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Bar-Chama N, Rabinovitch L, Honig S. Amateur vs Professional Users of the YO Home Sperm Test: An Assessment of Usability. Urology 2024:S0090-4295(24)00257-7. [PMID: 38705243 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2024.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the accuracy of the YO home sperm test by real-world/amateur users. METHODS This multisite study investigated whether amateur users could use the FDA-cleared YO Home Sperm Test to obtain accurate motile sperm concentration (MSC) results when compared to trained laboratory technicians. The qualitative MSC results of amateur and professional YO users were compared to each other as well as to the results of an established automated sperm quality analyzer (SQA-V) above and below a 6 m/mL MSC cut-off. RESULTS This was a blinded, prospective study of 316 amateur users and 3 professional laboratory technicians across 3 study sites. Amateur vs Professional YO users demonstrated an accuracy of >97%. Qualitative results of amateurs and professionals vs SQA-V results showed a >95.7% accuracy. CONCLUSION Amateur users with no prior training were able to follow the YO test directions to receive highly accurate qualitative motile sperm concentration (MSC) results. The YO test is user-friendly and can be used as an effective initial home screening tool to gain preliminary insight into the fertility status of the male in a real-world setting. Furthermore, the YO test results correlated with those obtained by the FDA-cleared SQA-V laboratory analyzer, confirming that the YO test delivers accurate MSC results in the hands of amateur users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natan Bar-Chama
- Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York, New York, NY; Department of Urology, The Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY.
| | | | - Stanton Honig
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Urology, Yale University, New Haven, CT
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2
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Hensel B, Henneberg S, Kleve-Feld M, Jung M, Schulze M. Selection and direct biomarkers of reproductive capacity of breeding boars. Anim Reprod Sci 2024:107490. [PMID: 38735766 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Efficient management of pig reproduction is paramount for the sustainability and productivity of the global pork industry. Modern artificial insemination (AI) breeding programs have greatly benefited from the integration of advanced selection methods and biomarkers to enhance the reproductive performance of boars. While traditional selection methods have relied soley on boar phenotype, such as growth rate and conformation, modern pig breeding has shifted more and more toward molecular and genetic tools, which are still complemented by phenotypic traits. These methods encompass genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics. Biomarkers serve as critical indicators of boar reproductive capacity. They can help to identify individuals with superior fertility and aid in the early identification of potential fertility issues, allowing for proactive management strategies. This review summarizes current knowledge of various biomarkers associated with semen quality, sperm function, and overall reproductive fitness in boars. Furthermore, we explore advanced technologies and their potential applications in uncovering novel selection methods and biomarkers for predicting boar fertility. A comprehensive understanding of selection criteria and biomarkers governing boar reproductive capacity is essential for developing effective breeding programs to enhance swine reproductive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Hensel
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernauer Allee 10, Bernau D-16321, Germany
| | - Sophie Henneberg
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernauer Allee 10, Bernau D-16321, Germany
| | - Michael Kleve-Feld
- Pig Improvement Company, 100 Bluegrass Commons Blvd. Ste 2200, Hendersonville, TN 37075, United States
| | - Markus Jung
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernauer Allee 10, Bernau D-16321, Germany
| | - Martin Schulze
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernauer Allee 10, Bernau D-16321, Germany.
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3
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Dincer MM, Yentur S, Colakerol A, Cil G, Yazar RO, Kandirali E, Semercioz A, Muslumanoglu AY, Temiz MZ. Introducing a New Smartphone Applied Semen Analyzer, SpermCell™: A Cross-Sectional Validation Study with a Comparative Analysis and a Mini Patient Questionnaire on a Large Sample Cohort. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:689. [PMID: 38611602 PMCID: PMC11011288 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14070689] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Standard semen analysis methods may exhibit variability between observers and/or human error; therefore, additional methods are needed to overcome these handicaps. We aimed to present a new smartphone-applied semen analyzer, Sperm Cell™, investigate its diagnostic efficacy by comparing it with the standard analysis method, and determine its user-friendly nature. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a large sample cohort, including 102 men. Three semen analyses were performed for each semen sample. The first employed the standard manual method, whereas the others were smartphone-based analyses performed by technicians and patients. We compared major semen parameters between the three semen analyses. The user-friendly nature of the analyzer was also evaluated with a mini-questionnaire completed by the participants. (3) Results: The determined median sperm count, motile sperm count, and percentage of motile sperms, on standard manual semen analysis, were 50.00 × 106/mL (0-160 × 106/mL), 23.94 × 106/mL (0-108 × 106/mL) and 50.00% (0-73.00%), respectively. Median sperm count and motile sperm count were 50.52 × 106/mL (<1-150 × 106/mL) vs. 55.77 × 106/mL (<1-160 × 106/mL) and 23.34 × 106/mL (0-105 × 106/mL) vs. 23.53 × 106/mL (0-104 × 106/mL) for SpermCell™-based semen analysis performed by a technician and patients themselves, respectively. The percentages of motile sperms were 47.40% (0-67.00%) vs. 47.61% (0-80.20%), respectively. All the parameters were statistically similar between the three semen analysis methods (p > 0.05 for each). The SpermCell™ analysis results were correlated with the standard manual method with up to 0.85 correlation coefficients. Moreover, substantial diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were obtained in determining the oligospermia and asthenozoospermia via the device-based analyses performed by technician and patients. The mini-questionnaire results revealed that the analyzer is useful. (4) Conclusions: The novel smartphone-applied semen analyzer is a helpful tool with acceptable diagnostic accuracy in determining the major semen parameters. It can be used as an efficient at-home point-of-care testing method in the initial assessment of couples with infertility concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammet Murat Dincer
- Department of Urology, Bagcilar Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul 34200, Turkey (A.C.); (R.O.Y.); (A.Y.M.); (M.Z.T.)
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4
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Rasmussen JMK, Dalgaard MIR, Alipour H, Dardmeh F, Christiansen OB. Seminal Oxidative Stress and Sperm DNA Fragmentation in Men from Couples with Infertility or Unexplained Recurrent Pregnancy Loss. J Clin Med 2024; 13:833. [PMID: 38337527 PMCID: PMC10856715 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13030833] [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: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: This case-control study examined whether men from couples with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) or infertility exhibited higher seminal oxidative stress (OS) and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) compared to fertile controls. (2) Methods: The study included 30 participants from each group: unexplained RPL, unexplained infertility, and proven fertility. Data were collected at Aalborg University Hospital tertiary RPL and fertility treatment clinics (Aalborg, Denmark), excluding couples with mixed conditions for homogeneity. Semen samples were analyzed using computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) for concentration, motility, and morphology. SDF was assessed via a CASA-based sperm chromatin dispersion test. OS was measured as static oxidation-reduction potential (sORP). (3) Results: The results showed no significant OS differences between groups. The RPL group had significantly lower SDF levels than the control group. A significant positive correlation between SDF and OS was observed in the infertility group. Overall, this study did not find significant differences in OS levels between men from couples with unexplained RPL or infertility and fertile controls, while SDF levels were lower in the RPL group compared to controls. (4) Conclusion: In conclusion, despite the existing literature suggesting that OS and SDF are negative prognostic factors, our findings suggest they may not be reliable diagnostic markers for RPL and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maya Isabella Riise Dalgaard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aalborg University Hospital, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark; (J.M.K.R.); (M.I.R.D.)
| | - Hiva Alipour
- Regenerative Medicine, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9260 Gistrup, Denmark;
| | - Fereshteh Dardmeh
- Regenerative Medicine, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9260 Gistrup, Denmark;
| | - Ole Bjarne Christiansen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aalborg University Hospital, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark; (J.M.K.R.); (M.I.R.D.)
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, 9260 Gistrup, Denmark
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5
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Romano M, Cirillo F, Spadaro D, Busnelli A, Castellano S, Albani E, Levi-Setti PE. High sperm DNA fragmentation: do we have robust evidence to support antioxidants and testicular sperm extraction to improve fertility outcomes? a narrative review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1150951. [PMID: 37867514 PMCID: PMC10585152 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1150951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, infertility affects 10% to 15% of couples worldwide. A male factor is estimated to account for up to 50% of cases. Oral supplementation with antioxidants could be helpful to improve sperm quality by reducing oxidative damage. At the same time, there is a growing interest in the literature on the use of testicular sperm in patients with high DNA fragmentation index (DFI). This narrative review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of supplementation of oral antioxidants in infertile men with high DFI compared to testicular sperm retrieval. The current evidence is non-conclusive because of serious risk of bias due to small sample sizes and statistical methods. Further large well-designed randomised placebo-controlled trials are still required to clarify the exact role of these to different therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Romano
- Department of Gynecology, Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Fertility Center, Humanitas Research Hospital, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Cirillo
- Department of Gynecology, Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Fertility Center, Humanitas Research Hospital, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Daria Spadaro
- Department of Gynecology, Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Fertility Center, Humanitas Research Hospital, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Busnelli
- Department of Gynecology, Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Fertility Center, Humanitas Research Hospital, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Castellano
- Department of Gynecology, Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Fertility Center, Humanitas Research Hospital, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Albani
- Department of Gynecology, Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Fertility Center, Humanitas Research Hospital, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Emanuele Levi-Setti
- Department of Gynecology, Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Fertility Center, Humanitas Research Hospital, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
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Akang EN, Opuwari CS, Enyioma-Alozie S, Moungala LW, Amatu TE, Wada I, Ogbeche RO, Ajayi OO, Aderonmu MM, Shote OB, Akinola LA, Ashiru OA, Henkel R. Trends in semen parameters of infertile men in South Africa and Nigeria. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6819. [PMID: 37100822 PMCID: PMC10133443 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33648-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
There are conflicting reports on trends of semen parameters from different parts of the globe. However, in recent times there is dearth of information on the trend in Sub-Saharan countries. Therefore, in this study we aimed at determining the trends in semen parameters in Nigeria and South Africa between 2010 and 2019. A retrospective study of semen analyses of 17,292 men attending fertility hospitals in Nigeria and South Africa in 2010, 2015 and 2019. Patients who had undergone vasectomy and those who had a pH less than 5 or greater than 10 were excluded from this study. The following variables were assessed: ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility, total progressively motile sperm count (TPMSC), total sperm count, and normal sperm morphology. Between 2010 and 2019, significant trends of decreasing values were observed in normal sperm morphology (- 50%), and the ejaculatory volume (- 7.4%), indicating a progressive deterioration of the values in both countries. In Nigeria, there were significant decreases in progressive motility (- 87%), TPMSC (- 78%), and sperm morphology (- 55%) between 2010 and 2019 (P < 0.001). Spearman`s rank correlation revealed significant negative associations between age and morphology (ρ = - 0.24, P < 0.001), progressive motility (ρ = - 0.31. P < 0.001), and TPMSC (ρ = - 0.32, P < 0.001). Patients in South Africa were younger than those from Nigeria, with also a significantly higher sperm morphology, sperm concentration, progressive motility, total sperm count and TPMSC. Our findings provide a quantitative evidence of an alarming decreasing trend in semen parameters in Nigeria and South Africa from 2010 to 2019. It also proves that astheno- and teratozoospermia are the leading causes of male infertility in these regions. In addition to this, it also shows empirically that semen parameters decrease with advancement in age. These findings are the first report of temporal trends in semen parameters in Sub-Saharan countries, necessitating a thorough investigation on the underlying factors promoting this worrisome decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edidiong Nnamso Akang
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria.
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
| | - Chinyerum Sylvia Opuwari
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lateef Adekunle Akinola
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medison Specialist Women's Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | - Ralf Henkel
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa.
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- LogixX Pharma, Theale, Berkshire, UK.
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7
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Mass Spectrometry-Based Untargeted Approaches to Reveal Diagnostic Signatures of Male Infertility in Seminal Plasma: A New Laboratory Perspective for the Clinical Management of Infertility? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054429. [PMID: 36901856 PMCID: PMC10002484 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility has been recognized as a global health problem. Semen analysis, although considered the golden standard, may not provide a confident male infertility diagnosis alone. Hence, there is the urgent request for an innovative and reliable platform to detect biomarkers of infertility. The rapid expansion of mass spectrometry (MS) technology in the field of the 'omics' disciplines, has incredibly proved the great potential of MS-based diagnostic tests to revolutionize the future of pathology, microbiology and laboratory medicine. Despite the increasing success in the microbiology area, MS-biomarkers of male infertility currently remain a proteomic challenge. In order to address this issue, this review encompasses proteomics investigations by untargeted approaches with a special focus on experimental designs and strategies (bottom-up and top-down) for seminal fluid proteome profiling. The studies reported here witness the efforts of the scientific community to address these investigations aimed at the discovery of MS-biomarkers of male infertility. Proteomics untargeted approaches, depending on the study design, might provide a great plethora of biomarkers not only for a male infertility diagnosis, but also to address a new MS-biomarkers classification of infertility subtypes. From the early detection to the evaluation of infertility grade, new MS-derived biomarkers might also predict long-term outcomes and clinical management of infertility.
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8
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Zhu CH, Wei Y, Chen F, Li F, Zhang SM, Dong NJ, Xue TM, Liu KF, Cui HM, Lu JC. Investigation on the mechanisms of human sperm DNA damage based on the proteomics analysis by SWATH-MS. Clin Proteomics 2023; 20:2. [PMID: 36609216 PMCID: PMC9817420 DOI: 10.1186/s12014-022-09391-9] [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: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatozoa have the task of delivering an intact paternal genome to the oocyte and supporting successful embryo development. The detection of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) has been emerging as a complementary test to conventional semen analysis for male infertility evaluation, but the mechanism leading to SDF and its impact on assisted reproduction remain unclear. Therefore, the study identified and analyzed the differentially expressed proteins of sperm with high and low SDF. METHODS Semen samples from men attended the infertility clinic during June 2020 and August 2020 were analyzed, and sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was detected by the sperm chromatin structure assay. Semen samples with low DFI (< 30%, control group) and high DFI (≥ 30%, experimental group) were optimized by density gradient centrifugation (DGC), and the differentially expressed proteins of obtained sperm were identified by the Sequential Window Acquisition of All Theoretical Mass Spectra Mass Spectrometry (SWATH-MS) and performed GO and KEGG analysis. RESULTS A total of 2186 proteins were identified and 1591 proteins were quantified, of which 252 proteins were identified as differentially expressed proteins, including 124 upregulated and 128 downregulated. These differentially expressed proteins were involved in metabolic pathways, replication/recombination/repair, acrosomal vesicles, kinase regulators, fertilization, tyrosine metabolism, etc. Western blotting results showed that the expression levels of RAD23B and DFFA proteins and the levels of posttranslational ubiquitination and acetylation modifications in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group, which was consistent with the results of proteomics analysis. CONCLUSIONS Proteomic markers of sperm with high DNA fragmentation can be identified by the SWATH-MS and bioinformatic analysis, and new protein markers and posttranslational modifications related to sperm DNA damage are expected to be intensively explored. Our findings may improve our understanding of the basic molecular mechanism of sperm DNA damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Hui Zhu
- grid.268415.cCenter for Reproductive Medicine, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University/Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001 Jiangsu China ,grid.268415.cInstitute of Epigenetics and Epigenomics, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, 48 Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009 Jiangsu China
| | - Ye Wei
- grid.268415.cInstitute of Epigenetics and Epigenomics, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, 48 Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009 Jiangsu China
| | - Fang Chen
- grid.268415.cCenter for Reproductive Medicine, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University/Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001 Jiangsu China
| | - Feng Li
- grid.268415.cCenter for Reproductive Medicine, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University/Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001 Jiangsu China
| | - Sheng-Min Zhang
- grid.268415.cCenter for Reproductive Medicine, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University/Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001 Jiangsu China
| | - Nai-Jun Dong
- grid.268415.cCenter for Reproductive Medicine, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University/Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001 Jiangsu China
| | - Tong-Min Xue
- grid.268415.cCenter for Reproductive Medicine, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University/Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001 Jiangsu China
| | - Kai-Feng Liu
- grid.268415.cCenter for Reproductive Medicine, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University/Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001 Jiangsu China
| | - Heng-Mi Cui
- grid.268415.cInstitute of Epigenetics and Epigenomics, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, 48 Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009 Jiangsu China
| | - Jin-Chun Lu
- grid.452290.80000 0004 1760 6316Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, 3 Xinmofan Road, Nanjing, 210037 Jiangsu China
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Adler A, Roth B, Lundy SD, Takeshima T, Yumura Y, Kuroda S. Sperm DNA fragmentation testing in clinical management of reproductive medicine. Reprod Med Biol 2023; 22:e12547. [PMID: 37915974 PMCID: PMC10616814 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12547] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Approximately 8%-12% of couples worldwide face infertility, with infertility of individuals assigned male at birth (AMAB) contributing to at least 50% of cases. Conventional semen analysis commonly used to detect sperm abnormalities is insufficient, as 30% of AMAB patients experiencing infertility show normal results in this test. From a genetic perspective, the assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) is important as a parameter of sperm quality. Methods In this narrative study, we review and discuss pathophysiological causes, DNA repair mechanisms, and management of high SDF. We then summarize literature exploring the association between SDF and reproductive outcomes. Main Findings Recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses have revealed a significant association between high SDF in AMAB individuals and adverse reproductive outcomes including embryo development, natural conception, intrauterine insemination, and in vitro fertilization. However, the association with live birth rates and pregnancy rates following intracytoplasmic injection remains inconclusive. The disparities among quantitative assays, inconsistent reference range values, absent high-quality prospective clinical trials, and clinical heterogeneity in AMAB patients with elevated SDF represent the main limitations affecting SDF testing. Conclusion The evaluation and management of SDF plays an important role in a subset of AMAB infertility, but widespread integration into clinical guidelines will require future high-quality clinical trials and assay standardization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ava Adler
- Glickman Urological & Kidney InstituteCleveland Clinic FoundationClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Bradley Roth
- Glickman Urological & Kidney InstituteCleveland Clinic FoundationClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Scott D. Lundy
- Glickman Urological & Kidney InstituteCleveland Clinic FoundationClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Teppei Takeshima
- Department of Urology, Reproduction CenterYokohama City University Medical CenterYokohamaJapan
| | - Yasushi Yumura
- Department of Urology, Reproduction CenterYokohama City University Medical CenterYokohamaJapan
| | - Shinnosuke Kuroda
- Glickman Urological & Kidney InstituteCleveland Clinic FoundationClevelandOhioUSA
- Department of Urology, Reproduction CenterYokohama City University Medical CenterYokohamaJapan
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Schardein JN, Fendereski K, Hotaling JM. Evolution of the basic semen analysis and processing sperm. Curr Opin Urol 2023; 33:16-23. [PMID: 36226727 DOI: 10.1097/mou.0000000000001054] [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: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The sixth edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen was recently published with specific step-by-step instructions for semen evaluation and sperm processing. Point-of-care (POC) testing for semen evaluation and microfluidics for sperm processing are rapidly evolving technologies that could impact how we evaluate and process sperm. Understanding the updated manual in the context of these novel technologies is important. RECENT FINDINGS Proper standardization of semen evaluation and sperm processing will allow for consistent high-quality results among laboratories worldwide. POC testing could improve access to semen evaluations that generate referrals to male infertility specialists for further assessment. Microfluidics can select functional sperm with decreased DNA fragmentation in semen and testicular biopsy samples for assisted reproductive technology (ART). Clinical outcomes, such as pregnancy rates and live birth rates, have not been shown to be consistently improved with these technologies compared to conventional techniques, although high level evidence research in this area is limited. SUMMARY POC testing and microfluidics have the potential to be combined with machine learning technologies to improve fertility care. If these technologies are appropriately optimized, they could change how we evaluate and process sperm, and potentially lead to improved ART outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica N Schardein
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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11
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Matorras R, Navarro A, Ramos D, Malaina I, Irazusta J, Vendrell A, Fernandez A, Ferrando M, Quintana F. Physical activity and sperm quality: influence in sperm donors. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:83. [PMID: 35610619 PMCID: PMC9128101 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-00946-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To ascertain whether physical activity (PA) is associated with better sperm quality in sperm donors. METHODS A prospective case-control study was designed in an IVF center setting. A total of 207 sperm donation candidates from a relatively small geographical area were included in the study with no intervention. Donor candidates were subjected to conventional sperm analysis according to WHO criteria. Moreover, they answered a standardized questionnaire regarding their last week PA (IPAQ), with PA expressed in metabolic equivalents (METs)-min/week. Donors were classified into 4 groups: low, moderate, high and very high PA. Specific sports were included in the questionnaire. Semen samples from 43 accepted donors were used in artificial insemination by donor (AID) and IVF. The fertilization rates (FR) and pregnancy rates (PR) were studied. RESULTS Semen volume, sperm concentration, progressive spermatozoa, non-progressive spermatozoa, total motile progressive spermatozoa and sperm morphology were similar in the four PA groups. No correlation between various semen parameters studied and METs was found. Running or cycling > 1 h/week did not influence sperm parameters. The AID PR was similar in the different PA groups. However, in IVF the mean donor FR was significantly higher in the high PA group and in the very high PA group. CONCLUSIONS No detrimental effect was associated with PA, or even very high PA, regarding conventional sperm parameters. Moreover, a better FR was associated with high and very high PA in IVF cycles, which merits more studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Matorras
- IVIRMA BILBAO, Lejona, Spain
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Department of Medical-Surgical Specialties, Cruces University Hospital, Basque Country University, Baracaldo, Spain
- Biocruces Health Research Institute, Baracaldo, Spain
| | | | | | - Iker Malaina
- Department of Mathematics, Basque Country University, Lejona, Spain
| | - Jon Irazusta
- Department of Physiology, Basque Country University, Lejona, Spain
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Tourmente M, Sanchez-Rodriguez A, Roldan ERS. Effect of Motility Factors D-Penicillamine, Hypotaurine and Epinephrine on the Performance of Spermatozoa from Five Hamster Species. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11040526. [PMID: 35453725 PMCID: PMC9032960 DOI: 10.3390/biology11040526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Analysis of sperm performance under in vitro conditions provides a good indication of fertilizing potential. Parameters such as motility, swimming kinetics, acrosome integrity, or ATP content are thus examined in efforts to characterize such potential. Hamster species are a good model to study sperm parameters that are key determinants of fertilizing capacity because these species are at the higher end of the diversity of mammalian sperm morphology and performance. In vitro functional studies demand that sperm remain viable during a long period of time under conditions that resemble those in the female tract. Sperm from certain species require supplementation of the incubation medium with factors that stimulate viability and swimming, or that promote acquisition of fertilizing capacity. Molecules important for sperm performance in hamsters have been identified, namely D-penicillamine, hypotaurine and epinephrine (PHE). In the present study, we investigated the effect of PHE on spermatozoa from five hamster species incubated for up to 4 h. Our results revealed that PHE maintains sperm performance in the golden hamster, whereas it improves sperm quality in the Chinese hamster. In contrast, it does not seem to have any effect on sperm from the Siberian (Djungarian), Roborovski and Campbell’s dwarf hamsters. These results are valuable to understand the different regulatory mechanisms of sperm motility and survival in different species. Abstract Assessments of sperm performance are valuable tools for the analysis of sperm fertilizing potential and to understand determinants of male fertility. Hamster species constitute important animal models because they produce sperm cells in high quantities and of high quality. Sexual selection over evolutionary time in these species seems to have resulted in the largest mammalian spermatozoa, and high swimming and bioenergetic performances. Earlier studies showed that golden hamster sperm requires motility factors such as D-penicillamine, hypotaurine and epinephrine (PHE) to sustain survival over time, but it is unknown how they affect swimming kinetics or ATP levels and if other hamster species also require them. The objective of the present study was to examine the effect of PHE on spermatozoa of five hamster species (Mesocricetus auratus, Cricetulus griseus, Phodopus campbelli, P. sungorus, P. roborovskii). In sperm incubated for up to 4 h without or with PHE, we assessed motility, viability, acrosome integrity, sperm velocity and trajectory, and ATP content. The results showed differences in the effect of PHE among species. They had a significant positive effect on the maintenance of sperm quality in M. auratus and C. griseus, whereas there was no consistent effect on spermatozoa of the Phodopus species. Differences between species may be the result of varying underlying regulatory mechanisms of sperm performance and may be important to understand how they relate to successful fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximiliano Tourmente
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Spanish Research Council (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain;
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Cordoba X5016GCA, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (IIByT), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científica y Técnicas (CONICET), Cordoba X5016GCA, Argentina
- Correspondence: (M.T.); (E.R.S.R.)
| | - Ana Sanchez-Rodriguez
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Spanish Research Council (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Eduardo R. S. Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Spanish Research Council (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain;
- Correspondence: (M.T.); (E.R.S.R.)
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13
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Inhibin-B and FSH Are Good Indicators of Spermatogenesis but Not the Best Indicators of Fertility. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12040511. [PMID: 35455002 PMCID: PMC9030543 DOI: 10.3390/life12040511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Biochemical markers of spermatogenesis and fertility assessment are important in the practical management of infertile males and the determination of an individual’s prognosis. We performed an analysis on 100 males with a male infertility factor. The following study inclusion parameters were analyzed: seminogram, FSH, LH, testosterone, estradiol, prolactin, TSH, and inhibin B concentrations. The patients were subsequently treated by reproductive endocrinologists in accordance with AUA/ASRM and EAU guidelines. The reproductive status was evaluated over a period of 3 years. We found a strong correlation of sperm count with inhibin B (r = 0.74, p < 0.001) and FSH concentration levels (r = −0.46, p < 0.001). Among 95 patients at follow-up, pregnancies occurred for 59 of their partners (48 spontaneous, 5 after IVF−ET, and 6 after IUI). Thirty-six patients remained childless despite the therapy. Sperm count and inhibin B level were the best predictors of natural fertilization (ROC AUC: 0.86 and 0.84; cut-off: 2.7 mln/mL and 45 pg/mL). Although inhibin B and FSH can be used to evaluate spermatogenesis and fertility, the initial sperm concentration appeared to be the best predictor of success. Pregnancy was achieved in a surprisingly large proportion of patients with a very low concentration of inhibin B and a low initial sperm count. It is noteworthy that 81% of the pregnancies were achieved without medically assisted reproduction.
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15
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Mortimer R, James K, Bormann CL, Harris AL, Yeh J, Toth TL, Souter I, Roberts DJ, Sacha CR. Male factor infertility and placental pathology in singleton live births conceived with in vitro fertilization. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:3223-3232. [PMID: 34704166 PMCID: PMC8666390 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02344-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We sought to determine whether pregnancies conceived in those with male factor infertility have unique placental pathology profiles compared to those undergoing infertility treatments for other indications. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of placental pathology from 464 live births conceived from autologous fresh IVF cycles at an academic fertility center from 2004 to 2017. Placental pathology was compared between live births arising from patients with male factor infertility alone and those with another infertility diagnosis. Placental outcomes were compared with parametric or non-parametric tests; logistic regression was performed to account for potential confounders. RESULTS Compared to cycles performed for a non-male factor diagnosis, male factor infertility cycles had a higher mean paternal age (38.2 years vs. 36.5 years, p < 0.001), a higher female mean BMI (24.3 vs. 23.3 kg/m2, p = 0.01), and a lower day 3 follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level (6.8 vs. 7.3 IU/mL, p = 0.02). The mean numbers of embryos transferred, and day of transfer were similar between groups, and more cycles used ICSI in the male factor infertility group (90.6% vs. 22.5%, p < 0.001). Placental pathology in our adjusted model was similar between the male factor and non-male factor groups. In our unadjusted subgroup analysis, cycles for male factor using ICSI appeared to lead to more small placentas by weight compared to cycles performed with conventional insemination (45.8% < 10th percentile vs. 18.8%, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION Male factor infertility is not associated with significantly different placental pathology compared to other infertility diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roisin Mortimer
- Department of OB/GYN, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - K James
- Center for Outcomes Research, Department of OB/GYN, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - C L Bormann
- Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - A L Harris
- Department of Women's Health, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Wright Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, USA
- Department of OB/GYN, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA
| | - J Yeh
- Division of Reprod Endo & Infertil, UMass Medical, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - T L Toth
- Boston IVF, Department of OB/GYN, Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - I Souter
- Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - D J Roberts
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General, Boston Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - C R Sacha
- Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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16
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Cohen DJ, Giaccagli MM, Herzfeld JD, González LN, Cuasnicú PS, Da Ros VG. Metabolic syndrome and male fertility disorders: Is there a causal link? Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2021; 22:1057-1071. [PMID: 34037916 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-021-09659-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Infertility is a global health problem affecting 10-15% of couples in reproductive age. Recent studies have provided growing evidence supporting that lifestyle factors can affect male fertility through alterations in endocrine profiles, spermatogenesis and/or sperm function. One of these critical factors could be the change in the food intake behavior in modern societies that produces metabolic alterations. Regarding this, metabolic syndrome (MetS) prevalence has increased in epidemic in the last 40-50 years. Although MetS is associated with advanced age, changes in lifestyles have accelerated the appearance of symptoms in the reproductive age. We review herein the current understanding of the relationship between MetS and the male reproductive status. For this purpose, in this narrative review a comprehensive literature search was made in both animal models and men, allowing us to evaluate such relationship. This analysis showed a high variability in the reproductive phenotypes observed in patients and mice suffering MetS, including sperm parameters, fertility and offspring health. In view of this, we proposed that the reproductive effects, which are diverse and not robust, observed among MetS-affected males, might depend on additional factors not associated with the metabolic condition and contributed not only by the affected male but also by his partner. With this perspective, this review provides a more accurate insight of this syndrome critical for the identification of specific diagnostic indicators and treatment of MetS-induced fertility disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora Juana Cohen
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - María Milagros Giaccagli
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jael Dafne Herzfeld
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucas Nicolás González
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Patricia Sara Cuasnicú
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vanina Gabriela Da Ros
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Kekäläinen J. Genetic incompatibility of the reproductive partners: an evolutionary perspective on infertility. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:3028-3035. [PMID: 34580729 PMCID: PMC8600657 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In natural fertilisation, the female reproductive tract allows only a strictly selected sperm subpopulation to proceed in the vicinity of an unfertilised oocyte. Female-mediated sperm selection (also known as cryptic female choice (CFC)) is far from a random process, which frequently biases paternity towards particular males over others. Earlier studies have shown that CFC is a ubiquitous phenomenon in the animal kingdom and often promotes assortative fertilisation between genetically compatible mates. Here, I demonstrate that CFC for genetic compatibility likely also occurs in humans and is mediated by a complex network of interacting male and female genes. I also show that the relative contribution of genetic compatibility (i.e. the male-female interaction effect) to reproductive success is generally high and frequently outweighs the effects of individual males and females. Together, these facts indicate that, along with male- and female-dependent pathological factors, reproductive failure can also result from gamete-level incompatibility of the reproductive partners. Therefore, I argue that a deeper understanding of these evolutionary mechanisms of sperm selection can pave the way towards a more inclusive view of infertility and open novel possibilities for the development of more personalised infertility diagnostics and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jukka Kekäläinen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
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18
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Seminal Plasma Protein N-Glycan Peaks Are Potential Predictors of Semen Pathology and Sperm Chromatin Maturity in Men. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11090989. [PMID: 34575138 PMCID: PMC8471228 DOI: 10.3390/life11090989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Male infertility is increasingly becoming a health and demographic problem. While it may originate from congenital or acquired diseases, it can also result from environmental exposure. Hence, the complexity of involved molecular mechanisms often requires a multiparametric approach. This study aimed to associate semen parameters with sperm DNA fragmentation, chromatin maturity and seminal plasma protein N-glycosylation. Methods: The study was conducted with 166 participants, 20–55 y old, 82 normozoospermic and 84 with pathological diagnosis. Sperm was analyzed by Halosperm assay and aniline blue staining, while seminal plasma total protein N-glycans were analyzed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: Sperm DNA fragmentation was significantly increased in the pathological group and was inversely correlated with sperm motility and viability. Seminal plasma total protein N-glycans were chromatographically separated in 37 individual peaks. The pattern of seminal plasma N-glycan peaks (SPGP) showed that SPGP14 significantly differs between men with normal and pathological semen parameters (p < 0.001). The multivariate analysis showed that when sperm chromatin maturity increases by 10%, SPGP17 decreases by 14% while SPGP25 increases by 25%. Conclusion: DNA integrity and seminal plasma N-glycans are associated with pathological sperm parameters. Specific N-glycans are also associated with sperm chromatin maturity and have a potential in future fertility research and clinical diagnostics.
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19
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Ribeiro JC, Braga PC, Martins AD, Silva BM, Alves MG, Oliveira PF. Antioxidants Present in Reproductive Tract Fluids and Their Relevance for Fertility. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10091441. [PMID: 34573073 PMCID: PMC8466935 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10091441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, infertility is classified as a disease of the reproductive system. Although it does not compromise the life of the individual, it can have detrimental effects on the physiological and psychological health of the couple. Male fertility evaluation is mainly focused on the analysis of sperm parameters. However, the ejaculated fluid is also composed of seminal plasma, and the study of this fluid can provide crucial information to help in the assessment of male fertility status. Total antioxidant capacity of the seminal plasma has been positively correlated with the fertility of men. Moreover, evidence highlights to a similar importance as that of female reproductive tract fluid antioxidant capabilities and female fertility. Herein, we describe the functions of seminal plasma and female reproductive tract fluids, as well as their main antioxidant components and their relationships with fertility outcomes. Additionally, this review contains the most up to date information regarding the mechanisms of the interaction between the male and the female reproductive fluids and the importance of proper antioxidant capacity for fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- João C. Ribeiro
- Department of Anatomy, Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (J.C.R.); (P.C.B.); (M.G.A.)
- QOPNA & LAQV, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
| | - Patrícia C. Braga
- Department of Anatomy, Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (J.C.R.); (P.C.B.); (M.G.A.)
| | - Ana D. Martins
- QOPNA & LAQV, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
| | - Branca M. Silva
- CICS, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal;
| | - Marco G. Alves
- Department of Anatomy, Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (J.C.R.); (P.C.B.); (M.G.A.)
| | - Pedro F. Oliveira
- QOPNA & LAQV, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-234370718
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20
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Pennings G, Couture V, Ombelet W. Social sperm freezing. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:833-839. [PMID: 33501976 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased paternal age has been associated with lower fertility and higher genetic risk for the offspring. One way to prevent these consequences is to freeze sperm at a young age. Social sperm freezing could be developed in a way similar to social oocyte freezing. The main difference between freezing oocytes and sperm is that social sperm freezing is much less focussed on fertility preservation and much more on avoiding increased genetic risk. Contrary to what some people seem to believe, sperm freezing is more complicated than it looks at first sight. This article considers three practical aspects: freezing, storage and testing. It is concluded that the remedy (cryopreservation) may itself cause damage to the quality of the spermatozoon and to its genetic integrity, thus undoing the possible benefits in terms of fertility and health of offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Pennings
- Department of Philosophy and Moral Science, Bioethics Institute Ghent (BIG), Ghent University, Ghent B-9000, Belgium
| | - Vincent Couture
- Faculty of Nursing, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.,Research Center of the CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC G1L 3L5, Canada
| | - Willem Ombelet
- Genk Institute for Fertility Technology, ZOL Hospitals, Genk B-3600, Belgium.,Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt B-3500, Belgium
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21
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Onofre J, Geenen L, Cox A, Van Der Auwera I, Willendrup F, Andersen E, Campo R, Dhont N, Ombelet W. Simplified sperm testing devices: a possible tool to overcome lack of accessibility and inconsistency in male factor infertility diagnosis. An opportunity for low- and middle- income countries. Facts Views Vis Obgyn 2021; 13:79-93. [PMID: 33889864 PMCID: PMC8051200 DOI: 10.52054/fvvo.13.1.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Manual semen assessment (MSA) is a key component in a male’s fertility assessment. Clinicians rely on it to make diagnostic and treatment decisions. When performed manually, this routine laboratory test is prone to variability due to human intervention which can lead to misdiagnosis and consequently over- or under- treatment. For standardisation, continuous training, quality control (QC) programs and pricy Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA) systems have been proposed, yet, without resolving intra- and inter-laboratory variability. In response, promising simplified sperm testing devices, able to provide cost-effective point-of-care male infertility diagnosis are prospected as a plausible solution to resolve variability and increase access to sperm testing. Materials and methods A throughout literature research for semen testing, sperm analysis, smart-phone assisted semen analysis, ‘at-home’ semen testing, male infertility, infertility in developing countries, infertility in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) and quantitative sperm analysis was performed. A total of 14 articles, specific to ‘at-home’ simplified sperm assessment, were included to treat the core subject. Results Continuous training and consistent QC, are sine qua none conditions to achieve accurate and comparable MSA. Compliance does not rule-out variability, nevertheless. Emerging simplified sperm assessment devices are an actual alternative to resolve the lack of standardisation and accessibility to sperm analysis. YO ® , SEEM ® , and ExSeed ® are commercially available, user-friendly smartphone-based devices which can accurately measure volume, sperm concentration (millions/ml) and total motile sperm count. More broadly, by cost-effectiveness, availability, accuracy and convenient application, these devices could effectively select patients for first-line artificial reproduction treatments such as intrauterine insemination. Conclusions Accuracy and cost-effectiveness make smart-phone based sperm testing devices a practical and realistic solution to overcome variability in MSA. Importantly, these tools represent an actual opportunity to standardise and improve male subfertility diagnosis and treatment, especially in LMIC. However, before clinical application is possible, guidelines, further testing with special attention on accuracy in washed sperm, availability, cost-benefit and reliability are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Onofre
- Genk Institute for Fertility Technology, Genk, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Infertility, Ziekenhuis Oost Limburg, Genk, Belgium
| | - L Geenen
- University of Hasselt, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - A Cox
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Infertility, Ziekenhuis Oost Limburg, Genk, Belgium
| | - I Van Der Auwera
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Infertility, Ziekenhuis Oost Limburg, Genk, Belgium
| | | | | | - R Campo
- Genk Institute for Fertility Technology, Genk, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Infertility, Ziekenhuis Oost Limburg, Genk, Belgium
| | - N Dhont
- Genk Institute for Fertility Technology, Genk, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Infertility, Ziekenhuis Oost Limburg, Genk, Belgium
| | - W Ombelet
- Genk Institute for Fertility Technology, Genk, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Infertility, Ziekenhuis Oost Limburg, Genk, Belgium
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23
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Kasman A, Del Giudice F, Shkolyar E, Porreca A, Busetto GM, Lu Y, Eisenberg ML. Modeling the contribution of the obesity epidemic to the temporal decline in sperm counts. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 92. [PMID: 33348967 DOI: 10.4081/aiua.2020.4.357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Total sperm count (TSC) has been declining worldwide over the last several decades due to unknown etiologies. Our aim was to model the contribution that the obesity epidemic may have on declining TSC. MATERIALS AND METHODS Obesity rates were determined since 1973 using the WHO's Global Health Observatory data. A literature review was performed to determine the association between TSC and obesity. Using the measured obesity rates and published TSC since 1973, a model was created to evaluate the association between temporal trends in obesity/temperature and sperm count. RESULTS Since 1973, obesity prevalence in the United States was increased from 41% to 67.9%. A review of the literature showed that body mass index (BMI) categories 2, 3, and 4 were associated with TSC (millions) of 164.27, 155.71, and 142.29, respectively. The contribution to change over time for obesity from 1974 to 2011 was modeled at 1.8%. When the model was changed to represent the most extreme possible contribution to obesity reported, the modeled change over time rose to 7.2%. When stratified according to fertility status, the contribution that BMI had to falling sperm counts for all comers was 1.7%, while those presenting for fertility evaluation was 2.1%. CONCLUSIONS While the decline in TSC may be partially due to rising obesity rates, these contributions are minimal which highlights the complexity of this problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Kasman
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.
| | - Francesco Del Giudice
- Department of Urology, "Sapienza" University of Rome; Department of Maternal-Infant and Urological Sciences, "Sapienza" Rome University, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Rome.
| | - Eugene Shkolyar
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.
| | - Angelo Porreca
- Department of Urology, Policlinico Abano Terme, Abano Terme (PD).
| | - Gian Maria Busetto
- Department of Maternal-Infant and Urological Sciences, "Sapienza" Rome University, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Rome.
| | - Ying Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford.
| | - Michael L Eisenberg
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.
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Huyghe E, Boitrelle F, Methorst C, Mieusset R, Ray PF, Akakpo W, Koscinski I, Chalas C, Rives N, Plotton I, Robin G, El Osta R, Hennebicq S, Eustache F, Marcelli F, Lejeune H. [AFU and SALF recommendations for the evaluation of male infertility]. Prog Urol 2020; 31:131-144. [PMID: 33309127 DOI: 10.1016/j.purol.2020.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of these Association Française d'Urologie (AFU) and Société d'Andrologie de Langue Française (SALF) common recommendations are to provide practice guidelines for the French Urological and Andrological community regarding the evaluation of infertile men. MATERIAL AND METHODS Literature search in PubMed using the keywords "male infertility", "diagnosis", "management" and "evaluation" limited to clinical articles in English and French prior to 1/01/2020. To inform the level of evidence, the HAS grading system (2013) was applied. RESULTS Concerning the evaluation of infertile men, the AFU and the SALF recommend : (1) a systematic interview exploring the family history, the fertility history of the man outside the couple, the patient's personal history that may have an impact on his fertility, lifestyle habits, treatments, symptoms and possible sexual difficulties of the couple; (2) a general physical examination to assess signs of hypogonadism and secondary sexual characters; (3) a scrotal physical examination performed by an urologist or andrologist to assess (i) the testes for volume and consistency, (ii) vas deferens and epididymes for total or partial absence or nodules, and (iii) presence of varicoceles; (4) Performing two semen analyses, according to World Health Organization guidelines, if the first one has at least one abnormaly; (5) a scrotal ultrasound as part of routine investigation, that can be completed with an endorectal pelvic ultrasound according to the clinic; (6) an endocrine evaluation with at least a Testosterone and FSH serum determination; (7) Karyotype analysis in infertile men with a sperm concentration ≤10 106/mL; (8) assessment of Yq microdeletions in infertile men with a sperm concentration ≤1 106/mL; (9) Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene evaluation in case of suspicion for bilateral or unilateral congenital agenesis of vas deferens and seminal vesicles. The interest of tests analyzing DNA fragmentation (TUNEL, SCSA) is still under investigation. CONCLUSION These guidelines can be applied in routine clinical practice in all infertile men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Huyghe
- Département d'Urologie, Transplantation Rénale et Andrologie, CHU de Toulouse, site de Rangueil, Toulouse, France; Médecine de la Reproduction, CHU de Toulouse, site de Paule de Viguier, Toulouse, France.
| | - Florence Boitrelle
- Service de gynécologie-obstétrique, CHI Poissy/Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Poissy, France
| | | | - Roger Mieusset
- Médecine de la Reproduction, CHU de Toulouse, site de Paule de Viguier, Toulouse, France
| | - Pierre F Ray
- Service de Biologie, Génétique de la reproduction, CHU de Grenoble, France
| | - William Akakpo
- Service d'Urologie, Hôpital universitaire de la Pitié Salpêtrière, APHP, Paris, France
| | | | - Céline Chalas
- Service d'Histologie, embryologie, cytologie, Hôpital Cochin, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Rives
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction, CECOS, CHU de Rouen, France
| | - Ingrid Plotton
- Service de médecine de la reproduction, Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant, HCL, Bron, France
| | - Geoffroy Robin
- Service de gynécologie, Médecine de la reproduction, Hôpital Jeanne de Flandres, CHRU de Lille, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Hervé Lejeune
- Service de médecine de la reproduction, Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant, HCL, Bron, France
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Pollard CA, Jenkins TG. Epigenetic mechanisms within the sperm epigenome and their diagnostic potential. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 34:101481. [PMID: 33358482 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2020.101481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The sperm epigenome contains a highly unique and specialized epigenetic landscape. Insightful questions need be asked about these epigenetic signatures and their predictive potential to assess the approximately 1 in 6 couples who experience infertility. Among those couples that do experience infertility, approximately half of the cases involve a male factor. Unfortunately, there is a significant lack of effective diagnostic tools in the male infertility space and thus clinicians are left with little data upon which they can formulate data driven treatment plans. Taking together this information and the striking prevalence of male infertility it's obvious that there is a need for improved diagnostic techniques for male infertility. Many studies have identified what appear to be clinically meaningful epigenetic alterations in sperm that may add utility in the diagnoses of infertility and improvement of pregnancy outcomes. Many researchers believe that continued analysis of these various epigenetic mechanisms may provide powerful predictive insight. In fact, there is promising current data suggesting that the predictive power of DNA methylation, Nuclear Proteins, and miRNA signatures in sperm likely can improve what is currently found with traditional diagnosis of male infertility. The focus of this review is to give a brief understanding to the field of epigenetics and the potential predictive power the sperm epigenome may hold in relation to improving the treatment and diagnosis of male infertility patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad A Pollard
- Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Tim G Jenkins
- Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA.
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Blachman-Braun R, Best JC, Sandoval V, Lokeshwar SD, Patel P, Kohn T, Jacobs M, Ramasamy R. Sperm DNA fragmentation index and high DNA stainability do not influence pregnancy success after intracytoplasmic sperm injection. F S Rep 2020; 1:233-238. [PMID: 33345199 PMCID: PMC7748016 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2020.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Blachman-Braun
- Department of Urology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Jordan C. Best
- Department of Urology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Victor Sandoval
- Hospital Valentin Gomez Farias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Soum D. Lokeshwar
- Department of Urology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Premal Patel
- Section of Urology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Taylor Kohn
- Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Ranjith Ramasamy
- Department of Urology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
- Reprint requests: Ranjith Ramasamy, M.D., 1120 NW 14th St, 15th Floor, Miami, FL 33136.
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Effect of vitamin E administered to men in infertile couples on sperm and assisted reproduction outcomes: a double-blind randomized study. F S Rep 2020; 1:219-226. [PMID: 34223248 PMCID: PMC8244364 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2020.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the influence on sperm parameters and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes of the administration of 400 mg/day of vitamin E for 3 months to men from infertile couples who are undergoing IVF. Design Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study. Setting Human reproduction unit of a university hospital. Patients A total of 101 couples, 50 in the vitamin E group and 51 in the placebo group, undergoing IVF, among whom 64.4% of cases had an abnormal spermiogram according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Interventions Vitamin E (α-tocopherol), 400 mg daily by mouth for 3 months, with sperm analysis performed immediately before starting the treatment and 3 months later on the day of IVF. Main Outcome Measures WHO sperm parameters and IVF outcomes. Results Although there was a statistically significant increase in progressive motility in the vitamin E group compared with before-treatment values, a similar increase occurred in the placebo group. Normal morphology was even better in the placebo group. Regarding IVF outcomes, better fertilization rates were observed in the placebo group, but the live-birth rate per transfer was statistically significantly higher in the vitamin E group: 17 (41.46%) of 41 versus 9 (20.46%) of 44 in the placebo group. Although the clinical pregnancy rates (both per transfer and per cycle started) and the implantation rate were somewhat higher in the vitamin E group (43.9% and 25%; 36.0% and 22.0%; and 24.7% and 14.1%, respectively), the increase was not statistically significant. Conclusions The effect of vitamin E on classic sperm parameters was not an improvement over placebo. Nonetheless, vitamin E administration was associated with a statistically significantly higher live-birth rate, and there was a trend toward better results in other IVF parameters. Clinical Trial Registration Number Eudra CT 2007-000960-25.
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Zhang Y, Cheng J, Ou J, Liu Z, Liu Y, Zang ZJ. Diagnostic performance of discontinuous density gradient centrifugation for estimating human semen quality. Andrology 2020; 9:196-203. [PMID: 32805757 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Semen analysis plays an important role in the diagnosis of male infertility. However, many studies have demonstrated that the current methods of semen analysis are inefficient for assessing male fertility. OBJECTIVE To test whether prior discontinuous density gradient centrifugation (DDCG) improves the performance of semen analysis in diagnosing male infertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS Infertile men and fertile men were recruited from the clinic. Pre- and post-DDGC values for the semen parameters of sperm concentration, total sperm number, percent total motility, percent progressive motility, percent normal sperm morphology, and sperm DNA fragmentation rate were compared. RESULTS A total of 528 men (252 infertile men and 276 fertile men) were enrolled in the present study. After DDGC, sensitivity was significantly increased for sperm concentration, total sperm number, and sperm morphology (P < .01); specificity was significantly increased for progressive motility and sperm morphology (P < .01); and diagnostic accuracy was significantly improved for all of these parameters (area under the curve (AUC): P < .01). Total motility and sperm DNA fragmentation rate exhibited no obvious change in sensitivity, specificity or accuracy after DDGC (all P > .01). For the combination of all these semen parameters, diagnostic accuracy improved significantly after DDGC (AUC: P < .01). In a multiple regression analysis, only sperm morphology and sperm DNA fragmentation rate had P values less than 0.05 before DDGC, whereas all parameters except total sperm number contributed to the equation after DDGC. DISCUSSION DDGC is a mature, standardized procedure for clinical commonly used to optimize spermatozoa. The diagnostic accuracy of semen analysis was significantly improved after DDGC, which indicated that assessing "functional spermatozoa" might be a more suitable method for semen analysis than the WHO 2010 criteria. CONCLUSION Assessing semen parameters after DDGC might improve their diagnostic accuracy for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Zhang
- Department of Infertility and Sexual Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juan Cheng
- Department of Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianping Ou
- Center for Reproduction Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuojie Liu
- Department of Infertility and Sexual Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yonghui Liu
- Department of Infertility and Sexual Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Jun Zang
- Department of Infertility and Sexual Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Jokiniemi A, Magris M, Ritari J, Kuusipalo L, Lundgren T, Partanen J, Kekäläinen J. Post-copulatory genetic matchmaking: HLA-dependent effects of cervical mucus on human sperm function. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20201682. [PMID: 32811307 PMCID: PMC7482290 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.1682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have demonstrated that women show pre-copulatory mating preferences for human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-dissimilar men. A fascinating, yet unexplored, possibility is that the ultimate mating bias towards HLA-dissimilar partners could occur after copulation, at the gamete level. Here, we explored this possibility by investigating whether the selection towards HLA-dissimilar partners occurs in the cervical mucus. After combining sperm and cervical mucus from multiple males and females (full factorial design), we found that sperm performance (swimming velocity, hyperactivation, and viability) was strongly influenced by the male–female combination. This indicates that sperm fertilization capability may be dependent on the compatibility between cervical mucus (female) and sperm (male). We also found that sperm viability was associated with partners' HLA dissimilarity, indicating that cervical mucus may selectively facilitate later gamete fusion between immunogenetically compatible partners. Together, these results provide novel insights into the female-mediated sperm selection (cryptic female choice) in humans and indicate that processes occurring after copulation may contribute to the mating bias towards HLA-dissimilar partners. Finally, by showing that sperm performance in cervical mucus is influenced by partners' genetic compatibility, the present findings may promote a deeper understanding of infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalaura Jokiniemi
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 111, 80101 Joensuu, Finland
| | - Martina Magris
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 111, 80101 Joensuu, Finland
| | - Jarmo Ritari
- Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, Research and Development, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Liisa Kuusipalo
- North Karelia Central Hospital, Tikkamäentie 16, 80210 Joensuu, Finland
| | - Tuulia Lundgren
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 111, 80101 Joensuu, Finland
| | - Jukka Partanen
- Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, Research and Development, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jukka Kekäläinen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 111, 80101 Joensuu, Finland
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Jokiniemi A, Kuusipalo L, Ritari J, Koskela S, Partanen J, Kekäläinen J. Gamete-level immunogenetic incompatibility in humans-towards deeper understanding of fertilization and infertility? Heredity (Edinb) 2020; 125:281-289. [PMID: 32747723 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-020-0350-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) immune genes play an important role in partner selection, but it has remained unclear if nonrandom pairing with respect to parental HLA genes could occur at the level of the gametes. We tested this possibility by investigating whether the sperm fertilization competence in humans is dependent on HLA genotype combination of the partners. We conducted a full-factorial experiment, in which the sperm physiological preparation for fertilization among multiple males was studied in the presence of follicular fluid (oocyte surrounding bioactive liquid) of several females. All the studied sperm pre-fertilization physiological parameters (motility, hyperactivation, acrosome reaction, and viability) were strongly dependent on male-female combination. In other words, follicular fluids (women) that induce strong sperm physiological response in some males often induce much weaker response in the other(s). Sperm physiological responses were stronger in HLA-dissimilar male-female pairs than in HLA-similar combinations, but none of the measured sperm traits were associated with genome-wide similarity. Together, these findings shed new light on the evolutionary and immunological mechanisms of fertilization. Furthermore, our results raise an intriguing possibility that against currently prevailing WHO's definition, infertility may not represent exclusively a pathological condition, but may also result from immunogenetic incompatibility of the gametes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalaura Jokiniemi
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, FI-80101, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Liisa Kuusipalo
- North Karelia Central Hospital, Tikkamäentie 16, FI-80210, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Jarmo Ritari
- Research and Development, Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, Haartmaninkatu 8, FI-00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Satu Koskela
- Research and Development, Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, Haartmaninkatu 8, FI-00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jukka Partanen
- Research and Development, Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, Haartmaninkatu 8, FI-00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jukka Kekäläinen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, FI-80101, Joensuu, Finland.
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Xiong F, Wang S, Sun Q, Ye L, Yao Z, Chen P, Wan C, Zhong H, Zeng Y. A visualized clinical model predicting good quality blastocyst development in the first IVF/ICSI cycle. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 41:807-817. [PMID: 32843308 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Is it possible to establish a visualized clinical model predicting good quality blastocyst (GQB) formation for patients in their first IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycle? DESIGN A total of 4783 patients in their first IVF/ICSI cycle between January 2015 and December 2019 were retrospectively included and randomly divided into the training set (n = 3826) and the testing set (n = 957) in an 8:2 ratio. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was adopted to select the most critical predictors for GQB formation to construct a visualized nomogram model based on the data of patients in the training set. Receiver operating characteristic and calibration curves were used to evaluate the predictive accuracy and discriminative ability. The performance of the model was also validated on independent data from patients treated in the testing set. RESULTS Maternal age, maternal serum anti-Müllerian hormone (MsAMH) concentration and the number of oocytes retrieved were highlighted as critical predictors of GQB development and were incorporated into the nomogram model. Based on the area under the curve (AUC) values, the predictive ability for ≥1, ≥3 and ≥5 GQB were 0.831, 0.734 and 0.748, respectively. The calibration curve also showed high concordance between the observed and predicted results. The AUC for predicting ≥1, ≥3 and ≥5 GQB in the testing set were 0.805, 0.695 and 0.707, respectively, which were similar to those for the training set. CONCLUSIONS The visualized nomogram model provides great predictive value for GQB development in patients in their first IVF/ICSI cycle and can be used to improve clinical counselling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Xiong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-Implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen Guangdong 518045, People's Republic of China
| | - Sisi Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-Implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen Guangdong 518045, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Sun
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-Implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen Guangdong 518045, People's Republic of China
| | - Lijun Ye
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-Implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen Guangdong 518045, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhihong Yao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-Implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen Guangdong 518045, People's Republic of China
| | - Peilin Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-Implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen Guangdong 518045, People's Republic of China
| | - Caiyun Wan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-Implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen Guangdong 518045, People's Republic of China
| | - Huixian Zhong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-Implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen Guangdong 518045, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Zeng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-Implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen Guangdong 518045, People's Republic of China.
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Dutta S, Henkel R, Agarwal A. Comparative analysis of tests used to assess sperm chromatin integrity and DNA fragmentation. Andrologia 2020; 53:e13718. [PMID: 32628294 DOI: 10.1111/and.13718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Male infertility has a complex etiology, and many times, the cause is unknown. While routine semen analysis provides an overview of basic semen parameters, such as sperm concentration, motility, viability and morphology, a significant overlap of these parameters has been reported in fertile and infertile men. Moreover, conventional semen parameters do not reveal the cellular or molecular mechanisms of sperm dysfunctions leading to infertility. Therefore, sperm functional parameters, including sperm chromatin integrity, are evaluated to provide information on subtle sperm defects that are not routinely identified. Incomplete or defective sperm chromatin condensation increases the susceptibility of the sperm DNA to oxidative damage or other factors. To evaluate sperm chromatin integrity, different methods with varying degrees of diagnostic and prognostic capabilities are available. Among these assays, SCSA, TUNEL and SCD assays are most commonly used. While these assays rather evaluate the DNA directly for damages, the aniline blue and chromomycin A3 stains test for the quality of chromatin condensation. Thus, this review discusses and compares different methods used to evaluate sperm chromatin integrity and condensation, and their inclusion in the routine evaluation of the male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sulagna Dutta
- Department of Oral Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, MAHSA University, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ralf Henkel
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa.,American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Wasilewski T, Łukaszewicz-Zając M, Wasilewska J, Mroczko B. Biochemistry of infertility. Clin Chim Acta 2020; 508:185-190. [PMID: 32446954 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2020.05.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Infertility affects approximately 186 million people worldwide and 8-12% of couples of reproductive age. Therefore, a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation of infertility is crucial to achieving improvements in targeted prevention and treatment outcomes. The aim of this review is to explore the biochemistry of infertility in order to properly diagnose and treat infertile couples. Recent studies indicate that routine measurement of biochemical parameters reflecting thyroid dysfunction, immunological disorders, autoimmune mechanisms, insulin resistance and malabsorption of selected micro- and macronutrients are required to assess infertility. Due to the complexity of this approach, algorithmic protocols that integrate these biochemical parameters in a dynamic test environment are necessary to provide a more comprehensive diagnostic assessment and more effective treatment strategy for infertile couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Wasilewski
- Centre for Restorative Procreative Medicine, Napromedica, Bialystok, Poland
| | - M Łukaszewicz-Zając
- Department of Biochemical Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - J Wasilewska
- Centre for Paediatrics, Allergology, Psychodietetics, and Treatment of Children Diagnosed with Autism, IPM, Bialystok, Poland
| | - B Mroczko
- Department of Biochemical Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland; Department of Neurodegeneration Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland.
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Martins AD, Panner Selvam MK, Agarwal A, Alves MG, Baskaran S. Alterations in seminal plasma proteomic profile in men with primary and secondary infertility. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7539. [PMID: 32372034 PMCID: PMC7200760 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64434-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteome of seminal plasma provides profound information related to the male reproductive health. This pilot study was conducted to characterize proteomic profile of seminal plasma from men with primary, or secondary infertility and compare it with proven fertile men. Study participants (n = 59) were recruited at the Cleveland Clinic and divided according to their fertility status: proven fertile (n = 39); primary infertility (n = 11) and secondary infertility (n = 9). Proteomic shotgun analysis revealed a total of 515 peptides common to primary infertility and control group; whereas 523 peptides were common to secondary infertility and control group. Bioinformatic analysis revealed dysregulation of biological processes such as cell secretion and vesicle mediated transport in primary infertility, whereas immune system response, regulation of proteolysis and iron homeostasis were dysregulated in secondary infertility. Western blot validation showed overexpression of ANXA2 and CDC42, and underexpression of SEMG2 proteins in primary infertility; and overexpression of ANXA2 and APP proteins in secondary infertility. This study elucidates the potential role of differentially expressed proteins in the seminal plasma as diagnostic biomarker for primary and secondary infertility. Furthermore, our results suggest maturation failure and immune reaction response as the main cause of infertility in men with primary and secondary infertility, respectively. Additional validation of the proteins involved in the above pathways is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana D Martins
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Marco G Alves
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Saradha Baskaran
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Kim SJ, Kim H, Kim TH, Jeong J, Lee WS, Lyu SW. Effect of sperm selection using hyaluronan on fertilization and quality of cleavage-stage embryos in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles of couples with severe teratozoospermia. Gynecol Endocrinol 2020; 36:456-459. [PMID: 31657242 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2019.1681960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of hyaluronan-selected/physiological intracytoplasmic sperm injection (PICSI) on fertilization and quality of cleavage-stage embryos in infertile couples with ≤1% of spermatozoa with normal strict morphology (severe teratozoospermia). Seventy-seven couples underwent PICSI between October 2017 and December 2018 (PICSI group), while 75 couples underwent conventional intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) between January 2016 and September 2017 (ICSI group). Good quality embryos (GQEs) were evaluated based on morphology. Patient and cycle characteristics were comparable between the PICSI and ICSI groups, except for age and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level (38.4 ± 3.9 years vs. 36.3 ± 4.3 years, p = .002 and 2.06 ± 1.99 ng/mL vs. 2.97 ± 3.25 ng/mL, p = .040). The fertilization rate per oocyte inseminated and GQE rate were significantly higher in the PICSI group than in the ICSI group (82.7% vs. 71.7%, p ˂ .001 and 52.8% vs. 34.0%, p ˂ .001). Furthermore, the absence of GQEs was found to be lower in the PICSI group (13.0% vs. 30.7%, p = .008). Multivariate analysis adjusted for age and AMH level identified PICSI as an unfavorable and independent factor for the absence of GQEs (adjusted odds ratio, 0.333; 95% confidence interval, 0.125-0.890). PICSI seems to be superior to ICSI in terms of fertilization and embryo quality in couples with severe teratozoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se Jeong Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunjin Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Hyung Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihye Jeong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo Sik Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Woo Lyu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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36
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Gunes S, Esteves SC. Role of genetics and epigenetics in male infertility. Andrologia 2020; 53:e13586. [PMID: 32314821 DOI: 10.1111/and.13586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a complex condition with a strong genetic and epigenetic background. This review discusses the importance of genetic and epigenetic factors in the pathophysiology of male infertility. The interplay between thousands of genes, the epigenetic control of gene expression, and environmental and lifestyle factors, which influence genetic and epigenetic variants, determines the resulting male infertility phenotype. Currently, karyotyping, Y-chromosome microdeletion screening and CFTR gene mutation tests are routinely performed to investigate a possible genetic aetiology in patients with azoospermia and severe oligozoospermia. However, current testing is limited in its ability to identify a variety of genetic and epigenetic conditions that might be implicated in both idiopathic and unexplained infertility. Several epimutations of imprinting genes and developmental genes have been postulated to be candidate markers for male infertility. As such, development of novel diagnostic panels is essential to change the current landscape with regard to prevention, diagnosis and management. Understanding the underlying genetic mechanisms related to the pathophysiology of male infertility, and the impact of environmental exposures and lifestyle factors on gene expression might aid clinicians in developing individualised treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sezgin Gunes
- Medical Biology, Medical Faculty, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey.,Molecular Medicine, Medical Faculty, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Sandro C Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Referral Center for Male Reproduction, Campinas, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Department of Surgery (Division of Urology), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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37
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Turner KA, Rambhatla A, Schon S, Agarwal A, Krawetz SA, Dupree JM, Avidor-Reiss T. Male Infertility is a Women's Health Issue-Research and Clinical Evaluation of Male Infertility Is Needed. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040990. [PMID: 32316195 PMCID: PMC7226946 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a devastating experience for both partners as they try to conceive. Historically, when a couple could not conceive, the woman has carried the stigma of infertility; however, men and women are just as likely to contribute to the couple’s infertility. With the development of assisted reproductive technology (ART), the treatment burden for male and unexplained infertility has fallen mainly on women. Equalizing this burden requires reviving research on male infertility to both improve treatment options and enable natural conception. Despite many scientific efforts, infertility in men due to sperm dysfunction is mainly diagnosed by a semen analysis. The semen analysis is limited as it only examines general sperm properties such as concentration, motility, and morphology. A diagnosis of male infertility rarely includes an assessment of internal sperm components such as DNA, which is well documented to have an impact on infertility, or other components such as RNA and centrioles, which are beginning to be adopted. Assessment of these components is not typically included in current diagnostic testing because available treatments are limited. Recent research has expanded our understanding of sperm biology and suggests that these components may also contribute to the failure to achieve pregnancy. Understanding the sperm’s internal components, and how they contribute to male infertility, would provide avenues for new therapies that are based on treating men directly for male infertility, which may enable less invasive treatments and even natural conception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina A. Turner
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA;
| | - Amarnath Rambhatla
- Department of Urology, Vattikuti Urology Institute, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI 48202, USA;
| | - Samantha Schon
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Medical School, L4000 UH-South, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA;
| | - Stephen A. Krawetz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA;
| | - James M. Dupree
- Department of Urology and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48019, USA;
| | - Tomer Avidor-Reiss
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA;
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
- Correspondence:
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Li L, Li H, Tian Y, Hu M, Le F, Wang L, Liu X, Jin F. Differential microRNAs expression in seminal plasma of normospermic patients with different sperm DNA fragmentation indexes. Reprod Toxicol 2020; 94:8-12. [PMID: 32259568 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Sperm DNA fragmentation index (SDF), as an important supplement to routine semen parameters, has been proposed to discriminate between fertile and infertile men, and predicts the outcomes of natural conception and in vitro fertilization. Unfortunately there are uncertainty and contradictory evidences regarding the importance of SDF. An important reason is the fact that significant and fundamental research about SDF is rare. This study was designed to characterize the microRNA (miRNA) expression profile in seminal plasma of normospermic patients with different SDF and their implications in human fertility. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS), a total of 897 human miRNAs were detected from 10 seminal plasma samples, out of which 431 differentially expressed miRNAs in 5 pairs of seminal plasma samples (each pair of seminal plasma samples obtained from the same male), with 14 miRNAs were identified in all the pairs. According to the fold change and expression level, 7 miRNAs including miR-374b-5p, miR-429, hsa-miR-26b-5p, miR-21-5p, miR-4257, miR-135b-5p and miR-134-5p were selected for further excavation. MiR-374b-5p and miR-26b-5p were significantly different in 3 sets of individual seminal plasma samples with different SDF from total 90 infertile patients (30 patients each set). Our results demonstrate that the profile of miR-374b and miR-26b with significantly decreased expression could be used as a first indication of increased SDF. And miR-374b and miR-26b could serve as adjunct biomarkers for the diagnosis of idiopathic infertile males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lejun Li
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongping Li
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yonghong Tian
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Minhao Hu
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fang Le
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liya Wang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaozhen Liu
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fan Jin
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou, China.
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DNA fragmentation index (DFI) as a measure of sperm quality and fertility in mice. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3833. [PMID: 32123279 PMCID: PMC7052244 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60876-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although thousands of genetically modified mouse strains have been cryopreserved by sperm freezing, the likelihood of cryorecovery success cannot be accurately predicted using conventional sperm parameters. The objective of the present study was to assess the extent to which measurement of a sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) can predict sperm quality and fertility after cryopreservation. Using a modified TUNEL assay, we measured and correlated the DFI of frozen-thawed sperm from 83 unique mutant mouse strains with sperm count, motility and morphology. We observed a linear inverse correlation between sperm DFI and sperm morphology and motility. Further, sperm DFI was significantly higher from males with low sperm counts compared to males with normal sperm counts (P < 0.0001). Additionally, we found that viable embryos derived using sperm from males with high DFI (62.7 ± 7.2% for IVF and 73.3 ± 8.1% for ICSI) failed to litter after embryo transfer compared to embryos from males with low DFI (20.4 ± 7.9% for IVF and 28.1 ± 10.7 for ICSI). This study reveals that measurement of DFI provides a simple, informative and reliable measure of sperm quality and can accurately predict male mouse fertility.
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Association between high-fat diet feeding and male fertility in high reproductive performance mice. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18546. [PMID: 31811184 PMCID: PMC6898043 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54799-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing worldwide prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), especially in younger populations, is a risk factor for fertility disorders. However, a direct correlation of MetS with male infertility still remains unclear. In this work, we evaluated whether MetS has a negative impact on fertility of hybrid male mice with high reproductive performance. To induce a MetS-like condition, (C57BL/6xBALB/c) F1 male mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD, 30% fat) for 19 weeks, while controls received a normal-fat diet (NFD, 6% fat). HFD-fed animals exhibited increased body weight, hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance. In vivo fertilisation assays performed along the treatment period showed no differences in fertilisation nor in vitro embryo development rates between groups. While testicular weight and morphology were similar in both groups, HFD-fed mice presented lighter epididymides and higher amounts of gonadal fat. Moreover, sperm count was lower in HFD-fed mice, despite normal sperm viability, morphology, motility or acrosome reaction. Finally, no differences were observed in in vitro fertilisation rates between groups. In summary, although HFD feeding altered some reproductive parameters, it did not impair male fertility in high performance breeders suggesting the possibility that a fertility impairment could be the result of the cumulative combination of environmental and/or genetic factors.
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41
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The current status and future of andrology: A consensus report from the Cairo workshop group. Andrology 2019; 8:27-52. [PMID: 31692249 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In attempting to formulate potential WHO guidelines for the diagnosis of male infertility, the Evidence Synthesis Group noted a paucity of high-quality data on which to base key recommendations. As a result, a number of authors suggested that key areas of research/evidence gaps should be identified, so that appropriate funding and policy actions could be undertaken to help address key questions. OBJECTIVES The overall objective of this Consensus workshop was to clarify current knowledge and deficits in clinical laboratory andrology, so that clear paths for future development could be navigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS Following a detailed literature review, each author, prior to the face-to-face meeting, prepared a summary of their topic and submitted a PowerPoint presentation. The topics covered were (a) Diagnostic testing in male fertility and infertility, (b) Male fertility/infertility in the modern world, (c) Clinical management of male infertility, and (d) The overuse of ICSI. At the meeting in Cairo on February 18, 2019, the evidence was presented and discussed and a series of consensus points agreed. RESULTS The paper presents a background and summary of the evidence relating to these four topics and addresses key points of significance. Following discussion of the evidence, a total of 36 consensus points were agreed. DISCUSSION The Discussion section presents areas where there was further debate and key areas that were highlighted during the day. CONCLUSION The consensus points provide clear statements of evidence gaps and/or potential future research areas/topics. Appropriate funding streams addressing these can be prioritized and consequently, in the short and medium term, answers provided. By using this strategic approach, andrology can make the rapid progress necessary to address key scientific, clinical, and societal challenges that face our discipline now and in the near future.
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Gennarelli G, Carosso A, Canosa S, Filippini C, Cesarano S, Scarafia C, Brunod N, Revelli A, Benedetto C. ICSI Versus Conventional IVF in Women Aged 40 Years or More and Unexplained Infertility: A Retrospective Evaluation of 685 Cycles with Propensity Score Model. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8101694. [PMID: 31623077 PMCID: PMC6833057 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8101694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This study compared the cumulative live birth rates following Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) versus conventional in vitro fertilization (cIVF) in women aged 40 years or more and unexplained infertility. A cohort of 685 women undergoing either autologous conventional IVF or ICSI was retrospectively analyzed. The effects of conventional IVF or ICSI procedure on cumulative pregnancy and live birth rates were evaluated in univariate and in multivariable analysis. In order to reduce potential differences between women undergoing either IVF or ICSI and to obtain unbiased estimation of the treatment effect, propensity score was estimated. ICSI was performed in 307 couples (ICSI group), whereas cIVF was performed in 297 couples (cIVF group), resulting in 45 and 43 live deliveries, respectively. No differences were observed in morphological embryo quality, in the number of cleavage stage embryos, in the number of transferred embryos, and in the number of vitrified embryos. As for the clinical outcome, no differences were observed in pregnancy rate, cumulative pregnancy rate, live birth rate, cumulative live birth rate, and abortion rate. The present results suggest that ICSI is not associated with increased likelihood of a live birth for unexplained, non-male factor infertility, in women aged 40 years or more.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Gennarelli
- Obstetrics and Gynecology 1U, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Sant'Anna Hospital, University of Torino, 10042 Torino, Italy.
| | - Andrea Carosso
- Obstetrics and Gynecology 1U, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Sant'Anna Hospital, University of Torino, 10042 Torino, Italy.
| | - Stefano Canosa
- Obstetrics and Gynecology 1U, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Sant'Anna Hospital, University of Torino, 10042 Torino, Italy.
| | - Claudia Filippini
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Torino, 10042 Torino, Italy.
| | - Sara Cesarano
- Obstetrics and Gynecology 1U, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Sant'Anna Hospital, University of Torino, 10042 Torino, Italy.
| | - Carlotta Scarafia
- Obstetrics and Gynecology 1U, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Sant'Anna Hospital, University of Torino, 10042 Torino, Italy.
| | - Nicole Brunod
- Obstetrics and Gynecology 1U, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Sant'Anna Hospital, University of Torino, 10042 Torino, Italy.
| | - Alberto Revelli
- Obstetrics and Gynecology 1U, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Sant'Anna Hospital, University of Torino, 10042 Torino, Italy.
| | - Chiara Benedetto
- Obstetrics and Gynecology 1U, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Sant'Anna Hospital, University of Torino, 10042 Torino, Italy.
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