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Ribas-Maynou J, Novo S, Salas-Huetos A, Rovira S, Antich M, Yeste M. Condensation and protamination of sperm chromatin affect ICSI outcomes when gametes from healthy individuals are used. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:371-386. [PMID: 36539233 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac261] [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: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do defects in sperm chromatin protamination and condensation have an impact on ICSI outcomes? SUMMARY ANSWER Sperm protamination is related to fertilization rates in healthy donors, and the in vitro capacity of sperm to condense their chromatin is linked to blastocyst rates, both associations being more apparent in women <33 years of age. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Previous data on how sperm chromatin damage affects ICSI outcomes are inconsistent. Revealing which sperm factors influence embryo development is necessary to understand the male contribution to ICSI success and to develop novel sperm selection techniques or male-based treatments. Sperm chromatin is mainly condensed in protamines, which are cross-linked through disulphide bridges. This study aimed to determine whether sperm protamination and the integrity of disulphide bonds (condensation) are related to embryo development after ICSI. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The design was a retrospective study with a blind analysis of sperm chromatin. Gametes were divided into two groups: double donation (DD) cohort and single donation (SD) cohort. Samples from 45 semen donors used in 55 ICSI cycles with oocyte donors (age range 19-33 years), generating 491 embryos, were included in the DD cohort. The SD cohort consisted of samples from 34 semen donors used in 41 ICSI cycles with oocytes from healthy females (single-parent families or lesbian couples, age range 20-44 years), generating a total of 378 embryos. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTINGS, METHODS Donor sperm samples from DD and SD cohorts were used for standard ICSI, and embryo development was observed by time-lapse imaging. The incidence of thiol reduction (dibromobimane, DBB) and the degree of chromatin protamination (chromomycin A3, CMA3, indicating non-protaminated regions) in sperm were determined by flow cytometry at 0 and 4 h post-thawing. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Percentages ± standard deviation of CMA3 were 21.08 ± 9.09 and 35.01 ± 14.68 at 0 and 4 h post-thawing, respectively, in the DD cohort and 22.57 ± 9.48 and 35.79 ± 12.58, at 0 and 4 h post-thawing, respectively, in the SD cohort. Percentages of DBB+ were 16.57 ± 11.10 and 10.51 ± 8.40 at 0 and 4 h post-thawing (P < 0.0001), respectively, in the DD cohort and 17.98 ± 10.19 and 12.72 ± 8.76 at 0 and 4 h post-thawing (P < 0.0001), respectively, in the SD cohort. Female age correlated with fertilization rates, and the relation between sperm chromatin and embryo development was determined through multiple linear regression. While CMA3 was associated with fertilization rates, with no influence of female age, in the DD cohort (β1 = -1.036, P < 0.001 for CMA3; β2 = 0.667, P = 0.304 for female age), this was not observed in the SD cohort, where female age had a significant effect, masking the effects of CMA3 (β1 = -0.066, P = 0.804 for CMA3; β 2 = -1.451, P = 0.003 for female age). The in vitro capacity of sperm to condense their chromatin after 4 h of incubation was associated with blastocyst rates, independent of female age (DD cohort: β1 = -0.238, P = 0.008 for %DBB+ variation; β2 = 0.404, P = 0.638 for female age; SD cohort: β1 = -0.278, P = 0.010 for %DBB+ variation; β2 = -0.292, P = 0.594 for female age). The in vitro capacity of sperm to condense their chromatin was also related to the time required for the embryo to reach blastocyst stage in the DD cohort (P = 0.007). Finally, multiple logistic regression showed that both chromatin protamination and condensation, together with the age of the oocyte donors and the embryo recipients, had an impact on pregnancy achievement (P < 0.01) and on live birth rates (P < 0.01). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The main limitation was the restrictive selection of couples, which led to a relatively small sample size and could influence the observed outcomes. For this reason, and to reduce Type I error, the level of significance was set at P ≤ 0.01. On the other hand, the use of cryopreserved samples could also be a limitation. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This research demonstrated that protamination and condensation of sperm chromatin are related to embryo development after ICSI, but female age could be a confounding factor when oocytes from older females are used. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation scheme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 801342 (Tecniospring INDUSTRY; TECSPR-19-1-0003); La Marató de TV3 Foundation (214/857-202039); the Ministry of Science and Innovation, Spain (IJC2019-039615-I); the Catalan Agency for Management of University and Research Grants, Regional Government of Catalonia, Spain (2017-SGR-1229); and the Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies, Spain (ICREA). The authors declare no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Sergi Novo
- Fertilab-Institut Catala de Fertilitat SL, Barcelona, Spain.,Fertibank, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Salas-Huetos
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sergi Rovira
- Fertilab-Institut Catala de Fertilitat SL, Barcelona, Spain.,Fertibank, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Antich
- Fertilab-Institut Catala de Fertilitat SL, Barcelona, Spain.,Fertibank, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
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Ribas-Maynou J, Barranco I, Sorolla-Segura M, Llavanera M, Delgado-Bermúdez A, Yeste M. Advanced Sperm Selection Strategies as a Treatment for Infertile Couples: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213859. [PMID: 36430331 PMCID: PMC9695162 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is an essential tool to overcome infertility, and is a worldwide disease that affects millions of couples at reproductive age. Sperm selection is a crucial step in ART treatment, as it ensures the use of the highest quality sperm for fertilization, thus increasing the chances of a positive outcome. In recent years, advanced sperm selection strategies for ART have been developed with the aim of mimicking the physiological sperm selection that occurs in the female genital tract. This systematic review sought to evaluate whether advanced sperm selection techniques could improve ART outcomes and sperm quality/functionality parameters compared to traditional sperm selection methods (swim-up or density gradients) in infertile couples. According to preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA guidelines), the inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined in a PICOS (population, intervention, comparator, outcome, study) table. A systematic search of the available literature published in MEDLINE-PubMed until December 2021 was subsequently conducted. Although 4237 articles were recorded after an initial search, only 47 studies were finally included. Most reports (30/47; 63.8%) revealed an improvement in ART outcomes after conducting advanced vs. traditional sperm selection methods. Among those that also assessed sperm quality/functionality parameters (12/47), there was a consensus (10/12; 83.3%) about the beneficial effect of advanced sperm selection methods on these variables. In conclusion, the application of advanced sperm selection methods improves ART outcomes. In spite of this, as no differences in the reproductive efficiency between advanced methods has been reported, none can be pointed out as a gold standard to be conducted routinely. Further research addressing whether the efficiency of each method relies on the etiology of infertility is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.R.-M.); (I.B.); Tel.: +34-972-419-514 (J.R.-M.); +39-051-209-7011 (I.B.); Fax: +34-972-418-150 (J.R.-M.)
| | - Isabel Barranco
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence: (J.R.-M.); (I.B.); Tel.: +34-972-419-514 (J.R.-M.); +39-051-209-7011 (I.B.); Fax: +34-972-418-150 (J.R.-M.)
| | - Maria Sorolla-Segura
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Marc Llavanera
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Ariadna Delgado-Bermúdez
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), 08010 Barcelona, Spain
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Patankar A, Sudhakar DVS, Gajbhiye R, Surve S, Thangaraj K, Parte P. Proteomic and genetic dissection of testis-specific histone 2B in infertile men reveals its contribution to meiosis and sperm motility. F&S SCIENCE 2022; 3:322-330. [PMID: 35840050 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate testis-specific histone 2B (TSH2B) and its gene anomalies in infertile men. DESIGN Case-control study. SETTING Basic science laboratory. PATIENT(S) Fertile and infertile men. INTERVENTION(S) Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The histone and protamine status of sperm was studied by aniline blue and chromomycin A3 staining, respectively. Testis-specific histone 2B, total H2B, and phosphorylated TSH2B (pTSH2B) were estimated by Western blot analysis. The frequency of genetic polymorphisms and rare variants in H2BC1 was studied by Sanger sequencing. Phosphosites on TSH2B in sperm were identified by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography purification of TSH2B followed by mass spectrometric analysis. RESULT(S) Aniline blue and chromomycin A3 staining revealed significantly higher histone retention and low protamine in sperm of infertile men. Sperm TSH2B and total H2B levels were significantly lower in oligozoospermic and oligoasthenozoospermic men (in both groups). The TSH2B levels were comparable in asthenozoospermic men; however, the pTSH2B level was significantly low. The H2BC1 gene sequencing identified 6 variants, of which 2 are rare variants (rs368672899 and rs544942090) and 4 (rs4711096, rs4712959, rs4712960 and rs4712961) are single nucleotide polymorphisms. Minor allele frequency of 5'-untranslated region variant rs4711096 was significantly lower in infertile men (OR = 0.65). The rare nonsynonymous variant, rs368672899, p.Ser5Pro was seen in 1 oligoasthenoteratozoospermic individual. Interestingly, mass spectrometric analysis identified a site on TSH2B to bear a phosphate group in the sperm of fertile men. CONCLUSION(S) Our study reveals a defect in the replacement of somatic histones with testis-specific variants in infertile men. Chromatin compaction positively correlates with sperm motility, which is suggestive of its utility in diagnostic semen analysis of infertile individuals. Our observations with TSH2B and its cognate gene in sperm of infertile men indicate an essential role for TSH2B in meiosis and its phosphorylation in sperm motility, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniket Patankar
- Department of Gamete Immunobiology, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Digumarthi V S Sudhakar
- Department of Gamete Immunobiology, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Rahul Gajbhiye
- Clinical Research Laboratory & Andrology Clinic, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Suchitra Surve
- Clinical Research Laboratory & Andrology Clinic, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Kumarasamy Thangaraj
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India; Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Hyderabad, India
| | - Priyanka Parte
- Department of Gamete Immunobiology, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India.
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Garriga F, Llavanera M, Viñolas-Vergés E, Recuero S, Tamargo C, Delgado-Bermúdez A, Yeste M. Glutathione S-transferase Mu 3 is associated to in vivo fertility, but not sperm quality, in bovine. Animal 2022; 16:100609. [PMID: 35963103 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2022.100609] [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: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
In the dairy breeding industry, pregnancy of dairy cows is essential to initiate milk production, so that high fertility rates are required to increase their productivity. In this regard, sperm proteins that are indicative of sperm quality and/or fertility have become an important target of study. Glutathione S-transferase Mu 3 (GSTM3) has been established as a fertility and sperm quality parameter in humans and pigs and, consequently, it might be a potential biomarker in cattle. For this reason, the present work aimed to determine if GSTM3 could predict sperm quality and in vivo fertility in this species. Sperm quality was assessed with flow cytometry and computer-assisted sperm analysis. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence analysis were performed to determine the presence and localisation pattern of sperm GSTM3. This enzyme was found to be present in bovine sperm and to be localised along the sperm tail and the equatorial segment of the head. No significant associations between sperm GSTM3 and sperm quality parameters were observed, except a negative association with morphologically abnormal sperm having a coiled tail. In addition, and more relevant, higher levels of GSTM3 in sperm were seen in bulls showing lower in vivo fertility rates. In conclusion, our data evidenced the presence of GSTM3 in bovine sperm. Moreover, we suggest that, despite not being associated with sperm quality, GSTM3 might be an in vivo subfertility biomarker in cattle sperm, and that high levels of this protein could be an indicative of defective spermatogenesis and/or epididymal maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferran Garriga
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Marc Llavanera
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Estel Viñolas-Vergés
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Sandra Recuero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Carolina Tamargo
- Department of Animal Selection and Reproduction, The Regional Agri-Food Research and Development Service of Asturias (SERIDA), ES-33394 Gijón, Spain
| | - Ariadna Delgado-Bermúdez
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), ES-08010 Barcelona, Spain.
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Llavanera M, Delgado-Bermúdez A, Ribas-Maynou J, Salas-Huetos A, Yeste M. A systematic review identifying fertility biomarkers in semen: a clinical approach through Omics to diagnose male infertility. Fertil Steril 2022; 118:291-313. [PMID: 35718545 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the most robust molecular biomarkers in sperm and seminal plasma for the diagnosis of male infertility, and to evaluate their clinical use. DESIGN Systematic review. SETTING Not applicable. PATIENT(S) Accessible studies reporting well-defined (in)fertile populations and semen molecular biomarkers were included in this review. INTERVENTION(S) A systematic search of the literature published in MEDLINE-PubMed and EMBASE databases was performed, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The primary outcome was the content, expression, or activity of molecular biomarkers in human semen samples. Only studies reporting a receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis values were included. RESULT(S) Eighty-nine studies were included. Direct evaluation of sperm DNA damage has high potential as a diagnostic biomarker of fertility and assisted reproductive technology outcomes (area under the curve [AUCs] median = 0.67). Regarding strand break-associated chromatin modifications, γH2AX levels show good predictive value for the diagnosis of male infertility (AUCs median = 0.93). Some noncoding ribonucleic acid (RNA) exhibit excellent predictive values; miR-34c-5p in semen is the most well-characterized and robust transcriptomic biomarker (AUCs median = 0.78). While many proteins in semen show fair diagnostic value for sperm quality and fertilizing capacity, the levels of some, such as TEX101, in seminal plasma have an excellent diagnostic potential (AUCs median = 0.69). Although individual metabolites and metabolomic profiles in seminal plasma present good predictive value, the latter seem to be better than the former when inferring sperm quality and fertilizing capacity. CONCLUSION(S) The current review supports that some Omics (e.g., DNA structure and integrity, genomics and epigenomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics) could be considered relevant molecular biomarkers that may help identify infertility etiologies and fertilization prognosis with cost-effective, simple, and accurate diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Llavanera
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain; Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Ariadna Delgado-Bermúdez
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain; Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain; Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Albert Salas-Huetos
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain; Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain; Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts; Consorcio CIBER, M.P., Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Marc Yeste
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain; Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
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Ogle RA, Netherton J, Schneider E, Velkov T, Zhang H, Cole N, Hetherington L, Villaverde AISB, Baker MA. Nuclear heterogeneity is prevalent in high-quality fractionated human sperm cells typically used for assisted conception. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:2073-2082. [PMID: 34097020 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the nuclear heterogeneity of high-density purified human spermatozoa typically used for IVF purposes. SUMMARY ANSWER The data show that while density gradient separation has improved the overall sperm population, there is still a large degree of nuclear heterogeneity within these cells. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Chromomycin A3 (CMA3) is an important DNA binding fluorochrome for the assessment of male-factor fertility. It is typically used to predict IVF outcomes on entire sperm ejaculates with very high receiver operating characteristic. Here we used CMA3 to characterise typical populations of human spermatozoa that would be used for IVF purposes after density gradient separation. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We compared the intensity of CMA3 binding within high-dense sperm populations obtained from men. Binding heterogeneity was confirmed through fluorescence microscopy and FACS analysis independently. We also looked at CMA3 staining directly with head morphology in this sperm population. Finally, we looked at electron micrographs of nuclear heterogeneity (vacuoles, chromatin compaction) of spermatozoa following density gradient sorting of CMA3-stained cells. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We used sperm donors who had fathered one or more children. Semen was collected after 2 days abstinence and purified over Percoll gradients. Only the high-quality spermatozoa, the same used for assisted conception, were then used. Cells were stained with CMA3 and sorted using FACS. Following this, electron micrographs were used to assess nuclear heterogeneity of CMA3-dependent sorted spermatozoa. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE CMA3 staining occurs within morphologically normal as well as abnormal spermatozoa. High-intensity CMA3-stained sperm possessed large vacuoles that were not seen in the low-CMA3 population. In addition, the high-CMA3 stained cells possess higher amounts of nuclear granulation. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The present study only describes the issues within the chromatin of these cells and does not suggest an alternate selection technique. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS CMA3 is one of the better reported prognostic assays in predicting pregnancy outcomes, especially in cases where the male is at fault. However, it is clear that even in fractionated populations of human spermatozoa, there are sperm cells that are morphologically normal yet possess high levels of CMA3 staining and chromatin granulation. The implication of this is that the embryologist, whom selects on the basis of sperm morphology, may choose a cell with poor chromatin, which may lead to poor embryo outcomes. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The project was funded by the National Health and Medical Research council, APP1118943. The authors have no conflict of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Ogle
- Department of Biological Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - J Netherton
- Department of Biological Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - E Schneider
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - T Velkov
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - H Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - N Cole
- Department of Biological Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - L Hetherington
- Department of Biological Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | | | - M A Baker
- Department of Biological Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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Patankar A, Gajbhiye R, Surve S, Parte P. Epigenetic landscape of testis specific histone H2B variant and its influence on sperm function. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:101. [PMID: 33933143 PMCID: PMC8088685 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01088-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biological relevance of the major testis specific histone H2B variant (TH2B) in sperm is not fully understood. Studies in TH2A/TH2B double knockout male mice indicate its role in chromatin compaction and male fertility. Additionally, the presence of TH2B and TH2A reportedly generates more dynamic nucleosomes, leading to an open chromatin structure characteristic of transcriptionally active genome. Given that mature human sperm are transcriptionally and translationally inactive, the presence of TH2B in mature sperm is intriguing. To address its role in sperm, we investigated the genome-wide localization of TH2B in sperm of fertile men. RESULTS We have identified the genomic loci associated with TH2B in fertile human sperm by ChIP-seq analysis. Bioinformatic analysis revealed ~ 5% sperm genome and 5527 genes to be associated with TH2B. Out of these 105 (1.9%) and 144 (2.6%) genes showed direct involvement in sperm function and early embryogenesis, respectively. Chromosome wide analysis for TH2B distribution indicated its least distribution on X and Y chromosomes and varied distribution on autosomes. TH2B showed relatively higher percentage of gene association on chromosome 4, 18, 3 and 2. TH2B enrichment was more in promoter and gene body region. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed signal transduction and associated kinase activity as the most enriched biological and molecular function, respectively. We also observed the enrichment of TH2B at developmentally important loci, such as HOXA and HOXD and on genes required for normal sperm function, few of which were validated by ChIP-qPCR. The relative expression of these genes was altered in particular subgroup of infertile men showing abnormal chromatin packaging. Chromatin compaction positively correlated with sperm- motility, concentration, viability and with transcript levels of PRKAG2 and CATSPER B. CONCLUSION ChIP-seq analysis of TH2B revealed a putative role of TH2B in sperm function and embryo development. Altered expression of TH2B associated genes in infertile individuals with sperm chromatin compaction defects indicates involvement of TH2B in transcriptional regulation of these genes in post meiotic male germ cells. This altered transcriptome may be a consequence or cause of abnormal nuclear remodeling during spermiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniket Patankar
- Department of Gamete Immunobiology, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Rahul Gajbhiye
- Department of Clinical Research, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Suchitra Surve
- Department of Clinical Research, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Priyanka Parte
- Department of Gamete Immunobiology, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India.
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Gholizadeh L, Agha-Rahimi A, Ghasemi-Esmailabad S, Maleki B, Ahamed AMS, Khalili MA. Impact of biological and artificial seminal fluids on sperm parameters and DNA status in asthenozoospermic ejaculates. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14018. [PMID: 33660273 DOI: 10.1111/and.14018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The chemical composition and physiological properties of seminal fluid (SF) affect sperm quality. The objective was to investigate the effects of in vitro exposure of artificial seminal fluid (ASF) and biological seminal fluid (SF) on sperm quality. Asthenozoospermic ejaculates (n = 20) were divided into two aliquots. The first aliquot was centrifuged for obtaining asthenozoospermic SF. The second aliquot was processed with density gradient centrifugation (DGC), and the pellet was diluted separately with following media: (a) ASF; (b) Ham's F10; (c) normozoospermic SF; and (d) asthenozoospermic SF. Sperm parameters and DNA status were assessed after DGC, as well as 2 and 24 hr after incubation. The data showed that sperm progressive motility, viability and DNA integrity were significantly higher in ASF than Ham's F10 medium immediately after DGC. At 2 and 24 hr, the progressive motility was significantly decreased in biological SF compared with ASF and Ham's F10. DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was significantly lower in normozoospermic SF than asthenozoospermic SF and Ham's F10 at time 2 hr. In conclusion, normal SF showed the protective role on sperm DNA structure. Moreover, ASF preserved sperm motility better than biological SF during 24 hr, despite being similar to normal SF regarding DNA integrity preservation in short time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lida Gholizadeh
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Azam Agha-Rahimi
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Saeed Ghasemi-Esmailabad
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Behnam Maleki
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Ali Khalili
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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9
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Ribas-Maynou J, Yeste M, Becerra-Tomás N, Aston KI, James ER, Salas-Huetos A. Clinical implications of sperm DNA damage in IVF and ICSI: updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 96:1284-1300. [PMID: 33644978 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The clinical effect of sperm DNA damage in assisted reproduction has been a controversial topic during recent decades, leading to a variety of clinical practice recommendations. While the latest European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) position report concluded that DNA damage negatively affects assisted reproduction outcomes, the Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) does not recommend the routine testing of DNA damage for in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Herein, our aim was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies investigating whether sperm DNA damage affects clinical outcomes in IVF and ICSI, in order to contribute objectively to a consistent clinical recommendation. A comprehensive systematic search was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines from the earliest available online indexing year until March 2020, using the MEDLINE-PubMed and EMBASE databases. We included studies analysing IVF and/or ICSI treatments performed in infertile couples in which sperm DNA damage was well defined and assessed. Studies also had to include information about pregnancy, implantation or live birth rates as primary outcomes. The NHLBI-NIH quality assessment tool was used to assess the quality of each study. Meta-analyses were conducted using the Mantel-Haenszel method with random-effects models to evaluate the Risk Ratio (RR) between high-DNA-damage and control groups, taking into account the 95% confidence intervals. Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated using the I2 statistic. We also conducted sensitivity analyses and post-hoc subgroup analyses according to different DNA fragmentation assessment techniques. We identified 78 articles that met our inclusion and quality criteria and were included in the qualitative analysis, representing a total of 25639 IVF/ICSI cycles. Of these, 32 articles had sufficient data to be included in the meta-analysis, comprising 12380 IVF/ICSI cycles. Meta-analysis revealed that, considering IVF and ICSI results together, implantation rate (RR = 0.74; 95% CI = 0.61-0.91; I2 = 69) and pregnancy rate (RR = 0.83; 0.73-0.94; I2 = 58) are negatively influenced by sperm DNA damage, although after adjustment for publication bias the relationship for pregnancy rate was no longer significant. The results showed a non-significant but detrimental tendency (RR = 0.78; 0.58-1.06; I2 = 72) on live birth rate. Meta-analysis also showed that IVF outcomes are negatively influenced by sperm DNA damage, with a statistically significant impact on implantation (RR = 0.68; 0.52-0.89; I2 = 50) and pregnancy rates (RR = 0.72; 0.55-0.95; I2 = 72), although the latter was no longer significant after correction for publication bias. While it did not quite meet our threshold for significance, a negative trend was also observed for live birth rate (RR = 0.48; 0.22-1.02; I2 = 79). In the case of ICSI, non-significant trends were observed for implantation (RR = 0.79; 0.60-1.04; I2 = 72) or pregnancy rates (RR = 0.89; 0.78-1.02; I2 = 44), and live birth rate (RR = 0.92; 0.67-1.27; I2 = 70). The current review provides the largest evidence to date supporting a negative association between sperm DNA damage and conventional IVF treatments, significantly reducing implantation and pregnancy rates. The routine use of sperm DNA testing is therefore justified, since it may help improve the outcomes of IVF treatments and/or allow a given couple to be advised on the most suitable treatment. Further well-designed controlled studies on a larger number of patients are required to allow us to reach more precise conclusions, especially in the case of ICSI treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Jaume Casadamont Building, Door E, 15 Pic de Peguera St, Girona, ES-17003, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Sciences Building, 69 Maria Aurèlia Capmany, Girona, ES-17003, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Jaume Casadamont Building, Door E, 15 Pic de Peguera St, Girona, ES-17003, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Sciences Building, 69 Maria Aurèlia Capmany, Girona, ES-17003, Spain
| | - Nerea Becerra-Tomás
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Unitat de Nutrició, St/Sant Llorenç, 21, Reus, ES-43201, Spain.,Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, ES-46010, Spain
| | - Kenneth I Aston
- Andrology and IVF Laboratory, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, 675 Arapeen Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, US-84108, U.S.A
| | - Emma R James
- Andrology and IVF Laboratory, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, 675 Arapeen Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, US-84108, U.S.A.,Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, 15 N 2030 E, Salt Lake City, UT, US-84112, U.S.A
| | - Albert Salas-Huetos
- Andrology and IVF Laboratory, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, 675 Arapeen Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, US-84108, U.S.A
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10
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Agarwal A, Majzoub A, Baskaran S, Panner Selvam MK, Cho CL, Henkel R, Finelli R, Leisegang K, Sengupta P, Barbarosie C, Parekh N, Alves MG, Ko E, Arafa M, Tadros N, Ramasamy R, Kavoussi P, Ambar R, Kuchakulla M, Robert KA, Iovine C, Durairajanayagam D, Jindal S, Shah R. Sperm DNA Fragmentation: A New Guideline for Clinicians. World J Mens Health 2020; 38:412-471. [PMID: 32777871 PMCID: PMC7502318 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.200128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm DNA integrity is crucial for fertilization and development of healthy offspring. The spermatozoon undergoes extensive molecular remodeling of its nucleus during later phases of spermatogenesis, which imparts compaction and protects the genetic content. Testicular (defective maturation and abortive apoptosis) and post-testicular (oxidative stress) mechanisms are implicated in the etiology of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), which affects both natural and assisted reproduction. Several clinical and environmental factors are known to negatively impact sperm DNA integrity. An increasing number of reports emphasizes the direct relationship between sperm DNA damage and male infertility. Currently, several assays are available to assess sperm DNA damage, however, routine assessment of SDF in clinical practice is not recommended by professional organizations. This article provides an overview of SDF types, origin and comparative analysis of various SDF assays while primarily focusing on the clinical indications of SDF testing. Importantly, we report four clinical cases where SDF testing had played a significant role in improving fertility outcome. In light of these clinical case reports and recent scientific evidence, this review provides expert recommendations on SDF testing and examines the advantages and drawbacks of the clinical utility of SDF testing using Strength-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Ahmad Majzoub
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Saradha Baskaran
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Chak Lam Cho
- Department of Surgery, Union Hospital, Hong Kong
- S. H. Ho Urology Centre, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ralf Henkel
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Renata Finelli
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Kristian Leisegang
- School of Natural Medicine, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Pallav Sengupta
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing, MAHSA University, Jenjarom, Malaysia
| | - Catalina Barbarosie
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Neel Parekh
- Department of Urology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Marco G Alves
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology & Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Edmund Ko
- Department of Urology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Mohamed Arafa
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Andrology Department, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Nicholas Tadros
- Division of Urology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA
| | | | - Parviz Kavoussi
- Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Rafael Ambar
- Urology Department of Centro Universitario em Saude do ABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | | | - Kathy Amy Robert
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Concetta Iovine
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | | | - Sunil Jindal
- Department of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Jindal Hospital, Meerut, India
| | - Rupin Shah
- Department of Urology, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
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11
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Ribas‐Maynou J, Abad C, García‐Segura S, Oliver‐Bonet M, Prada E, Amengual MJ, Navarro J, Benet J. Sperm chromatin condensation and single‐ and double‐stranded DNA damage as important parameters to define male factor related recurrent miscarriage. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:1126-1132. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Ribas‐Maynou
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona Bellaterra Spain
| | - Carlos Abad
- Servei d'Urologia, Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí Institut Universitari Parc Taulí – UAB Sabadell Spain
| | - Sergio García‐Segura
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona Bellaterra Spain
| | - Maria Oliver‐Bonet
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona Bellaterra Spain
| | - Elena Prada
- Servei de Ginecologia. Hospital Universitari Mútua de Terrassa Terrassa Spain
| | - Maria José Amengual
- UDIAT, Centre Diagnòstic, Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí Institut Universitari Parc Taulí – UAB Sabadell Spain
| | - Joaquima Navarro
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona Bellaterra Spain
| | - Jordi Benet
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona Bellaterra Spain
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12
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Mohammadi Z, Tavalaee M, Gharagozloo P, Drevet JR, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Could high DNA stainability (HDS) be a valuable indicator of sperm nuclear integrity? Basic Clin Androl 2020; 30:12. [PMID: 32817794 PMCID: PMC7425160 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-020-00110-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA®), in addition to identifying the DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) also identifies High DNA satiability (HDS), supposed to reflect the nuclear compaction of spermatozoa. However, data on what exactly this parameter reveals, its relevance and usefulness are contradictory. In order to shed light on this situation, spermatozoa of a cohort (N = 397) of infertile men were subjected to the SCSA®, TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling) and CMA3 (Chromomycin A3) tests. In a smaller subcohort (N = 100), aniline blue (AB) and toluidine blue (TB) staining were performed in addition. The objective of this study was thus to answer the question of whether HDS is a relevant and reliable parameter to be taken into account? Results HDS does not appear to be a reliable indicator of nuclear immaturity because it shows a weak correlation with the CMA3, AB and TB stains. The low correlation of HDS with sperm DNA fragmentation (TUNEL and SCSA®) and DNA condensation (CMA3, AB and TB) tests suggests that these two parameters could be decoupled. Unlike DFI and TUNEL, HDS has not been shown to correlate with classic clinical situations of male infertility (asthenozoospermia, teratozoospermia or astheno-teratozoospermia). Conclusion HDS correlates poorly with most tests that focus specifically on the level of maturity of the sperm nucleus. To our knowledge, this study is the first to compare SCSA®, TUNEL, AB, TB and CMA3 assays on identical samples. It shows the potency, consistency and limitations of each test and the care that must be taken in their interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Mohammadi
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - M Tavalaee
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - P Gharagozloo
- CellOxess LLC, 830 Bear Tavern Road, Ewing, NJ 08628 USA
| | - J R Drevet
- GReD Institute, Faculty of Medicine, INSERM-CNRS-Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - M H 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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13
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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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14
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Sperm count affects cumulative birth rate of assisted reproduction cycles in relation to ovarian response. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:1653-1659. [PMID: 32405898 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01807-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the possible influence of sperm quality, as assessed by prewash total sperm count (TSC), on cumulative success rates in assisted reproduction cycles. METHODS Retrospective study carried out in private IVF centre. Seven hundred sixty-five couples undergoing complete ICSI cycles, i.e. whose all embryos were transferred or disposed of. Couples were characterised by male infertility and female age younger than 36 years. Couples with a combination of female and male infertility factors were excluded. The primary outcome measure was cumulative live birth rate. Secondary outcomes were cumulative pregnancy and miscarriage rates. No specific interventions were made. RESULTS Higher TSC values have a positive impact on cumulative success rates in cycles characterised by few retrieved oocytes (1 to 5), while does not influence the outcome of cycles with a normal (6 to 10) or high (> 10) number of retrieved oocytes. CONCLUSIONS The study highlights the importance of sperm quality for the efficacy of assisted reproduction treatments. This influence may remain relatively cryptic in association with normal or high ovarian response, but emerge decisively in cases of reduced ovarian response, suggesting a relationship between ovarian response and oocyte ability to compensate for paternal-derived deficiencies.
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15
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Galotto C, Cambiasso MY, Julianelli VL, Valzacchi GJR, Rolando RN, Rodriguez ML, Calvo L, Calvo JC, Romanato M. Human sperm decondensation in vitro is related to cleavage rate and embryo quality in IVF. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:2345-2355. [PMID: 31696385 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01590-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate whether the ability of human spermatozoa to decondense in vitro in the presence of heparin (Hep) and glutathione (GSH) is related to assisted reproduction (ART) success. METHODS Cross-sectional pilot study involving male partners of 129 infertile couples undergoing ICSI with (45) or without (84) donor oocytes at two infertility clinics in CABA, Argentina, between October 2012 and December 2013. In vitro decondensation kinetics with Hep and GSH and DNA fragmentation (TUNEL) were determined on the same sample used for ICSI. The possible relationship of decondensation parameters (maximum decondensation and decondensation velocity) and TUNEL values with ART success was evaluated. RESULTS Embryo quality correlated positively with decondensation velocity (D60/D30) (Spearman's correlation, p < 0.05). According to D60/D30 values, patients were classified as slow decondensers (SlowD) (n = 68) or fast decondensers (FastD) (n = 61). Embryo quality was better in FastD (unpaired t test, p < 0.05). FastD and SlowD were subdivided according to use of donor oocytes. Among SlowD, biochemical and clinical pregnancy rates per transfer were significantly higher in donor (n = 19) vs. in non-donor (n = 31) cycles (Fisher's exact test, p < 0.05). TUNEL values were not related to embryo quality, but no clinical pregnancies or live births were achieved in TUNEL+ SlowD (n = 7). CONCLUSION Decondensation kinetics of human spermatozoa in vitro with Hep and GSH could be related to embryo quality and ART success.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Galotto
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Vuelta de Obligado 2490, C1428ADN, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M Y Cambiasso
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Vuelta de Obligado 2490, C1428ADN, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - V L Julianelli
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Vuelta de Obligado 2490, C1428ADN, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Procrearte, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - G J Rey Valzacchi
- Procrearte, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Servicio de Urología, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - R N Rolando
- Laboratorio de Andrología, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M L Rodriguez
- Servicio de Urología, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - L Calvo
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Vuelta de Obligado 2490, C1428ADN, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - J C Calvo
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Vuelta de Obligado 2490, C1428ADN, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, UBA, C1428EGA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marina Romanato
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Vuelta de Obligado 2490, C1428ADN, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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16
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Amor H, Shelko N, Hamad MF, Zeyad A, Hammadeh ME. An additional marker for sperm DNA quality evaluation in spermatozoa of male partners of couples undergoing assisted reproduction technique (IVF/ICSI): Protamine ratio. Andrologia 2019; 51:e13400. [DOI: 10.1111/and.13400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Houda Amor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine Biochemistry & Molecular Biology of Reproductive Medicine Saarland University Clinic Homburg Germany
| | - Nyaz Shelko
- Community Health Department Technical College of Health Sulaimani Polytechnic University Sulaimanyah Iraq
| | - Mohammed F. Hamad
- Department of Basic Sciences College of Science and Health Professions King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences Jeddah Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Zeyad
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine Biochemistry & Molecular Biology of Reproductive Medicine Saarland University Clinic Homburg Germany
| | - Mohamad Eid Hammadeh
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine Biochemistry & Molecular Biology of Reproductive Medicine Saarland University Clinic Homburg Germany
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17
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Tarozzi N, Nadalini M, Borini A. Effect on Sperm DNA Quality Following Sperm Selection for ART: New Insights. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1166:169-187. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-21664-1_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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18
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Simon L, Emery B, Carrell DT. Sperm DNA Fragmentation: Consequences for Reproduction. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1166:87-105. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-21664-1_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
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19
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Gill K, Rosiak A, Gaczarzewicz D, Jakubik J, Kurzawa R, Kazienko A, Rymaszewska A, Laszczynska M, Grochans E, Piasecka M. The effect of human sperm chromatin maturity on ICSI outcomes. Hum Cell 2018; 31:220-231. [PMID: 29594950 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-018-0203-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Because sperm chromatin may play a key role in reproductive success, we verify the associations between sperm chromatin abnormalities, embryo development and the ability to achieve pregnancy. The evaluation of sperm chromatin maturity using aniline blue (AB), chromomycin A3 (CMA3) and toluidine blue (TB) staining were carried out in group of males from infertile couples that underwent ICSI. Low levels of sperm chromatin abnormalities (< 16%) were found in most subjects (> 50%). A higher percentage of TB-positive sperm cells were discovered in the men from couples who achieved ≤ 50% fertilized oocytes compared to men who achieved > 50%. No significant differences were discovered by the applied tests between the men from couples who achieved ≤ 50% and those who achieved > 50% high-quality embryos on the 3rd or 5th day after fertilization, nor between the men from couples who achieved pregnancy and those who failed. The sperm chromatin maturity did not correlate with the ICSI results. However, the ROC analysis revealed a significant predictive value of TB-positive spermatozoa only for fertilization. Therefore, the TB assay can be considered as a useful test for the prediction of fertilization. Our findings suggest that the level of sperm chromatin abnormalities of the examined men was not clinically significant. No found associations between sperm chromatin maturity and embryo development and the ability to achieve pregnancy. We could not exclude the effects of the repairing processes in the fertilized oocyte. The use of complementary tests that verify the status of the sperm chromatin seems justified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamil Gill
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Pomeranian Medical University, Zolnierska 48, 71-210, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Rosiak
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Pomeranian Medical University, Zolnierska 48, 71-210, Szczecin, Poland.,VitroLive Fertility Clinic, 70-001, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Dariusz Gaczarzewicz
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Biotechnology and Environmental Hygiene, West Pomeranian University of Technology, 71-270, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Joanna Jakubik
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Pomeranian Medical University, Zolnierska 48, 71-210, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Rafal Kurzawa
- Department of Gynecology and Procreative Health, Pomeranian Medical University, 71-210, Szczecin, Poland.,VitroLive Fertility Clinic, 70-001, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Anna Kazienko
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Pomeranian Medical University, Zolnierska 48, 71-210, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Anna Rymaszewska
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Szczecin, 71-412, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Maria Laszczynska
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Pomeranian Medical University, Zolnierska 48, 71-210, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Elzbieta Grochans
- Department of Nursing, Pomeranian Medical University, 71-210, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Piasecka
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Pomeranian Medical University, Zolnierska 48, 71-210, Szczecin, Poland.
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Simon L, Emery BR, Carrell DT. Review: Diagnosis and impact of sperm DNA alterations in assisted reproduction. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2017; 44:38-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2017.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Revised: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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21
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Simon L, Zini A, Dyachenko A, Ciampi A, Carrell DT. A systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effect of sperm DNA damage on in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcome. Asian J Androl 2017; 19:80-90. [PMID: 27345006 PMCID: PMC5227680 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.182822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm DNA damage is prevalent among infertile men and is known to influence natural reproduction. However, the impact of sperm DNA damage on assisted reproduction outcomes remains controversial. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis of studies on sperm DNA damage (assessed by SCSA, TUNEL, SCD, or Comet assay) and clinical pregnancy after IVF and/or ICSI treatment from MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PUBMED database searches for this analysis. We identified 41 articles (with a total of 56 studies) including 16 IVF studies, 24 ICSI studies, and 16 mixed (IVF + ICSI) studies. These studies measured DNA damage (by one of four assays: 23 SCSA, 18 TUNEL, 8 SCD, and 7 Comet) and included a total of 8068 treatment cycles (3734 IVF, 2282 ICSI, and 2052 mixed IVF + ICSI). The combined OR of 1.68 (95% CI: 1.49–1.89; P < 0.0001) indicates that sperm DNA damage affects clinical pregnancy following IVF and/or ICSI treatment. In addition, the combined OR estimates of IVF (16 estimates, OR = 1.65; 95% CI: 1.34–2.04; P < 0.0001), ICSI (24 estimates, OR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.08–1.59; P = 0.0068), and mixed IVF + ICSI studies (16 estimates, OR = 2.37; 95% CI: 1.89–2.97; P < 0.0001) were also statistically significant. There is sufficient evidence in the existing literature suggesting that sperm DNA damage has a negative effect on clinical pregnancy following IVF and/or ICSI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Simon
- Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Armand Zini
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, St. Mary's Hospital Center, St. Mary's Hospital, 3830 Lacombe Avenue, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1M5, Canada
| | - Alina Dyachenko
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, St. Mary's Hospital Center, St. Mary's Hospital, 3830 Lacombe Avenue, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1M5, Canada
| | - Antonio Ciampi
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, St. Mary's Hospital Center, St. Mary's Hospital, 3830 Lacombe Avenue, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1M5, Canada
| | - Douglas T Carrell
- Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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22
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Cissen M, Wely MV, Scholten I, Mansell S, Bruin JPD, Mol BW, Braat D, Repping S, Hamer G. Measuring Sperm DNA Fragmentation and Clinical Outcomes of Medically Assisted Reproduction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0165125. [PMID: 27832085 PMCID: PMC5104467 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm DNA fragmentation has been associated with reduced fertilization rates, embryo quality, pregnancy rates and increased miscarriage rates. Various methods exist to test sperm DNA fragmentation such as the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA), the sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test, the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay and the single cell gel electrophoresis (Comet) assay. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the value of measuring sperm DNA fragmentation in predicting chance of ongoing pregnancy with IVF or ICSI. Out of 658 unique studies, 30 had extractable data and were thus included in the meta-analysis. Overall, the sperm DNA fragmentation tests had a reasonable to good sensitivity. A wide variety of other factors may also affect the IVF/ICSI outcome, reflected by limited to very low specificity. The constructed hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) curve indicated a fair discriminatory capacity of the TUNEL assay (area under the curve (AUC) of 0.71; 95% CI 0.66 to 0.74) and Comet assay (AUC of 0.73; 95% CI 0.19 to 0.97). The SCSA and the SCD test had poor predictive capacity. Importantly, for the TUNEL assay, SCD test and Comet assay, meta-regression showed no differences in predictive value between IVF and ICSI. For the SCSA meta-regression indicated the predictive values for IVF and ICSI were different. The present review suggests that current sperm DNA fragmentation tests have limited capacity to predict the chance of pregnancy in the context of MAR. Furthermore, sperm DNA fragmentation tests have little or no difference in predictive value between IVF and ICSI. At this moment, there is insufficient evidence to recommend the routine use of sperm DNA fragmentation tests in couples undergoing MAR both for the prediction of pregnancy and for the choice of treatment. Given the significant limitations of the evidence and the methodological weakness and design of the included studies, we do urge for further research on the predictive value of sperm DNA fragmentation for the chance of pregnancy after MAR, also in comparison with other predictors of pregnancy after MAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maartje Cissen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | - Madelon van Wely
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Irma Scholten
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Steven Mansell
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Jan Peter de Bruin
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | - Ben Willem Mol
- The Robinson Institute/School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Didi Braat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd Repping
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Hamer
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Ni K, Spiess AN, Schuppe HC, Steger K. The impact of sperm protamine deficiency and sperm DNA damage on human male fertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Andrology 2016; 4:789-99. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Revised: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K. Ni
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Urologie, Kinderurologie und Andrologie; Justus-Liebig-Universität; Giessen Germany
| | - A.-N. Spiess
- Department of Andrology; University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf; Hamburg Germany
| | - H.-C. Schuppe
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Urologie, Kinderurologie und Andrologie; Justus-Liebig-Universität; Giessen Germany
| | - K. Steger
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Urologie, Kinderurologie und Andrologie; Justus-Liebig-Universität; Giessen Germany
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Cortés-Gutiérrez EI, Dávila-Rodríguez MI, Fernández JL, López-Fernández C, Aragón-Tovar AR, Urbina-Bernal LC, Gosálvez J. DNA damage in spermatozoa from infertile men with varicocele evaluated by sperm chromatin dispersion and DBD-FISH. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s00404-015-3822-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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25
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Muratori M, Tamburrino L, Marchiani S, Cambi M, Olivito B, Azzari C, Forti G, Baldi E. Investigation on the Origin of Sperm DNA Fragmentation: Role of Apoptosis, Immaturity and Oxidative Stress. Mol Med 2015; 21:109-22. [PMID: 25786204 PMCID: PMC4461587 DOI: 10.2119/molmed.2014.00158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm DNA fragmentation (sDF) represents a threat to male fertility, human reproduction and the health of the offspring. The causes of sDF are still unclear, even if apoptosis, oxidative assault and defects in chromatin maturation are hypothesized. Using multicolor flow cytometry and sperm sorting, we challenged the three hypothesized mechanisms by simultaneously evaluating sDF and signs of oxidative damage (8-hydroxy, 2'-deoxyguanosine [8-OHdG] and malondialdehyde [MDA]), apoptosis (caspase activity and cleaved poly[ADP-ribose] polymerase [cPARP]) and sperm immaturity (creatine phosphokinase [CK] and excess of residual histones). Active caspases and c-PARP were concomitant with sDF in a high percentage of spermatozoa (82.6% ± 9.1% and 53.5% ± 16.4%, respectively). Excess of residual histones was significantly higher in DNA-fragmented sperm versus sperm without DNA fragmentation (74.8% ± 17.5% and 37.3% ± 16.6%, respectively, p < 0.005), and largely concomitant with active caspases. Conversely, oxidative damage was scarcely concomitant with sDF in the total sperm population, at variance with live sperm, where 8-OHdG and MDA were clearly associated to sDF. In addition, most live cells with active caspase also showed 8-OHdG, suggesting activation of apoptotic pathways in oxidative-injured live cells. This is the first investigation on the origin of sDF directly evaluating the simultaneous presence of the signs of the hypothesized mechanisms with DNA breaks at the single cell level. The results indicate that the main pathway leading to sperm DNA breaks is a process of apoptosis, likely triggered by an impairment of chromatin maturation in the testis and by oxidative stress during the transit in the male genital tract. These findings are highly relevant for clinical studies on the effects of drugs on sDF and oxidative stress in infertile men and for the development of new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Muratori
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Biomedical Sciences, Center of Excellence DeNothe, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Lara Tamburrino
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Biomedical Sciences, Center of Excellence DeNothe, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Marchiani
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Biomedical Sciences, Center of Excellence DeNothe, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Marta Cambi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Biomedical Sciences, Center of Excellence DeNothe, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Biagio Olivito
- Pediatric Section, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence and Anna Meyer Children’s University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Azzari
- Pediatric Section, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence and Anna Meyer Children’s University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Gianni Forti
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Biomedical Sciences, Center of Excellence DeNothe, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Baldi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Biomedical Sciences, Center of Excellence DeNothe, University of Florence, Italy
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Utsuno H, Miyamoto T, Oka K, Shiozawa T. Morphological alterations in protamine-deficient spermatozoa. Hum Reprod 2014; 29:2374-81. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deu225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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27
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Anifandis G, Bounartzi T, Messini CI, Dafopoulos K, Markandona R, Sotiriou S, Tzavella A, Messinis IE. Sperm DNA fragmentation measured by Halosperm does not impact on embryo quality and ongoing pregnancy rates in IVF/ICSI treatments. Andrologia 2014; 47:295-302. [PMID: 24621442 DOI: 10.1111/and.12259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) has been proposed to be one of the main markers regarding male infertility. A prospective study was performed to assess primarily whether sperm DNA damage has any impact on embryological data and secondarily on pregnancy rates. This prospective study evaluated the sperm DNA damage in fresh ejaculated sperm samples from couples undergoing IVF/ICSI treatments, using the improved SCD method, known as Halosperm(®) . The results were evaluated by performing statistical analysis with the statistical package of SPSS v17. A total of 156 fresh semen samples derived from 156 couples undergoing 156 IVF/ICSI cycles. From the 156 couples, 139 finally reached the embryo transfer (ET) procedure. Overall, SDF did not correlate with embryological data, while ongoing pregnancy rate/ET was 21.6%. SDF only correlated with sperm characteristics. After the categorisation of SDF (≤35% and >35%), according to the specific references of the method used, embryological data were comparable as also ongoing pregnancy rates. Using the SCD method, sperm DNA damage is associated neither with embryological data nor to pregnancy rates. However, we should not rule out the fact that extremely high DNA damages are associated with total pregnancy failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Anifandis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessalia, Larissa, Greece
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28
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Simon L, Liu L, Murphy K, Ge S, Hotaling J, Aston KI, Emery B, Carrell DT. Comparative analysis of three sperm DNA damage assays and sperm nuclear protein content in couples undergoing assisted reproduction treatment. Hum Reprod 2014; 29:904-17. [PMID: 24619433 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deu040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is there an association between sperm DNA damage, measured by three different assays, sperm nuclear protein content and clinical outcomes in assisted reproduction treatment (ART)? SUMMARY ANSWER Sperm DNA damage measured by terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) and the Comet assay were significantly associated with ART outcomes in our single institution study. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Abnormal protamine expression is known to be associated with sperm DNA damage and male infertility. A number of studies have shown a significant relationship between sperm DNA damage and ART outcomes. To date, there are no large studies providing direct comparisons of DNA damage tests within the same study population. Thus, the prognostic value for each method remains unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Cross-sectional study of 238 men from infertile couples undergoing ART at the University Center for Reproductive Medicine, Utah, USA, between April 2011 and March 2013. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Sperm from men undergoing ART were tested for DNA damage using the alkaline Comet assay, TUNEL and flow cytometric chromatin evaluation (FCCE) assays. Histone retention was analysed using the aniline blue staining method, whereas protamine content (proteins P1 and P2) and ratio were analysed using acid urea gel electrophoresis. The prognostic value of each sperm DNA test to predict clinical pregnancy was calculated. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Histone retention was associated with sperm DNA damage (P < 0.001), reduced embryo quality (P = 0.005) and clinical pregnancies (P < 0.001). The mean percentage of sperm with DNA damage was significantly higher in sperm from non-pregnant couples compared with that from pregnant couples, as measured by TUNEL assay (15.04 ± 1.16% versus 8.79 ± 0.56%; P < 0.001) and alkaline Comet assay (72.79 ± 2.49% versus 55.86 ± 2.29%; P < 0.001). There was no association between clinical pregnancies and DNA fragmentation index measured by FCCE (12.97 ± 1.46 versus 14.93 ± 1.65; P = 0.379). Of the protamine parameters analysed, only the P1/P2 ratio was associated with sperm count (P = 0.013), men's age (P = 0.037), maturity (P = 0.049) and blastocyst quality (P = 0.012). Histone retention and sperm DNA damage measured by Comet and TUNEL assays were associated with fertilization rate (P < 0.05), embryo quality (P < 0.05) and implantation rate (P < 0.05). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION A potential drawback of this study is that it is cross-sectional. Generally in such studies there is more than one variable that could cause the effect. Analysing sperm is one part of the equation; there are also a number of female factors that have the potential to influence ART outcomes. Therefore, given the large and well-established role of female factors in infertility, normal sperm DNA integrity and protamination do not necessarily ensure clinical pregnancy in ART. Thus, female factors can reduce the prognostic value of sperm DNA tests. Further, our use of native semen instead of prepared sperm may have iatrogenically increased the DNA damage. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Alteration in sperm nuclear protein affects sperm DNA integrity. Further, with the current dataset, TUNEL and Comet assays appeared more predictive of ART success than FCCE. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) No personal or direct financial support has been received for any of this work. The authors declare no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Simon
- Andrology and IVF Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
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29
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Durand M, Sifer C. [Complete fertilization failure following conventional IVF or ICSI: is it predictable? How to manage?]. GYNECOLOGIE, OBSTETRIQUE & FERTILITE 2013; 41:727-734. [PMID: 24239479 DOI: 10.1016/j.gyobfe.2013.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of complete fertilization failure following conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a rare event. Each of six physiological stages of the fertilisation can be failing. The cause of a fertilisation failure is either the spermatozoa, or the oocyte. The aim of this study was to determine if this event is predictable, and to define the later strategy. On all sperm tests available, it seems that only, tests of zona pellucida binding and acrosomique reaction are relatively predictive of a complete fertilization failure after IVF. No test allows at the moment to predict an oocyte contribution to unsuccessful fertilization. The strategy retained after a complete fertilization failure following the first attempt of IVF is to propose an ICSI; either to do an IVF if this event arises in the rank n+1, or when the number of inseminated oocytes was low. Concerning the ICSI, the low number of micro-injected oocyte is often in question; so the strategy retained following a first fertilization failure after ICSI is to perform a new ICSI attempt after optimization of the ovarian stimulation. When the cause is spermatic, it is indicated trying a modified ICSI with the use of pentoxifiline, or an intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI), sometimes with assisted oocyte activation. In last solution, we can propose the ovum donation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Durand
- Service d'histologie-embryologie-cytogénétique-CECOS, CHU Jean-Verdier, AP-HP, avenue du 14-Juillet, 93140 Bondy, France
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30
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The nature of human sperm head vacuoles: a systematic literature review. Basic Clin Androl 2013; 23:3. [PMID: 25780567 PMCID: PMC4346294 DOI: 10.1186/2051-4190-23-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Motile sperm organelle morphology examination (MSOME) involves the use of differential interference contrast microscopy (also called Nomarski contrast) at high magnification (at least 6300x) to improve the observation of live human spermatozoa. In fact, this technique evidences sperm head vacuoles that are not necessarily seen at lower magnifications - particularly if the vacuoles are small (i.e. occupying <4% of the sperm head’s area). However, a decade after MSOME's introduction, it is still not clear whether sperm head vacuoles are nuclear, acrosomal and/or membrane-related in nature. In an attempt to clarify this debate, we performed a systematic literature review in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The PubMed database was searched from 2001 onwards with the terms "MSOME", “human sperm vacuoles”, "high-magnification, sperm”. Out of 180 search results, 21 relevant English-language publications on the nature of human sperm head vacuoles were finally selected and reviewed. Our review of the literature prompted us to conclude that sperm-head vacuoles are nuclear in nature and are related to chromatin condensation failure and (in some cases) sperm DNA damage.
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Vellani E, Colasante A, Mamazza L, Minasi MG, Greco E, Bevilacqua A. Association of state and trait anxiety to semen quality of in vitro fertilization patients: a controlled study. Fertil Steril 2013; 99:1565-72. [PMID: 23414918 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.01.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2012] [Revised: 12/04/2012] [Accepted: 01/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between semen quality and state/trait anxiety in patients enrolled in an in vitro fertilization (IVF) program and in control subjects. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Biology, European Hospital, Rome. PATIENT(S) Ninety-four first-attempt IVF patients and 85 age-matched, random subjects recruited in the period July 2006 through March 2008. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Behavioral features of stress, including state and trait anxiety, self-perceived impact of physical disturbance on everyday activities, ethanol consumption, cigarette smoking, and semen parameters such as semen volume, sperm concentration, total count, motility, morphology, and DNA fragmentation. RESULT(S) Increased levels of both state and trait anxiety were associated with lower semen volume, sperm concentration and count, reduced sperm motility, and increased sperm DNA fragmentation of IVF patients, thus influencing seminal parameters at the macroscopic and cellular/subcellular levels. Similar results were obtained in the controls. CONCLUSION(S) Our data confirm previous observations with state anxiety and show that trait anxiety also is negatively associated with male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Vellani
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Biology, European Hospital, Rome, Italy
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32
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Seiringer M, Maurer M, Shebl O, Dreier K, Tews G, Ziehr S, Schappacher-Tilp G, Petek E, Ebner T. Efficacy of a sperm-selection chamber in terms of morphology, aneuploidy and DNA packaging. Reprod Biomed Online 2013; 27:81-8. [PMID: 23665264 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2013.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2012] [Revised: 03/08/2013] [Accepted: 03/20/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Since most current techniques analysing spermatozoa will inevitably exclude these gametes from further use, attempts have been made to enrich semen samples with physiological spermatozoa with good prognosis using special sperm-processing methods. A particular sperm-selection chamber, called the Zech-selector, was found to be effective in completely eliminating spermatozoa with DNA strand breaks. The aim of this study was to further analyse the subgroup of spermatozoa accumulated using the Zech-selector. In detail, the potential of the chamber to select for proper sperm morphology, DNA status and chromatin condensation was tested. Two samples, native and processed semen, of 53 patients were analysed for sperm morphology (×1000, ×6300), DNA packaging (fragmentation, chromatin condensation) and chromosomal status (X, Y, 18). Migration time (the time needed for proper sperm accumulation) was significantly correlated to fast progressive motility (P=0.002). The present sperm-processing method was highly successful with respect to all parameters analysed (P<0.001). In particular, spermatozoa showing numeric (17.4% of patients without aneuploidy) or structural chromosomal abnormalities (90% of patients without strand-breaks) were separated most effectively. To summarize, further evidence is provided that separating spermatozoa without exposure to centrifugation stress results in a population of highly physiological spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Seiringer
- Landes- Frauen- und Kinderklinik, Kinderwunsch Zentrum Linz, Krankenhausstr. 26-30, A-4020 Linz, Austria
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33
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The clinical utility of sperm DNA integrity testing: a guideline. Fertil Steril 2013; 99:673-7. [PMID: 23391408 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.12.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 12/21/2012] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Sperm DNA damage is more common in infertile men and may contribute to poor reproductive performance. However, current methods for assessing sperm DNA integrity do not reliably predict treatment outcomes and cannot be recommended routinely for clinical use.
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Rogenhofer N, Dansranjavin T, Schorsch M, Spiess A, Wang H, von Schönfeldt V, Cappallo-Obermann H, Baukloh V, Yang H, Paradowska A, Chen B, Thaler CJ, Weidner W, Schuppe HC, Steger K. The sperm protamine mRNA ratio as a clinical parameter to estimate the fertilizing potential of men taking part in an ART programme. Hum Reprod 2013; 28:969-78. [PMID: 23340056 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/des471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Could the protamine-1 to protamine-2 mRNA ratio serve as a biomarker to estimate the fertilizing capacity of sperm from men taking part in an IVF/ICSI programme? SUMMARY ANSWER The protamine mRNA ratio clearly discriminates between fertile and subfertile men and sperm with a normal protamine mRNA ratio exhibit a higher fertilizing capacity in IVF/ICSI. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Aberrant sperm protamine ratios are associated with male factor infertility and mRNA ratio is comparable with protein ratio (due to transcriptional stop in elongating spermatids). STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The study population was drawn from subfertile men, whose female partners participated in IVF or ICSI programmes between September 2010 and February 2012. Normozoospermic healthy volunteers served as controls. Sperm cells were lysed, mRNA extracted, reverse transcribed and subjected to real-time quantitative PCR using specific primer pairs for protamine-1 and protamine-2. Relative protamine-1 and protamine-2 mRNA levels were analysed with the Mann-Whitney U-test (two-tailed). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Quantitative RT-PCR for protamines 1 and 2 has been performed in ejaculates from 32 normozoospermic volunteers (control, University Clinic Giessen, Germany) and 306 patients, whose female partners took part in an IVF (n = 76; University Clinic Hamburg, Germany and Shanghai Jiaotong University, China) or an ICSI (n = 230; University Clinic Munich, Germany and Kinderwunschzentrum Wiesbaden, Germany) programme. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The sperm protamine mRNA ratio in normozoospermic men (0.98 ± 0.3) differed significantly from that of ICSI patients (Munich 0.81 ± 0.1; Wiesbaden 0.78 ± 0.2; P < 0.001), while processed samples obtained from IVF patients revealed a normal protamine mRNA ratio (Hamburg 1.0 ± 0.07; Shanghai 1.0 ± 0.54). Normal protamine mRNA ratios were associated with a significantly higher total motile sperm count and a significantly higher percentage of progressively motile sperm. Sperm with a normal protamine mRNA ratio revealed a higher fertilization capacity (fc) in both IVF (53.6% of patients with fc > 80%; P = 0.017) and ICSI (65.1% of patients with fc > 70%; P = 0.028). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The protamine mRNA ratio in an individual sperm cell used for ICSI may be different from the overall value obtained from a semen aliquot. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Data are in line with current literature and suggest the protamine mRNA ratio as a diagnostic marker to estimate the fertilizing capacity of sperm. STUDY FUNDING The German Research Foundation (DFG) to K.S., W.W. and A.P. (STE 892/9-2), as well as to A.S. and H.C.O. (SP721/1-3). COMPETING INTEREST(S) None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Rogenhofer
- Division of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Campus Grosshadern, Munich, Germany
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Hakima N, Sermondade N, Sifer C. Causes spermatiques et échecs de fécondance : quelles explorations autres que le spermogramme ? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 40:543-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gyobfe.2012.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2012] [Accepted: 05/24/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Hammoud I, Boitrelle F, Ferfouri F, Vialard F, Bergere M, Wainer B, Bailly M, Albert M, Selva J. Selection of normal spermatozoa with a vacuole-free head (x6300) improves selection of spermatozoa with intact DNA in patients with high sperm DNA fragmentation rates. Andrologia 2012; 45:163-70. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2012.01328.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/09/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - B. Wainer
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Cytogenetics and Gynecology; Hospital of Poissy; Poissy; France
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Lakpour N, Mahfouz RZ, Akhondi MM, Agarwal A, Kharrazi H, Zeraati H, Amirjannati N, Sadeghi MR. Relationship of seminal plasma antioxidants and serum male hormones with sperm chromatin status in male factor infertility. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2012; 58:236-44. [DOI: 10.3109/19396368.2012.689923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Abstract
The integrity of sperm chromatin structure has proven to be of great importance for human fertility. In this study, we investigated whether sperm cryopreservation has an effect on nuclear DNA tertiary structure, (i.e. condensation), measured by aniline blue staining, in 103 male patients who required consultation for hypo-fertility. Sperm DNA damage was significantly higher in patients showing oligospermia and severe morphological abnormalities than in native sperm populations. Furthermore we observed that chromatin decondensation was related to the cryostorage technique and to the duration of storage. This increase in decondensation was highly significant (P < 0.01) immediately after cryopreservation and from 90 days of cryostorage onwards. The possible mechanisms involved in sperm chromatin cryoinjury and the need to incorporate new methods for testing sperm nuclear structure alteration into the routine spermiogram are discussed.
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Simon L, Castillo J, Oliva R, Lewis SE. Relationships between human sperm protamines, DNA damage and assisted reproduction outcomes. Reprod Biomed Online 2011; 23:724-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2011.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2010] [Revised: 08/02/2011] [Accepted: 08/04/2011] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Zuccarello D, Ferlin A, Garolla A, Menegazzo M, Perilli L, Ambrosini G, Foresta C. How the human spermatozoa sense the oocyte: a new role of SDF1-CXCR4 signalling. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 34:e554-65. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2011.01158.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Franco Jr JG, Mauri AL, Petersen CG, Massaro FC, Silva LFI, Felipe V, Cavagna M, Pontes A, Baruffi RLR, Oliveira JBA, Vagnini LD. Large nuclear vacuoles are indicative of abnormal chromatin packaging in human spermatozoa. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 35:46-51. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2011.01154.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Zini A, Jamal W, Cowan L, Al-Hathal N. Is sperm DNA damage associated with IVF embryo quality? A systematic review. J Assist Reprod Genet 2011; 28:391-7. [PMID: 21327499 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-011-9544-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2010] [Accepted: 02/02/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Sperm DNA damage is common amongst infertile men and may adversely impact natural reproduction, IUI-assisted reproduction and to a lesser degree IVF pregnancy. The objective of this study was to examine the influence of sperm DNA damage on embryo quality and/or development at IVF and ICSI. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of studies that evaluated sperm DNA damage and embryo development and/or quality after IVF and/or ICSI. RESULTS We identified 28 studies (8 IVF, 12 ICSI and 8 mixed IVF-ICSI studies) that evaluated the relationship between sperm DNA damage and embryo quality. These 28 studies evaluated 3226 treatment cycles (1033 IVF and 873 ICSI, 1320 mixed IVF-ICSI cycles) and demonstrated highly variable characteristics. In 11 of the 28 studies (1/8 IVF, 5/12 ICSI and 5/8 mixed IVF-ICSI studies), sperm DNA damage was associated with poor embryo quality and/or development, whereas the remaining 17 studies showed no relationship between sperm DNA damage and embryo quality and/or development. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review indicates that the evaluable studies are heterogeneous and that overall, there is no consistent relationship between sperm DNA damage and embryo quality and/or development. The data also suggest that the influence of sperm DNA damage on embryo quality/development may be more significant in ICSI compared to IVF cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armand Zini
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Abstract
There has been an increase in the use of sperm DNA and chromatin integrity tests in the evaluation of the infertile man with the hypothesis that these tests may better diagnose infertility and predict reproductive outcomes. This review discusses the etiology of sperm DNA damage, briefly describing the tests of sperm DNA damage, and evaluates the relationship between sperm DNA damage and reproductive outcomes. A systematic review of the literature allows us to conclude that sperm DNA damage is associated with lower natural, intra-uterine insemination (IUI), and in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancy rates. Studies to date have not shown a clear association between sperm DNA and chromatin defects and pregnancy outcomes after intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). However, we cannot exclude the possibility that very high levels of DNA damage will impact on ICSI outcomes. In couples undergoing IVF or ICSI, there is evidence to show that sperm DNA damage is associated with an increased risk of pregnancy loss. A limitation of this systematic review and meta-analysis is that it does not address the heterogeneity of the individual study characteristics. Although the clinical utility of tests of sperm DNA damage remains to be firmly established, the data suggest that there is clinical value in testing couples prior to assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs IUI, IVF, and ICSI) and in those couples with recurrent miscarriages. Additional, well-designed prospective studies are needed before testing becomes a routine part of patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armand Zini
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Oliva R, de Mateo S. Medical Implications of Sperm Nuclear Quality. EPIGENETICS AND HUMAN REPRODUCTION 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-14773-9_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Muratori M, Tamburrino L, Marchiani S, Guido C, Forti G, Baldi E. Critical Aspects of Detection of Sperm DNA Fragmentation by Tunel/Flow Cytometry. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2010; 56:277-85. [DOI: 10.3109/19396368.2010.489660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Bellver J, Meseguer M, Muriel L, García-Herrero S, Barreto MAM, Garda AL, Remohí J, Pellicer A, Garrido N. Y chromosome microdeletions, sperm DNA fragmentation and sperm oxidative stress as causes of recurrent spontaneous abortion of unknown etiology. Hum Reprod 2010; 25:1713-21. [PMID: 20501469 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deq098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the present study was to evaluate the implication of male factor, in terms of sperm DNA oxidation and fragmentation, and Y chromosome microdeletions in recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) of unknown origin in a strictly selected cohort. METHODS A prospective cohort study was carried out in a private university-affiliated setting. Three groups, each comprised of 30 males, were compared. The first was formed by healthy and fertile sperm donors (SD) with normal sperm parameters (control group), the second by men presenting severe oligozoospermia (SO) without RSA history, and the third by men from couples who had experienced idiopathic RSA. Frequency of Y chromosome microdeletions and mean sperm DNA fragmentation and oxidation were determined. RESULTS Y chromosome microdeletions were not detected in any of the males enrolled in the study. Moreover, sperm DNA oxidation measurements were not demonstrated to be relevant to RSA. Interestingly, sperm DNA fragmentation was higher in the SO group than in the RSA and the SD groups, and also higher in the RSA group compared with the SD group, but lacked an adequate predictive power to be employed as a discriminative test of RSA condition. CONCLUSIONS Sperm DNA features and Y chromosome microdeletions do not seem to be related to RSA of unknown origin. Other molecular features of sperm should be studied to determine their possible influence on RSA. Clinicaltrials.gov reference: NCT00447395.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Bellver
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (IVI), University of Valencia, Plaza de la Policía Local, 3, 46015 Valencia, Spain.
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Zhang Y, Cui Y, Zhou Z, Sha J, Li Y, Liu J. Altered global gene expressions of human placentae subjected to assisted reproductive technology treatments. Placenta 2010; 31:251-8. [PMID: 20116094 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2010.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2009] [Revised: 12/16/2009] [Accepted: 01/05/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Researchers are more and more concerning the safety of fetus or offspring derived from assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment. As the placenta is a critical organ that sustains and protects the fetus, we hypothesize that altered global gene expression of the placenta subjected to ART manipulation may reflect changes associated with ART procedures and subsequently causal related to offspring health. METHODS Three term placenta samples were obtained from patients undergone in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer due to oviductal factors only. Other three control placentae were from those underwent normal pregnancy. A GeneChip Affymetrix HG-U133 Plus 2.0 Array was utilized to analyze the genes. Using qRT-PCR we certified microarray data from 10 dysregulated genes. Five genes were localized precisely in the placenta as per immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Twenty-six differentially expressed genes were identified in the ART-treated placentae: 17 up-regulated; 9 down-regulated. Eighteen of these were classified into six groups according to critical placental function: immune response; transmembrane transport; metabolism; oxidative stress; cell differentiation; and other functions. Genes involved in immune response, such as ERAP2 and STAT4, and those regulating cell differentiations, such as MUC1, were discerned to be differentially expressed. These gene products were expressed in the placental villus tissues, either in the cytoplasm or in the membrane of syncytiotrophoblastic cells. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the first study in comparing differentially expressed genes in placentae from patients undergone ART treatment vs. those underwent normal pregnancy. Abnormal profiles of critical placental functioning genes, such as ERAP2, STAT4 and MUC1, may be valuable biomarkers to understand how the placenta affects fetal development and ART-derived offspring's health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Zhang
- Center of Clinical Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
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