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Córdova-Oriz I, Polonio AM, Cuadrado-Torroglosa I, Chico-Sordo L, Medrano M, García-Velasco JA, Varela E. Chromosome ends and the theory of marginotomy: implications for reproduction. Biogerontology 2024; 25:227-248. [PMID: 37943366 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-023-10071-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres are the protective structures located at the ends of linear chromosomes. They were first described in the 1930s, but their biology remained unexplored until the early 70s, when Alexey M. Olovnikov, a theoretical biologist, suggested that telomeres cannot be fully copied during DNA replication. He proposed a theory that linked this phenomenon with the limit of cell proliferation capacity and the "duration of life" (theory of marginotomy), and suggested a potential of telomere lenghthening for the prevention of aging (anti-marginotomy). The impact of proliferative telomere shortening on life expectancy was later confirmed. In humans, telomere shortening is counteracted by telomerase, an enzyme that is undetectable in most adult somatic cells, but present in cancer cells and adult and embryonic stem and germ cells. Although telomere length dynamics are different in male and female gametes during gametogenesis, telomere lengths are reset at the blastocyst stage, setting the initial length of the species. The role of the telomere pathway in reproduction has been explored for years, mainly because of increased infertility resulting from delayed childbearing. Short telomere length in ovarian somatic cells is associated to decreased fertility and higher aneuploidy rates in embryos. Consequently, there is a growing interest in telomere lengthening strategies, aimed at improving fertility. It has also been observed that lifestyle factors can affect telomere length and improve fertility outcomes. In this review, we discuss the implications of telomere theory in fertility, especially in oocytes, spermatozoa, and embryos, as well as therapies to enhance reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Córdova-Oriz
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Alba M Polonio
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Isabel Cuadrado-Torroglosa
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Lucía Chico-Sordo
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Marta Medrano
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan A García-Velasco
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVIRMA Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medical Specialties and Public Health, Edificio Departamental II, Rey Juan Carlos University, Av. de Atenas, s/n, 28922, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisa Varela
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain.
- Department of Medical Specialties and Public Health, Edificio Departamental II, Rey Juan Carlos University, Av. de Atenas, s/n, 28922, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain.
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Margiana R, Gupta R, Al-Jewari WM, Hjazi A, Alsaab HO, Mustafa YF, Singh R, Thaibt R, Alkhayyat S, Ibrahim AJ. Evaluation of telomere length, reactive oxygen species, and apoptosis in spermatozoa of patients with oligospermia. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e3935. [PMID: 38379260 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
50% of cases of infertility are caused by male factor, which acquired or congenital problems may bring on. Male infertility can be caused by oligospermia and asthenozoospermia, which are common. Since the same mutations that cause azoospermia in some people also cause oligozoospermia in others, oligozoospermia may be thought of as a less severe form of azoospermia. Studies have demonstrated telomere length, catalase activity, super oxide dismutase (SOD), and DNA fragmentation can be influential factors for male infertility. The amount of apoptosis, oxidative stress factors, telomere length, and DNA fragmentation were some aspects of healthy sperm that we chose to look into in this study and compare to oligospermia individuals. Oligospermia patients (n = 24) and fertile men (n = 27) semen samples were collected, and the apoptosis rate of sperms in both groups was analyzed (Flow cytometry). Also, gene expression of apoptotic and antiapoptotic markers and telomere length were examined (real-time polymerase chain reaction). The sperm DNA fragmentation kit was used to determine DNA fragmentation and to evaluate catalase and SOD activity; the specific kits and methods were utilized. Higher expression levels of caspase3 (p = .0042), caspase8 (p = .0145), caspase9 (p = .0275), and BAX (p = .0202) mRNA were observed in patients who had oligospermia. In contrast, lower mRNA expression of BCL-2 (p = .0009) was detected in this group. In addition, telomere length was decreased in the oligospermia group (p < .0001) compared to the health group. Moreover, the frequency of apoptosis is induced in patients (p = .0026). The catalase activity is low (p = .0008), but the SOD activity is high (p = .0015) in the patient group. As a result of our findings, we may list the sperm cell apoptosis rate, telomere length, the degree of sperm DNA fragmentation, and lastly, the measurement of significant and efficient oxidative stress markers like SOD and catalase in semen plasma among the principal diagnostic characteristics for oligospermia. Future studies will be better able to treat oligospermia by showing whether these indicators are rising or falling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ria Margiana
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Master's Programme Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Andrology Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
- Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Reena Gupta
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Bharthia, India
| | | | - Ahmed Hjazi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hashem O Alsaab
- Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Rajesh Singh
- Uttaranchal Institute of Technology, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India
| | - Ruiscul Thaibt
- Medical Technical College, Al-Farahidi University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Safa Alkhayyat
- College of Pharmacy, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
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Fernández de la Puente M, Salas-Huetos A, Valle-Hita C, Babio N, Murphy MM, Canudas S, Salas-Salvadó J. Is telomere length a biomarker of sperm quality? A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Andrology 2024; 12:277-288. [PMID: 37328426 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telomeres are essential for the integrity of chromosome ends during cell division and their involvement in different processes linked to aging has been established. These chromosome components are involved in spermatogenesis and seem to play an important role in fertilization and embryo development. Telomere length is shortened with each cell division. Recently, short sperm telomere length has been proposed as a potential biomarker of male infertility. OBJECTIVES To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies exploring the association between spermatozoa and/or leukocyte telomere length with sperm quality parameters and different infertility conditions. MATERIAL AND METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted with studies from Medline-PUBMED and Cochrane Library databases until May 2022. Eligible studies included cohort, cross-sectional and case-control studies, and telomere length in spermatozoa and/or leukocytes cells was defined as the exposure. Semen quality parameters or infertility conditions (e.g., oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, teratozoospermia, or other spermatogenic impairment combinations) were defined as the outcomes. RESULTS Twenty-three observational studies were included. In the qualitative analysis, high heterogeneity was observed between studies regarding the associations between telomere length and semen parameters in different normozoospermic/fertile and oligozoospermic/infertile populations. In the meta-analysis, spermatozoa and leukocyte telomere length were shorter in infertile individuals than in fertile individuals (mean difference [95% confidence interval]: -1.43 [-1.66 to -1.21], p-value <0.001 and -1.67 [-2.02 to -1.31], p-value <0.001, respectively). Moreover, in terms of sperm telomere length, these differences were also significant between individuals with a normal seminogram and individuals with a low quantity of spermatozoa in the ejaculate (-0.97 [-1.32, -0.61], p-value <0.001). CONCLUSION The current systematic review and meta-analysis suggests the potential role of spermatozoa or leukocyte telomere length as a reliable biomarker of semen quality, which may help distinguish between infertility conditions beyond the routine semen analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Fernández de la Puente
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Unitat de Nutrició Humana, Grup ANUT-DSM, Reus, Spain
- Consorcio CIBER, M.P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Hospital Universitari San Joan de Reus, Reus, Spain
| | - Albert Salas-Huetos
- Consorcio CIBER, M.P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Hospital Universitari San Joan de Reus, Reus, Spain
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Unit of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Grup ANUT-DSM, Reus, Spain
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Cristina Valle-Hita
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Unitat de Nutrició Humana, Grup ANUT-DSM, Reus, Spain
- Consorcio CIBER, M.P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Hospital Universitari San Joan de Reus, Reus, Spain
| | - Nancy Babio
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Unitat de Nutrició Humana, Grup ANUT-DSM, Reus, Spain
- Consorcio CIBER, M.P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Hospital Universitari San Joan de Reus, Reus, Spain
| | - Michelle M Murphy
- Consorcio CIBER, M.P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Hospital Universitari San Joan de Reus, Reus, Spain
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Unit of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Grup ANUT-DSM, Reus, Spain
| | - Silvia Canudas
- Department of Nutrition, Food Sciences and Gastronomy, School of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Food Torribera Campus, University of Barcelona, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety, University of Barcelona, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
| | - Jordi Salas-Salvadó
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Unitat de Nutrició Humana, Grup ANUT-DSM, Reus, Spain
- Consorcio CIBER, M.P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Hospital Universitari San Joan de Reus, Reus, Spain
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Wei Y, Wang J, Qu R, Zhang W, Tan Y, Sha Y, Li L, Yin T. Genetic mechanisms of fertilization failure and early embryonic arrest: a comprehensive review. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:48-80. [PMID: 37758324 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility and pregnancy loss are longstanding problems. Successful fertilization and high-quality embryos are prerequisites for an ongoing pregnancy. Studies have proven that every stage in the human reproductive process is regulated by multiple genes and any problem, at any step, may lead to fertilization failure (FF) or early embryonic arrest (EEA). Doctors can diagnose the pathogenic factors involved in FF and EEA by using genetic methods. With the progress in the development of new genetic technologies, such as single-cell RNA analysis and whole-exome sequencing, a new approach has opened up for us to directly study human germ cells and reproductive development. These findings will help us to identify the unique mechanism(s) that leads to FF and EEA in order to find potential treatments. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The goal of this review is to compile current genetic knowledge related to FF and EEA, clarifying the mechanisms involved and providing clues for clinical diagnosis and treatment. SEARCH METHODS PubMed was used to search for relevant research articles and reviews, primarily focusing on English-language publications from January 1978 to June 2023. The search terms included fertilization failure, early embryonic arrest, genetic, epigenetic, whole-exome sequencing, DNA methylation, chromosome, non-coding RNA, and other related keywords. Additional studies were identified by searching reference lists. This review primarily focuses on research conducted in humans. However, it also incorporates relevant data from animal models when applicable. The results were presented descriptively, and individual study quality was not assessed. OUTCOMES A total of 233 relevant articles were included in the final review, from 3925 records identified initially. The review provides an overview of genetic factors and mechanisms involved in the human reproductive process. The genetic mutations and other genetic mechanisms of FF and EEA were systematically reviewed, for example, globozoospermia, oocyte activation failure, maternal effect gene mutations, zygotic genome activation abnormalities, chromosome abnormalities, and epigenetic abnormalities. Additionally, the review summarizes progress in treatments for different gene defects, offering new insights for clinical diagnosis and treatment. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The information provided in this review will facilitate the development of more accurate molecular screening tools for diagnosing infertility using genetic markers and networks in human reproductive development. The findings will also help guide clinical practice by identifying appropriate interventions based on specific gene mutations. For example, when an individual has obvious gene mutations related to FF, ICSI is recommended instead of IVF. However, in the case of genetic defects such as phospholipase C zeta1 (PLCZ1), actin-like7A (ACTL7A), actin-like 9 (ACTL9), and IQ motif-containing N (IQCN), ICSI may also fail to fertilize. We can consider artificial oocyte activation technology with ICSI to improve fertilization rate and reduce monetary and time costs. In the future, fertility is expected to be improved or restored by interfering with or supplementing the relevant genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqiu Wei
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingxuan Wang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Qu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Weiqian Zhang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiling Tan
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanwei Sha
- Department of Andrology, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Lin Li
- Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tailang Yin
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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5
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Randell Z, Dehghanbanadaki H, Fendereski K, Jimbo M, Aston K, Hotaling J. Sperm telomere length in male-factor infertility and reproduction. Fertil Steril 2024; 121:12-25. [PMID: 37949346 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The underlying reasons for male-factor infertility are often unknown. 30% of all men have unexplained semen analysis abnormalities. Moreover, 15%-40% of infertile men have normal semen analyses. There have been increasing efforts to identify causes and associations that may explain idiopathic male-factor infertility. Telomeres have become an area of considerable interest in the field because of the essential roles they have in cellular division and genome integrity. Research to date most consistently supports that men with infertility have shorter sperm telomere length (STL); however, associations between shorter STL and meaningful reproductive health outcomes are less consistent. There is a major need for additional studies to better identify the role of STL in male reproductive health and use the information to improve the counseling and treatment of couples with idiopathic male-factor infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zane Randell
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.
| | - Hojat Dehghanbanadaki
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Kiarad Fendereski
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Masaya Jimbo
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Kenneth Aston
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - James Hotaling
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
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Kurashova NA, Dashiev BG, Kolesnikov SI, Kolesnikova LI. Oxidative Stress, Telomere Length and Telomerase Activity in Spermatogenesis Disorders (Review of Scientific Activity). Bull Exp Biol Med 2023; 176:115-122. [PMID: 38189870 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-024-05979-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
The paper systematizes the available data on the study of oxidative stress, the relative length of telomeres, and telomerase activity in male infertility and disorders of spermatogenesis. The study of telomeres, the structures that protect chromosome ends and genome integrity, is of interest for researchers in various fields, from cell biology and epidemiology to ecology and evolutionary biology. The review includes our own data on the study of the relative length of telomeres, oxidative stress, and telomerase activity and reflects modern ideas about the importance of these structures both in the maintenance of genome stability during cell division and in gametogenesis and reproduction. Many studies indicate the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including male infertility. In turn, studies of telomeres as a biomarker of male infertility are insufficient, and the results obtained are extremely controversial and require deeper knowledge about the mechanisms underlying the dynamics of telomere length.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Kurashova
- Scientific Center for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, Irkutsk, Russia.
| | - B G Dashiev
- Scientific Center for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, Irkutsk, Russia
| | - S I Kolesnikov
- Scientific Center for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, Irkutsk, Russia
| | - L I Kolesnikova
- Scientific Center for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, Irkutsk, Russia
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7
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Santiago J, Silva JV, Santos MAS, Fardilha M. Age-Dependent Alterations in Semen Parameters and Human Sperm MicroRNA Profile. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2923. [PMID: 38001924 PMCID: PMC10669352 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11112923] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The trend to delay parenthood is increasing, impacting fertility and reproductive outcomes. Advanced paternal age (APA), defined as men's age above 40 years at conception, has been linked with testicular impairment, abnormal semen parameters, and poor reproductive and birth outcomes. Recently, the significance of sperm microRNA for fertilization and embryonic development has emerged. This work aimed to investigate the effects of men's age on semen parameters and sperm microRNA profiles. The ejaculates of 333 Portuguese men were collected between 2018 and 2022, analyzed according to WHO guidelines, and a density gradient sperm selection was performed. For microRNA expression analysis, 16 normozoospermic human sperm samples were selected and divided into four age groups: ≤30, 31-35, 36-40, and >40 years. microRNA target genes were retrieved from the miRDB and TargetScan databases and Gene Ontology analysis was performed using the DAVID tool. No significant correlation was found between male age and conventional semen parameters, except for volume. Fifteen differentially expressed microRNAs (DEMs) between groups were identified. Enrichment analysis suggested the involvement of DEMs in the sperm of men with advanced age in critical biological processes like embryonic development, morphogenesis, and male gonad development. Targets of DEMs were involved in signaling pathways previously associated with the ageing process, including cellular senescence, autophagy, insulin, and mTOR pathways. These results suggest that although conventional semen parameters were not affected by men's age, alterations in microRNA regulation may occur and be responsible for poor fertility and reproductive outcomes associated with APA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Santiago
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (J.V.S.); (M.A.S.S.)
| | - Joana V. Silva
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (J.V.S.); (M.A.S.S.)
| | - Manuel A. S. Santos
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (J.V.S.); (M.A.S.S.)
- Multidisciplinary Institute of Ageing, MIA-Portugal, University of Coimbra, 3000-370 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Margarida Fardilha
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (J.V.S.); (M.A.S.S.)
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8
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Aitken RJ. Male reproductive ageing: a radical road to ruin. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:1861-1871. [PMID: 37568254 PMCID: PMC10546083 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In modern post-transition societies, we are reproducing later and living longer. While the impact of age on female reproductive function has been well studied, much less is known about the intersection of age and male reproduction. Our current understanding is that advancing age brings forth a progressive decline in male fertility accompanied by a reduction in circulating testosterone levels and the appearance of age-dependent reproductive pathologies including benign prostatic hypertrophy and erectile dysfunction. Paternal ageing is also associated with a profound increase in sperm DNA damage, the appearance of multiple epigenetic changes in the germ line and an elevated mutational load in the offspring. The net result of such changes is an increase in the disease burden carried by the progeny of ageing males, including dominant genetic diseases such as Apert syndrome and achondroplasia, as well as neuropsychiatric conditions including autism and spontaneous schizophrenia. The genetic basis of these age-related effects appears to involve two fundamental mechanisms. The first is a positive selection mechanism whereby stem cells containing mutations in a mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway gain a selective advantage over their non-mutant counterparts and exhibit significant clonal expansion with the passage of time. The second is dependent on an age-dependent increase in oxidative stress which impairs the steroidogenic capacity of the Leydig cells, disrupts the ability of Sertoli cells to support the normal differentiation of germ cells, and disrupts the functional and genetic integrity of spermatozoa. Given the central importance of oxidative stress in defining the impact of chronological age on male reproduction, there may be a role for antioxidants in the clinical management of this process. While animal studies are supportive of this strategy, carefully designed clinical trials are now needed if we are to realize the therapeutic potential of this approach in a clinical context.
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Affiliation(s)
- R John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
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9
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Berteli TS, Wang F, Navarro PA, Kohlrausch FB, Keefe DL. A pilot study of LINE-1 copy number and telomere length with aging in human sperm. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023:10.1007/s10815-023-02857-1. [PMID: 37382785 PMCID: PMC10371944 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02857-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Unlike other cells in the body, in sperm, telomere length (TL) increases with age. TL can regulate nearby genes, and the subtelomeric region is rich in retrotransposons. We hypothesized that age-related telomere lengthening in sperm might suppress Long Interspersed Element 1 (LINE-1/L1), the only competent retrotransposon in humans. METHODS We measured L1 copy number (L1-CN) and sperm telomere length (STL) from young and older men to evaluate the relationship between age, TL and L1-CN. We also evaluated L1-CN and TL in individual sperm to determine whether these variables influence sperm morphology. STL was assayed by Multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction method (mmqPCR) and L1-CN by Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). RESULTS We found that STL increased, and L1-CN decreased significantly with paternal age. STL in normal single sperm was significantly higher than in abnormal sperm. L1-CN did not differ between normal and abnormal sperm. Furthermore, morphologically normal sperm have longer telomeres than abnormal sperm. CONCLUSIONS Elongation of telomeres in the male germline could repress retrotransposition, which tends to increase with cellular aging. More studies in larger cohorts across a wide age span are needed to confirm our conclusions and explore their biological and clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thalita S Berteli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Langone Medical Center, New York University, 462, 1st Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
- Human Reproduction Division, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Langone Medical Center, New York University, 462, 1st Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Paula A Navarro
- Human Reproduction Division, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Fabiana B Kohlrausch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Langone Medical Center, New York University, 462, 1st Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Human Genetics Laboratory, Fluminense Federal University, Niteroi, RJ, Brazil
| | - David L Keefe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Langone Medical Center, New York University, 462, 1st Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
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10
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Gouhier C, Pons-Rejraji H, Dollet S, Chaput L, Bourgne C, Berger M, Pereira B, Tchirkov A, Brugnon F. Freezing Does Not Alter Sperm Telomere Length despite Increasing DNA Oxidation and Fragmentation. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14051039. [PMID: 37239399 DOI: 10.3390/genes14051039] [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: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Correlations were reported between sperm telomere length (STL) and male fertility, sperm DNA fragmentation, and oxidation. Sperm freezing is widely used for assisted reproductive techniques, fertility preservation, and sperm donation. However, its impact on STL remains unknown. For this study, semen surplus from patients who underwent routine semen analysis were used. The impact of slow freezing on STL was analyzed by performing qPCR before and after freezing. Sperm populations with different STL were evaluated using Q-FISH. The relationship between sperm DNA oxidation, DNA fragmentation, and STL was assessed in fresh and frozen sperm samples. No significant impact of slow freezing on STL was observed, neither measured by qPCR nor Q-FISH. However, Q-FISH allowed for the distinguishing of sperm populations with different STLs within individual sperm samples. Slow freezing induced different STL distributions for some of the analyzed sperm samples, but no correlation was found between STL and sperm DNA fragmentation or oxidation. Slow freezing does not alter STL despite increasing sperm DNA oxidation and fragmentation. As STL alterations could be transmitted to offspring, the lack of impact of the slow freezing method on STL ensures the safety of this procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlène Gouhier
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Laboratoire AMP-CECOS, F-63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Hanae Pons-Rejraji
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Laboratoire AMP-CECOS, F-63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- UMR 1240 INSERM, IMoST, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Sandra Dollet
- UMR 1240 INSERM, IMoST, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Laure Chaput
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Laboratoire AMP-CECOS, F-63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- UMR 1240 INSERM, IMoST, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Céline Bourgne
- CHU Clermont Ferrand, Laboratoire d'Hématologie Biologique, F-63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Marc Berger
- CHU Clermont Ferrand, Laboratoire d'Hématologie Biologique, F-63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Bruno Pereira
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, DRCI-Délégation Recherche Clinique et Innovation, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Andrei Tchirkov
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Service de Cytogénétique Médicale, F-63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Florence Brugnon
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Laboratoire AMP-CECOS, F-63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- UMR 1240 INSERM, IMoST, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
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11
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Liu Y, Gao J. Reproductive aging: biological pathways and potential interventive strategies. J Genet Genomics 2023; 50:141-150. [PMID: 35840100 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2022.07.002] [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: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive aging is a natural process conserved across species and is well-known in females. It shows age-related follicle depletion and reduction of oocyte quality, eventually causing reproductive senescence and menopause. Although reproductive aging in males is not well noticed as in females, it also causes infertility and has deleterious consequences on the offspring. Various factors have been suggested to contribute to reproductive aging, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial defects, telomere shortening, meiotic chromosome segregation errors and genetic alterations. With the increasing trend of pregnancy age, it is particularly crucial to find interventions to preserve or extend human fertility. Studies in humans and model organisms have provided insights into the biological pathways associated with reproductive aging, and a series of potential interventive strategies have been tested. Here, we review factors affecting reproductive aging in females and males and summarize interventive strategies that may help delay or rescue the aging phenotypes of reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Liu
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, China
| | - Jinmin Gao
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, China.
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12
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Fattet AJ, Chaillot M, Koscinski I. Telomere Length, a New Biomarker of Male (in)Fertility? A Systematic Review of the Literature. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:425. [PMID: 36833352 PMCID: PMC9957201 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Male factors are suspected in around half cases of infertility, of which up to 40% are diagnosed as idiopathic. In the context of a continuously increased resort to ART and increased decline of semen parameters, it is of greatest interest to evaluate an additional potential biomarker of sperm quality. According to PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review of the literature selected studies evaluating telomere length in sperm and/or in leukocytes as a potential male fertility biomarker. Twenty-two publications (3168 participants) were included in this review of experimental evidence. For each study, authors determined if there was a correlation between telomere length and semen parameters or fertility outcomes. Of the 13 studies concerning sperm telomere length (STL) and semen parameters, ten found an association between short STL and altered parameters. Concerning the impact of STL on ART results, the data are conflicting. However, eight of the 13 included studies about fertility found significantly longer sperm telomeres in fertile men than in infertile men. In leukocytes, the seven studies reported conflicting findings. Shorter sperm telomeres appear to be associated with altered semen parameters or male infertility. Telomere length may be considered as a new molecular marker of spermatogenesis and sperm quality, and thus is related to male fertility potential. However, additional studies are needed to define the place of the STL in the assessment of individual fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Julie Fattet
- Centre d’AMP Majorelle-Atoutbio, 95 Rue Ambroise Paré, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Maxime Chaillot
- Service de Médecine et Biologie du Développement et de la Reproduction, 38 Boulevard Jean Monnet, 44000 Nantes, France
- Faculté de Médecine, Université de Nantes, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Isabelle Koscinski
- Inserm U1256, Nutrition Genetics Environmental Risks Exposure (NGERE), Université de Lorraine, 54000 Nancy, France
- Centre d’AMP Hôpital Saint Joseph, 26 Bd de Louvain, 13008 Marseille, France
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13
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Moustakli E, Zikopoulos A, Sakaloglou P, Bouba I, Sofikitis N, Georgiou I. Functional association between telomeres, oxidation and mitochondria. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2023; 5:1107215. [PMID: 36890798 PMCID: PMC9986632 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2023.1107215] [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: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Prior research has substantiated the vital role of telomeres in human fertility. Telomeres are prerequisites for maintaining the integrity of chromosomes by preventing the loss of genetic material following replication events. Little is known about the association between sperm telomere length and mitochondrial capacity involving its structure and functions. Mitochondria are structurally and functionally distinct organelles that are located on the spermatozoon's midpiece. Mitochondria produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), which is necessary for sperm motility and generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). While a moderate concentration of ROS is critical for egg-sperm fusion, and fertilization, excessive ROS generation is primarily related to telomere shortening, sperm DNA fragmentation, and alterations in the methylation pattern leading to male infertility. This review aims to highlight the functional connection between mitochondria biogenesis and telomere length in male infertility, as mitochondrial lesions have a damaging impact on telomere length, leading both to telomere lengthening and reprogramming of mitochondrial biosynthesis. Furthermore, it aims to shed light on how both inositol and antioxidants can positively affect male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efthalia Moustakli
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | | | - Prodromos Sakaloglou
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ioanna Bouba
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Sofikitis
- Department of Urology, Ioannina University School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ioannis Georgiou
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
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14
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Moazamian A, Gharagozloo P, Aitken RJ, Drevet JR. OXIDATIVE STRESS AND REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION: Sperm telomeres, oxidative stress, and infertility. Reproduction 2022; 164:F125-F133. [PMID: 35938805 DOI: 10.1530/rep-22-0189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In brief Oxidative stress is recognized as an underlying driving factor of both telomere dysfunction and human subfertility/infertility. This review briefly reassesses telomere integrity as a fertility biomarker before proposing a novel, mechanistic rationale for the role of oxidative stress in the seemingly paradoxical lengthening of sperm telomeres with aging. Abstract The maintenance of redox balance in the male reproductive tract is critical to sperm health and function. Physiological levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) promote sperm capacitation, while excess ROS exposure, or depleted antioxidant defenses, yields a state of oxidative stress which disrupts their fertilizing capacity and DNA structural integrity. The guanine moiety is the most readily oxidized of the four DNA bases and gets converted to the mutagenic lesion 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Numerous studies have also confirmed oxidative stress as a driving factor behind accelerated telomere shortening and dysfunction. Although a clear consensus has not been reached, clinical studies also appear to associate telomere integrity with fertility outcomes in the assisted reproductive technology setting. Intriguingly, while sperm cellular and molecular characteristics make them more susceptible to oxidative insult than any other cell type, they are also the only cell type in which telomere lengthening accompanies aging. This article focuses on the oxidative stress response pathways to propose a mechanism for the explanation of this apparent paradox.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aron Moazamian
- CellOxess LLC, Ewing, New Jersey, USA.,Université Clermont Auvergne, GReD Institute, CNRS-INSERM, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Robert J Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joël R Drevet
- Université Clermont Auvergne, GReD Institute, CNRS-INSERM, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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15
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Li L, Liao H, Li M, Xiao J, Wu L. Comparative Clinical Study of Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration and Testicular Biopsy in the Outcome of ICSI-Assisted Fertility Treatment in Patients with Obstructive Azoospermia. Front Surg 2022; 9:901601. [PMID: 36034342 PMCID: PMC9407240 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.901601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To compare and contrast the effects of percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) and testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) on the outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)-assisted fertility treatment in patients with obstructive azoospermia. Methods Patients with obstructive azoospermia with an age distribution of 20–36 years admitted to the male department of the Reproductive Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of South China University (Hengyang Nanhua Xing Hui Reproductive Health Hospital) from December 2018 to December 2020 were used in this study. One group was set up as the PESA group to perform PESA, and the other group was set up as the TESA group to perform percutaneous testicular biopsy for sperm extraction. Patients who were unsuccessful in PESA continued to undergo TESA, and if sperm were retrieved, they were classified as the TESA group. General information on male patients and their partners was collected and compared in patients from different sperm source groups. Embryo development (normal fertilization rate, high-quality embryo rate, and high-quality blastocyst rate) and pregnancy outcome (clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, and ectopic pregnancy rate) were compared between the two groups. Results Finally, there were 26 patients in the PESA group and 31 patients in the TESA group. There were no significant differences in terms of age, years of infertility, testosterone level, (FSH) follicle-stimulating hormone level, and testicular volume between the male patients in the PESA and TESA groups of two different sperm sources, and no significant differences were found in the general conditions of the female patients in terms of age, number of eggs obtained, number of sinus follicles, basal FSH value, and basal E2 value (p > 0.05). The rate of high-quality blastocysts in the TESA group was significantly higher than that in the PESA group (p < 0.05); the differences in clinical normal fertilization rate, high-quality embryo rate, clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, and ectopic pregnancy rate between the two groups were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion ICSI with different sources of sperm in patients with male factor infertility alone, which had no significant effect on embryo development, embryo implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and miscarriage rate, resulting in better clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Reproductive Center, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- Hengyang Nanhua Xinghui Reproductive Health Hospital, Reproductive Center, Hengyang, China
| | - Hongqing Liao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Reproductive Center, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- Hengyang Nanhua Xinghui Reproductive Health Hospital, Reproductive Center, Hengyang, China
| | - Meiqing Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Reproductive Center, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- Hengyang Nanhua Xinghui Reproductive Health Hospital, Reproductive Center, Hengyang, China
| | - Jianghua Xiao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Reproductive Center, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- Hengyang Nanhua Xinghui Reproductive Health Hospital, Reproductive Center, Hengyang, China
| | - Lei Wu
- Department of Urology Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- Correspondence: Lei Wu
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16
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Yuan Y, Tan Y, Qiu X, Luo H, Li Y, Li R, Yang X. Sperm telomere length as a novel biomarker of male infertility and embryonic development: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1079966. [PMID: 36714598 PMCID: PMC9875015 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1079966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telomeres have an essential role in maintaining the integrity and stability of the human chromosomal genome and preserving essential DNA biological functions. Several articles have been published on the association of STL with male semen parameters and clinical pregnancy. The results, however, are either inconclusive or inconsistent. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to systematically assess the accuracy and clinical value of sperm telomere length (STL) as a new marker for diagnosing male infertility and predicting the quality of embryonic development. METHODS We performed a comprehensive systematic search for relevant publications in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and Ovid, from database build to August 2022. All experimental studies exploring the association of STL with male semen quality, male infertility, or embryonic development were included. RESULTS Overall, Twelve prospective observational cohort studies (1700 patients) were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed a positive linear correlation between STL and semen parameters. The optimal cut-off value for STL diagnosing male infertility was 1.0, with a sensitivity and specificity of 80%. Regarding STL and embryonic development, the clinical pregnancy rate was associated with longer STL, and there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding fertilization rate. CONCLUSION Our study showed that STL has good diagnostic and predictive value for male fertility and clinical pregnancy and could be used as a new biomarker for diagnosing male infertility and predicting embryonic development. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022303333.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yacheng Yuan
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Urology, The 940 Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese PLA, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yangyang Tan
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Urology, The 940 Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese PLA, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaolong Qiu
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Urology, The 940 Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese PLA, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hengfeng Luo
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Urology, The 940 Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese PLA, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuxiang Li
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Urology, The 940 Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese PLA, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ruijie Li
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Urology, The 940 Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese PLA, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xukai Yang
- Department of Urology, The 940 Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese PLA, Lanzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xukai Yang,
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17
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Anifandis G, Samara M, Simopoulou M, Messini CI, Chatzimeletiou K, Thodou E, Daponte A, Georgiou I. Insights into the Role of Telomeres in Human Embryological Parameters. Opinions Regarding IVF. J Dev Biol 2021; 9:jdb9040049. [PMID: 34842724 PMCID: PMC8628962 DOI: 10.3390/jdb9040049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres promote genome integrity by protecting chromosome ends from the activation of the DNA damage response and protecting chromosomes from the loss of coding sequences due to the end replication problem. Telomere length (TL) is progressively shortened as age progresses, thus resulting in cellular senescence. Therefore, TL is in strong adverse linear correlation with aging. Mounting evidence supports the notion that telomeres and male/female infertility are in a close relationship, posing the biology of telomeres as a hot topic in the era of human-assisted reproduction. Specifically, the length of sperm telomeres is gradually increasing as men get older, while the telomere length of the oocytes seems not to follow similar patterns with that of sperm. Nonetheless, the telomere length of the embryos during the cleavage stages seems to have a paternal origin, but the telomere length can be further extended by telomerase activity during the blastocyst stage. The latter has been proposed as a new molecular biomarker with strong predictive value regarding male infertility. As far as the role of telomeres in assisted reproduction, the data is limited but the length of telomeres in both gametes seems to be affected mainly by the cause of infertility rather than the assisted reproductive therapy (ART) procedure itself. The present review aims to shed more light into the role of telomeres in human embryological parameters, including gametes and embryos and also presents opinions regarding the association between telomeres and in vitro fertilization (IVF).
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Affiliation(s)
- George Anifandis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larisa, Greece; (C.I.M.); (A.D.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Maria Samara
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larisa, Greece; (M.S.); (E.T.)
| | - Mara Simopoulou
- Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Christina I. Messini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larisa, Greece; (C.I.M.); (A.D.)
| | - Katerina Chatzimeletiou
- Unit for Human Reproduction, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Eleni Thodou
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larisa, Greece; (M.S.); (E.T.)
| | - Alexandros Daponte
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larisa, Greece; (C.I.M.); (A.D.)
| | - Ioannis Georgiou
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece;
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18
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Balmori C, Cordova-Oriz I, De Alba G, Medrano M, Jiménez-Tormo L, Polonio AM, Chico-Sordo L, Pacheco A, García-Velasco JA, Varela E. Effects of age and oligosthenozoospermia on telomeres of sperm and blood cells. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 44:1090-1100. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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19
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Amirzadegan M, Sadeghi N, Tavalaee M, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Analysis of leukocyte and sperm telomere length in oligozoospermic men. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14204. [PMID: 34369610 DOI: 10.1111/and.14204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomere length is considered one of the most relevant biological markers of genomic stability since it protects DNA from impairment and also ensures chromosome alignment during DNA replication. The negative impact of telomere shortening on sperm quality has been suggested as an important indicator of male infertility. Therefore, we aimed to assess leucocyte and sperm telomere length (LTL&STL), as well as sperm parameters, DNA damage and protamine deficiency in men with oligozoospermia as compared to fertile men. Our results demonstrated a significant reduction in sperm parameters (concentration, motility, morphology), LTL & STL and a significant increase in sperm DNA damage and protamine deficiency in oligozoospermic men compared with fertile individuals. These outcomes revealed that low sperm concentration in men is possibly a sign of impaired meiotic and/or meiotic division during the spermatogenesis process. It is not only associated with proper chromatin packaging but also with telomere length as a key player in the process of mitosis and meiosis, assisting in chromosomal alignment, pairing, synapsis and crossing over during spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Amirzadegan
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Niloofar Sadeghi
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Marziyeh Tavalaee
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.,Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center, Isfahan, Iran
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20
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Chico-Sordo L, Córdova-Oriz I, Polonio AM, S-Mellado LS, Medrano M, García-Velasco JA, Varela E. Reproductive aging and telomeres: Are women and men equally affected? Mech Ageing Dev 2021; 198:111541. [PMID: 34245740 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2021.111541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Successful reproduction is very important for individuals and for society. Currently, the human health span and lifespan are the object of intense and productive investigation with great achievements, compared to the last century. However, reproduction span does not progress concomitantly with lifespan. Reproductive organs age, decreasing the levels of sexual hormones, which are protectors of health through their action on several organs of the body. Thus, this is the starting point of the organismal decay and infertility. This starting point is easily detected in women. In men, it goes under the surface, undetected, but it goes, nevertheless. Regarding fertility, aging alters the hormonal equilibrium, decreases the potential of reproductive organs, diminishes the quality of the gametes and worsen the reproductive outcomes. All these events happen at a different pace and affecting different organs in women and men. The question is what molecular pathways are involved in reproductive aging and if there is a possible halting or even reversion of the aging events. Answers to all these points will be explained in the present review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Chico-Sordo
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IISLAFE), Valencia, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Isabel Córdova-Oriz
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IISLAFE), Valencia, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Alba María Polonio
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IISLAFE), Valencia, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Lucía Sánchez S-Mellado
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IISLAFE), Valencia, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Marta Medrano
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IISLAFE), Valencia, Spain; IVIRMA Madrid, Spain.
| | - Juan Antonio García-Velasco
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IISLAFE), Valencia, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain; IVIRMA Madrid, Spain; Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Elisa Varela
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IISLAFE), Valencia, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain; Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain.
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Berby B, Bichara C, Rives-Feraille A, Jumeau F, Pizio PD, Sétif V, Sibert L, Dumont L, Rondanino C, Rives N. Oxidative Stress Is Associated with Telomere Interaction Impairment and Chromatin Condensation Defects in Spermatozoa of Infertile Males. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10040593. [PMID: 33921485 PMCID: PMC8069055 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10040593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomere length can be influenced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by lifestyle factors or environmental exposure. We sought to determine whether oxidative stress has an impact on sperm nuclear alterations, especially on chromatin organization and telomere interactions in the spermatozoa of infertile males. We performed an observational and prospective study including fifty-two males, allocated in the "case group" (30 infertile males presenting conventional semen parameter alterations) and the "control group" (22 males with normal conventional semen parameters). ROS detection was determined on spermatozoa using CellROX© probes. Sperm nuclear damage was assessed using quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization (Q-FISH) for relative telomere length and telomere number, aniline blue staining for chromatin condensation, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling for DNA fragmentation, and FISH for aneuploidy and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine immunostaining for oxidative DNA damages. Infertile males had significantly increased levels of cytoplasmic ROS and chromatin condensation defects as well as a higher mean number of telomere signals per spermatozoon in comparison with controls. In addition, the mean number of sperm telomere signals were positively correlated with the percentage of spermatozoa with chromatin condensation defect. In infertile males with conventional semen parameter alterations, oxidative stress is associated with telomere interaction impairment and chromatin condensation defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Berby
- Biology of Reproduction—CECOS Laboratory, Rouen University Hospital, Normandie University, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 “Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality”, F 76000 Rouen, France; (B.B.); (C.B.); (A.R.-F.); (F.J.); (P.D.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Cynthia Bichara
- Biology of Reproduction—CECOS Laboratory, Rouen University Hospital, Normandie University, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 “Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality”, F 76000 Rouen, France; (B.B.); (C.B.); (A.R.-F.); (F.J.); (P.D.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Aurélie Rives-Feraille
- Biology of Reproduction—CECOS Laboratory, Rouen University Hospital, Normandie University, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 “Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality”, F 76000 Rouen, France; (B.B.); (C.B.); (A.R.-F.); (F.J.); (P.D.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Fanny Jumeau
- Biology of Reproduction—CECOS Laboratory, Rouen University Hospital, Normandie University, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 “Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality”, F 76000 Rouen, France; (B.B.); (C.B.); (A.R.-F.); (F.J.); (P.D.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Pierre Di Pizio
- Biology of Reproduction—CECOS Laboratory, Rouen University Hospital, Normandie University, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 “Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality”, F 76000 Rouen, France; (B.B.); (C.B.); (A.R.-F.); (F.J.); (P.D.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Véronique Sétif
- Biology of Reproduction—CECOS Laboratory, Rouen University Hospital, Normandie University, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 “Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality”, F 76000 Rouen, France; (B.B.); (C.B.); (A.R.-F.); (F.J.); (P.D.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Louis Sibert
- Department of Urology—Andrology, Rouen University Hospital, Normandie University, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 “Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality”, F 76000 Rouen, France;
| | - Ludovic Dumont
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 “Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality”, F 76000 Rouen, France; (L.D.); (C.R.)
| | - Chistine Rondanino
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 “Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality”, F 76000 Rouen, France; (L.D.); (C.R.)
| | - Nathalie Rives
- Biology of Reproduction—CECOS Laboratory, Rouen University Hospital, Normandie University, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 “Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality”, F 76000 Rouen, France; (B.B.); (C.B.); (A.R.-F.); (F.J.); (P.D.P.); (V.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-2-3288-8225
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22
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Aitken RJ, De Iuliis GN, Nixon B. The Sins of Our Forefathers: Paternal Impacts on De Novo Mutation Rate and Development. Annu Rev Genet 2020; 54:1-24. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genet-112618-043617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are generally characterized by excellent DNA surveillance and repair, resulting in one of the lowest spontaneous mutation rates in the body. However, the barriers to mutagenesis can be overwhelmed under two sets of circumstances. First, replication errors may generate age-dependent mutations that provide the mutant cells with a selective advantage, leading to the clonal expansions responsible for dominant genetic diseases such as Apert syndrome and achondroplasia. The second mechanism centers on the vulnerability of the male germline to oxidative stress and the induction of oxidative DNA damage in spermatozoa. Defective repair of such oxidative damage in the fertilized oocyte results in the creation of mutations in the zygote that can influence the health and well-being of the offspring. A particular hot spot for such oxidative attack on chromosome 15 has been found to align with several mutations responsible for paternally mediated disease, including cancer, psychiatric disorders, and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Faculty of Science and Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales 2305, Australia
| | - Geoffry N. De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Faculty of Science and Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales 2305, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Faculty of Science and Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales 2305, Australia
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23
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Darmishonnejad Z, Zarei-Kheirabadi F, Tavalaee M, Zarei-Kheirabadi M, Zohrabi D, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Relationship between sperm telomere length and sperm quality in infertile men. Andrologia 2020; 52:e13546. [PMID: 32189393 DOI: 10.1111/and.13546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres, noncoding and repetitive DNA sequences play a significant function in chromatin integrity. Telomere length is age-dependent in somatic cells, while it increases in sperm cell with age. Therefore, we aimed to assess sperm chromatin, leucocyte and sperm telomere length (LTL, STL) in spermatozoon of 38 infertile and 19 fertile men aged between 20 and 50 years. Protamine deficiency (chromomycin A3 test), DNA fragmentation (TUNEL assay), lipid peroxidation (Bodipy probe) and telomere length (quantitative real-time PCR) were assessed. A significant decrease in mean of sperm concentration and motility and a significant increase in means of sperm abnormal morphology, DNA fragmentation, lipid peroxidation and protamine deficiency were observed in infertile compared with fertile men. In addition, the mean of LTL and STL were significantly shorter in infertile men compared with fertile individuals. We observed significant associations between telomere length with sperm concentration, DNA fragmentation and lipid peroxidation. We hypothesised that increased oxidative stress in spermatozoa of infertile men can result in abnormal packaging of chromatin, damage of DNA and shorter sperm telomere length. Together, these anomalies may account for fertility failure in these individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Darmishonnejad
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Zarei-Kheirabadi
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, NourDanesh Institute of Higher Education, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Marziyeh Tavalaee
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Zarei-Kheirabadi
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Dina Zohrabi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, NourDanesh Institute of Higher Education, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.,Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center, Isfahan, Iran
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24
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Berneau SC, Shackleton J, Nevin C, Altakroni B, Papadopoulos G, Horne G, Brison DR, Murgatroyd C, Povey AC, Carroll M. Associations of sperm telomere length with semen parameters, clinical outcomes and lifestyle factors in human normozoospermic samples. Andrology 2019; 8:583-593. [PMID: 31769603 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many studies have demonstrated that lifestyle factors can affect sperm quality and fertility. Sperm telomere length (STL) has been reported as potential biomarker or sperm quality. However, no studies have investigated how lifestyle factors can affect STL and associated clinical outcomes. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this manuscript is to investigate any association between STL with lifestyle factors, semen parameters and clinical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sperm telomere length was measured using real-time PCR in normozoospermic male partners (n = 66) of couples undergoing ART treatment. Each participant also completed a detailed questionnaire about general lifestyle. Linear regression univariate analysis and ANCOVA were performed to respectively determine correlations between STL and study parameters or identify statistically significant differences in STL while controlling for age, BMI and other factors. RESULTS Using a linear regression model, STL is positively correlated with in vitro fertilization success (n = 65, r = 0.37, P = .004) but not with embryo cleavage rates and post-implantation clinical outcomes including gestational age-adjusted birth weight. No associations were observed between STL and sperm count, concentration or progressive motility. We further found that STL did not associate age, BMI, health or lifestyle factors. DISCUSSION In somatic cells, the rate of telomere shortening is influenced by a number of lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet and occupation. However, little is known about how lifestyle factors affect STL and subsequently reproductive outcome. Out data suggest that STL might have an important role mechanistically for fertilization rate regardless of sperm parameters and lifestyle factors. CONCLUSION The results of this study demonstrate that STL is associated with in vitro fertilization rates, but not with semen parameters nor lifestyle factors. Further investigations are warranted to identify the potential variation of STL overtime to clarify its significance as a potential biomarker in ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephane C Berneau
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Jennifer Shackleton
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Clare Nevin
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Basher Altakroni
- Centre for Epidemiology, Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - George Papadopoulos
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Gregory Horne
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Daniel R Brison
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology & Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Christopher Murgatroyd
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Andy C Povey
- Centre for Epidemiology, Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Michael Carroll
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
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