1
|
Akhigbe RE, Afolabi OA, Ajayi AF. L-Arginine abrogates maternal and pre-pubertal codeine exposure-induced impaired spermatogenesis and sperm quality by modulating the levels of mRNA encoding spermatogenic genes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1180085. [PMID: 37529606 PMCID: PMC10390314 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1180085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Although, codeine has been demonstrated to lower sperm quality; the effects of maternal and prepubertal codeine exposure on male offspring is yet to be reported. In addition, the effect of arginine on codeine-induced decline in sperm quality has not been explored. This study investigated the impact of maternal and prepubertal codeine exposure on spermatogenesis and sperm quality in F1 male Wistar rats to study the effect that codeine may have during recreational use in humans. Also, the effect of arginine supplementation on codeine-induced alteration in spermatogenesis and sperm quality was evaluated. Methods Female rats were treated with either 0.5 ml distilled water or codeine orally for eight weeks, and then mated with male rats (female:male, 2:1). The F1 male offsprings of both cohorts were weaned at 3 weeks old and administered distilled water, codeine, arginine, or codeine with arginine orally for eight weeks. Results Prepubertal codeine exposure in rats whose dams (female parents) were exposed to codeine delayed puberty and reduced the weight at puberty. Prepubertal codeine exposure exacerbated maternal codeine exposure-induced reduced total and daily spermatid production, sperm count, sperm motility, and normal sperm form, as well as impaired sperm plasma membrane integrity and increased not intact acrosome and damaged sperm DNA integrity. These perturbations were accompanied by a decrease in mRNA levels encoding spermatogenic genes, testicular testosterone and androgen receptor (AR) concentrations, and upregulation of sperm 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8OHdG). Prepubertal arginine supplementation mitigated codeine-induced alterations. Discussion This study provides novel experimental evidence that maternal and prepubertal codeine exposure reprogramed spermatogenesis and sperm quality of male FI generation by decreasing mRNA levels encoding spermatogenic genes and AR via oxidative stress-mediated signaling, which was abrogated by prepubertal arginine supplementation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roland Eghoghosoa Akhigbe
- Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
- Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Oasis of Grace Hospital, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Oladele A. Afolabi
- Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Ayodeji Folorusho Ajayi
- Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
The stallion sperm acrosome: Considerations from a research and clinical perspective. Theriogenology 2023; 196:121-149. [PMID: 36413868 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.11.012] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
During the fertilization process, the interaction between the sperm and the oocyte is mediated by a process known as acrosomal exocytosis (AE). Although the role of the sperm acrosome on fertilization has been studied extensively over the last 70 years, little is known about the molecular mechanisms that govern acrosomal function, particularly in species other than mice or humans. Even though subfertility due to acrosomal dysfunction is less common in large animals than in humans, the evaluation of sperm acrosomal function should be considered not only as a complementary but a routine test when individuals are selected for breeding potential. This certainly holds true for stallions, which might display lower levels of fertility in the face of "acceptable" sperm quality parameters determined by conventional sperm assays. Nowadays, the use of high throughput technologies such as flow cytometry or mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis is commonplace in the research arena. Such techniques can also be implemented in clinical scenarios of males with "idiopathic" subfertility. The current review focuses on the sperm acrosome, with particular emphasis on the stallion. We aim to describe the physiological events that lead to the acrosome formation within the testis, the role of very specific acrosomal proteins during AE, the methods to study the occurrence of AE under in vitro conditions, and the potential use of molecular biology techniques to discover new markers of acrosomal function and subfertility associated with acrosomal dysfunction in stallions.
Collapse
|
3
|
Leung ETY, Lee BKM, Lee CL, Tian X, Lam KKW, Li RHW, Ng EHY, Yeung WSB, Ou JP, Chiu PCN. The role of spermatozoa-zona pellucida interaction in selecting fertilization-competent spermatozoa in humans. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1135973. [PMID: 37020592 PMCID: PMC10067631 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1135973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Human fertilization begins when a capacitated spermatozoon binds to the zona pellucida (ZP) surrounding a mature oocyte. Defective spermatozoa-ZP interaction contributes to male infertility and is a leading cause of reduced fertilization rates in assisted reproduction treatments (ARTs). Human ejaculate contains millions of spermatozoa with varying degrees of fertilization potential and genetic quality, of which only thousands of motile spermatozoa can bind to the ZP at the fertilization site. This observation suggests that human ZP selectively interacts with competitively superior spermatozoa characterized by high fertilizing capability and genetic integrity. However, direct evidence for ZP-mediated sperm selection process is lacking. This study aims to demonstrate that spermatozoa-ZP interaction represents a crucial step in selecting fertilization-competent spermatozoa in humans. ZP-bound and unbound spermatozoa were respectively collected by a spermatozoa-ZP coincubation assay. The time-course data demonstrated that ZP interacted with a small proportion of motile spermatozoa. Heat shock 70 kDa protein 2 (HSPA2) and sperm acrosome associated 3 (SPACA 3) are two protein markers associated with the sperm ZP-binding ability. Immunofluorescent staining indicated that the ZP-bound spermatozoa had significantly higher expression levels of HSPA2 and SPACA3 than the unbound spermatozoa. ZP-bound spermatozoa had a significantly higher level of normal morphology, DNA integrity, chromatin integrity, protamination and global methylation when compared to the unbound spermatozoa. The results validated the possibility of applying spermatozoa-ZP interaction to select fertilization-competent spermatozoa in ART. This highly selective interaction might also provide diagnostic information regarding the fertilization potential and genetic qualities of spermatozoa independent of those derived from the standard semen analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erica T. Y. Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Brayden K. M. Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Cheuk-Lun Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong – Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xinyi Tian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kevin K. W. Lam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong – Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Raymond H. W. Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong – Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ernest H. Y. Ng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong – Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - William S. B. Yeung
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong – Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jian-Ping Ou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Philip C. N. Chiu, ; Jian-Ping Ou,
| | - Philip C. N. Chiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong – Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Philip C. N. Chiu, ; Jian-Ping Ou,
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Vitale SG, Palumbo M, Rapisarda AMC, Carugno J, Conde-López C, Mendoza N, Mendoza-Tesarik R, Tesarik J. Use of pentoxifylline during ovarian stimulation to improve oocyte and embryo quality: A retrospective study. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2022; 51:102398. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2022.102398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
5
|
Cafe SL, Anderson AL, Nixon B. In vitro Induction and Detection of Acrosomal Exocytosis in Human Spermatozoa. Bio Protoc 2020; 10:e3689. [PMID: 33659359 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.3689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The acrosome reaction is a highly regulated exocytotic event that primes spermatozoa for successful fertilization. Upon induction, acrosomal exocytosis proceeds via a wave of vesiculation that radiates across the sperm head, destabilizing the acrosomal vesicle and resulting in the release of the acrosomal contents. Having shed their acrosome, spermatozoa are then capable of penetrating the outer vestments of the oocyte and initiating fertilization. Accordingly, the failure of spermatozoa to complete an acrosome reaction represents a relatively common etiology in male infertility patients, and the ability to induce acrosomal exocytosis has found clinical utility in the evaluation of sperm fertilizing capacity. Here, we firstly describe protocols for driving the capacitation of human spermatozoa in vitro using chemically defined media in order to prime the cells for completion of acrosomal exocytosis. We then describe methodology routinely used for the induction of acrosomal exocytosis incorporating either a physiological agonist (i.e., the steroidal hormone, progesterone) or pharmacological reagent (i.e., the divalent cation ionophore, A23187). Finally, we describe the application of histochemical and immunofluorescence techniques that can be applied to study the completion of the acrosome reaction. Such protocols have important diagnostic utility for sperm function testing in both clinical and andrological research laboratories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shenae L Cafe
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ivanski F, de Oliveira VM, de Oliveira IM, de Araújo Ramos AT, de Oliveira Tonete ST, de Oliveira Hykavei G, Bargi-Souza P, Schiessel DL, Martino-Andrade AJ, Romano MA, Marino Romano R. Prepubertal acrylamide exposure causes dose-response decreases in spermatic production and functionality with modulation of genes involved in the spermatogenesis in rats. Toxicology 2020; 436:152428. [PMID: 32151602 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2020.152428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The increase in human infertility prevalence due to male reproductive disorders has been associated with extensive endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) exposure. Acrylamide (AA) is a compound formed spontaneously during heat processing of some foods that are mainly consumed by children and adolescents. In this study, we evaluated the prepubertal AA exposure effects on male adult reproductive physiology using a prepubertal experimental model to analyze the pubertal development, spermatogenesis hormones levels and genes expression involved in male reproductive function. This study is the first one to use the validated protocol to correlate the AA exposure with puberty development, as well as the AA-induced endocrine disrupting effects on reproductive axis. AA did not affect the age at puberty, the reproductive organ's weight and serum hormonal levels. AA reduces spermatogenesis, induces morphological and functional defects on sperm and alters transcript expression of sexual hormone receptors (Ar and Esr2), the transcript expression of Tnf, Egr2, Rhcg and Lrrc34. These findings suggest that excessive AA consumption may impair their reproductive capacity at adulthood, despite no changes in hormonal profile being observed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Ivanski
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Medicine, State University of Central-West, Rua Simeao Camargo Varela de Sa, 03, 85040-080, Parana, Brazil.
| | - Viviane Matoso de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Medicine, State University of Central-West, Rua Simeao Camargo Varela de Sa, 03, 85040-080, Parana, Brazil.
| | - Isabela Medeiros de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Medicine, State University of Central-West, Rua Simeao Camargo Varela de Sa, 03, 85040-080, Parana, Brazil.
| | - Anderson Tadeu de Araújo Ramos
- Department of Physiology, Animal Endocrine and Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Centro Politécnico, 81531-980,PO Box 19031, Curitiba, Parana, Brazil.
| | - Selma Thaisa de Oliveira Tonete
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Medicine, State University of Central-West, Rua Simeao Camargo Varela de Sa, 03, 85040-080, Parana, Brazil.
| | - Gabriel de Oliveira Hykavei
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Medicine, State University of Central-West, Rua Simeao Camargo Varela de Sa, 03, 85040-080, Parana, Brazil.
| | - Paula Bargi-Souza
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Dalton Luiz Schiessel
- Department of Nutrition, State University of Central-West, Rua Simeao Camargo Varela de Sa, 03, Zip-Code 85040-080, Parana, Brazil.
| | - Anderson Joel Martino-Andrade
- Department of Physiology, Animal Endocrine and Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Centro Politécnico, 81531-980,PO Box 19031, Curitiba, Parana, Brazil.
| | - Marco Aurelio Romano
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Medicine, State University of Central-West, Rua Simeao Camargo Varela de Sa, 03, 85040-080, Parana, Brazil.
| | - Renata Marino Romano
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Medicine, State University of Central-West, Rua Simeao Camargo Varela de Sa, 03, 85040-080, Parana, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
D'Amours O, Calvo É, Bourassa S, Vincent P, Blondin P, Sullivan R. Proteomic markers of low and high fertility bovine spermatozoa separated by Percoll gradient. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:999-1012. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Olivier D'Amours
- Département d'obstétrique, Gynécologie et ReproductionCentre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval Québec Québec Canada
| | - Ézéquiel Calvo
- Proteomic Core FacilityCentre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval, Axe Reproduction, Santé de la mère et de l'enfant Québec Québec Canada
| | - Sylvie Bourassa
- Proteomic Core FacilityCentre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval, Axe Reproduction, Santé de la mère et de l'enfant Québec Québec Canada
| | - Patrick Vincent
- Department of Research and DevelopmentSemex Alliance, L'Alliance Boviteq Inc Saint‐Hyacinthe Québec Canada
| | - Patrick Blondin
- Department of Research and DevelopmentSemex Alliance, L'Alliance Boviteq Inc Saint‐Hyacinthe Québec Canada
| | - Robert Sullivan
- Département d'obstétrique, Gynécologie et ReproductionCentre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval Québec Québec Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
[Capacitation and acrosome reaction are associated with changes in sialic acid location and head morphometry in human sperm]. Rev Int Androl 2018; 16:20-27. [PMID: 30063019 DOI: 10.1016/j.androl.2017.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Assess changes in sialic acid distribution during capacitation and acrosome reaction processes, and evaluate head sperm morphometrics modifications in these physiological conditions in human sperm. MATERIAL AND METHOD In this prospective study, we included 6 normozoospermics sperm samples. Sialic acid distribution was evaluated by Wheat germ agglutinin lectin in different physiological conditions: before, after capacitation and after acrosome reaction. Head shape and size of each stage were analyzed by means of geometric morphometric methods. RESULTS After capacitation, 73.07±21.43% of sperm showed sialic acid in acrosomal region, linked with an acrosome expansion and equatorial segment contraction. Otherwise, after acrosome reaction higher allometric effect between stages was recorded since sperm undergo further expansion of equatorial segment. Regarding Wheat germ agglutinin location, we found that sperm percentage significant decline in acrosomal fluorescence and an increase of equatorial band labeling. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that modifications in Wheat germ agglutinin expression covariate with dramatic changes in sperm head morphometry, suggesting important implications in capacitation and acrosome reaction processes.
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
All animal oocytes are surrounded by a glycoproteinaceous egg coat, a specialized extracellular matrix that serves both structural and species-specific roles during fertilization. Egg coat glycoproteins polymerize into the extracellular matrix of the egg coat using a conserved protein-protein interaction module-the zona pellucida (ZP) domain-common to both vertebrates and invertebrates, suggesting that the basic structural features of egg coats have been conserved across hundreds of millions of years of evolution. Egg coat proteins, as with other proteins involved in reproduction, are frequently found to be rapidly evolving. Given that gamete compatibility must be maintained for the fitness of sexually reproducing organisms, this finding is somewhat paradoxical and suggests a role for adaptive diversification in reproductive protein evolution. Here we review the structure and function of metazoan egg coat proteins, with an emphasis on the potential role their evolution has played in the creation and maintenance of species boundaries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily E Killingbeck
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.
| | - Willie J Swanson
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yoisungnern T, Choi YJ, Han JW, Kang MH, Das J, Gurunathan S, Kwon DN, Cho SG, Park C, Chang WK, Chang BS, Parnpai R, Kim JH. Internalization of silver nanoparticles into mouse spermatozoa results in poor fertilization and compromised embryo development. Sci Rep 2015; 5:11170. [PMID: 26054035 PMCID: PMC4459204 DOI: 10.1038/srep11170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have many features that make them attractive as medical devices, especially in therapeutic agents and drug delivery systems. Here we have introduced AgNPs into mouse spermatozoa and then determined the cytotoxic effects of AgNPs on sperm function and subsequent embryo development. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analyses showed that AgNPs could be internalized into sperm cells. Furthermore, exposure to AgNPs inhibited sperm viability and the acrosome reaction in a dose-dependent manner, whereas sperm mitochondrial copy numbers, morphological abnormalities, and mortality due to reactive oxygen species were significantly increased. Likewise, sperm abnormalities due to AgNPs internalization significantly decreased the rate of oocyte fertilization and blastocyst formation. Blastocysts obtained from AgNPs-treated spermatozoa showed lower expression of trophectoderm-associated and pluripotent marker genes. Overall, we propose that AgNPs internalization into spermatozoa may alter sperm physiology, leading to poor fertilization and embryonic development. Such AgNPs-induced reprotoxicity may be a valuable tool as models for testing the safety and applicability of medical devices using AgNPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ton Yoisungnern
- 1] Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Animal Bioscience and Biotechnology/Animal Resources Research Center, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, South Korea [2] Embryo Technology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Biotechnology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
| | - Yun-Jung Choi
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Animal Bioscience and Biotechnology/Animal Resources Research Center, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, South Korea
| | - Jae Woong Han
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Animal Bioscience and Biotechnology/Animal Resources Research Center, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, South Korea
| | - Min-Hee Kang
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Animal Bioscience and Biotechnology/Animal Resources Research Center, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, South Korea
| | - Joydeep Das
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Animal Bioscience and Biotechnology/Animal Resources Research Center, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, South Korea
| | - Sangiliyandi Gurunathan
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Animal Bioscience and Biotechnology/Animal Resources Research Center, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, South Korea
| | - Deug-Nam Kwon
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Animal Bioscience and Biotechnology/Animal Resources Research Center, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, South Korea
| | - Ssang-Goo Cho
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Animal Bioscience and Biotechnology/Animal Resources Research Center, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, South Korea
| | - Chankyu Park
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Animal Bioscience and Biotechnology/Animal Resources Research Center, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, South Korea
| | - Won Kyung Chang
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Animal Bioscience and Biotechnology/Animal Resources Research Center, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, South Korea
| | - Byung-Soo Chang
- Department of Cosmetology, Hanseo University, Seosan, Chungnam 356-706, Korea
| | - Rangsun Parnpai
- Embryo Technology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Biotechnology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
| | - Jin-Hoi Kim
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Animal Bioscience and Biotechnology/Animal Resources Research Center, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Oehninger S, Franken DR, Ombelet W. Sperm functional tests. Fertil Steril 2014; 102:1528-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.09.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2014] [Revised: 09/27/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
12
|
Mathias FT, Romano RM, Kizys MML, Kasamatsu T, Giannocco G, Chiamolera MI, Dias-da-Silva MR, Romano MA. Daily exposure to silver nanoparticles during prepubertal development decreases adult sperm and reproductive parameters. Nanotoxicology 2014; 9:64-70. [PMID: 24533579 DOI: 10.3109/17435390.2014.889237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
As silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have antimicrobial properties and potentiate the activity of some antibiotics, they are broadly used in both medical and nonmedical applications. In this study, prepubertal male Wistar rats were orally treated with 15 or 30 µg/kg/day AgNPs from postnatal day 23 (PND23) to PND58 and sacrificed at PND102. The acrosome integrity, plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity and morphological alterations of the sperm were analyzed. Sexual partner preference, sexual behavior and the serum concentrations of FSH, LH, testosterone and estradiol were also recorded. The results were evaluated following the appropriate statistical analyses, and differences among the groups were considered significant when p < 0.05. AgNPs reduced the acrosome and plasma membrane integrities, reduced the mitochondrial activity and increased the abnormalities of the sperm in both treatment groups. AgNP exposure also delayed the onset of puberty, although no changes in body growth were observed in either treatment group. The animals did not show changes in sexual behavior or serum hormone concentrations. This study shows for the first time that prepubertal exposure to AgNPs causes alterations in adult sperm parameters. Importantly, the sperm appeared to be more sensitive to the toxic effects of AgNPs and demonstrated adverse effects following exposure to lower doses. Consequently, the effects of AgNPs on sperm should be considered in order to establish safety limits for the use of these particles.
Collapse
|
13
|
Hamada A, Esteves SC, Nizza M, Agarwal A. Unexplained male infertility: diagnosis and management. Int Braz J Urol 2013; 38:576-94. [PMID: 23131516 DOI: 10.1590/s1677-55382012000500002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Unexplained male infertility is a diagnosis reserved for men in whom routine semen analyses results are within normal values and physical as well as endocrine abnormalities were ruled out. In addition to erectile problems and coital factors, immunologic causes and sperm dysfunction may contribute to such condition. New etiologies of unexplained male infertility include low level leukocytospermia and mitochondrial DNA polymerase gene polymorphism. Contemporary andrology may reveal cellular and sub-cellular sperm dysfunctions which may explain subfertility in such cases, thus aiding the clinician to direct the further work-up, diagnosis and counseling of the infertile male. The objective of this article is to highlight the concept of unexplained male infertility and focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of this condition in the era of modern andrology and assisted reproductive techniques. Extensive literature review was performed using the search engines: Pubmed, Science-direct, Ovid and Scopus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Hamada
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tomar AK, Sooch BS, Singh S, Yadav S. Differential proteomics of human seminal plasma: A potential target for searching male infertility marker proteins. Proteomics Clin Appl 2012; 6:147-51. [PMID: 22532450 DOI: 10.1002/prca.201100084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The clinical fertility tests, available in the market, fail to define the exact cause of male infertility in almost half of the cases and point toward a crucial need of developing better ways of infertility investigations. The protein biomarkers may help us toward better understanding of unknown cases of male infertility that, in turn, can guide us to find better therapeutic solutions. Many clinical attempts have been made to identify biomarkers of male infertility in sperm proteome but only few studies have targeted seminal plasma. Human seminal plasma is a rich source of proteins that are essentially required for development of sperm and successful fertilization. This viewpoint article highlights the importance of human seminal plasma proteome in reproductive physiology and suggests that differential proteomics integrated with functional analysis may help us in searching potential biomarkers of male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anil Kumar Tomar
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Morphologically abnormal oocytes not capable of fertilization despite repeated strategies. Fertil Steril 2011; 95:2435.e5-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.02.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2010] [Revised: 02/12/2011] [Accepted: 02/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
16
|
Tomar AK, Saraswat M, Chhikara N, Kumar S, Yadav VK, Sooch BS, Singh TP, Yadav S. Differential proteomics of sperm: insights, challenges and future prospects. Biomark Med 2010; 4:905-10. [DOI: 10.2217/bmm.10.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Male factors account for 40% of infertility cases and most are caused by low sperm count, poor sperm quality or both. Defects in sperm are directly linked to reproductive malfunctions, and these defects may be caused by genetic mutations, environmental factors and exposure to free radicals, for example. Almost half of the male infertility cases have no known cause, indicating the lack of sensitive tests for the diagnosis of infertility. Proteomics has evolved as a major research field in biology and medicine, to identify and validate potent targets, at the molecular level, for development of more sensitive diagnostic tools. The recent advances in this field focus on the identification of differentially expressed proteins and analyzing their functional aspects for better understanding of the biological pathways. It not only provides a platform to discover biomarkers of infertility, but may also help in the design of effective male contraceptives. This article discusses various insights of proteomics for exploring biomarkers of male infertility in sperm. It also discusses the enhanced understanding of reproductive physiology offered by data produced by proteomic studies of spermatozoa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anil Kumar Tomar
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Mayank Saraswat
- Center for Bioanalytical Sciences, School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Nirmal Chhikara
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Vikash Kumar Yadav
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Tej P Singh
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Comments on the release of the 5th edition of the WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen. Asian J Androl 2010; 12:59-63. [PMID: 20111082 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2008.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The authors of the World Health Organization Semen Analysis Manual are to be congratulated on producing a new edition; it is an essential tool to disseminate good practice in andrology. However, the tests described have poor prognostic power to predict a man's fertility and show little about the underlying causes of sub-fertility. This commentary urges a revival of research into the diagnosis of male fertility. It suggests that fertility should be regarded as a continuum and that the artificial binary division between fertile and infertile should be abandoned. Models to predict a sub-fertile couple's chance of conception in a year should be developed on the basis of prospective data. These models would allow for sophisticated decision making about management. The future lies in the identification of tests to detect underlying pathologies open to specific treatment. Leads such as oxidative stress, defects in the intracellular regulation and the developing field of proteomics should be explored.
Collapse
|
18
|
Lee TH, Liu CH, Shih YT, Tsao HM, Huang CC, Chen HH, Lee MS. Magnetic-activated cell sorting for sperm preparation reduces spermatozoa with apoptotic markers and improves the acrosome reaction in couples with unexplained infertility. Hum Reprod 2010; 25:839-46. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deq009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
|
19
|
Menkveld R. Clinical significance of the low normal sperm morphology value as proposed in the fifth edition of the WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen. Asian J Androl 2010; 12:47-58. [PMID: 20111081 PMCID: PMC3739680 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2009.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2008] [Revised: 01/15/2009] [Accepted: 01/23/2009] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The very low cut-off value for sperm morphology of 4% morphologically normal spermatozoa, as proposed in the new edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) manual on semen analysis, is in agreement with recently published values and reflects the trend of a decline in reported mean values for normal sperm morphology. The reduced value for morphologically normal spermatozoa over the years may be due to several factors. The first is the introduction of strict criteria for the evaluation of sperm morphology. Other reasons may include the introduction of additional criteria for sperm morphology abnormalities and the suggested decrease in semen parameters because of increasing negative environmental influences. Although on its own the newly proposed very low normal value may not provide the strong predictive value for a males' fertility potential, as originally reported for sperm morphology evaluated according to strict criteria, a good predictive value can still be obtained if the holistic, strict approach for sperm morphology evaluation is followed together with additional sperm morphology parameters now available, because certain morphology patterns and sperm abnormalities are now known to be of strong prognostic value. In addition, better international standardization of the technical methodology, consensus on the interpretation of sperm morphology evaluation criteria and standardized international external quality control (EQC) schemes, are of utmost importance to maintain the good predictive value of sperm morphology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roelof Menkveld
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tygerberg Academic Hospital and University of Stellenbosch, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Serres C, Auer J, Petit F, Patrat C, Jouannet P. Les partenaires moléculaires impliqués dans l'interaction entre spermatozoïdes et zone pellucide chez les mammifères. Conséquences pour la fertilité humaine. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 202:119-28. [DOI: 10.1051/jbio:2008015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
|
21
|
Abstract
Traditionally, the diagnosis of male infertility has relied upon microscopic assessment and biochemical assays to determine human semen quality. The conventional parameters given most importance have been the concentration, motility, and morphology of sperm in the ejaculate. Most laboratories also include ‘sperm suitability’ tests where the subpopulations of sperm more likely to finish the marathon journey to the oocyte are separated by density centrifugation. These tests are essential to provide the fundamental information on which clinicians base their initial diagnosis. However, none of these parameters addresses sperm function and their clinical value in predicting fertility is questionable. The advent of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has further reduced the significance and perceived need for sperm quality tests since ICSI requires only one sperm, not subject to classic, or indeed any, tests for the procedure to be successful. Over the past decade, a number of laboratory tests have been developed to determine properties of sperm function. These include quantitative sperm motion parameters, capacitation, basal and induced acrosome reactions, sperm–zona pellucida interactions and nuclear and mitochondrial sperm DNA but few have been adopted into routine clinical use. International collaborations should be initiated to develop clinically relevant molecular and functional tests with agreed protocols and clinical thresholds as a matter of urgency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheena E M Lewis
- School of Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's University Belfast, Institute of Clinical Science, Grosvenor Road, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Niu Y, Greube A, Ji W, Jewgenow K. The application of in vitro sperm competition test to evaluate the impact of ZP-derived peptides on fertilization capacity of cat sperm. Theriogenology 2006; 66:989-95. [PMID: 16620930 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2006.02.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2005] [Revised: 02/22/2006] [Accepted: 02/26/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to establish a sensitive in vitro assay to assess the binding capacity of cat spermatozoa. Cat oocytes and epididymal sperm cells were isolated from gonads and cultured for in vitro fertilization. Before fertilization, the sperm cells were incubated either in 10 microM green dye Fluo-3-AM or 10 microM orange dye CellTracker Orange CMTMR (Molecular Probes), respectively. After removing the dyes by washing, sperm cells stained with each dye were added to medium drops containing oocytes in various proportions and cultured for 16 h at 37 degrees C, 5% CO(2). The oocytes were examined using fluorescence microscopy. Sperm bound to oocytes, and stained with different colors, were counted. When fresh epididymal sperm were mixed in at a specific proportion, the number of sperm bound to the zona pellucida (ZP) of oocytes reflected the proportion of differently colored sperm in the medium. This indicated that neither dye influenced the binding capacity of cat sperm. Mixing fresh and cryopreserved sperm, however, resulted in a higher number of fresh sperm bound to the oocyte surface in comparison to frozen-thawed sperm. Also, the pre-incubation of cat sperm cells with ZP derived peptide reduced the sperm binding capacity by 40%. In conclusion, the presented sperm competition assay allows assessment of fertilizing capacity of cat spermatozoa in vitro when a mixture of two different populations is used. The applied supravital fluorescence dyes do not affect motility and binding capacity of sperm cells and were clearly distinguishable under fluorescence microscopy. We demonstrate that the assay can be used to study the impact of sperm treatment, such as cryopreservation or pre-incubation in bioactive peptides, on fertilizing capacity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuyu Niu
- Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, PF 601103, D-10252 Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Clarke GN, Liu DY, Baker HWG. Recovery of human sperm motility and ability to interact with the human zona pellucida after more than 28 years of storage in liquid nitrogen. Fertil Steril 2006; 86:721-2. [PMID: 16814291 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2006.01.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2005] [Revised: 02/06/2006] [Accepted: 02/06/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Six donor semen samples were evaluated after 28 years cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen. The results showed that the samples retained good postthaw motility recovery and normal levels of binding to the human zona pellucida and that four of the five samples tested also gave normal levels of zona-induced acrosome reaction. In conclusion, human sperm can survive very long-term storage, which is pertinent information for clinicians referring boys and young men for sperm banking before chemotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gary N Clarke
- Andrology Unit, The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Caballero-Campo P, Chirinos M, Fan XJ, González-González ME, Galicia-Chavarría M, Larrea F, Gerton GL. Biological Effects of Recombinant Human Zona Pellucida Proteins on Sperm Function1. Biol Reprod 2006; 74:760-8. [PMID: 16407501 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.105.047522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The initial interaction between gametes takes place at the level of the sperm surface and the zona pellucida (ZP), the extracellular matrix of the egg in mammals. Successful fertilization requires the proper molecular recognition of the ZP by the sperm. Recently, human ZP was demonstrated to be composed of four proteins: ZP1, ZP2, ZP3, and ZP4. The goals of this study were to determine the effects of recombinant human ZP2, ZP3, and ZP4 on human sperm acrosomal exocytosis and sperm motility. Exposure of sperm to ZP proteins, alone or in combination, promoted acrosomal exocytosis in a time-dependent manner. This effect occurred in parallel with a considerable decrease in progressive motility, coincident with an increase in nonprogressive sperm motility. An analysis of kinetic parameters of ZP-treated sperm demonstrated that a characteristic motility pattern could be defined by values of curvilinear velocity > 63.9 mum/s and linearity <or= 15.5%. A strong correlation between curvilinear velocity and the amplitude of lateral head displacement was also observed. The incidence of sperm having these particular kinetic parameters increased after exposure to ZP proteins. These studies of two processes involved in sperm penetration through the ZP confirm that zona glycoproteins promote acrosomal exocytosis and now establish an additional role for these components as modifiers of sperm motility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Caballero-Campo
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6080, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Liu DY, Garrett C, Baker HWG. Acrosome-reacted human sperm in insemination medium do not bind to the zona pellucida of human oocytes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 29:475-81. [PMID: 16480409 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2006.00681.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In the literature there is still confusion whether acrosome-reacted sperm in medium can initiate primary binding to human zona pellucida (ZP). The ability of acrosome-reacted sperm to bind to ZP in vitro can be deduced by measuring the acrosome reaction (AR) of ZP-bound sperm compared with sperm in medium after incubation under different conditions inhibiting the ZP-induced AR. Motile sperm from fertile men, normospermic men and infertile men diagnosed with disordered ZP-induced AR (DZPIAR) were selected by swim-up (2 x 10(6) in 1 mL medium) and incubated for 1-2 h with four oocytes from failed in vitro fertilization (IVF). The acrosome status of sperm was assessed using pisum sativum agglutinin labelled with fluorescein. The ZP-induced AR was inhibited in experiments using sperm from DZPIAR patients, hyper-osmotic medium (400 mOsm/kg) and medium containing soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI; 4 mg/mL). Pre-treatment with calcium ionophore was used to create a sperm population with elevated AR. In all experiments with factors inhibiting the ZP-induced AR, the AR was significantly lower for ZP-bound sperm compared with sperm in medium: DZPIAR patients 4% vs. 15%, hyper-osmotic medium 3% vs. 12%, SBTI 2% vs. 12% and SBTI 3% vs. 23% after treatment with calcium ionophore. In conclusion, acrosome-reacted sperm in vitro have significantly reduced, in fact probably zero ability to bind to the ZP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Y Liu
- University of Melbourne Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Reproductive Services, Royal Women's Hospital and Melbourne IVF, Vic., Australia.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Liu DY, Clarke GN, Baker HWG. Tyrosine phosphorylation on capacitated human sperm tail detected by immunofluorescence correlates strongly with sperm-zona pellucida (ZP) binding but not with the ZP-induced acrosome reaction. Hum Reprod 2006; 21:1002-8. [PMID: 16428332 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dei435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Protein tyrosine phosphorylation (TP) of human sperm is related to sperm capacitation and zona pellucida (ZP) binding. The aim of this study was to determine whether the TP of capacitated sperm is a useful marker for the ability of sperm to bind to the ZP and undergo the ZP-induced acrosome reaction (AR). METHODS Semen samples were obtained from 115 subfertile men with sperm count > or =20 x 10(6)/ml, motility > or =25% and variable morphology. Motile sperm (2 x 10(6)/ml) selected by swim-up were incubated with four oocytes for 2 h, and the number of sperm bound to the ZP and the ZP-induced AR was examined. TP of sperm tail was assessed by immunofluorescence (IF) with anti-phosphotyrosine monoclonal antibody. The time course and effects of dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate (dbcAMP) and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) on TP were also studied. RESULTS TP was stimulated more by dbcAMP (P < 0.001) and less by PMA (P < 0.05). TP increased significantly with time of incubation of sperm. TP was not detectable on the surface of unfixed live sperm by either Dynabeads or IF. Sperm TP at 2, 4 and 20 h incubation was all significantly correlated with sperm-ZP binding but not with the ZP-induced AR. CONCLUSION Sperm TP detected by IF correlates strongly with sperm-ZP binding capacity but not with the ZP-induced AR. This simple IF assay of TP may be a clinically useful test of sperm function that is predictive of normal sperm ZP-binding capacity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Y Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Abstract
Sexual reproduction is a fundamental biological process common among eukaryotes. Because of the significance of reproductive proteins to fitness, the diversity and rapid divergence of proteins acting at many stages of reproduction is surprising and suggests a role of adaptive diversification in reproductive protein evolution. Here we review the evolution of reproductive proteins acting at different stages of reproduction among animals and plants, emphasizing common patterns. Although we are just beginning to understand these patterns, by making comparisons among stages of reproduction for diverse organisms we can begin to understand the selective forces driving reproductive protein diversity and the functional consequences of reproductive protein evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel L Clark
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Box 357730, Seattle, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Liu DY, Clarke GN, Baker HWG. Hyper-osmotic condition enhances protein tyrosine phosphorylation and zona pellucida binding capacity of human sperm. Hum Reprod 2005; 21:745-52. [PMID: 16253971 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dei364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to determine the effect of culture medium osmolality, in the range known to occur in the male and female reproductive tracts, on human sperm tyrosine phosphorylation and sperm-zona pellucida (ZP) interaction in vitro. METHODS Motile sperm (2x10(6)), selected by swim-up from semen of normozoospermic men with normal sperm-ZP binding, were incubated with or without four oocytes in 1 ml human tubal fluid (HTF) medium with different osmolalities (150, 200, 280, 350, 400 mOsm/kg) adjusted by variation of the NaCl concentration. After 2 h incubation, the number of sperm bound to the four ZP was examined, sperm motility and velocities were assessed by Hamilton-Thorn Motility Analyzer (IVOS 10) and sperm tyrosine phosphorylation was assessed by both western immunoblotting and immunofluorescence with an anti-phosphotyrosine monoclonal antibody (PY20). The effect of hyper-osmolality (400 mOsm/kg) on the ZP-induced acrosome reaction (AR) was also determined. RESULTS Incubation of human sperm in hyper-osmotic medium significantly increased tyrosine phosphorylation and the number of sperm bound to the ZP. In contrast, hypo-osmotic medium significantly decreased both tyrosine phosphorylation and sperm-ZP binding. Medium with high osmolality (400 mOsm/kg) significantly reduced the ZP-induced AR. Both hypo- and hyper-osmotic media significantly decreased average sperm percentage progressive motility and velocities. CONCLUSION Incubation of human sperm in hyper-osmotic media was associated with significantly increased tyrosine phosphorylation and ZP-binding ability but severely reduced the ZP-induced AR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Y Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Melbourne, Reproductive Services and Andrology Laboratory, Royal Women's Hospital and Melbourne IVF, Melbourne, Australia.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Sifer C, Sasportes T, Barraud V, Poncelet C, Rudant J, Porcher R, Cedrin-Durnerin I, Martin-Pont B, Hugues JN, Wolf JP. World Health Organization grade 'a' motility and zona-binding test accurately predict IVF outcome for mild male factor and unexplained infertilities. Hum Reprod 2005; 20:2769-75. [PMID: 15958402 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dei118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to determine the pronostic value of a sperm-zona pellucida (ZP) binding assay, combined with World Health Organization (WHO) grade 'a' sperm motility on the day of the IVF attempt, to predict sperm fertilizing ability in unexplained and moderate male factor infertilities. METHODS In total, 84 couples (64 unexplained infertility; 20 male factor) underwent both a sperm-ZP binding assay and an IVF attempt, irrespective of the test's result. The test was negative when grade 'a' motility was #5% and/or the ZP binding index was <0.7. Fertilization and pregnancy rates were related to the test's results. RESULTS Thirty-one patients had a negative test (group N) and 53 a positive test (group P). A difference was observed concerning the fertilization rate [median (range): 0 (0-75%) versus 50 (0-100%); P = 0.0001] and the number of cycles with fertilization rate <20% (65 versus 23%; P = 0.0002) between groups N and P respectively. In the group of unexplained and male factor infertilities, the test showed a sensitivity of 83 and 60%, specificity of 50 and 90%, positive predictive value of 76 and 86%, and negative predictive value of 61 and 69% respectively. CONCLUSION Sperm-ZP binding test, combined with WHO grade 'a' motility assessment, is relevant to prevent IVF fertilization failures in unexplained infertility and, most particularly, in moderate male factor infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Sifer
- Service d'Histologie-Embryologie-Cytogénétique, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Waberski D, Magnus F, Mendonca Ferreira F, Petrunkina AM, Weitze KF, Töpfer-Petersen E. Importance of sperm-binding assays for fertility prognosis of porcine spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2005; 63:470-84. [PMID: 15626412 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2004.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
There has been a considerable effort to establish correlations between the outcome of in vitro sperm-binding assays and the fertility achieved by individual males under conditions of commercial AI. During passage through the oviduct, a fertilizing spermatozoon has to bind to and interact with several targets. Generally, it is assumed that these interactions can be mimicked by in vitro binding assays. However, there is little evidence that assays based on zona binding, zona penetration, or IVF: (a) have been adequately validated; (b) provide data with a high degree of correlation to a boar of average fertility; (c) provide accurate predictions as to pregnancy rate and litter size from a given boar when used for commercial AI. This is due partly to the variability in measurements of pregnancy rate and litter size in a commercial setting and partly to the fact that sperm fertility is multifactorial. A recently developed in vitro test is based on the fact that spermatozoa bind in vivo to oviduct epithelium, creating a functional sperm reservoir, and that fertilization-competent spermatozoa are released in a time-dependent manner from these cells. Mating or insemination occurs usually hours before ovulation thus rendering such temporary sperm binding to the epithelial cells, a prerequisite for successful sperm-oocyte interaction. In vitro binding of porcine spermatozoa to explants derived from fresh oviduct epithelium may provide a useful test system to predict fertility, although detailed validation has not been published. The sperm-oviduct-binding assay tests for multifunctional characteristics of the plasma membrane and may be a valuable in vitro test to identify subfertile boars. We believe that boar subfertility might be indicated in vitro by reduced capacity of his spermatozoa to bind to oviductal cells and that this may provide information as to whether an adequate sperm reservoir will presumably be established in vivo from the sperm population that successfully has passed the barriers of the utero-tubal junction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Waberski
- Institute for Reproductive Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 15, D-30559 Hannover, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Henkel R, MAAß G, Bödeker RH, Scheibelhut C, Stalf T, Mehnert C, Schuppe HC, Jung A, Schill WB. Sperm function and assisted reproduction technology. Reprod Med Biol 2005; 4:7-30. [PMID: 29699207 DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-0578.2005.00087.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The evaluation of different functional sperm parameters has become a tool in andrological diagnosis. These assays determine the sperm's capability to fertilize an oocyte. It also appears that sperm functions and semen parameters are interrelated and interdependent. Therefore, the question arose whether a given laboratory test or a battery of tests can predict the outcome in in vitro fertilization (IVF). One-hundred and sixty-one patients who underwent an IVF treatment were selected from a database of 4178 patients who had been examined for male infertility 3 months before or after IVF. Sperm concentration, motility, acrosin activity, acrosome reaction, sperm morphology, maternal age, number of transferred embryos, embryo score, fertilization rate and pregnancy rate were determined. In addition, logistic regression models to describe fertilization rate and pregnancy were developed. All the parameters in the models were dichotomized and intra- and interindividual variability of the parameters were assessed. Although the sperm parameters showed good correlations with IVF when correlated separately, the only essential parameter in the multivariate model was morphology. The enormous intra- and interindividual variability of the values was striking. In conclusion, our data indicate that the andrological status at the end of the respective treatment does not necessarily represent the status at the time of IVF. Despite a relatively low correlation coefficient in the logistic regression model, it appears that among the parameters tested, the most reliable parameter to predict fertilization is normal sperm morphology. (Reprod Med Biol 2005; 4: 7-30).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Henkel
- Department of Urology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena.,Center for Dermatology and Andrology
| | - Gesa MAAß
- Center for Dermatology and Andrology
| | - Rolf-Hasso Bödeker
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Working Group for Medical Statistics, and
| | | | - Thomas Stalf
- Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Claas Mehnert
- Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Henkel R, Maa\ G, Bödeker RH, Scheibelhut C, Stalf T, Mehnert C, Schuppe HC, Jung A, Schill WB. Sperm function and assisted reproduction technology. Reprod Med Biol 2005. [DOI: 10.1007/bf03016134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
|
33
|
Liu DY, Garrett C, Baker HWG. Clinical application of sperm-oocyte interaction tests in in vitro fertilization--embryo transfer and intracytoplasmic sperm injection programs. Fertil Steril 2004; 82:1251-63. [PMID: 15533339 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2003.10.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2003] [Revised: 10/20/2003] [Accepted: 10/20/2003] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the clinical value of sperm-oocyte interaction tests for the diagnosis and management of infertility by standard IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). DESIGN Review of recent publications on relationships among sperm-oocyte interaction tests, sperm characteristics, and results of IVF and determination of frequency of defective sperm-oocyte interaction in infertile men. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Fertilization rates with IVF, sperm characteristics, sperm-zona pellucida (ZP) binding, ZP-induced acrosome reaction (AR), and sperm-ZP penetration. RESULT(S) Sperm defects associated with low sperm-ZP binding or impaired ZP-induced AR and sperm-ZP penetration are the major causes of failure of fertilization when all or most oocytes from a couple do not fertilize in standard IVF. There is a high frequency of defective sperm-ZP interaction in men with oligozoospermia (<20 x 10(6)/mL) and severe teratozoospermia (strict normal sperm morphology < or =5%). Sperm morphology correlates with sperm-ZP binding, and sperm concentration correlates with ZP-induced AR in infertile men with sperm concentrations >20 x 10(6)/mL. Defective ZP-induced AR may cause infertility in up to 25% men with idiopathic infertility. These patients require ICSI despite the normal standard semen analyses. CONCLUSION(S) Sperm-oocyte interaction tests are useful for diagnosis of subtle sperm defects that cause infertility in men without severe abnormalities of semen analysis. Pre-IVF diagnosis of these sperm defects will assist in the clinical assignment of patients to treatment with either standard IVF or ICSI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- De Yi Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Services, The Royal Women's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
|
35
|
Kitamura K, Tanaka H, Nishimune Y. Haprin, a novel haploid germ cell-specific RING finger protein involved in the acrosome reaction. J Biol Chem 2003; 278:44417-23. [PMID: 12917430 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m304306200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The acrosome reaction (i.e. the exocytosis of the sperm vesicle) is a prerequisite for fertilization, but its molecular mechanism is largely unknown. We have identified a cDNA clone for a gene named haprin, which encodes a haploid germ cell-specific RING finger protein. This protein is a novel member of the RBCC (RING finger, B-box type zinc finger, and coiled-coil domain) motif family that has roles in several cellular processes, such as exocytosis. It is transcribed exclusively in testicular germ cells after meiotic division. Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses showed the molecular weight of Haprin protein to be Mr approximately 82,000. It was localized in the acrosomal region of elongated spermatids and mature sperm and was not present in acrosome-reacted sperm. The specific antibody against the RING finger domain of Haprin inhibited the acrosome reaction in permeabilized sperm. These results indicated that the novel RBCC protein Haprin plays a key role in the acrosome reaction and fertilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kouichi Kitamura
- Department of Science for Laboratory Animal Experimentation, Research Institute for Microbial Disease, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Liu DY, Stewart T, Baker HWG. Normal range and variation of the zona pellucida-induced acrosome reaction in fertile men. Fertil Steril 2003; 80:384-9. [PMID: 12909503 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(03)00603-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the normal range of the zona pellucida (ZP)-induced acrosome reaction (AR) in fertile men. DESIGN A study of normative data. SETTING Academic research and teaching tertiary hospital.None.Fertile men (n = 111) who had children or whose female partner was currently pregnant. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE (S): Semen analysis, sperm-ZP binding, and the ZP-induced AR. RESULT(S) There was wide range for the ZP-induced AR: 20%-98% with a mean of 48%. The ZP-induced AR was significantly correlated with sperm concentration and normal morphology. The ZP-induced AR was significantly lower in men with sperm concentration <or=60 x 10(6)/mL than those with sperm concentration >60 x 10(6)/mL. Similarly, men with normal sperm morphology >or=15% had significantly higher ZP-induced AR than men with normal morphology <15%. CONCLUSION(S) There is a wide range of the ZP-induced AR in fertile men that is correlated with sperm concentration and normal morphology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- De Yi Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to critically examine the ability of screening tests to predict fertilization failure. RECENT FINDINGS Failed fertilization occurs in 5-10% of in-vitro fertilization cycles and 2-3% of intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles. Failed fertilization may result from impaired spermatozoa, oocyte deficiencies or defects in the in-vitro sperm/oocyte medium. In the in-vitro fertilization setting most cases are caused by male factor deficiencies, whereas failure of oocyte activation is the most common cause of failed fertilization after intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Although the standard semen analysis has limited ability to predict fertilization failure, strict sperm morphology criteria, sperm-zona binding ratios and zona pellucida induced acrosome reaction tests provide increased capacity to avoid this outcome. The quality of the semen sample on the day of oocyte retrieval and fertilization performance in previous in-vitro fertilization cycles may also guide the appropriate use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection. However, the routine use of the latter technique in cases of non-male factor infertility is contraindicated. SUMMARY The ever improving techniques highlighted in this analysis offer improved ability to predict failed fertilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neal G Mahutte
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8063, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Bastiaan HS, Windt ML, Menkveld R, Kruger TF, Oehninger S, Franken DR. Relationship between zona pellucida-induced acrosome reaction, sperm morphology, sperm-zona pellucida binding, and in vitro fertilization. Fertil Steril 2003; 79:49-55. [PMID: 12524063 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(02)04548-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the possible relationships between sperm morphology, acrosome responsiveness to solubilized human zona pellucida, and sperm-zona binding potential among [1] consecutive andrology referrals and [2] randomly selected in vitro fertilization (IVF) cases. DESIGN Prospective analytical study. SETTING Academic training hospital.Randomly selected couples consulting for infertility. INTERVENTION(S) Acrosome reaction response to solubilized human zona pellucida was recorded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) We determined the difference in the percentage of sperm that acrosome reacted after exposure to solubilized zona pellucida and spontaneous acrosome reaction. The results were expressed as percentage zona induced acrosome reaction (ZIAR). RESULT(S) Data were analyzed using correlation coefficients (r) and receiver operator characteristics (ROC curve analyses). The ROC curve analyses indicated ZIAR to be a sensitive indicator for fertilization failure during IVF therapy, with sensitivity and specificity of 81% and 75%, respectively. For andrology referrals, a positive and statistically significant correlation existed between ZIAR data and sperm morphology (r = 0.65) and sperm-zona binding (r = 0.57). CONCLUSION(S) ZIAR results provide further information regarding dysfunctional sperm and can be used as an additional diagnostic test. Our results predicted fertilization failure during IVF treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hadley S Bastiaan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg Hospital, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Liu DY, Baker HWG. Disordered zona pellucida-induced acrosome reaction and failure of in vitro fertilization in patients with unexplained infertility. Fertil Steril 2003; 79:74-80. [PMID: 12524067 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(02)04555-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the relationship between the zona pellucida (ZP)-induced acrosome reaction (AR) and fertilization rate and pregnancy rate in standard IVF and the frequency of disordered ZP-induced AR (DZPIAR) in patients with unexplained infertility. DESIGN Prospective study. SETTING Academic research and teaching tertiary hospital. PATIENTS Patients with unexplained infertility with normal semen analysis. INTERVENTION None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Semen analysis, the ZP-induced AR, and measurements of fertilization rate and pregnancy rate with in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). RESULT(S) A statistically significant correlation was found for the ZP-induced AR and fertilization rate with standard IVF (n = 65). Patients with DZPIAR (ZP-induced AR of <or=16%) had an average fertilization rate of 23%, in contrast to patients with ZP-induced AR of >16%, who had an average fertilization rate of 61%. The sensitivity and specificity of DZPIAR for prediction of IVF rates <30% and >or=30% were 80% and 86%, respectively. Of 260 patients screened, the frequency of DZPIAR was 29%. Ten patients with DZPIAR had an average fertilization rate of 15% and no pregnancy with initial IVF cycles, and a fertilization rate of 61% (with three live-birth pregnancies) with subsequent ICSI cycles. Another 33 patients with DZPIAR were treated with ICSI alone, with an average fertilization rate of 71% and a live-birth pregnancy rate of 17% per embryo transfer. Sixteen of the patients had live-birth pregnancies (including one set of twins) after undergoing an average of 3.2 embryo transfers. CONCLUSION(S) Patients with DZPIAR have a low or zero fertilization rate with standard IVF but high fertilization and pregnancy rates with ICSI. Up to 29% of patients with unexplained infertility with normal semen analysis may have this condition, which should be diagnosed and treated with ICSI rather then standard IVF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- De Yi Liu
- University of Melbourne Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Services, Royal Women's Hospital and Melbourne IVF, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Lefièvre L, Barratt CLR, Harper CV, Conner SJ, Flesch FM, Deeks E, Moseley FLC, Pixton KL, Brewis IA, Publicover SJ. Physiological and proteomic approaches to studying prefertilization events in the human. Reprod Biomed Online 2003; 7:419-27. [PMID: 14753177 DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)61885-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This research aims firstly to understand, in cellular and molecular terms, how a mature human spermatozoon is prepared for fertilization, and secondly, to identify what factors are involved in the initial signalling interactions between the egg and spermatozoon. In order to achieve these objectives, a combination of approaches is being used, including single-cell imaging, patch clamping and proteomics. Single-cell imaging reveals hidden complexity and heterogeneity in signalling responses in spermatozoa. Characterization of cell physiology at the single-cell level must be a future aim, including the study of ion channel expression and function by patch clamping. Proteomic experiments are aimed at identifying defects in protein expression in specific subgroups of men, e.g. those with globozoospermia. A better understanding of prefertilization events will allow the development of non-assisted reproductive therapy, drug-based treatments for male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Lefièvre
- Reproductive Biology and Genetics Research Group, The Medical School, University of Birmingham, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Bastiaan HS, Menkveld R, Oehninger S, Franken DR. Zona pellucida induced acrosome reaction, sperm morphology, and sperm-zona binding assessments among subfertile men. J Assist Reprod Genet 2002; 19:329-34. [PMID: 12168733 PMCID: PMC3455747 DOI: 10.1023/a:1016058625874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the zona pellucida induced acrosome reaction (ZIAR) and (i) percentage normal spermatozoa as well as (ii) sperm-zona pellucida binding potential among men referred for a routine semen analysis. METHODS Semen samples of 164 consecutive men referred to the andrology laboratory for routine semen analysis were studied. Semen samples were analyzed using the new WHO standards (strict criteria). ZIAR was recorded with a lectin conjugated Pisum sativum agglutinin microassay, while sperm-zona binding was evaluated with a standard hemizona assay (HZA). RESULTS Andrology patients were divided according to the percentage normal spermatozoa in the ejaculate, namely <4% normal forms (n = 71), 5-14%, normal forms (n = 73), and >14% normal forms (n = 20). ZIAR data of the <4%, 5-14%, and >14% groups was (9.6 +/- 0.6)%, (13.9 +/- 0.5)%, and (15.0 +/- 1.1)%, respectively. The ZIAR data of fertile control men was (26.6 +/- 1.4)% which differed significantly from the three andrology referrals groups. Likewise significant differences were recorded during the hemizona assay namely, 38.0% (<4% normal forms), 54.5% (5-1% normal forms), and 62.6% (>14% normal forms). Among the group with >14% normal forms, five cases had impaired ZIAR outcome (<15%). Three of these men had normal morphology and HZAs. CONCLUSIONS ZIAR testing should become part of the second level of male fertility investigations, i.e., sperm functional testing, since 15% of andrology referrals revealed an impaired acrosome reaction response to solubilized zona pellucida.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H S Bastiaan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg Hospital, South Africa
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Affiliation(s)
- C L Barratt
- Birmingham Women's Hospital, B15 2TG, Birmingham, UK.
| | | |
Collapse
|