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Bae JW, Hwang JM, Lee WJ, Kim DH, Yi JK, Ha JJ, Oh DY, Kwon WS. Application of sperm motion kinematics and motility-related proteins for prediction of male fertility. Theriogenology 2024; 218:223-230. [PMID: 38359560 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
The selection of superior sires is paramount for enhancing the efficiency of animal production in the livestock industry. However, semen quality assessment still relies on conventional semen analysis techniques in both animals and humans. Despite extensive efforts to develop various biomarkers for more accurate and precise predictions of male fertility potential, more effective physiological indicators and advance potential biomarkers are needed. Herein, we aimed to develop new potential biomarkers related to sperm motion kinematics for male fertility prediction. We first evaluated sperm motion kinematic parameters and expression levels of sperm motility-related proteins of 30 Duroc boars. We then explored the correlation between litter size, sperm motion kinematics parameters, and sperm motility-related proteins. Progressive sperm motility (%), rapid sperm motility (%), slow sperm motility (%), straight-line velocity (μm/s), linearity (%), beat cross frequency (Hz), mean angular displacement (degree), wobble (%) were correlated with litter size. Furthermore, the expression of axonemal dynein light intermediate polypeptide 1 (DNALI1) and radial spoke head protein 9 homolog (RSPH9) correlated with litter size. The overall accuracy exceeded 60% for predicting litter size using these sperm motion parameters and proteins. Notably, our study observed an increase in litter size after predicting litter size using these parameters and proteins. Thus, sperm motion kinematic parameters and protein expression, particularly of DNALI1 and RSPH9, could serve as new biomarkers for male fertility. These results may contribute to improved understanding of the mechanisms underlying sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Won Bae
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Mi Hwang
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Jin Lee
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Hyun Kim
- Department of Animal Science, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Koo Yi
- School of Animal Life Convergence Science, Hankyong National University, Anseong, 17579, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Jung Ha
- Gyeongbuk Livestock Research Institute, Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 36052, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Yep Oh
- Gyeongbuk Livestock Research Institute, Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 36052, Republic of Korea.
| | - Woo-Sung Kwon
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 37224, Republic of Korea; Research Center for Horse Industry, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 37224, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Electrophysiology and Fluorescence Spectroscopy Approaches for Evaluating Gamete and Embryo Functionality in Animals and Humans. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12111685. [DOI: 10.3390/biom12111685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This review has examined two of the techniques most used by our research group for evaluating gamete and embryo functionality in animal species, ranging from marine invertebrates to humans. Electrophysiology has given access to fundamental information on some mechanisms underpinning the biology of reproduction. This technique demonstrates the involvement of ion channels in multiple physiological mechanisms, the achievement of homeostasis conditions, and the triggering of profound metabolic modifications, often functioning as amplification signals of cellular communication. Fluorescence spectrometry using fluorescent probes to mark specific cell structures allows detailed information to be obtained on the functional characteristics of the cell populations examined. The simple and rapid execution of this methodology allowed us to establish a panel helpful in elucidating functional features in living cells in a simultaneous and multi-parameter way in order to acquire overall drafting of gamete and embryo functionality.
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3
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Murgia F, Corda V, Serrenti M, Usai V, Santoru ML, Hurt KJ, Passaretti M, Monni MC, Atzori L, Monni G. Seminal Fluid Metabolomic Markers of Oligozoospermic Infertility in Humans. Metabolites 2020; 10:metabo10020064. [PMID: 32053951 PMCID: PMC7074256 DOI: 10.3390/metabo10020064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects 12–15% of couples worldwide, and male factors are the cause of nearly half of all cases. Studying seminal fluid composition could lead to additional diagnostic accuracy and a better understanding of the pathophysiology of male factor infertility. Metabolomics offers a new opportunity to evaluate biomarkers and better understand pathological mechanisms. The aim of the study was to identify new markers or therapeutic targets to improve outcomes in male factor or idiopathic infertility patients. Semen samples were obtained from 29 men with a normal spermogram test, and from 18 oligozoospermic men. Samples were processed and analyzed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy and, subsequently, multivariate and univariate statistical analyses. Receiving Operator Curves (ROC) and Spearman correlations were also performed. An Orthogonal Partial Least Square Discriminant Analysis supervised multivariate model was devised to compare the groups. The levels of fructose, myo-inositol, aspartate and choline were altered. Moreover, Spearman Correlation associated fructose, aspartate and myo-inositol with the total amount of spermatozoa, total motile spermatozoa, % of immotility and % of “in situ” spermatozoic motility respectively. NMR-based metabolomics allowed the identification of a specific metabolic fingerprint of the seminal fluids of patients affected by oligozoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Murgia
- Clinical Metabolomics Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy; (F.M.); (M.L.S.); (M.P.); (L.A.)
| | - Valentina Corda
- Department of Prenatal and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Fetal Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico “A.Cao”, 09121 Cagliari, Italy; (V.C.); (M.S.); (V.U.); (M.C.M.)
| | - Marianna Serrenti
- Department of Prenatal and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Fetal Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico “A.Cao”, 09121 Cagliari, Italy; (V.C.); (M.S.); (V.U.); (M.C.M.)
| | - Valeria Usai
- Department of Prenatal and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Fetal Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico “A.Cao”, 09121 Cagliari, Italy; (V.C.); (M.S.); (V.U.); (M.C.M.)
| | - Maria Laura Santoru
- Clinical Metabolomics Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy; (F.M.); (M.L.S.); (M.P.); (L.A.)
| | - K. Joseph Hurt
- Divisions of Maternal Fetal Medicine and Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Mauro Passaretti
- Clinical Metabolomics Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy; (F.M.); (M.L.S.); (M.P.); (L.A.)
| | - Maria Carla Monni
- Department of Prenatal and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Fetal Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico “A.Cao”, 09121 Cagliari, Italy; (V.C.); (M.S.); (V.U.); (M.C.M.)
| | - Luigi Atzori
- Clinical Metabolomics Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy; (F.M.); (M.L.S.); (M.P.); (L.A.)
| | - Giovanni Monni
- Department of Prenatal and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Fetal Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico “A.Cao”, 09121 Cagliari, Italy; (V.C.); (M.S.); (V.U.); (M.C.M.)
- Correspondence:
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Gonzalez-Pena D, Knox RV, Rodriguez-Zas SL. Contribution of semen trait selection, artificial insemination technique, and semen dose to the profitability of pig production systems: A simulation study. Theriogenology 2016; 85:335-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Revised: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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5
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Maya-Soriano MJ, Taberner E, Sabés-Alsina M, Ramon J, Rafel O, Tusell L, Piles M, López-Béjar M. Daily exposure to summer temperatures affects the motile subpopulation structure of epididymal sperm cells but not male fertility in an in vivo rabbit model. Theriogenology 2015; 84:384-9. [PMID: 25944779 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Revised: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
High temperatures have negative effects on sperm quality leading to temporary or permanent sterility. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of long exposure to summer circadian heat stress cycles on sperm parameters and the motile subpopulation structure of epididymal sperm cells from rabbit bucks. Twelve White New Zealand rabbit bucks were exposed to a daily constant temperature of the thermoneutral zone (from 18 °C to 22 °C; control group) or exposed to a summer circadian heat stress cycles (30 °C, 3 h/day; heat stress group). Spermatozoa were flushed from the epididymis and assessed for sperm quality parameters at recovery. Sperm total motility and progressivity were negatively affected by high temperatures (P < 0.05), as were also specific motility parameters (curvilinear velocity, linear velocity, mean velocity, straightness coefficient, linearity coefficient, wobble coefficient, and frequency of head displacement; P < 0.05, but not the mean amplitude of lateral head displacement). Heat stress significantly increased the percentage of less-motile sperm subpopulations, although the percentage of the high-motile subpopulation was maintained, which is consistent with the fact that no effect was detected on fertility rates. However, prolificacy was reduced in females submitted to heat stress when inseminated by control bucks. In conclusion, our results suggest that environmental high temperatures are linked to changes in the proportion of motile sperm subpopulations of the epididymis, although fertility is still preserved despite the detrimental effects of heat stress. On the other hand, prolificacy seems to be affected by the negative effects of high temperatures, especially by altering female reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Maya-Soriano
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - E Taberner
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Sabés-Alsina
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Ramon
- Unitat de Cunicultura, Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries, Barcelona, Spain
| | - O Rafel
- Unitat de Cunicultura, Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries, Barcelona, Spain
| | - L Tusell
- Unitat de Cunicultura, Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Piles
- Unitat de Cunicultura, Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M López-Béjar
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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6
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Sperm DNA fragmentation and its role in wildlife conservation. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 753:357-84. [PMID: 25091917 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0820-2_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Until about 20 years ago, sperm assessment in the laboratory was focused on motility, morphology and acrosomal integrity. Then came the gradual realisation that, because the main objective of a spermatozoon is to deliver an intact genetic payload of DNA to the egg, being able to check DNA quality of spermatozoa would be equally important, if not more so. Research over the last two decades has therefore led to the development of several techniques for reliably detecting DNA strand breaks, and the more recent focus has been directed towards understanding the fertility implications of DNA damage. It is now clear that evolutionary history has played an important role in determining the stability of sperm DNA under stressful conditions, and that the nature of the DNA-protein interactions also influence the extent to which fertility is affected by both technical procedures involved in sperm preservation and the basic biology of the species concerned. Here we present an overview of the principles involved in DNA assessment and also provide some cases studies that illustrate the influences of species diversity.
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Gosálvez J, Caballero P, López-Fernández C, Ortega L, Guijarro JA, Fernández JL, Johnston SD, Nuñez-Calonge R. Can DNA fragmentation of neat or swim-up spermatozoa be used to predict pregnancy following ICSI of fertile oocyte donors? Asian J Androl 2013; 15:812-8. [PMID: 24121979 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2013.74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2013] [Revised: 03/12/2013] [Accepted: 05/13/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
This study compared the potential of assessing sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) from neat semen and the subsequent swim-up (SU) procedure to predict pregnancy when conducting ICSI of fertile donor oocytes. Infertile females (n=81) were transferred embryos resulting from intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) of their partner's spermatozoa and proven donor oocytes. This model normalized the impact of female factor in putative sperm DNA repair. Semen was blindly assessed for SDF using Halosperm immediately following ejaculation (NS) and after swim-up at the time of ICSI fertilisation. There was a decrease in SDF values of the ejaculated semen sample following the swim-up protocol (P=0.000). Interestingly, pregnancy could be equally predicted from SDF values derived from either neat or swim-up semen samples. Receiver operator curves and the derived Youden's indices determined SDF cutoff values for NS and SU of 24.8% and 17.5%, respectively. Prediction of pregnancy from NS SDF had a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 69%, whereas for SU SDF was 78% and 73%, respectively. While increased levels of SDF negatively impact reproductive outcome, we have shown that a reduction in SDF following sperm selection using ICSI with proven donor oocytes is not mandatory for achieving pregnancy. This suggests that a certain level of DNA damage that is not detectable using current technologies could be impacting on the relative success of assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures. Consequently, we propose a modification of the so called 'iceberg model' as a possible rationale for understanding the role of SDF in reproductive outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Gosálvez
- Faculty of Biology, Autonomous University of Madrid, Cantoblanco, Madrid 28049, Spain
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8
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Pacey AA. Are sperm counts declining? Or did we just change our spectacles? Asian J Androl 2013; 15:187-90. [PMID: 23353722 PMCID: PMC3739163 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2012.165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Revised: 12/18/2012] [Accepted: 12/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Allan A Pacey
- Department of Human Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2SF, UK.
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9
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Mallidis C, Cooper TG, Hellenkemper B, Lablans M, Uckert F, Nieschlag E. Ten years' experience with an external quality control program for semen analysis. Fertil Steril 2012; 98:611-616.e4. [PMID: 22633256 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2012] [Revised: 04/26/2012] [Accepted: 05/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To gauge the performance of laboratories and impact of the German semen analysis external quality control program (QuaDeGA) over its first 10 years. DESIGN Retrospective analysis of QuaDeGA's twice yearly distribution of fixed semen samples and electronic material documenting sperm motility. Ranking of each participant's responses was determined according to their relation to a "target window." SETTING Multicenter. PAITENT(S): Healthy donors. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Laboratory performance, World Health Organization (WHO) adherence. RESULT(S) Over 19 runs, there was a steady increase of participants (280 laboratories), the largest group being private urologic practices. Although use of WHO-recommended Neubauer chamber (from 33% to 55%) and diluent (from 11% to 32%) increased, the opposite occurred with morphology staining protocols (from 41% to 19%). Overall, <8% of laboratories truly followed WHO guidelines. Median-based comparisons, replacing reference laboratories, resulted in a merging of performance rankings regardless of the protocols used. CONCLUSION(S) Adherence to WHO recommendations is low, with the majority of laboratories using methods expressly opposed by the guidelines. Participation in QuaDeGA was found to improve the performance of the laboratories involved in the program. However, the use of median-based ranking, while decreasing the extent of variance between laboratories, brings into question the significance of the rankings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Con Mallidis
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
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10
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Karoui S, Díaz C, González-Marín C, Amenabar ME, Serrano M, Ugarte E, Gosálvez J, Roy R, López-Fernández C, Carabaño MJ. Is sperm DNA fragmentation a good marker for field AI bull fertility?1. J Anim Sci 2012; 90:2437-49. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2011-4492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - E. Ugarte
- Universidad AutÓnoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - R. Roy
- Neiker, 48160, Vitoria, Spain
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11
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Franken DR, Oehninger S. Semen analysis and sperm function testing. Asian J Androl 2011; 14:6-13. [PMID: 22179512 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2011.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite controversy regarding the clinical value of semen analysis, male fertility investigation still relies on a standardized analysis of the semen parameters. This is especially true for infertility clinics in both developing and developed countries. Other optional tests or sophisticated technologies have not been widely applied. The current review addresses important changes in the analysis of semen as described in the new World Health Organization (WHO) manual for semen analysis. The most important change in the manual is the use of evidence-based publications as references to determine cutoff values for normality. Apart from the above mentioned changes, the initial evaluation and handling methods remain, in most instances, the same as in previous editions. Furthermore, the review evaluates the importance of quality control in andrology with emphasis on the evaluation of sperm morphology. WHO sperm morphology training programmes for Sub-Saharan countries were initiated at Tygerberg Hospital in 1995. The external quality control programme has ensured that the majority of participants have maintained their morphological reading skills acquired during initial training. This review reports on current sperm functional tests, such as the induced acrosome reaction, and sperm-zona pellucida binding assays, as well as the impact of sperm quality in terms of DNA integrity, and the relationship of sperm function tests to sperm morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R Franken
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tygerberg Hospita, Cape Town, South Africa.
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12
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Standardization of computer-assisted semen analysis using an e-learning application. Theriogenology 2011; 76:448-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2010] [Revised: 02/10/2011] [Accepted: 02/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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13
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Sousa AP, Amaral A, Baptista M, Tavares R, Caballero Campo P, Caballero Peregrín P, Freitas A, Paiva A, Almeida-Santos T, Ramalho-Santos J. Not all sperm are equal: functional mitochondria characterize a subpopulation of human sperm with better fertilization potential. PLoS One 2011; 6:e18112. [PMID: 21448461 PMCID: PMC3063179 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0018112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2010] [Accepted: 02/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Human sperm samples are very heterogeneous and include a low amount of truly functional gametes. Distinct strategies have been developed to characterize and isolate this specific subpopulation. In this study we have used fluorescence microscopy and fluorescence-activated cell sorting to determine if mitochondrial function, as assessed using mitochondrial-sensitive probes, could be employed as a criterion to obtain more functional sperm from a given ejaculate. We first determined that mitochondrial activity correlated with the quality of distinct human samples, from healthy donors to patients with decreased semen quality. Furthermore, using fluorescence-activated cell sorting to separate sperm with active and inactive mitochondria we found that this was also true within samples. Indeed, sperm with active mitochondria defined a more functional subpopulation, which contained more capacitated and acrosome intact cells, sperm with lower chromatin damage, and, crucially, sperm more able to decondense and participate in early development using both chemical induction and injection into mature bovine oocytes. Furthermore, cell sorting using mitochondrial activity produced a more functional sperm subpopulation than classic swim-up, both in terms of improvement in a variety of functional sperm parameters and in statistical significance. In conclusion, whatever the true biological role of sperm mitochondria in fertilization, mitochondrial activity is a clear hallmark of human sperm functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Sousa
- Department of Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Human Reproduction Service, University Hospitals of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Alexandra Amaral
- Department of Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marta Baptista
- Department of Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Renata Tavares
- Department of Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | | | | | - Artur Paiva
- Histocompatibility Centre of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Teresa Almeida-Santos
- Human Reproduction Service, University Hospitals of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra
| | - João Ramalho-Santos
- Department of Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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14
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Barratt CLR, Mansell S, Beaton C, Tardif S, Oxenham SK. Diagnostic tools in male infertility-the question of sperm dysfunction. Asian J Androl 2011; 13:53-8. [PMID: 21102478 PMCID: PMC3739390 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2010.63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2010] [Revised: 10/24/2010] [Accepted: 10/25/2010] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm dysfunction is the single most common cause of infertility, yet what is remarkable is that, there is no drug a man can take or add to his spermatozoa in vitro to improve fertility. One reason for the lack of progress in this area is that our understanding of the cellular and molecular workings of the mature spermatazoon is limited. However, over the last few years there has been considerable progress in our knowledge base and in addressing new methods to diagnose sperm dysfunction. We review the current state of the field and provide insights for further development. We conclude that: (i) there is little to be gained from more studies identifying/categorizing various populations of men using a basic semen assessment, where an effort is required in making sure the analysis is performed in an appropriate high quality way; (ii) technological development is likely to bring the reality of sperm function testing closer to implementation into the clinical pathways. In doing this, these assays must be robust, cheap (or more appropriately termed cost effective), easy to use and clinically useful; and (iii) clinical necessity, e.g., the need to identify the highest quality spermatozoon for injection is driving basic research forward. This is an exciting time to be an andrologist and, likely, a fruitful one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher L R Barratt
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Maternal and Child Health Science Laboratories, Centre for Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 9SY, Scotland, UK.
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15
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Identifying non-sperm particles during flow cytometric physiological assessment: a simple approach. Theriogenology 2010; 73:995-1000. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2009] [Revised: 12/14/2009] [Accepted: 12/27/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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16
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Pacey AA. Quality assurance and quality control in the laboratory andrology. Asian J Androl 2010; 12:21-5. [PMID: 20111077 PMCID: PMC3739672 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2009.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2009] [Revised: 01/08/2009] [Accepted: 02/06/2009] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) are fundamental aspects of any laboratory measurement. However, in comparison with other medical disciplines, the need for QA and QC in laboratory andrology has been recognized only recently. Furthermore, there is evidence that the effort required to undertake QA and QC has not been wholly welcomed by some clinicians. Nevertheless, accrediting bodies and regulatory authorities increasingly require evidence that laboratories have effective QA and QC measures in place because both are central to the quality management processes. Following the publication of the 5th edition of the World Health Organization Laboratory Manual, existing QA and QC systems will need to be updated to take into account some of the methodological changes recommended by the manual. Three of these are discussed in this commentary; they relate to: (i) the move to infer semen volume from its weight; (ii) the re-classification of sperm motility grades from four to three; and (iii) the publication of a lower reference limit for morphology of 4% (with a corresponding 95% confidence interval of 3%-4%). The importance of QA and QC in all laboratory tests, including up and coming new tests to assess sperm DNA integrity, is discussed. The need for adequate initial training and continuing professional development programmes to support laboratory scientists performing andrology is also described.
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Handelsman DJ, Cooper TG. Foreword to Semen Analysis in 21st Century Medicine special issue in Asian Journal of Andrology. Asian J Androl 2010; 12:7-10. [PMID: 20111074 PMCID: PMC3739668 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2009.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David J. Handelsman
- Reproductive Endocrinology & Andrology, ANZAC Research Institute, Sydney, Australia
| | - Trevor G. Cooper
- Andrology Laboratory, Institute of Reproductive Medicine of the University, Munster, Germany
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18
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Waberski D, Petrunkina A, Töpfer-Petersen E. Can external quality control improve pig AI efficiency? Theriogenology 2008; 70:1346-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2008.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Lefièvre L, Bedu-Addo K, Conner SJ, Machado-Oliveira GSM, Chen Y, Kirkman-Brown JC, Afnan MA, Publicover SJ, Ford WCL, Barratt CLR. Counting sperm does not add up any more: time for a new equation? Reproduction 2007; 133:675-84. [PMID: 17504912 DOI: 10.1530/rep-06-0332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Although sperm dysfunction is the single most common cause of infertility, we have poor methods of diagnosis and surprisingly no effective treatment (excluding assisted reproductive technology). In this review, we challenge the usefulness of a basic semen analysis and argue that a new paradigm is required immediately. We discuss the use of at-home screening to potentially improve the diagnosis of the male and to streamline the management of the sub-fertile couple. Additionally, we outline the recent progress in the field, for example, in proteomics, which will allow the development of new biomarkers of sperm function. This new knowledge will transform our understanding of the spermatozoon as a machine and is likely to lead to non-ART treatments for men with sperm dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Lefièvre
- Reproductive Biology and Genetics Group, Division of Reproductive and Child Health, The Medical School, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
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