21037/tau.2019.11.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The present study investigated the correlation between 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism and oligoasthenospermia, as well as the effects of folic acid supplementation on semen quality. Methods The present study was a case control study. The PCR-chip assay was applied to analyze the distribution characteristics of the frequencies and genotypes of the MTHFR C677T allele in 167 Han Chinese patients with idiopathic male infertility (including 86 patients with oligospermia and 81 patients with asthenospermia) and in 78 males with normal semen parameters. Moreover, homocysteine (Hcy) levels were assessed for the different groups. Semen quality was measured following three months of folic acid supplementation for the oligospermia and asthenospermia groups. Results The cytosine-thymine (CT) genotype (50% vs. 39.5%) and the thymine-thymine (TT) genotype (51.2% vs. 7.7%) carriers in the oligospermia group exhibited significantly higher percentages compared with those of the control group. The percentage of the CT genotype carriers in the asthenospermia group was significantly higher compared with that of the control group (59.3% vs. 50%), while the frequency of the TT genotype was significantly increased (22.2% vs. 7.7%). Furthermore, serum Hcy levels in the oligospermia and asthenospermia groups were significantly higher compared with those of the control group. The data also demonstrated that sperm density increased significantly following three months of folic acid supplementation to patients with oligospermia or asthenospermia. In these patients, the highest increase was noted for the subjects carrying the TT genotype. Conclusions The MTHFR C677T mutation and the elevated Hcy levels are important risk factors for the development of oligoasthenospermia. Folic acid supplementation can significantly improve sperm density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Xie
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China.,Shanghai Key laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai 200030, China.,Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Ping Ping
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Yi Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Zhengmu Wu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China.,Shanghai Key laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai 200030, China.,Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Xiangfeng Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, China.,Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Shanghai 200135, China
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Ullah N, Mansoor A, Micheal S, Mirza B, Qamar R, Mazhar K, Siddiqi S. MTHFR polymorphisms as risk for male infertility in Pakistan and its comparison with socioeconomic status in the world. Per Med 2019; 16:35-49. [DOI: 10.2217/pme-2018-0045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Aim: 5,10-MTHFR-single nucleotide polymorphisms are important for normal functioning of the enzyme that plays a key role in DNA synthesis, folate metabolism and methylation reactions. Methodology & results: Male infertility association of C665T and A1298C polymorphisms was explored, this topic is still debatable. Infertile men (232) and controls (114) were genotyped and statistically analyzed. Comparison of patients (6180) and controls (5744) of Caucasian populations was performed by meta-analysis. Pooled results showed A1298C minor allele and homozygous genotype to be of a significantly higher frequency in the low-income group. Increase in per capita income has shown an increasing trend in the minor allele frequency in various world populations, potentially due to dietry-folate compensation. Conclusion: A1298C seems more relevant marker than C665T for infertility association in Caucasian populations and may be addressed by improving dietary folate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor Ullah
- Institute of Biomedical & Genetic Engineering (IB & GE), 24 Mauve Area, G9/1, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
- Department of Biochemistry, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Atika Mansoor
- Institute of Biomedical & Genetic Engineering (IB & GE), 24 Mauve Area, G9/1, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Shazia Micheal
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS Institute of Technology, Park Road, Chak Shahzad, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Bushra Mirza
- Department of Biochemistry, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Raheel Qamar
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS Institute of Technology, Park Road, Chak Shahzad, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Kehkashan Mazhar
- Institute of Biomedical & Genetic Engineering (IB & GE), 24 Mauve Area, G9/1, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Saima Siddiqi
- Institute of Biomedical & Genetic Engineering (IB & GE), 24 Mauve Area, G9/1, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
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Wang T, Hu T, Zhen J, Zhang L, Zhang Z. Association of MTHFR, NFKB1, NFKBIA, DAZL and CYP1A1 gene polymorphisms with risk of idiopathic male infertility in a Han Chinese population. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2017; 10:7640-7649. [PMID: 31966609 PMCID: PMC6965235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/23/2017] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the association between six genetic polymorphisms (MTHFR C677T and A1298C, NFKB1 -94ins/del ATTG, NFKBIA 3'UTR A>G, DAZL A386G (T54A) and CYP1A1 T3801C) and the risk of idiopathic male infertility in a Chinese population. A case-control study comprising 1,759 idiopathic male infertile patients of Han Chinese ethnicity and 1,826 healthy fertile control individuals was carried out. Genotypes of all polymorphisms were determined via PCR-RFLP. Chi-squared test and logistic regression modeling were performed to identify the association of the polymorphisms with idiopathic male infertility. It was found that the heterozygous and variant genotypes of the following polymorphisms were significantly associated with an increased idiopathic male infertility risk: MTHFR C677T (heterozygous OR=1.266 [1.089, 1.470], P=0.002; variant OR=1.384 [1.138, 1.684], P=0.001), MTHFR A1298C (heterozygous OR=1.233 [1.071, 1.419], P=0.004; variant OR=1.564 [1.183, 2.068], P=0.002), and CYP1A1 T3801C (heterozygous OR=1.163 [1.007, 1.344], P=0.040; variant OR=1.232 [1.005, 1.510], P=0.045). When genotypes of non-significant polymorphisms were combined and analyzed, it was found that the combination between variant DD genotype of NFKB1 -94ins/del ATTG polymorphism and heterozygous AG genotype of DAZL A386G polymorphism was significantly associated with a reduced idiopathic male infertility risk (OR=0.588 [0.376, 0.919], P=0.02). In summary, we have successfully identified the association (or lack thereof) between the polymorphisms and idiopathic male infertility risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- Medical School, Wuhan University of Science and TechnologyWuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Tao Hu
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jingkai Zhen
- Department of Occupational and Technology, School of Public Health, WuhanUniversity of Science & TechnologyWuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and TechnologyWuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Technology, School of Public Health, WuhanUniversity of Science & TechnologyWuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and TechnologyWuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhibing Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Technology, School of Public Health, WuhanUniversity of Science & TechnologyWuhan, Hubei, China
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond, VA, USA
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Louie K, Minor A, Ng R, Poon K, Chow V, Ma S. Evaluation of DNA methylation at imprinted DMRs in the spermatozoa of oligozoospermic men in association with MTHFR C677T genotype. Andrology 2016; 4:825-31. [PMID: 27369467 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Revised: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Altered DNA methylation has been previously identified in the spermatozoa of infertile men; however, the origins of these errors are poorly understood. DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification which is thought to play a fundamental role in male germline development. DNA methylation reactions rely on the cellular availability of methyl donors, which are primarily products of folate metabolism, where a key enzyme is methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). The MTHFR C677T single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) reduces enzyme activity and may potentially alter DNA methylation processes during germline development. The objective of this study was to determine whether altered DNA methylation in spermatozoa is associated with the MTHFR C677T SNP. DNA methylation was evaluated at the H19, IG-GTL2, and MEST imprinted differentially methylated regions in the spermatozoa of 53 men - 44 oligozoospermic men and nine fertile men with normal sperm parameters via bisulfite sequencing of sperm clones. The 44 infertile men were stratified by severity of oligozoospermia - three normal (>15 million spermatozoa/mL), eight moderate (5-15 million spermatozoa/mL), 23 severe (1-5 million spermatozoa/mL), and 10 very severe (<1 million spermatozoa/mL). MTHFR C677T SNP genotyping was conducted in a subset of 44 peripheral blood samples via restriction fragment length polymorphism. A total of three men - severe oligozoospermic and CT genotype - were found to be altered, which is defined as having ≥50% of their clones altered, where an altered clone was in turn defined as ≥50% of CpGs with incorrect DNA methylation patterns. The incidence of three altered men within the CT subgroup, however, was not significantly higher than the incidence in the CC subgroup. Taken together, altered DNA methylation in spermatozoa was not significantly associated with the MTHFR C677T SNP; however, there was a trend for higher incidence of alterations among severe oligozoospermic infertile men with CT genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Louie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - A Minor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - R Ng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - K Poon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - V Chow
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - S Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Zhu X, Liu Z, Zhang M, Gong R, Xu Y, Wang B. Association of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase geneC677Tpolymorphism with the risk of male infertility: a meta-analysis. Ren Fail 2015; 38:185-93. [DOI: 10.3109/0886022x.2015.1111086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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Role of genetic mutations in folate-related enzyme genes on Male Infertility. Sci Rep 2015; 5:15548. [PMID: 26549413 PMCID: PMC4637885 DOI: 10.1038/srep15548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies showed that the genetic mutations in the folate-related enzyme genes might be associated with male infertility; however, the results were still inconsistent. We performed a meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis to investigate the associations between the MTHFR C677T, MTHFR A1298C, MTR A2756G, MTRR A66G mutations and the MTHFR haplotype with the risk of male infertility. Overall, a total of 37 studies were selected. Our meta-analysis showed that the MTHFR C677T mutation was a risk factor for male infertility in both azoospermia and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia patients, especially in Asian population. Men carrying the MTHFR TC haplotype were most liable to suffer infertility while those with CC haplotype had lowest risk. On the other hand, the MTHFR A1298C mutation was not related to male infertility. MTR A2756G and MTRR A66G were potential candidates in the pathogenesis of male infertility, but more case-control studies were required to avoid false-positive outcomes. All of these results were confirmed by the trial sequential analysis. Finally, our meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis proved that the genetic mutations in the folate-related enzyme genes played a significant role in male infertility.
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Yang Y, Luo Y, Yuan J, Tang Y, Xiong L, Xu M, Rao X, Liu H. Association between maternal, fetal and paternal MTHFR gene C677T and A1298C polymorphisms and risk of recurrent pregnancy loss: a comprehensive evaluation. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2015; 293:1197-211. [DOI: 10.1007/s00404-015-3944-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Gong M, Dong W, He T, Shi Z, Huang G, Ren R, Huang S, Qiu S, Yuan R. MTHFR 677C>T polymorphism increases the male infertility risk: a meta-analysis involving 26 studies. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0121147. [PMID: 25793386 PMCID: PMC4368707 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0121147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphism may be a risk factor for male infertility. However, the epidemiologic studies showed inconsistent results regarding MTHFR polymorphism and the risk of male infertility. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis of published case-control studies to re-examine the controversy. Methods Electronic searches of PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were conducted to select eligible literatures for this meta-analysis (updated to June 19, 2014). According to our inclusion criteria and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS), only high quality studies that observed the association between MTHFR polymorphism and male infertility risk were included. Crude odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to assess the strength of association between the MTHFR polymorphism and male infertility risk. Results Twenty-six studies involving 5,575 cases and 5,447 controls were recruited. Overall, MTHFR 677C>T polymorphism showed significant associations with male infertility risk in both fixed effects (CT+TT vs. CC: OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.23–1.46) and random effects models (CT+TT vs. CC: OR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.19–1.62). Further, when stratified by ethnicity, sperm concentration and control sources, the similar results were observed in Asians, Caucasians, Azoo or OAT subgroup and both in population-based and hospital-based controls. Nevertheless, no significant association was only observed in oligo subgroup. Conclusions Our results indicated that the MTHFR polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of male infertility. Further well-designed analytical studies are necessary to confirm our conclusions and evaluate gene-environment interactions with male infertility risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mancheng Gong
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Department of Andrology, Zhongshan Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhongshan, Guangdong, 528403, China
| | - Wenjing Dong
- Department of Oncology, Zhongshan Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhongshan, Guangdong, 528403, China
| | - Tingyu He
- Department of Reproductive Center, Zhongshan Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhongshan, Guangdong, 528403, China
| | - Zhirong Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second People’s Hospital of Zhuhai, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519020, China
| | - Guiying Huang
- The Second General Department, Zhongshan Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhongshan, Guangdong, 528403, China
| | - Rui Ren
- Department of Andrology, Zhongshan Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhongshan, Guangdong, 528403, China
| | - Sichong Huang
- Department of Andrology, Zhongshan Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhongshan, Guangdong, 528403, China
| | - Shaopeng Qiu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- * E-mail: (SPQ); (RQY)
| | - Runqiang Yuan
- Department of Andrology, Zhongshan Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhongshan, Guangdong, 528403, China
- * E-mail: (SPQ); (RQY)
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Kurzawski M, Wajda A, Malinowski D, Kazienko A, Kurzawa R, Drozdzik M. Association study of folate-related enzymes (MTHFR, MTR, MTRR) genetic variants with non-obstructive male infertility in a Polish population. Genet Mol Biol 2014; 38:42-7. [PMID: 25983623 PMCID: PMC4415567 DOI: 10.1590/s1415-475738120140179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a process where an important contribution of genes involved in
folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism is observed. The aim of the present study was
to investigate the association between male infertility and the
MTHFR (677C > T; 1298A > C), MTR (2756A
> G) and MTRR (66A > G) polymorphisms in a Polish population.
No significant differences in genotype or allele frequencies were detected between
the groups of 284 infertile men and of 352 fertile controls. These results
demonstrate that common polymorphisms in folate pathway genes are not major risk
factors for non-obstructive male infertility in the Polish population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Kurzawski
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Anna Wajda
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Damian Malinowski
- Department of Pharmacokinetics and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Anna Kazienko
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Rafal Kurzawa
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Marek Drozdzik
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
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