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Henkel R. Leukocytospermia and/or Bacteriospermia: Impact on Male Infertility. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2841. [PMID: 38792382 PMCID: PMC11122306 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13102841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a globally underestimated public health concern affecting almost 190 million people, i.e., about 17.5% of people during their lifetime, while the prevalence of male factor infertility is about 7%. Among numerous other causes, the prevalence of male genital tract infections reportedly ranges between 10% and 35%. Leukocytospermia is found in 30% of infertile men and up to 20% in fertile men. Bacterial infections cause an inflammatory response attracting leukocytes, which produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and release cytokines, both of which can cause damage to sperm, rendering them dysfunctional. Although leukocytospermia and bacteriospermia are both clinical conditions that can negatively affect male fertility, there is still debate about their impact on assisted reproduction outcomes and management. According to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, leukocytes should be determined by means of the Endtz test or with monoclonal antibodies against CD15, CD68 or CD22. The cut-off value proposed by the WHO is 1 × 106 peroxidase-positive cells/mL. For bacteria, Gram staining and semen culture are regarded as the "gold standard", while modern techniques such as PCR and next-generation sequencing (NGS) are allowing clinicians to detect a wider range of pathogens. Whereas the WHO manual does not specify a specific value as a cut-off for bacterial contamination, several studies consider semen samples with more than 103 colony-forming units (cfu)/mL as bacteriospermic. The pathogenic mechanisms leading to sperm dysfunction include direct interaction of bacteria with the male germ cells, bacterial release of spermatotoxic substances, induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and ROS, all of which lead to oxidative stress. Clinically, bacterial infections, including "silent" infections, are treatable, with antibiotics being the treatment of choice. Yet, non-steroidal antiphlogistics or antioxidants should also be considered to alleviate inflammatory lesions and improve semen quality. In an assisted reproduction set up, sperm separation techniques significantly reduce the bacterial load in the semen. Nonetheless, contamination of the semen sample with skin commensals should be prevented by applying relevant hygiene techniques. In patients where leukocytospermia is detected, the causes (e.g. infection, inflammation, varicocele, smoking, etc.) of the leukocyte infiltration have to be identified and addressed with antibiotics, anti-inflammatories or antioxidants in cases where high oxidative stress levels are detected. However, no specific strategy is available for the management of leukocytospermia. Therefore, the relationship between bacteriospermia and leukocytospermia as well as their specific impact on functional sperm parameters and reproductive outcome variables such as fertilization or clinical pregnancy must be further investigated. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an update on the current knowledge on leukocytospermia and bacteriospermia and their impact on male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Henkel
- LogixX Pharma Ltd., Merlin House, Brunel Road, Theale, Reading RG7 4AB, UK;
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0HS, UK
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa
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Kałuża A, Trzęsicka K, Drzyzga D, Ferens-Sieczkowska M. Aberrant Mannosylated and Highly Fucosylated Glycoepitopes of Prostatic Acid Phosphatase as Potential Ligands for Dendritic-Cell Specific ICAM-Grabbing Nonintegrin (DC-SIGN) in Human Seminal Plasma-A Step towards Explaining Idiopathic Infertility. Biomolecules 2023; 14:58. [PMID: 38254658 PMCID: PMC10813591 DOI: 10.3390/biom14010058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Semen prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) has been proposed as an endogenous ligand for dendritic cell-specific ICAM-3-grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN), which plays a critical immuno-modulating role in maintaining homeostasis in the female reproductive tracts. In the current study, we assumed that semen PAP bears a set of fucosylated and mannosylated glycans, which may mediate the efficient binding of PAP to DC-SIGN. To investigate this hypothesis, we developed ELISA assays using Galanthus nivalis and Lotus tetragonolobus lectins capable of binding mannose-containing glycans or LewisX and LewisY motifs, respectively. In our assay with Galanthus nivalis, we detected that the relative reactivity of PAP mannose-presenting glycans in the normozoospermic idiopathic group was significantly higher than in the asthenozoospermic, oligozoospermic and oligoasthenozoospermic groups. Simultaneously, we observed slight differences in the relative reactivities of PAP glycans with Lotus tetragonolobus lectin among groups of patients with abnormal semen parameters. Subsequently, we examined whether DC-SIGN interacts with seminal plasma PAP glycans, and we detected a significantly higher relative reactivity in the normozoospermic group compared to the oligozoospermic group. Finally, we concluded that the significantly aberrant abundance of mannosylated functional groups of PAP among patients with semen disorders can suggest that PAP may thereby be engaged in modulating the immune response and promoting a tolerogenic response to male antigens in the female reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kałuża
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunochemistry, Division of Chemistry and Immunochemistry, Wroclaw Medical University, M. Skłodowskiej-Curie 48/50, 50-369 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Trzęsicka
- INVICTA, Research and Development Center, Polna 64, 81-740 Sopot, Poland; (K.T.); (D.D.)
| | - Damian Drzyzga
- INVICTA, Research and Development Center, Polna 64, 81-740 Sopot, Poland; (K.T.); (D.D.)
| | - Mirosława Ferens-Sieczkowska
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunochemistry, Division of Chemistry and Immunochemistry, Wroclaw Medical University, M. Skłodowskiej-Curie 48/50, 50-369 Wroclaw, Poland;
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Xi GP, Yang RX, Zhang J, Ma YM, Zhong XY. Clinical characteristics, allergic response to autologous semen, and desensitization in patients with postorgasmic illness syndrome. Sex Med 2023; 11:qfad068. [PMID: 38239929 PMCID: PMC10795926 DOI: 10.1093/sexmed/qfad068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Postorgasmic illness syndrome (POIS) is rare and includes a cluster of physical and cognitive symptoms that occur after ejaculation. The pathogenesis and effective treatments remain unclear. Aim This study aimed to characterize the symptomatology of POIS, study the allergic response of autologous semen in patients and controls, and evaluate the effects of desensitization therapy. Methods The clinical characteristics of 24 Chinese patients with POIS were analyzed. Skin prick tests, intracutaneous tests, and specific IgE detection were performed with autologous semen. Five patients were desensitized via subcutaneous injections of autologous semen. Outcomes Evaluated outcomes included the clinical features of POIS; scores of the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), and visual analog scale (VAS) of symptoms; skin reactions; desensitization with diluted autologous seminal fluid; and the IgE reactivity patterns of immunoblotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in vitro. Results The most common symptom cluster was the general cluster, and the most prevalent symptoms were extreme fatigue and inattention. A total of 66.67% (14/21) of the patients had no symptoms or milder symptoms after nocturnal emission than after intercourse or masturbation. Of the patients, 87.5% (21/24) had psychiatric symptoms and 53.85% (7/13) had abnormal sex hormone levels. The SAS and SDS scores of the high and low VAS groups were significantly higher than those of the control group. Pearson analysis showed that the correlation coefficient between the SAS and VAS was 0.607 (P < .01) and that between the SDS and VAS was 0.490 (P < .05). The patients and healthy donors all had positive intracutaneous test results with their own semen, negative skin prick test results, and no IgE specific to autologous semen. Most patients (4/5) did not achieve ideal therapeutic effects with desensitization. Clinical Implications Allergy is not the main pathogenesis of POIS, and desensitization with autologous semen is not effective for most patients. Strengths and Limitations This project included the largest number of patients with POIS in China and assessed the allergic response to autologous semen and the effect of desensitization therapy. There is no objective method for evaluating the efficacy of desensitization with autologous semen. Conclusions IgE-mediated semen allergy is not the main pathogenesis of POIS, and there is a positive chance that POIS is related to psychological factors. Most patients do not respond to desensitization with autologous semen, and POIS treatment should be individualized, especially in cases with uncertain causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang-Peng Xi
- Department of Allergy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Ruo-Xuan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 157131, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Allergy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yue-Mei Ma
- Department of Allergy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Zhong
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medicine, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 157131, China
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Lyons HE, Arman BM, Robertson SA, Sharkey DJ. Immune regulatory cytokines in seminal plasma of healthy men: A scoping review and analysis of variance. Andrology 2023; 11:1245-1266. [PMID: 36891953 PMCID: PMC10947054 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13424] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Seminal plasma cytokines are associated with fertility and reproductive health, but progressing their clinical utility is hampered by absence of reference data on concentration ranges of relevant cytokines in healthy men. We employed a systematic approach to assemble current evidence on the concentrations of immune regulatory cytokines present in seminal plasma (SP) of normozoospermic and/or fertile men and evaluated the impact of different platform methodologies for cytokine quantification. EVIDENCE REVIEW A systematic literature search was performed utilising PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus. Databases were searched from inception until 30th June 2022 inclusive, using combinations of keywords pertaining to seminal fluid and cytokines, and was restricted to human participants. Original data with values reported as concentration of specific cytokines in SP of men clearly defined as fertile or normozoospermic were extracted from studies written in English. RESULTS A total of 3769 publications were initially identified, of which 118 fulfilled the eligibility criteria for inclusion. A total of 51 individual cytokines are detectable in SP of healthy men. The number of studies reporting on each cytokine range from 1 to >20. The reported concentrations for many cytokines linked with fertility status, including IL6, CXCL8/IL8, and TNFA, are highly variable between published studies. This is associated with the different immunoassay methodologies utilised and may be exacerbated by a lack of validation of assays to ensure suitability for SP assessment. Due to the large variation between studies, accurate reference ranges for healthy men cannot be determined from the published data. CONCLUSIONS The concentrations of cytokines and chemokines detected in SP is inconsistent and highly variable between studies and cohorts, limiting current capacity to define reference ranges for cytokine concentrations in fertile men. The lack of standardisation in methods used to process and store SP, and variation in platforms used to evaluate cytokine abundance, are factors contributing to the observed heterogeneity. To progress the clinical utility of SP cytokine analysis will require standardisation and validation of methodologies so that reference ranges for healthy fertile men can be defined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah E. Lyons
- Robinson Research Institute and School of BiomedicineUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Bridget M. Arman
- Robinson Research Institute and School of BiomedicineUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleMelbourneAustralia
| | - Sarah A. Robertson
- Robinson Research Institute and School of BiomedicineUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - David J. Sharkey
- Robinson Research Institute and School of BiomedicineUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
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Shen Q, Wu X, Chen J, He C, Wang Z, Zhou B, Zhang H. Immune Regulation of Seminal Plasma on the Endometrial Microenvironment: Physiological and Pathological Conditions. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14639. [PMID: 37834087 PMCID: PMC10572377 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Seminal plasma (SP) accounts for more than 90% of semen volume. It induces inflammation, regulates immune tolerance, and facilitates embryonic development and implantation in the female reproductive tract. In the physiological state, SP promotes endometrial decidualization and causes changes in immune cells such as macrophages, natural killer cells, regulatory T cells, and dendritic cells. This leads to the secretion of cytokines and chemokines and also results in the alteration of miRNA profiles and the expression of genes related to endometrial tolerance and angiogenesis. Together, these changes modulate the endometrial immune microenvironment and contribute to implantation and pregnancy. However, in pathological situations, abnormal alterations in SP due to advanced age or poor diet in men can interfere with a woman's immune adaptation to pregnancy, negatively affecting embryo implantation and even the health of the offspring. Uterine pathologies such as endometriosis and endometritis can cause the endometrium to respond negatively to SP, which can further contribute to pathological progress and interfere with conception. The research on the mechanism of SP in the endometrium is conducive to the development of new targets for intervention to improve reproductive outcomes and may also provide new ideas for semen-assisted treatment of clinical infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuzi Shen
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (Q.S.); (X.W.); (J.C.); (C.H.)
| | - Xiaoyu Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (Q.S.); (X.W.); (J.C.); (C.H.)
| | - Jin Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (Q.S.); (X.W.); (J.C.); (C.H.)
| | - Chao He
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (Q.S.); (X.W.); (J.C.); (C.H.)
| | - Zehao Wang
- School of Management, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China;
| | - Boyan Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (Q.S.); (X.W.); (J.C.); (C.H.)
| | - Huiping Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (Q.S.); (X.W.); (J.C.); (C.H.)
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Paira DA, Beltramone F, Olmedo JJ, Tissera AD, Molina RI, Fux-Otta C, Olivera C, Motrich RD. Persistent oligonecrozoospermia after asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. A case report and literature review. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20340. [PMID: 37809541 PMCID: PMC10560057 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is known to have deleterious effects on different systems such as the respiratory, cardiovascular, central nervous, and gastrointestinal. However, conflicting data about the possible implications for male reproductive health and fertility have been reported. In addition, the long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection remain unclear. Herein, we report a case of a 42-year-old man with no known co-morbidities and normal baseline semen quality, who subsequently suffered an asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Shortly after, the patient developed sudden oligoasthenozoospermia, even reaching azoospermia, which gradually evolved into persistent severe oligonecrozoospermia, accompanied by semen inflammation and oxidative stress. Remarkably, the latter occurred in the absence of urogenital infections, hormonal imbalances, tissue/organ obstruction/damage, medication or drug treatment, smoking, or exposure to toxins/pollutants, radiation, or high temperature. This case constitutes valuable clinical evidence that adds to the current knowledge in the field and highlights the need for further and longer follow-up studies to better understand the putative long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection on male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Andrea Paira
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Fernando Beltramone
- OVUM- Centro de Medicina Reproductive, Fetal y Cirugía Ambulatoria, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - José Javier Olmedo
- Fundación Urológica Córdoba para la Docencia e Investigación Médica (FUCDIM), Córdoba, Argentina
| | | | | | - Carolina Fux-Otta
- Hospital Universitario de Maternidad y Neonatología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Carolina Olivera
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ruben Dario Motrich
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
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Tian X, Zhao J, Song Y, Wang Q, Li M, Liu J, Zeng X. 2022 Chinese guideline for the management of pregnancy and reproduction in systemic lupus erythematosus. RHEUMATOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2023; 4:115-138. [PMID: 37781682 PMCID: PMC10538620 DOI: 10.2478/rir-2023-0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a prevalent autoimmune disease predominantly affecting women of childbearing age, presents ongoing challenges despite notable advances in diagnosis and treatment. Although survival rates for SLE patients have significantly improved, pregnancy continues to pose a considerable obstacle. Addressing this critical need for enhanced reproductive and prenatal care, there is a pressing imperative to establish standardized protocols for peri-gestational monitoring and treatment in SLE patients. This guideline is jointly sponsored by the National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC-DID), the Chinese Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Treatment and Research Group (CSTAR), and the Chinese Research Committee of Pregnancy and Reproduction in Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases (CHOPARD). Thirteen pertinent clinical questions have been generated through several rounds of rigorous clinical and methodological expert discussions and selections for a comprehensive understanding of key aspects in this domain. Guided by thorough examination of research evidence and expert perspectives, the formulated recommendations aim to optimize pregnancy success rates, reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, and ultimately enhance the overall well-being of SLE patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinping Tian
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences& Peking Union Medical College; National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Ministry of Science& Technology; State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College; Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing100730, China
| | - Jiuliang Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences& Peking Union Medical College; National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Ministry of Science& Technology; State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College; Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing100730, China
| | - Yijun Song
- Department of Obstetrics, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing100730, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences& Peking Union Medical College; National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Ministry of Science& Technology; State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College; Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing100730, China
| | - Mengtao Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences& Peking Union Medical College; National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Ministry of Science& Technology; State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College; Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing100730, China
| | - Juntao Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing100730, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zeng
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences& Peking Union Medical College; National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Ministry of Science& Technology; State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College; Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing100730, China
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Wanjari UR, Gopalakrishnan AV. A review on immunological aspects in male reproduction: An immune cells and cytokines. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 158:103984. [PMID: 37390629 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.103984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
The male reproductive system, particularly the male gamete, offers a unique barrier to the immune system. The growing germ cells in the testis need to be shielded from autoimmune damage. Hence the testis has to establish and sustain an immune-privileged milieu. Sertoli cells create this safe space, protected by the blood-testis barrier. Cytokines are a type of immune reaction that can positively and negatively affect male reproductive health. Inflammation, disease, and obesity are just a few physiological conditions for which cytokines mediate signals. They interact with steroidogenesis, shaping the adrenals and testes to produce the hormones needed for survival. In particular pathological condition, including autoimmune disorders, contains high levels of the same cytokines in semen that play an essential role in the immunomodulation of the male gonad. This review focuses on understanding the immunological role of cytokines in the control and development of male reproduction. Also, in maintaining male reproductive health and diseases linked with their aberrant function in the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uddesh Ramesh Wanjari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014, India.
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Doroftei B, Ilie OD, Maftei R, Scripcariu IS, Armeanu T, Stoian IL, Ilea C. A Narrative Review Discussing Vasectomy-Related Impact upon the Status of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Biomarkers and Semen Microbiota. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12072671. [PMID: 37048754 PMCID: PMC10095584 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12072671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Male contraceptive approaches besides tubal sterilization involve vasectomy and represent the method of choice among midlife men in developing countries thanks to many advantages. However, the subsidiary consequences of this intervention are insufficiently explored since the involved mechanisms may offer insight into a much more complex picture. Methods: Thus, in this manuscript, we aimed to reunite all available data by searching three separate academic database(s) (PubMed, Web of Knowledge, and Scopus) published in the past two decades by covering the interval 2000–2023 and using a predefined set of keywords and strings involving “oxidative stress” (OS), “inflammation”, and “semen microbiota” in combination with “humans”, “rats”, and “mice”. Results: By following all evidence that fits in the pre-, post-, and vasectomy reversal (VR) stages, we identified a total of n = 210 studies from which only n = 21 were finally included following two procedures of eligibility evaluation. Conclusions: The topic surrounding this intricate landscape has created debate since the current evidence is contradictory, limited, or does not exist. Starting from this consideration, we argue that further research is mandatory to decipher how a vasectomy might disturb homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Doroftei
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street no 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology “Cuza Voda”, Cuza Voda Street no 34, 700038 Iasi, Romania
- Origyn Fertility Center, Palace Street, no 3C, 700032 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ovidiu-Dumitru Ilie
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University, Carol I Avenue no 20A, 700505 Iasi, Romania
| | - Radu Maftei
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street no 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology “Cuza Voda”, Cuza Voda Street no 34, 700038 Iasi, Romania
- Origyn Fertility Center, Palace Street, no 3C, 700032 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ioana-Sadyie Scripcariu
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street no 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology “Cuza Voda”, Cuza Voda Street no 34, 700038 Iasi, Romania
| | - Theodora Armeanu
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street no 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology “Cuza Voda”, Cuza Voda Street no 34, 700038 Iasi, Romania
- Origyn Fertility Center, Palace Street, no 3C, 700032 Iasi, Romania
| | - Irina-Liviana Stoian
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street no 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ciprian Ilea
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street no 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology “Cuza Voda”, Cuza Voda Street no 34, 700038 Iasi, Romania
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Mass Spectrometry-Based Untargeted Approaches to Reveal Diagnostic Signatures of Male Infertility in Seminal Plasma: A New Laboratory Perspective for the Clinical Management of Infertility? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054429. [PMID: 36901856 PMCID: PMC10002484 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility has been recognized as a global health problem. Semen analysis, although considered the golden standard, may not provide a confident male infertility diagnosis alone. Hence, there is the urgent request for an innovative and reliable platform to detect biomarkers of infertility. The rapid expansion of mass spectrometry (MS) technology in the field of the 'omics' disciplines, has incredibly proved the great potential of MS-based diagnostic tests to revolutionize the future of pathology, microbiology and laboratory medicine. Despite the increasing success in the microbiology area, MS-biomarkers of male infertility currently remain a proteomic challenge. In order to address this issue, this review encompasses proteomics investigations by untargeted approaches with a special focus on experimental designs and strategies (bottom-up and top-down) for seminal fluid proteome profiling. The studies reported here witness the efforts of the scientific community to address these investigations aimed at the discovery of MS-biomarkers of male infertility. Proteomics untargeted approaches, depending on the study design, might provide a great plethora of biomarkers not only for a male infertility diagnosis, but also to address a new MS-biomarkers classification of infertility subtypes. From the early detection to the evaluation of infertility grade, new MS-derived biomarkers might also predict long-term outcomes and clinical management of infertility.
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Jena SR, Nayak J, Kumar S, Kar S, Samanta L. Comparative proteome profiling of seminal components reveal impaired immune cell signalling as paternal contributors in recurrent pregnancy loss patients. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 89:e13613. [PMID: 35998016 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is usually evaluated from a women's perspective, however, recent evidence implies involvement of male factors as paternally expressed genes predominate placenta. During fertilization, prior to implantation the immune system purposefully produces early pregnancy factors with potent immunomodulatory properties for adaptation to antigenically dissimilar embryo. Therefore, it is hypothesized that paternal immunological factors play a role in RPL. METHOD OF STUDY Comparative proteome profiling (label free liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy: LC-MS/MS) of the seminal extracellular vesicles (SEVs), extracellular vesicle free seminal plasma (EVF-SP) and spermatozoa was carried out in semen of RPL patients (n = 21) and fertile donors (n = 21). This was followed by pathway and protein-protein interaction analysis, and validation of key proteins' expression (western blot). RESULTS A total of 68, 28 and 49 differentially expressed proteins in SEVs, EVF-SP and spermatozoa of RPL patients, respectively, were found to be involved in inflammatory response, immune cell signalling and apoptosis. In SEVs, underexpressed GDF-15 and overexpressed C3 imply distorted maternal immune response to paternal antigens leading to impaired decidualization. Dysregulated TGFβ signalling in EVF-SP surmises defective modulation of inflammatory response and induction of immune tolerance to seminal antigens in the female reproductive tract through generation of regulatory T cells. Retained histone variants in spermatozoa construe defective expression of early paternal genes, while underexpressed PTN may inflict defective angiogenesis resulting in expulsion of decidua. CONCLUSIONS Impaired modulation of immune response and improper placental development due to altered cytokine levels in seminal components may be the contributing paternal factors in RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumya Ranjan Jena
- Redox Biology & Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, Ravenshaw University, College Square, Cuttack, Odisha, India.,Centre of Excellence in Environment and Public Health, Ravenshaw University, College Square, Cuttack, Odisha, India
| | - Jasmine Nayak
- Redox Biology & Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, Ravenshaw University, College Square, Cuttack, Odisha, India.,Centre of Excellence in Environment and Public Health, Ravenshaw University, College Square, Cuttack, Odisha, India
| | - Sugandh Kumar
- School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sujata Kar
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Kar Clinic and Hospital Pvt. Ltd., Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Luna Samanta
- Redox Biology & Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, Ravenshaw University, College Square, Cuttack, Odisha, India.,Centre of Excellence in Environment and Public Health, Ravenshaw University, College Square, Cuttack, Odisha, India
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12
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Pallotti F, Esteves SC, Faja F, Buonacquisto A, Conflitti AC, Hirsch MN, Lenzi A, Paoli D, Lombardo F. COVID-19 and its treatments: lights and shadows on testicular function. Endocrine 2023; 79:243-251. [PMID: 36260234 PMCID: PMC9579574 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-022-03221-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has rapidly spread worldwide and, among the others, the male gender was quickly recognized as an independent risk factor for both the disease and its consequences. Since the possibility of long-term hormonal axis changes and male gamete impairment have been hypothesized but a relatively low levels of evidence has been reached, we focused this narrative mini-review on summarizing key state-of-the-art knowledge on male reproductive effects of COVID-19 as a quick reference for reproductive health specialists. METHODS A comprehensive Medline/PubMed and Embase search was performed selecting all relevant, peer-reviewed papers in English published from 2020. Other relevant papers were selected from the reference lists. RESULTS Available evidence indicates that the likelihood of direct testicular damage from SARS-CoV-2 is somewhat low, but there are many indirect ways (fever, cytokine imbalance, and drugs) through which the pituitary-gonadal axis and spermatogenesis may be disrupted. These alterations are probably transient, but as available evidence is low quality, it cannot be excluded that previous pathologies or comorbidities might modulate the risk of their persistence. On the other hand, available evidence shows high safety regarding andrological health for available vaccines, although studies are mainly focused on mRNA vaccines. CONCLUSION A careful andrological evaluation of men recovering from COVID-19 is highly recommended. Since available evidence is relatively scarce, a careful andrological follow-up and counseling of these patients are mandatory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Pallotti
- Laboratory of Seminology - Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Sandro C Esteves
- Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Av. Dr. Heitor Penteado, 1464, Campinas, Brazil
- Faculty of Health, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Fabiana Faja
- Laboratory of Seminology - Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Buonacquisto
- Laboratory of Seminology - Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Chiara Conflitti
- Laboratory of Seminology - Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Neve Hirsch
- Laboratory of Seminology - Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Lenzi
- Laboratory of Seminology - Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Paoli
- Laboratory of Seminology - Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Lombardo
- Laboratory of Seminology - Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy.
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13
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Harrison TD, Chaney EM, Brandt KJ, Ault-Seay TB, Payton RR, Schneider LG, Strickland LG, Schrick FN, McLean KJ. The effects of nutritional level and body condition score on cytokines in seminal plasma of beef bulls. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2022.1078960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionHigh quality semen is essential for reproductive efficiency. Nutrition and environmental factors impact the ejaculate components, like cytokines, that are essential for pregnancy establishment. We hypothesized that differing nutritional periods and body condition scores would affect seminal plasma cytokine concentrations of bulls.MethodsMature Angus bulls (n=11) were individually housed and randomly assigned to either over-fed (n=5) or restricted (n=6) treatment pathways. Bulls were fed different volumes of a single ration creating 8 individual treatment periods. Body weight and body condition scores were taken every 14 d to manage intake volumes. Ejaculates were collected every 84 d to determine seminal plasma cytokine profiles. A complete randomized design was used to evaluate seminal plasma cytokines after each nutritional treatment. Initial cytokine concentrations and volume of the ejaculate were included as covariates.ResultsAll cytokines returned to initial concentrations following maintenance treatments at an ideal body condition score of 6. Nutritional treatments affected (P ≤ 0.05) IFN-γ, IL-8, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, TNF-α, IL-1β, and VEGF-A. However, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and MIP-1α had the greatest impact on cytokine profile.DiscussionNutritional levels and adiposity altered seminal plasma cytokine concentrations which could potentially impact the inflammatory balance of the uterus and the immune responses necessary for pregnancy establishment.
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14
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Hussain T, Kandeel M, Metwally E, Murtaza G, Kalhoro DH, Yin Y, Tan B, Chughtai MI, Yaseen A, Afzal A, Kalhoro MS. Unraveling the harmful effect of oxidative stress on male fertility: A mechanistic insight. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1070692. [PMID: 36860366 PMCID: PMC9968806 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1070692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a widely debated issue that affects males globally. There are several mechanisms involved. Oxidative stress is accepted to be the main contributing factor, with sperm quality and quantity affected by the overproduction of free radicals. Excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) cannot be controlled by the antioxidant system and, thus, potentially impact male fertility and hamper sperm quality parameters. Mitochondria are the driving force of sperm motility; irregularities in their function may lead to apoptosis, alterations to signaling pathway function, and, ultimately, compromised fertility. Moreover, it has been observed that the prevalence of inflammation may arrest sperm function and the production of cytokines triggered by the overproduction of ROS. Further, oxidative stress interacts with seminal plasma proteomes that influence male fertility. Enhanced ROS production disturbs the cellular constituents, particularly DNA, and sperms are unable to impregnate the ovum. Here, we review the latest information to better understand the relationship between oxidative stress and male infertility, the role of mitochondria, the cellular response, inflammation and fertility, and the interaction of seminal plasma proteomes with oxidative stress, as well as highlight the influence of oxidative stress on hormones; collectively, all of these factors are assumed to be important for the regulation of male infertility. This article may help improve our understanding of male infertility and the strategies to prevent it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarique Hussain
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Animal Sciences Division, Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology College (NIAB-C), Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Faisalabad, Pakistan
- *Correspondence: Tarique Hussain, ; Bie Tan,
| | - Mahmoud Kandeel
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Hofuf, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelshikh University, Kafrelshikh, Egypt
| | - Elsayed Metwally
- Department of Cytology and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Ghulam Murtaza
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Dildar Hussain Kalhoro
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Yulong Yin
- Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Bie Tan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- *Correspondence: Tarique Hussain, ; Bie Tan,
| | - Muhammad Ismail Chughtai
- Animal Sciences Division, Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology College (NIAB-C), Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Anjaleena Yaseen
- Animal Sciences Division, Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology College (NIAB-C), Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Ali Afzal
- Department of Zoology, Minhaj University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Saleem Kalhoro
- Food Engineering and Bioprocess Technology, Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand
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15
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Karim QA, Archary D, Barré-Sinoussi F, Broliden K, Cabrera C, Chiodi F, Fidler SJ, Gengiah TN, Herrera C, Kharsany ABM, Liebenberg LJP, Mahomed S, Menu E, Moog C, Scarlatti G, Seddiki N, Sivro A, Cavarelli M. Women for science and science for women: Gaps, challenges and opportunities towards optimizing pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV-1 prevention. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1055042. [PMID: 36561760 PMCID: PMC9763292 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1055042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Preventing new HIV infections remains a global challenge. Young women continue to bear a disproportionate burden of infection. Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), offers a novel women-initiated prevention technology and PrEP trials completed to date underscore the importance of their inclusion early in trials evaluating new HIV PrEP technologies. Data from completed topical and systemic PrEP trials highlight the role of gender specific physiological and social factors that impact PrEP uptake, adherence and efficacy. Here we review the past and current developments of HIV-1 prevention options for women with special focus on PrEP considering the diverse factors that can impact PrEP efficacy. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of inclusion of female scientists, clinicians, and community advocates in scientific efforts to further improve HIV prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quarraisha Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Doris Duke Medical Research Institute (2Floor), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa,Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Derseree Archary
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Doris Duke Medical Research Institute (2Floor), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa,Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Kristina Broliden
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Cabrera
- AIDS Research Institute IrsiCaixa, Institut de Recerca en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesca Chiodi
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sarah J. Fidler
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London UK and Imperial College NIHR BRC, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tanuja N. Gengiah
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Doris Duke Medical Research Institute (2Floor), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Carolina Herrera
- Department of Infectious Disease, Section of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Carolina Herrera,
| | - Ayesha B. M. Kharsany
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Doris Duke Medical Research Institute (2Floor), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa,Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Lenine J. P. Liebenberg
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Doris Duke Medical Research Institute (2Floor), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa,Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sharana Mahomed
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Doris Duke Medical Research Institute (2Floor), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Elisabeth Menu
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, CEA, Center for Immunology of Viral, Auto-immune, Hematological and Bacterial diseases (IMVA-HB/IDMIT), Fontenay-aux-Roses & Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France,MISTIC Group, Department of Virology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Christiane Moog
- Laboratoire d’ImmunoRhumatologie Moléculaire, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM) UMR_S 1109, Institut thématique interdisciplinaire (ITI) de Médecine de Précision de Strasbourg, Transplantex NG, Faculté de Médecine, Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire OMICARE, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Gabriella Scarlatti
- Viral Evolution and Transmission Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Nabila Seddiki
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, CEA, Center for Immunology of Viral, Auto-immune, Hematological and Bacterial diseases (IMVA-HB/IDMIT), Fontenay-aux-Roses & Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Aida Sivro
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Doris Duke Medical Research Institute (2Floor), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa,Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa,JC Wilt Infectious Disease Research Centre, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Mariangela Cavarelli
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, CEA, Center for Immunology of Viral, Auto-immune, Hematological and Bacterial diseases (IMVA-HB/IDMIT), Fontenay-aux-Roses & Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
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Mohammadi A, Bagherichimeh S, Choi Y, Fazel A, Tevlin E, Huibner S, Good SV, Tharao W, Kaul R. Immune parameters of HIV susceptibility in the female genital tract before and after penile-vaginal sex. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2022; 2:60. [PMID: 35637661 PMCID: PMC9142516 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-022-00122-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In women, most HIV infections are acquired through penile-vaginal sex. Inflammation in the female genital tract (FGT) increases the risk of HIV acquisition and transmission, likely through recruitment of HIV target cells and disruption of epithelial barrier integrity. Although sex may have important immune and epithelial effects, the impact of receptive penile-vaginal sex on the immune correlates of HIV susceptibility in the female genital tract is not well described. Methods STI-free heterosexual couples were recruited to the Sex, Couples and Science (SECS) Study, with the serial collection of cervical secretions (CVS), endocervical cytobrushes, blood and semen before and up to 72 h after either condomless (n = 29) or condom-protected (n = 8) penile-vaginal sex. Immune cells were characterized by flow cytometry, and immune factors including cytokines and soluble E-cadherin (sE-cad; a marker of epithelial disruption) were quantified by multiplex immunoassay. Co-primary endpoints were defined as levels of IP-10 and IL-1α, cytokines previously associated with increased HIV susceptibility. Results Here we show that cervicovaginal levels of vaginal IP-10, sE-cad and several other cytokines increase rapidly after sex, regardless of condom use. The proportion of endocervical HIV target cells, including Th17 cells, activated T cells, and activated or mature dendritic cells (DCs) also increase, particularly after condomless sex. Although most of these immune changes resolve within 72 h, increases in activated cervical CD4 + T cells and Tcm persist beyond this time. Conclusions Penile-vaginal sex induces multiple genital immune changes that may enhance HIV susceptibility during the 72 h post-sex window that is critical for virus acquisition. This has important implications for the mucosal immunopathogenesis of HIV transmission. Women who acquire HIV most commonly do so during penile-vaginal sex. Although the risk of HIV acquisition is higher when there is pre-existing inflammation in the female genital tract, the impact of receptive penile-vaginal sex itself on immune markers of HIV susceptibility in the genital tract has not been widely studied. We recruited heterosexual couples, without HIV or sexually-transmitted infections, and studied the impact of a single episode of penile-vaginal sex on immune cells and proteins in the female genital tract. We found that some markers within the cervix and vagina increased immediately after sex, then returned to normal. We noticed differences in these changes depending on whether the sex was condom-protected and whether the male partner was circumcised. Our findings might help us to understand how sex impacts the immune system and how this might contribute to HIV acquisition. Mohammadi et al. evaluate immune markers and cell types associated with HIV susceptibility in the female genital tract before and after penile-vaginal sex. The authors report that these immune parameters increase rapidly and transiently after sex, with condom use affecting some of the changes observed.
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17
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Pérez-Soto E, Medel-Flores MO, Fernández-Martínez E, Oros-Pantoja R, Miranda-Covarrubias JC, Sánchez-Monroy V. High-Risk HPV with Multiple Infections Promotes CYP2E1, Lipoperoxidation and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines in Semen of Asymptomatic Infertile Men. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11061051. [PMID: 35739948 PMCID: PMC9219901 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11061051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
High-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection, followed by chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, is a major risk factor of male infertility. In this study, we explored the potential impact of high-risk (HR) HPV genotypes in single infection (SI) and multiple infections (MI) that promote CYP2E1 expression, oxidative damage and pro-inflammatory cytokines, possibly contributing to sperm damage and male infertility. Semen samples from 101 infertile military men were studied. We analyzed seminal parameters, namely, HPV genotyping, cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), oxidative stress biomarkers (total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)), lipid peroxidation (LPO), 8-hydroxiguanosine (8-OHdG) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-8). Eighty-one men (80.2%, 81/101) were positive for HPV infection, and MI-HR-HPV was higher than SI-HR-HPV (63% vs. 37%). HPV-52 was the most frequently detected type (18.5%), followed by HPV-33 (11.1%), and the most frequent combination of genotypes detected was HPV-33,52 (11.1%), followed by HPV-18,31 (6.2%). The group with infected samples presented lower normal morphology and antioxidant levels compared to non-infected samples. In concordance, the infected group showed high levels of LPO, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-4 and IL-6 and downregulation of CAT and SOD enzymes. Interestingly, changes in motility B, low levels of TAC, overexpression of CYP2E1, LPO and IL-8 levels were higher in MI-HR-HPV than SI-HR-HPV, suggesting that HPV infection promotes a chronic inflammatory process and a toxic and oxidative microenvironment, which increases with MI-HPV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvia Pérez-Soto
- Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 07320, Mexico; (E.P.-S.); (M.O.M.-F.)
| | - María Olivia Medel-Flores
- Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 07320, Mexico; (E.P.-S.); (M.O.M.-F.)
| | - Eduardo Fernández-Martínez
- Centro de Investigación en Biología de la Reproducción, Área Académica de Medicina del Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca 42090, Mexico;
| | - Rigoberto Oros-Pantoja
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Toluca de Lerdo 50180, Mexico;
| | - José Cruz Miranda-Covarrubias
- Hospital Militar de Especialidades de la Mujer y Neonatología de la Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional, Mexico City 11200, Mexico;
| | - Virginia Sánchez-Monroy
- Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Salvador Díaz Mirón esq. Plan de San Luis S/N, Miguel Hidalgo, Casco de Santo Tomas, Mexico City 11340, Mexico
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-57296000
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18
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Salvio G, Ciarloni A, Cutini M, delli Muti N, Finocchi F, Perrone M, Rossi S, Balercia G. Metabolic Syndrome and Male Fertility: Beyond Heart Consequences of a Complex Cardiometabolic Endocrinopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105497. [PMID: 35628307 PMCID: PMC9143238 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a highly prevalent condition among adult males, affecting up to 41% of men in Europe. It is characterized by the association of obesity, hypertension, and atherogenic dyslipidemia, which lead to premature morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Male infertility is another common condition which accounts for about 50% of cases of couple infertility worldwide. Interestingly, male infertility and MetS shares several risk factors (e.g., smoking, ageing, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol consumption), leading to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and increased oxidative stress (OS), and resulting in endothelial dysfunction and altered semen quality. Thus, the present narrative review aims to discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms which link male infertility and MetS and to investigate the latest available evidence on the reproductive consequences of MetS.
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19
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Rawlings SA, Torres F, Wells A, Lisco A, Fitzgerald W, Margolis L, Gianella S, Vanpouille C. Effect of HIV suppression on the cytokine network in blood and seminal plasma. AIDS 2022; 36:621-630. [PMID: 34873090 PMCID: PMC8957508 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE HIV infection disrupts the cytokine network and this disruption is not completely reversed by antiretroviral therapy (ART). Characterization of cytokine changes in blood and genital secretions is important for understanding HIV pathogenesis and the mechanisms of HIV sexual transmission. Here, we characterized the cytokine network in individuals longitudinally sampled before they began ART and after achieving suppression of HIV RNA. METHODS We measured concentrations of 34 cytokine/chemokines using multiplex bead-based assay in blood and seminal plasma of 19 men with HIV-1 prior to and after viral suppression. We used Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) to visualize the difference in cytokine pattern between the time points. Any cytokines with VIP scores exceeding 1 were deemed important in predicting suppression status and were subsequently tested using Wilcoxon Signed Rank Tests. RESULTS PLS-DA projections in blood were fairly similar before and after viral suppression. In contrast, the difference in PLS-DA projection observed in semen emphasizes that the immunological landscape and immunological needs are very different before and after ART in the male genital compartment. When tested individually, four cytokines were significantly different across time points in semen (MIG, IL-15, IL-7, I-TAC), and two in blood (MIG and IP-10). CONCLUSION Viral suppression with ART impacts the inflammatory milieu in seminal plasma. In contrast, the overall effect on the network of cytokines in blood was modest but consistent with prior analyses. These results identify specific changes in the cytokine networks in semen and blood as the immune system acclimates to chronic, suppressed HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Felix Torres
- Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Alan Wells
- Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Andrea Lisco
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Wendy Fitzgerald
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Leonid Margolis
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Sara Gianella
- Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Christophe Vanpouille
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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Paira DA, Silvera-Ruiz S, Tissera A, Molina RI, Olmedo JJ, Rivero VE, Motrich RD. Interferon γ, IL-17, and IL-1β impair sperm motility and viability and induce sperm apoptosis. Cytokine 2022; 152:155834. [PMID: 35217429 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2022.155834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Urogenital inflammation is a known cause of male infertility. Increased levels of inflammatory cytokines, leukocyte counts and oxidative stress are highly detrimental for sperm quality thus compromising male fertility. Although cytokines affect sperm by recruiting and activating leukocytes consequently inducing tissue inflammation and oxidative stress, scarce to absent data have been reported about the putative direct effects of inflammatory cytokines on spermatozoa. Herein, we analyzed whether IFNγ, IL-17A, IL-1β, and IL-8 can alter human sperm motility and viability per se. Fractions of viable and motile spermatozoa from normospermic healthy donors were in vitro incubated with recombinant human IFNγ, IL-17A, IL-1β or IL-8 and sperm ROS production, motility, viability and apoptosis were analyzed. Sperm exposed to different concentrations of IFNγ, IL-17A and IL-1β, or a combination of them, for either 1 or 3 h showed significantly increased levels of mitochondrial ROS production and reduced motility and viability with respect to sperm incubated with vehicle. Moreover, the exposure to IFNγ, IL-17A and IL-1β resulted in significantly higher levels of early and/or late apoptotic and/or necrotic spermatozoa. Interestingly, no significant differences in sperm motility, viability and apoptosis were observed in sperm incubated with the concentrations of IL-8 analyzed, for either 1 or 3 h, with respect to sperm incubated with vehicle. In conclusion, our results indicate that IFNγ, IL-17A and IL-1β per se impair sperm motility and decreases viability by triggering increased mitochondrial ROS production and inducing sperm apoptosis. Our results suggest that screening inflammatory cytokines in semen would be an additional helpful tool for the diagnostic workup of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Andrea Paira
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Silene Silvera-Ruiz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Andrea Tissera
- Laboratorio de Andrología y Reproducción (LAR), Córdoba, Argentina
| | | | - José Javier Olmedo
- Fundación Urológica Córdoba para la Docencia e Investigación Médica (FUCDIM), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Virginia Elena Rivero
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ruben Dario Motrich
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina.
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du Fossé NA, Lashley EELO, Anholts JDH, van Beelen E, le Cessie S, van Lith JMM, Eikmans M, van der Hoorn MLP. Impaired immunomodulatory effects of seminal plasma may play a role in unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss: results of an in vitro study. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 151:103500. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Castleton PE, Deluao JC, Sharkey DJ, McPherson NO. Measuring Reactive Oxygen Species in Semen for Male Preconception Care: A Scientist Perspective. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11020264. [PMID: 35204147 PMCID: PMC8868448 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11020264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress and elevated levels of seminal and sperm reactive oxygen species (ROS) may contribute to up to 80% of male infertility diagnosis, with sperm ROS concentrations at fertilization important in the development of a healthy fetus and child. The evaluation of ROS in semen seems promising as a potential diagnostic tool for male infertility and male preconception care with a number of clinically available tests on the market (MiOXSYS, luminol chemiluminescence and OxiSperm). While some of these tests show promise for clinical use, discrepancies in documented decision limits and lack of cohort studies/clinical trials assessing their benefits on fertilization rates, embryo development, pregnancy and live birth rates limit their current clinical utility. In this review, we provide an update on the current techniques used for analyzing semen ROS concentrations clinically, the potential to use of ROS research tools for improving clinical ROS detection in sperm and describe why we believe we are likely still a long way away before semen ROS concentrations might become a mainstream preconception diagnostic test in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patience E. Castleton
- Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia; (P.E.C.); (J.C.D.)
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia;
- Adelaide Health and Medical School, School of Biomedicine, Discipline of Reproduction and Development, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - Joshua C. Deluao
- Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia; (P.E.C.); (J.C.D.)
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia;
- Adelaide Health and Medical School, School of Biomedicine, Discipline of Reproduction and Development, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - David J. Sharkey
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia;
- Adelaide Health and Medical School, School of Biomedicine, Discipline of Reproduction and Development, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - Nicole O. McPherson
- Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia; (P.E.C.); (J.C.D.)
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia;
- Adelaide Health and Medical School, School of Biomedicine, Discipline of Reproduction and Development, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
- Repromed, 180 Fullarton Rd., Dulwich 5065, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-8-8313-8201
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Adamczak R, Ukleja-Sokołowska N, Pasińska M, Zielińska J, Leśny M, Dubiel M. Abnormal sperm morphology is associated with sensitization to inhaled allergens. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2022; 36:20587384211066718. [PMID: 34984934 PMCID: PMC8743921 DOI: 10.1177/20587384211066718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Allergy is associated with the loss of tolerance of environmental antigens, combined with a pathological immune response. There were no studies up to date that would show whether the quality of semen decreases in people with allergic diseases. Material and methods: The research included men who reported to the Gynecological Outpatient Clinic due to reproductive difficulties, defined as the lack of pregnancy after one year of regular intercourse. Semen quality was assessed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) standard. All patients underwent skin prick tests with the most important inhalation allergens (such as hazel, silver birch, mugwort, rye, dog, cat, Dermatophagoides farinae, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, alder, Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium herbarum, and grass mix). The data was statistically analyzed. Results: Results of 52 patients aged 25–52 years (34.62 ± 4.96) were analyzed. The mean BMI (Body mass index) was 28.25 (+ −3.77). It was found that 38 men (73%) had increased body weight, and 14 men (26.9%) were obese (BMI > = 30). 13 patients were smokers (25%), and 24 patients (46%) had skin tests positive for at least one inhaled allergen. Sperm tail defects were statistically more significant in patients allergic to birch, rye, cat, alder, and grass. In patients allergic to Alternaria alternata, head defects were statistically more significant (p < .05). No association was found between allergy to house dust mites, mugwort, hazel, and dogs and the deterioration of semen. Conclusion: Allergy due to inhalation allergens had an influence on the quality of male semen. Further research is necessary to establish the immunological bases of this phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafał Adamczak
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Oncology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Natalia Ukleja-Sokołowska
- Department of Allergology, Clinical Immunology and Internal Medicine, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Magdalena Pasińska
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Joanna Zielińska
- Student Scientific Society, Department of Allergology, Clinical Immunology and Internal Medicine, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Mateusz Leśny
- Student Scientific Society, Department of Allergology, Clinical Immunology and Internal Medicine, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Mariusz Dubiel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Oncology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Bydgoszcz, Poland
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Insertive condom-protected and condomless vaginal sex both have a profound impact on the penile immune correlates of HIV susceptibility. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1009948. [PMID: 34982799 PMCID: PMC8769335 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The penis is the primary site of HIV acquisition in heterosexual men. Elevated penile inflammatory cytokines increase sexual acquisition risk, and topically applied cytokines enhance foreskin HIV susceptibility in an explant model. However, the impact of penile-vaginal sex on these immune parameters is undefined. Heterosexual couples were recruited to the Sex, Couples and Science (SECS) Study, with the collection of penile swabs, semen, cervico-vaginal secretions, and blood after a period of abstinence, and repeated sampling up to 72 hours after either condomless (n = 30) or condom-protected (n = 8) penile-vaginal sex. Soluble immune parameters were quantified by multiplex immunoassay. Co-primary immune endpoints were penile levels of IL-8 and MIG, cytokines previously linked to penile HIV acquisition. One hour after sex there were dramatic increases in penile IL-8 and MIG levels, regardless of condom use, with a gradual return to baseline by 72 hours; similar patterns were observed for other chemoattractant chemokines. Penile cytokine changes were similar in circumcised and uncircumcised men, and repeated measures ANOVA and ANCOVA models demonstrated that the degree of change after condomless sex was explained by cytokine levels in their partners’ cervico-vaginal secretions. This may have important implications for the biology of penile HIV acquisition. In heterosexual men, the penis is the primary site of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) acquisition. Levels of inflammatory cytokines in the coronal sulcus are associated with an increased HIV risk, and we hypothesized that these may be altered after insertive penile sex. Therefore, we designed the Sex, Couples and Science Study (SECS study) to define the impact of penile-vaginal sex on the penile immune correlates of HIV susceptibility. We found that multiple coronal sulcus cytokines increased dramatically and rapidly after sex, regardless of condom use, with a return to baseline levels by 72 hours. The changes observed after condomless sex were strongly predicted by cytokine concentrations in the vaginal secretions of the female partner, and were similar in circumcised and uncircumcised men. We believe that these findings have important implications for understanding the immunopathogenesis of penile HIV acquisition; in addition, they have important implications for the design of clinical studies of penile HIV acquisition and prevention.
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Cohen DJ, Giaccagli MM, Herzfeld JD, González LN, Cuasnicú PS, Da Ros VG. Metabolic syndrome and male fertility disorders: Is there a causal link? Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2021; 22:1057-1071. [PMID: 34037916 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-021-09659-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Infertility is a global health problem affecting 10-15% of couples in reproductive age. Recent studies have provided growing evidence supporting that lifestyle factors can affect male fertility through alterations in endocrine profiles, spermatogenesis and/or sperm function. One of these critical factors could be the change in the food intake behavior in modern societies that produces metabolic alterations. Regarding this, metabolic syndrome (MetS) prevalence has increased in epidemic in the last 40-50 years. Although MetS is associated with advanced age, changes in lifestyles have accelerated the appearance of symptoms in the reproductive age. We review herein the current understanding of the relationship between MetS and the male reproductive status. For this purpose, in this narrative review a comprehensive literature search was made in both animal models and men, allowing us to evaluate such relationship. This analysis showed a high variability in the reproductive phenotypes observed in patients and mice suffering MetS, including sperm parameters, fertility and offspring health. In view of this, we proposed that the reproductive effects, which are diverse and not robust, observed among MetS-affected males, might depend on additional factors not associated with the metabolic condition and contributed not only by the affected male but also by his partner. With this perspective, this review provides a more accurate insight of this syndrome critical for the identification of specific diagnostic indicators and treatment of MetS-induced fertility disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora Juana Cohen
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - María Milagros Giaccagli
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jael Dafne Herzfeld
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucas Nicolás González
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Patricia Sara Cuasnicú
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vanina Gabriela Da Ros
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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26
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Jewanraj J, Ngcapu S, Liebenberg LJP. Semen: A modulator of female genital tract inflammation and a vector for HIV-1 transmission. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 86:e13478. [PMID: 34077596 PMCID: PMC9286343 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to establish productive infection in women, HIV must transverse the vaginal epithelium and gain access to local target cells. Genital inflammation contributes to the availability of HIV susceptible cells at the female genital mucosa and is associated with higher HIV transmission rates in women. Factors that contribute to genital inflammation may subsequently increase the risk of HIV infection in women. Semen is a highly immunomodulatory fluid containing several bioactive molecules with the potential to influence inflammation and immune activation at the female genital tract. In addition to its role as a vector for HIV transmission, semen induces profound mucosal changes to prime the female reproductive tract for conception. Still, most studies of mucosal immunity are conducted in the absence of semen or without considering its immune impact on the female genital tract. This review discusses the various mechanisms by which semen exposure may influence female genital inflammation and highlights the importance of routine screening for semen biomarkers in vaginal specimens to account for its impact on genital inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Jewanraj
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA)DurbanSouth Africa
- Department of Medical MicrobiologyUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Sinaye Ngcapu
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA)DurbanSouth Africa
- Department of Medical MicrobiologyUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Lenine J. P. Liebenberg
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA)DurbanSouth Africa
- Department of Medical MicrobiologyUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
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27
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Leukocytospermia induces intraepithelial recruitment of dendritic cells and increases SIV replication in colorectal tissue explants. Commun Biol 2021; 4:861. [PMID: 34253821 PMCID: PMC8275775 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02383-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucosal exposure to infected semen accounts for the majority of HIV-1 transmission events, with rectal intercourse being the route with the highest estimated risk of transmission. Yet, the impact of semen inflammation on colorectal HIV-1 transmission has never been addressed. Here we use cynomolgus macaques colorectal tissue explants to explore the effect of leukocytospermia, indicative of male genital tract inflammation, on SIVmac251 infection. We show that leukocytospermic seminal plasma (LSP) has significantly higher concentration of a number of pro-inflammatory molecules compared to normal seminal plasma (NSP). In virus-exposed explants, LSP enhance SIV infection more efficiently than NSP, being the increased viral replication linked to the level of inflammatory and immunomodulatory cytokines. Moreover, LSP induce leukocyte accumulation on the apical side of the colorectal lamina propria and the recruitment of a higher number of intraepithelial dendritic cells than with NSP. These results suggest that the outcome of mucosal HIV-1 infection is influenced by the inflammatory state of the semen donor, and provide further insights into mucosal SIV/HIV-1 pathogenesis.
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du Fossé NA, Lashley EELO, van Beelen E, Meuleman T, le Cessie S, van Lith JMM, Eikmans M, van der Hoorn MLP. Identification of distinct seminal plasma cytokine profiles associated with male age and lifestyle characteristics in unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss. J Reprod Immunol 2021; 147:103349. [PMID: 34246867 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2021.103349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seminal plasma contains a wide range of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors. Part of these signalling molecules assist in inducing a state of active maternal immune tolerance towards the fetus. Disbalances in seminal plasma content may contribute to pregnancy loss. This study investigated cytokine expression profiles in seminal plasma of male partners of couples with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and the association with clinical and lifestyle characteristics, including smoking, alcohol consumption and body mass index (BMI). METHODS In the seminal plasma of 52 men who visited a specialised RPL clinic the levels of 25 pre-selected cytokines, chemokines and growth factors were measured by Bio-Plex assay or ELISA. Two-way hierarchical cluster analysis was performed. Identified patient clusters were compared on clinical and lifestyle characteristics. RESULTS Two distinct cytokine expression profiles in the seminal plasma were revealed by cluster analysis. Patient cluster I showed relatively higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, IL-18 and TNF-α, compared to Patient cluster II. Men belonging to Patient cluster I were significantly older and had significantly more lifestyle risk factors compared to men in Patient cluster II. CONCLUSION Cluster analysis suggested the existence of a less favourable pro-inflammatory cytokine expression profile, being present in part of men affected by RPL and associated with advanced male age and lifestyle risk factors. These findings may serve as a starting point for further research into underlying mechanisms and ultimately lead to novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for couples with RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A du Fossé
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - E E L O Lashley
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - E van Beelen
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - T Meuleman
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - S le Cessie
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - J M M van Lith
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - M Eikmans
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - M L P van der Hoorn
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Chen Y, Bi F, Sun Z. A network pharmacology approach to determine the underlying mechanisms of action of Yishen Tongluo formula for the treatment of oligoasthenozoospermia. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252906. [PMID: 34153045 PMCID: PMC8216565 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligoasthenozoospermia is a complex disease caused by a variety of factors, and its incidence is increasing yearly worldwide. Yishen Tongluo formula (YSTLF), created by Professor Sun Zixue, has been used to treat oligoasthenozoospermia in clinical practice for several decades with a good therapeutic effect. However, the chemical and pharmacological profiles of YSTLF remain unclear and need to be elucidated. In this study, a network pharmacology approach was applied to explore the potential mechanisms of YSTLF in oligoasthenozoospermia treatment. All of the compounds in YSTLF were retrieved from the corresponding databases, and the bioactive ingredients were screened according to their oral bioavailability (OB) and drug-likeness (DL). The potential proteins of YSTLF were obtained from the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology (TCMSP) database and the Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BATMAN-TCM) database, while the potential genes of oligoasthenozoospermia were obtained from the GeneCards database and the DisGeNET database. The STRING database was used to construct an interaction network according to the common targets identified by the online tool Venny for YSTLF and oligoasthenozoospermia. The topological characteristics of nodes were visualized and analyzed through Cytoscape. Biological functions and significant pathways were determined and analyzed using the Gene Ontology (GO) knowledgebase, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Metascape. Finally, the disease-formula-compound-target-pathway network was constructed by Cytoscape. A total of 106 bioactive ingredients and 134 potential targets from YSTLF were associated with oligoasthenozoospermia or considered to be therapeutically relevant. Pathway analysis indicated that the PI3K/Akt, MAPK and apoptosis signaling pathways were significant pathways involved in oligoasthenozoospermia. In conclusion, the current study expounded the pharmacological actions and molecular mechanisms of YSTLF in treating oligoasthenozoospermia from a holistic viewpoint. The potential molecular mechanisms were closely related to antioxidative stress, antiapoptosis and anti-inflammation, with TNF, CCND1, ESR1, NFKBIA, NR3C1, MAPK8, and IL6 being possible targets. This network pharmacology prediction may offer a helpful tool to illustrate the molecular mechanisms of the Chinese herbal compound YSTLF in oligoasthenozoospermia treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangdi Chen
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, P. R. China
| | - Fanggang Bi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
| | - Zixue Sun
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine), Zhengzhou, Henan, P. R. China
- * E-mail:
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30
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Jewanraj J, Ngcapu S, Osman F, Ramsuran V, Fish M, Mtshali A, Singh R, Mansoor LE, Abdool Karim SS, Abdool Karim Q, Passmore JS, Liebenberg LJP. Transient association between semen exposure and biomarkers of genital inflammation in South African women at risk of HIV infection. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 24:e25766. [PMID: 34164927 PMCID: PMC8223121 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Semen induces mucosal changes in the female reproductive tract to improve pregnancy outcomes. Since semen-induced alterations are likely short-lived and genital inflammation is linked to HIV acquisition in women, we investigated the contribution of recent semen exposure on biomarkers of genital inflammation in women at high HIV risk and the persistence of these associations. METHODS We assessed stored genital specimens from 152 HIV-negative KwaZulu-Natal women who participated in the CAPRISA 008 trial between November 2012 and October 2014. During the two-year study period, 651 vaginal specimens were collected biannually (mean five samples per woman). Cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) was screened for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) by ELISA, whereas Y-chromosome DNA (YcDNA) detection and quantification were conducted by RT-PCR, representing semen exposure within 48 hours (PSA+YcDNA+) and semen exposure within three to fifteen days (PSA-YcDNA+). Soluble protein concentrations were measured in CVLs by multiplexed ELISA. T-cell frequencies were assessed in cytobrushes by flow-cytometry, and vulvovaginal swabs were used to detect common vaginal microbes by PCR. Linear mixed models adjusting for factors associated with genital inflammation and HIV risk were used to assess the impact of semen exposure on biomarkers of inflammation over multiple visits. RESULTS Here, 19% (125/651) of CVLs were PSA+YcDNA+, 14% (93/651) were PSA-YcDNA+ and 67% (433/651) were PSA-YcDNA-. Semen exposure was associated with how often women saw their partners, the frequency of vaginal sex in the past month, HSV-2 antibody detection, current gonorrhoea infection and Nugent Score. Both PSA detection (PSA+YcDNA+) and higher cervicovaginal YcDNA concentrations predicted increases in several cytokines, barrier-related proteins (MMP-2, TIMP-1 and TIMP-4) and activated CD4+CCR5+HLA-DR+ T cells (β = 0.050; CI 0.001 to 0.098; p = 0.046) and CD4+HLA-DR+ T cells (β = 0.177; CI 0.016 to 0.339; p = 0.032) respectively. PSA detection was specifically associated with raised pro-inflammatory cytokines (including IL-6, TNF-α, IP-10 and RANTES), and with the detection of BVAB2 (OR = 1.755; CI 1.116 to 2.760; p = 0.015), P. bivia (OR = 1.886; CI 1.102 to 3.228; p = 0.021) and Gardnerella vaginalis (OR = 1.815; CI 1.093 to 3.015; p = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS More recent semen exposure was associated with raised levels of inflammatory biomarkers and the detection of BV-associated microbes, which declined by three to fifteen days of post-exposure. Although transient, semen-induced alterations may have implications for HIV susceptibility in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Jewanraj
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA)University of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
- Department of Medical MicrobiologySchool of Laboratory Medicine and Medical SciencesUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Sinaye Ngcapu
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA)University of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
- Department of Medical MicrobiologySchool of Laboratory Medicine and Medical SciencesUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Farzana Osman
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA)University of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Veron Ramsuran
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA)University of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
- Department of Medical MicrobiologySchool of Laboratory Medicine and Medical SciencesUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
- KwaZulu‐Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP)DurbanSouth Africa
| | - Maryam Fish
- KwaZulu‐Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP)DurbanSouth Africa
| | - Andile Mtshali
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA)University of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
- Department of Medical MicrobiologySchool of Laboratory Medicine and Medical SciencesUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Ravesh Singh
- Department of Medical MicrobiologySchool of Laboratory Medicine and Medical SciencesUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
- Department of MicrobiologyNational Health Laboratory ServicesKwaZulu‐Natal Academic ComplexInkosi Albert Luthuli Central HospitalDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Leila E Mansoor
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA)University of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
- School of Nursing and Public HealthUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Salim S Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA)University of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
- Department of EpidemiologyColumbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Quarraisha Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA)University of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
- Department of EpidemiologyColumbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Jo‐Ann S Passmore
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA)University of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM)University of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- National Health Laboratory ServicesJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Lenine J P Liebenberg
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA)University of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
- Department of Medical MicrobiologySchool of Laboratory Medicine and Medical SciencesUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
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Seminal pro-inflammatory cytokines and pH are affected by Chlamydia infection in asymptomatic patients with teratozoospermia. Cent Eur J Immunol 2021; 46:76-81. [PMID: 33897287 PMCID: PMC8056351 DOI: 10.5114/ceji.2021.105247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Infection and inflammation of the reproductive tract by Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) are recognized as significant risk factors for male infertility. This study aimed to evaluate CT infection and its effects on seminal parameters and cytokines in asymptomatic patients with teratozoospermia. Material and methods Semen samples from one hundred four male patients were collected, and CT detection was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The quality (volume, sperm concentration, pH, motility, morphology, and leucocytes) of the semen was measured by standard procedures recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1 β, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interferon γ (IFN-γ)], as well as anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10), were determined by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The frequency of CT infection was expressed as a percentage. Descriptive statistics were used for comparison of cytokines from infertile men, and then the Mann-Whitney U test was applied for the contrast of seminal parameters and cytokines from CT-infected versus non-CT infected men. Results A ratio of 33/104 (31.7%) patients were positive for CT infection. The ejaculate of positive CT infection was found to have increased pH (pH = 7.65 in non-CT infected vs. 7.94 CT-infected men; p = 0.026). High levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were found in the population studied; however, infected males were noted to have high levels of IL-1 β [184.66 (0-3985.33 pg/ml), p = 0.001] and IL-6 [87.8 (0-1042.8 pg/ml), p = 0.001]. Conclusions CT infection increased seminal pH, as well as IL-1 β and IL-6 cytokines, suggesting a potential role of infection and inflammation in asymptomatic patients with teratozoospermia.
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Finelli R, Pallotti F, Cargnelutti F, Faja F, Carlini T, Rizzo F, Lenzi A, Paoli D, Lombardo F. Sperm DNA damage and cytokines in varicocele: A case-control study. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14023. [PMID: 33689198 DOI: 10.1111/and.14023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Varicocele is a vascular disease characterised by the abnormal enlargement of the pampiniform plexus veins and a well-known cause of male infertility. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) and inflammation in the pathogenesis of varicocele. We included 84 varicocele patients and 85 normozoospermic healthy controls, further analysed according to the body mass index, the smoking habit (smokers/non-smokers) and the varicocele severity (low/high grade). Semen parameters, SDF (by TUNEL) and inflammatory cytokines (by Luminex xMAP analysis) were evaluated. Varicocele patients showed significantly reduced semen parameters (volume, total sperm number, progressive motility, normal morphology) and increased SDF. Moreover, we observed a significant reduction of IFN-γ, IL-6, TNF-α and an increase of IL-10. No difference was reported according to the smoking habit, body mass index and varicocele severity. The observed cytokines pathway suggests the establishment of a chronic inflammatory condition, which may contribute to the alteration of semen quality. A thorough knowledge of the cytokine network might contribute to better understanding the link between inflammation and semen quality in varicocele and its impact on reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Finelli
- Laboratory of Seminology - "Loredana Gandini" Sperm Bank, Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Pallotti
- Laboratory of Seminology - "Loredana Gandini" Sperm Bank, Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Cargnelutti
- Laboratory of Seminology - "Loredana Gandini" Sperm Bank, Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiana Faja
- Laboratory of Seminology - "Loredana Gandini" Sperm Bank, Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Tania Carlini
- Laboratory of Seminology - "Loredana Gandini" Sperm Bank, Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavio Rizzo
- Laboratory of Seminology - "Loredana Gandini" Sperm Bank, Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Lenzi
- Laboratory of Seminology - "Loredana Gandini" Sperm Bank, Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Paoli
- Laboratory of Seminology - "Loredana Gandini" Sperm Bank, Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Lombardo
- Laboratory of Seminology - "Loredana Gandini" Sperm Bank, Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Antonuccio P, Marini HR, Micali A, Romeo C, Granese R, Retto A, Martino A, Benvenga S, Cuzzocrea S, Impellizzeri D, Di Paola R, Fusco R, Cervellione RM, Minutoli L. The Nutraceutical N-Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) Reveals Widespread Molecular Effects Unmasking New Therapeutic Targets in Murine Varicocele. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13030734. [PMID: 33668991 PMCID: PMC7996616 DOI: 10.3390/nu13030734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Varicocele is an age-related disease with no current medical treatments positively impacting infertility. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression is present in normal testis with an involvement in the immunological reactions. The role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α), a nuclear receptor, in fertility is still unclear. N-Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), an emerging nutraceutical compound present in plants and animal foods, is an endogenous PPAR-α agonist with well-demonstrated anti-inflammatory and analgesics characteristics. In this model of mice varicocele, PPAR-α and TLR4 receptors’ roles were investigated through the administration of ultra-micronized PEA (PEA-um). Male wild-type (WT), PPAR-α knockout (KO), and TLR4 KO mice were used. A group underwent sham operation and administration of vehicle or PEA-um (10 mg/kg i.p.) for 21 days. Another group (WT, PPAR-α KO, and TLR4 KO) underwent surgical varicocele and was treated with vehicle or PEA-um (10 mg/kg i.p.) for 21 days. At the end of treatments, all animals were euthanized. Both operated and contralateral testes were processed for histological and morphometric assessment, for PPAR-α, TLR4, occludin, and claudin-11 immunohistochemistry and for PPAR-α, TLR4, transforming growth factor-beta3 (TGF-β3), phospho-extracellular signal-Regulated-Kinase (p-ERK) 1/2, and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor (NLR) family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) Western blot analysis. Collectively, our data showed that administration of PEA-um revealed a key role of PPAR-α and TLR4 in varicocele pathophysiology, unmasking new nutraceutical therapeutic targets for future varicocele research and supporting surgical management of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Antonuccio
- Department of Human Pathology of Adult and Childhood, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (P.A.); (C.R.); (R.G.); (A.R.); (A.M.)
| | - Herbert Ryan Marini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (H.R.M.); (S.B.); (L.M.)
| | - Antonio Micali
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Carmelo Romeo
- Department of Human Pathology of Adult and Childhood, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (P.A.); (C.R.); (R.G.); (A.R.); (A.M.)
| | - Roberta Granese
- Department of Human Pathology of Adult and Childhood, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (P.A.); (C.R.); (R.G.); (A.R.); (A.M.)
| | - Annalisa Retto
- Department of Human Pathology of Adult and Childhood, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (P.A.); (C.R.); (R.G.); (A.R.); (A.M.)
| | - Antonia Martino
- Department of Human Pathology of Adult and Childhood, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (P.A.); (C.R.); (R.G.); (A.R.); (A.M.)
| | - Salvatore Benvenga
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (H.R.M.); (S.B.); (L.M.)
| | - Salvatore Cuzzocrea
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (S.C.); (D.I.); (R.F.)
| | - Daniela Impellizzeri
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (S.C.); (D.I.); (R.F.)
| | - Rosanna Di Paola
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (S.C.); (D.I.); (R.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-090-2213655; Fax: +39-090-2213300
| | - Roberta Fusco
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (S.C.); (D.I.); (R.F.)
| | | | - Letteria Minutoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (H.R.M.); (S.B.); (L.M.)
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Jena SR, Nayak J, Kumar S, Kar S, Dixit A, Samanta L. Paternal contributors in recurrent pregnancy loss: Cues from comparative proteome profiling of seminal extracellular vesicles. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 88:96-112. [PMID: 33345401 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Recent evidence entail paternal factors as plausible contributors in spontaneous recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Seminal extracellular vesicles secreted from cells of male reproductive tract carry regulatory proteins and RNAs. They are proposed to regulate sperm maturation and function while their fusion to endometrial stromal cells helps in decidualization. Nevertheless, the mechanism(s) involved in these processes are poorly understood. This study aims at elucidating the molecular basis of paternal contribution by comparative proteomics (label-free LC-MS/MS) of isolated seminal extracellular vesicles from fertile men and partners of patients with RPL (n = 21 per group). Bioinformatics analysis revealed the identified differentially expressed proteins to be involved in DNA replication, recombination and repair, gene expression, cellular assembly and organization, cell death, and survival. Major disease pathways affected were identified as developmental, hereditary, and immunological disorders. Of the three identified hub genes regulating the above disease pathways, two (HNRNPC and HNRNPU) are overexpressed while RUVBL1 is underexpressed along with over expression of HIST1H1C, DDX1, surmising defective chromatin packaging, and histone removal in spermatozoa resulting in improper expression in paternal genes thereby leading to abnormal embryo development. Besides, alteration in GSTP1 expression points oxidative predominance in RPL group. Differential expression of C3, C4a/C4b, CFB, and GDF 15 may be involved in altered maternal immune response to paternal antigens resulting in impaired decidualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumya R Jena
- Department of Zoology, Redox Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Ravenshaw University, Odisha, India.,Centre for Excellence in Environment and Public Health, Ravenshaw University, Odisha, India
| | - Jasmine Nayak
- Department of Zoology, Redox Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Ravenshaw University, Odisha, India.,Centre for Excellence in Environment and Public Health, Ravenshaw University, Odisha, India
| | - Sugandh Kumar
- Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Sujata Kar
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Kar Clinic and Hospital Pvt. Ltd., Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Anshuman Dixit
- Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Luna Samanta
- Department of Zoology, Redox Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Ravenshaw University, Odisha, India.,Centre for Excellence in Environment and Public Health, Ravenshaw University, Odisha, India
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Wang F, Yang W, Ouyang S, Yuan S. The Vehicle Determines the Destination: The Significance of Seminal Plasma Factors for Male Fertility. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228499. [PMID: 33198061 PMCID: PMC7696680 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Of all human infertility cases, up to 50% show contributing factors leading to defects in the male reproductive physiology. Seminal plasma (SP) is the biological fluid derived from the male accessory sex gland which carries spermatozoa passing throughout the male and female reproductive tract during ejaculation. It contains a complicated set of heterogeneous molecular structures, including proteins, cell-free nucleic acid (DNA, microRNA and LncRNA), and small-molecule metabolites as well as inorganic chemicals (ions). For a long time, the substantial significance of seminal plasma factors’ functions has been underestimated, which is restricted to spermatozoa transport and protection. Notably, significant advancements have been made in dissecting seminal plasma components, revealing new insights into multiple aspects of sperm function, as well as fertilization and pregnancy outcomes in recent years. In this review, we summarize the state-of-art discoveries regarding SP compositions and their implications in male fertility, particularly describing the novel understanding of seminal plasma components and related modifications using “omics” approaches and mainly focusing on proteome and RNA-seq data in the latest decade. Meanwhile, we highlighted the proposed mechanism of the regulation of SP molecules on immunomodulation in the female reproductive tract. Moreover, we also discussed the proteins investigated as non-invasive diagnosis biomarkers for male infertility in the clinic.
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36
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Jewanraj J, Ngcapu S, Osman F, Mtshali A, Singh R, Mansoor LE, Abdool Karim SS, Abdool Karim Q, Passmore JAS, Liebenberg LJP. The Impact of Semen Exposure on the Immune and Microbial Environments of the Female Genital Tract. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2020; 2:566559. [PMID: 36304709 PMCID: PMC9580648 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2020.566559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Semen induces an immune response at the female genital tract (FGT) to promote conception. It is also the primary vector for HIV transmission to women during condomless sex. Since genital inflammation and immune activation increase HIV susceptibility in women, semen-induced alterations at the FGT may have implications for HIV risk. Here we investigated the impact of semen exposure, as measured by self-reported condom use and Y-chromosome DNA (YcDNA) detection, on biomarkers of female genital inflammation associated with HIV acquisition. Methods: Stored genital specimens were collected biannually (mean 5 visits) from 153 HIV-negative women participating in the CAPRISA 008 tenofovir gel open-label extension trial. YcDNA was detected in cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) pellets by RT-PCR and served as a biomarker of semen exposure within 15 days of genital sampling. Protein concentrations were measured in CVL supernatants by multiplexed ELISA, and the frequency of activated CD4+CCR5+ HIV targets was assessed on cytobrush-derived specimens by flow cytometry. Common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and bacterial vaginosis (BV)-associated bacteria were measured by PCR. Multivariable linear mixed models were used to assess the relationship between YcDNA detection and biomarkers of inflammation over time. Results: YcDNA was detected at least once in 69% (106/153) of women during the trial (median 2, range 1-5 visits), and was associated with marital status, cohabitation, the frequency of vaginal sex, and Nugent Score. YcDNA detection but not self-reported condom use was associated with elevated concentrations of several cytokines: IL-12p70, IL-10, IFN-γ, IL-13, IP-10, MIG, IL-7, PDGF-BB, SCF, VEGF, β-NGF, and biomarkers of epithelial barrier integrity: MMP-2 and TIMP-4; and with reduced concentrations of IL-18 and MIF. YcDNA detection was not associated with alterations in immune cell frequencies but was related to increased detection of P. bivia (OR = 1.970; CI 1.309-2.965; P = 0.001) at the FGT. Conclusion: YcDNA detection but not self-reported condom use was associated with alterations in cervicovaginal cytokines, BV-associated bacteria, and matrix metalloproteinases, and may have implications for HIV susceptibility in women. This study highlights the discrepancies related to self-reported condom use and the need for routine screening for biomarkers of semen exposure in studies of mucosal immunity to HIV and other STIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Jewanraj
- Center for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sinaye Ngcapu
- Center for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Farzana Osman
- Center for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Andile Mtshali
- Center for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ravesh Singh
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Microbiology, National Health Laboratory Services, KwaZulu-Natal Academic Complex, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, South Africa
| | - Leila E. Mansoor
- Center for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Salim S. Abdool Karim
- Center for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Quarraisha Abdool Karim
- Center for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jo-Ann S. Passmore
- Center for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lenine J. P. Liebenberg
- Center for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Hallak J, Esteves SC. Concise practice recommendations for the provision of andrological services and assisted reproductive technology for male infertility patients during the SARS-CoV-2 in Brazil. Int Braz J Urol 2020; 46:1082-1089. [PMID: 32822135 PMCID: PMC7527112 DOI: 10.1590/s1677-5538.ibju.2020.06.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Hallak
- Centro de Ciência e Inovação em AndrologiaClínica e Laboratório de Alta Complexidade em Saúde Reprodutiva e Sexual MasculinaSão PauloSPBrasilANDROSCIENCE, Centro de Ciência e Inovação em Andrologia, Clínica e Laboratório de Alta Complexidade em Saúde Reprodutiva e Sexual Masculina, São Paulo, SP, Brasil;
- Universidade de São PauloSPBrasil Disciplina de Urologia, Universidade de São Paulo, SP, Brasil;
- Grupo de Estudos em Saúde MasculinaInstituto de Estudos AvançadosUniversidade de São PauloSPBrasilGrupo de Estudos em Saúde Masculina, Instituto de Estudos Avançados, Universidade de São Paulo, SP, Brasil;
- Unidade de Toxicologia ReprodutivaDepartamento de PatologiaUniversidade de São PauloSPBrasilUnidade de Toxicologia Reprodutiva, Departamento de Patologia, Universidade de São Paulo, SP, Brasil;
| | - Sandro C. Esteves
- Clínica de Andrologia e Reprodução HumanaCampinasSPBrasilANDROFERT, Clínica de Andrologia e Reprodução Humana, Campinas, SP, Brasil;
- Departamento de CirurgiaUniversidade Estadual de CampinasCampinasSPBrasilDepartamento de Cirurgia, Disciplina de Urologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brasil;
- Faculdade de SaúdeUniversidade de AarhusAarhusDinamarcaFaculdade de Saúde, Universidade de Aarhus, Aarhus, Dinamarca
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Chyra-Jach D, Kaletka Z, Dobrakowski M, Machoń-Grecka A, Kasperczyk S, Bellanti F, Birkner E, Kasperczyk A. Levels of Macro- and Trace Elements and Select Cytokines in the Semen of Infertile Men. Biol Trace Elem Res 2020; 197:431-439. [PMID: 31898306 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-019-02022-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The current study evaluated levels of macro-/trace elements, select cytokines, and sperm quality, in the semen of men with abnormal spermograms. The study population of men with abnormal spermograms was divided into three groups, i.e., oligospermic, asthenozoospermic, and oligoasthenozoospermic. The control group was fertile men with normal semen parameters. Analyses showed that in comparison with that in the semen of the fertile men, levels of calcium, magnesium, and selenium were significantly lower in men with all three groups. Semen levels of zinc were significantly lower in men with asthenospermia as compared with that in control. GGT (gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase) activity in semen was significantly higher in men in any of the three states as compared with that seen in control semen. In contrast, semen ALT (alanine aminotransferase) activity was reduced in men with any of these abnormalities compared with that in the controls. Semen cholesterol levels were significantly lower in men with asthenospermia as compared with control semen. Of all the measured cytokines, only IL-5 levels were reduced in the semen of the men with any of the conditions as compared with control semen. The semen of infertile males is characterized by reduced levels of calcium, magnesium, and trace metals such as zinc and selenium. The study also indicated that measures of cholesterol and of GGT/ALT activities could serve as supplementary parameters indicative of semen quality. Further investigations are needed to clarify the role of the measured parameters in sperm physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Chyra-Jach
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Jordana 19, 41-808, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Kaletka
- Department and Clinic of Urology, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, ul. 3 Maja 13-15, 41-800, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Michał Dobrakowski
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Jordana 19, 41-808, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Anna Machoń-Grecka
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Jordana 19, 41-808, Zabrze, Poland.
| | - Sławomir Kasperczyk
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Jordana 19, 41-808, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Francesco Bellanti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, viale Pinto, 1 -71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Ewa Birkner
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Jordana 19, 41-808, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Kasperczyk
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Jordana 19, 41-808, Zabrze, Poland
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Kurkowska W, Bogacz A, Janiszewska M, Gabryś E, Tiszler M, Bellanti F, Kasperczyk S, Machoń-Grecka A, Dobrakowski M, Kasperczyk A. Oxidative Stress is Associated with Reduced Sperm Motility in Normal Semen. Am J Mens Health 2020; 14:1557988320939731. [PMID: 32938274 PMCID: PMC7503008 DOI: 10.1177/1557988320939731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility is among the most serious medical problems worldwide. Male factors contribute to 40%-50% of all infertility cases, and approximately 7% of men worldwide are affected by infertility. Spermatozoa are extremely vulnerable to oxidative insult. Oxidative stress results in axonemal damage and increased midpiece sperm morphological defects, which lead to reduced sperm motility. The aim of the study is to evaluate the association between sperm motility and the levels of selected antioxidants, cytokines, and markers of oxidative damage in the seminal plasma.The study group included 107 healthy males, who were split into two subgroups based on the percentage of motile spermatozoa after 1 hr: low motility (LM, n = 51) and high motility (HM, n = 56).The glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity was 52% lower in the LM group compared to that in the HM group. The level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was 12% higher in the LM group compared to that in the HM group. Similarly, the median values of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-10, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were higher in the LM group than those in the HM group. Results of the present study revealed that the percentage of motile spermatozoa after 1 hr correlated positively with the levels of IL-1β, IL-10, IL-12, and TNFα.The lower motility of spermatozoa in healthy men is associated with a decreased activity of G6PD and increased levels of cytokines, which may be related to increased oxidative stress in seminal plasma that manifests as an increased level of MDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiktoria Kurkowska
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Bogacz
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Marta Janiszewska
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Ewa Gabryś
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Michał Tiszler
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Francesco Bellanti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Puglia, Italy
| | - Sławomir Kasperczyk
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Anna Machoń-Grecka
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Zabrze, Poland
- Anna Machoń-Grecka, Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Jordana 19, Zabrze, 41-808, Poland.
| | - Michał Dobrakowski
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Kasperczyk
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Zabrze, Poland
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Idrees M, Oh SH, Muhammad T, El-Sheikh M, Song SH, Lee KL, Kong IK. Growth Factors, and Cytokines; Understanding the Role of Tyrosine Phosphatase SHP2 in Gametogenesis and Early Embryo Development. Cells 2020; 9:cells9081798. [PMID: 32751109 PMCID: PMC7465981 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth factors and cytokines have vital roles in germ cell development, gamete maturation, and early embryo development. Cell surface receptors are present for growth factors and cytokines to integrate with and trigger protein signaling in the germ and embryo intracellular milieu. Src-homology-2-containing phosphotyrosine phosphatase (SHP2) is a ubiquitously expressed, multifunctional protein that plays a central role in the signaling pathways involved in growth factor receptors, cytokine receptors, integrins, and G protein-coupled receptors. Over recent decades, researchers have recapitulated the protein signaling networks that influence gamete progenitor specification as well as gamete differentiation and maturation. SHP2 plays an indispensable role in cellular growth, survival, proliferation, differentiation, and migration, as well as the basic events in gametogenesis and early embryo development. SHP2, a classic cytosolic protein and a key regulator of signal transduction, displays unconventional nuclear expression in the genital organs. Several observations provided shreds of evidence that this behavior is essential for fertility. The growth factor and cytokine-dependent roles of SHP2 and its nuclear/cytoplasmic presence during gamete maturation, early embryonic development and embryo implantation are fascinating and complex subjects. This review is intended to summarize the previous and recent knowledge about the SHP2 functions in gametogenesis and early embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Idrees
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Plus), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (M.I.); (S.-H.O.); (M.E.-S.)
| | - Seon-Hwa Oh
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Plus), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (M.I.); (S.-H.O.); (M.E.-S.)
| | - Tahir Muhammad
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada;
| | - Marwa El-Sheikh
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Plus), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (M.I.); (S.-H.O.); (M.E.-S.)
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Division, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo 12622, Egypt
| | - Seok-Hwan Song
- The King Kong Ltd., Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (S.-H.S.); (K.-L.L.)
| | - Kyeong-Lim Lee
- The King Kong Ltd., Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (S.-H.S.); (K.-L.L.)
| | - Il-Keun Kong
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Plus), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (M.I.); (S.-H.O.); (M.E.-S.)
- The King Kong Ltd., Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (S.-H.S.); (K.-L.L.)
- Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Gyeongnam Province, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-55-772-1942
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Cavarelli M, Le Grand R. The importance of semen leukocytes in HIV-1 transmission and the development of prevention strategies. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2020; 16:2018-2032. [PMID: 32614649 PMCID: PMC7553688 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2020.1765622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 sexual transmission occurs mostly through contaminated semen, which is a complex mixture of soluble factors with immunoregulatory functions and cells. It is well established that semen cells from HIV-1-infected men are able to produce the virus and that are harnessed to efficiently interact with mucosal barriers exposed during sexual intercourse. Several cofactors contribute to semen infectivity and may enhance the risk of HIV-1 transmission to a partner by increasing local HIV-1 replication in the male genital tract, thereby increasing the number of HIV-1-infected cells and the local HIV-1 shedding in semen. The introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy has improved the life expectancy of HIV-1 infected individuals; however, there is evidence that systemic viral suppression does not always reflect full viral suppression in the seminal compartment. This review focus on the role semen leukocytes play in HIV-1 transmission and discusses implications of the increased resistance of cell-mediated transmission to immune-based prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariangela Cavarelli
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, CEA, Center for Immunology of Viral, Auto-immune, Hematological and Bacterial diseases (IMVA-HB/IDMIT) , Fontenay-aux-Roses & Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Roger Le Grand
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, CEA, Center for Immunology of Viral, Auto-immune, Hematological and Bacterial diseases (IMVA-HB/IDMIT) , Fontenay-aux-Roses & Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
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42
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Suphaphiphat K, Bernard-Stoecklin S, Gommet C, Delache B, Dereuddre-Bosquet N, Kent SJ, Wines BD, Hogarth PM, Le Grand R, Cavarelli M. Innate and Adaptive Anti-SIV Responses in Macaque Semen: Implications for Infectivity and Risk of Transmission. Front Immunol 2020; 11:850. [PMID: 32528466 PMCID: PMC7247827 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 infection is transmitted primarily by sexual exposure, with semen being the principal contaminated fluid. However, HIV-specific immune response in semen has been understudied. We investigated specific parameters of the innate, cellular, and humoral immune response that may affect semen infectivity in macaques infected with SIVmac251. Serial semen levels of cytokines and chemokines, SIV-specific antibodies, neutralization, and FcγR-mediated functions and SIV-specific T-cell responses were assessed and compared to systemic responses across 53 cynomolgus macaques. SIV infection induced an overall inflammatory state in the semen. Several pro-inflammatory molecules correlated with SIV virus levels. Effector CD8+ T cells were expanded in semen upon infection. SIV-specific CD8+ T-cells that expressed multiple effector molecules (IFN-γ+MIP-1β+TNF+/−) were induced in the semen of a subset of SIV-infected macaques, but this did not correlate with local viral control. SIV-specific IgG, commonly capable of engaging the FcγRIIIa receptor, was detected in most semen samples although this positively correlated with seminal viral load. Several inflammatory immune responses in semen develop in the context of higher levels of SIV seminal plasma viremia. These inflammatory immune responses could play a role in viral transmission and should be considered in the development of preventive and prophylactic vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karunasinee Suphaphiphat
- CEA-Université Paris Sud-INSERM U1184, "Immunology of Viral Infections and Auto-Immune Diseases", IDMIT Department, IBFJ, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Sibylle Bernard-Stoecklin
- CEA-Université Paris Sud-INSERM U1184, "Immunology of Viral Infections and Auto-Immune Diseases", IDMIT Department, IBFJ, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Céline Gommet
- CEA-Université Paris Sud-INSERM U1184, "Immunology of Viral Infections and Auto-Immune Diseases", IDMIT Department, IBFJ, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Benoit Delache
- CEA-Université Paris Sud-INSERM U1184, "Immunology of Viral Infections and Auto-Immune Diseases", IDMIT Department, IBFJ, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Nathalie Dereuddre-Bosquet
- CEA-Université Paris Sud-INSERM U1184, "Immunology of Viral Infections and Auto-Immune Diseases", IDMIT Department, IBFJ, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Stephen J Kent
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre and Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Hospital and Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,ARC Centre for Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Bruce D Wines
- Immune Therapies Group, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Clinical Pathology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - P Mark Hogarth
- Immune Therapies Group, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Clinical Pathology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Roger Le Grand
- CEA-Université Paris Sud-INSERM U1184, "Immunology of Viral Infections and Auto-Immune Diseases", IDMIT Department, IBFJ, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Mariangela Cavarelli
- CEA-Université Paris Sud-INSERM U1184, "Immunology of Viral Infections and Auto-Immune Diseases", IDMIT Department, IBFJ, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
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43
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Bermas BL. Paternal safety of anti-rheumatic medications. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2020; 64:77-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2019.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Abstract
Seminal fluid is often assumed to have just one function in mammalian reproduction, delivering sperm to fertilize oocytes. But seminal fluid also transmits signaling agents that interact with female reproductive tissues to facilitate conception and .pregnancy. Upon seminal fluid contact, female tissues initiate a controlled inflammatory response that affects several aspects of reproductive function to ultimately maximize the chances of a male producing healthy offspring. This effect is best characterized in mice, where the female response involves several steps. Initially, seminal fluid factors cause leukocytes to infiltrate the female reproductive tract, and to selectively target and eliminate excess sperm. Other signals stimulate ovulation, induce an altered transcriptional program in female tract tissues that modulates embryo developmental programming, and initiate immune adaptations to promote receptivity to implantation and placental development. A key result is expansion of the pool of regulatory T cells that assist implantation by suppressing inflammation, mediating tolerance to male transplantation antigens, and promoting uterine vascular adaptation and placental development. Principal signaling agents in seminal fluid include prostaglandins and transforming growth factor-β. The balance of male signals affects the nature of the female response, providing a mechanism of ‟cryptic female choiceˮ that influences female reproductive investment. Male-female seminal fluid signaling is evident in all mammalian species investigated including human, and effects of seminal fluid in invertebrates indicate evolutionarily conserved mechanisms. Understanding the female response to seminal fluid will shed new light on infertility and pregnancy disorders and is critical to defining how events at conception influence offspring health.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Schjenken
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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45
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Chen L, Wen CW, Deng MJ, Ping-Li, Zhang ZD, Zhou ZH, Wang X. Metabolic and transcriptional changes in seminal plasma of asthenozoospermia patients. Biomed Chromatogr 2020; 34:e4769. [PMID: 31808565 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.4769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
This study was designed to investigate the metabolic and transcriptional alterations in seminal fluid caused by asthenozoospermia (AS). To address these issues, a method of metabonomics based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was performed to identify some crucial biomarkers and transcription levels of the enzymes in seminal fluid. Seminal fluid samples were collected from 87 AS patients and 73 healthy males with normozoospermia. The quantitative analysis by UPLC-MS/MS showed that 19 metabolites in seminal plasma were associated with AS, and they were involved in several metabolic pathways, such as energy metabolism, purine metabolism, methionine cycle, and branched chain amino acid metabolism. Among these metabolites, the levels of citric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, and pyruvic acid, which are related to energy metabolism, were collectively reduced in the AS group, whereas the lactic acid level was enhanced. These results indicated that lesser energy source (adenosine triphosphate) was produced through the anaerobic glycolysis pathway rather than via aerobic catabolism of suger and tricarboxylic acid cycle, resulting in reduced power of sperms. Meanwhile, partial least squares discriminant analysis showed significant differences in metabolic profiles between the AS and control groups. In addition, RT-qPCR results revealed that the expression levels of four genes encoding fructokinase citrate synthase, succinate dehydrogenase, and spermine synthase, which were related to energy metabolism, were decreased in the AS group. The 23 descriptors with differential expression in AS may be valuable for the diagnosis and sequential study on AS. These results will help highlight the role of sperm inactivity in AS pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianguo Chen
- The Third Clinical Institute Affiliated with Wenzhou Medical University & Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chao-Wei Wen
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ming-Jie Deng
- Analytical and Testing Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ping-Li
- Analytical and Testing Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Da Zhang
- Analytical and Testing Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhuo-Hua Zhou
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xianqin Wang
- Analytical and Testing Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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46
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Craenmehr MHC, van der Keur C, Anholts JDH, Kapsenberg JM, van der Westerlaken LA, van Kooten C, Claas FHJ, Heidt S, Eikmans M. Effect of seminal plasma on dendritic cell differentiation in vitro depends on the serum source in the culture medium. J Reprod Immunol 2019; 137:103076. [PMID: 31981817 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2019.103076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are key in shaping immune responses and are recruited to the human cervix after coitus by seminal plasma (SP). SP has been shown to skew the differentiation of monocyte-derived DCs towards an anti-inflammatory profile when cultured in medium containing fetal calf serum (FCS). Here, we confirmed that SP skewed DCs cultured in fetal bovine serum (FBS) towards a tolerogenic profile. To create a setting more similar to the in vivo situations in humans, we tested the immune regulatory effect of SP on DCs in cell cultures containing human serum (HS). SP-DCs cultured in HS did show increased CD14 and decreased CD1a, indicating an inhibited maturation phenotype. Gene expression of TGF-β and IL-10 and IL-10 protein expression were elevated in LPS-activated SP-DCs, whereas IL-12p70 protein levels were decreased compared to LPS-activated control DCs. In contrast to FBS culture conditions, in the presence of HS co-cultures of SP-DCs with allogeneic peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) did not result in decreased T cell proliferation and inflammatory cytokine production. Thus, under HS culture conditions SP can skew the differentiation of monocyte-derived DCs phenotypically towards alternatively activated DCs, but this immune regulatory phenotype is functionally less pronounced compared to SP-treated DCs cultured in FBS containing medium. These findings highlight the importance of the source of the serum that is used in SP treated cell cultures in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H C Craenmehr
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - C van der Keur
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - J D H Anholts
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - J M Kapsenberg
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | | | - C van Kooten
- Department of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - F H J Claas
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - S Heidt
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - M Eikmans
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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Barranco I, Padilla L, Pérez-Patiño C, Vazquez JM, Martínez EA, Rodríguez-Martínez H, Roca J, Parrilla I. Seminal Plasma Cytokines Are Predictive of the Outcome of Boar Sperm Preservation. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:436. [PMID: 31867346 PMCID: PMC6904304 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Boar seminal plasma is rich in cytokines, which could influence the capability of spermatozoa to tolerate preservation. Objectives: To evaluate the involvement of boar seminal plasma cytokines in the changes experienced by boar spermatozoa during their storage, either in liquid or frozen state. Materials and Methods: In two separated experiments, semen samples from healthy and fertile boars were split in two aliquots, one centrifuged twice (1,500 ×g for 10 min) to harvest seminal plasma, whereas the other was either commercially extended (3 × 107 sperm/mL) and liquid-stored at 17°C during 144 h (n = 28, Experiment 1) or frozen-thawed using a standard 0.5 mL protocol (n = 27, Experiment 2). Sixteen cytokines were quantified using Luminex xMAP®. Sperm attributes (CASA-evaluated total and progressive motility; flow cytometry-evaluated sperm viability, production of intracellular H2O2 and O 2 • - and levels of lipid peroxidation in viable spermatozoa) were evaluated either at 0, 72, or 144 h of liquid storage (Experiment 1) or before freezing and at 30- and 150-min post-thawing (Experiment 2). Results: Multiple linear regression models, with Bayesian approach for variable selection, revealed that the anti-inflammatory TGF-β2, TGF-β3, IL-1Ra, and IL-4 and the pro-inflammatory IL-8 and IL-18, predicted changes in sperm motility for liquid-stored semen while the anti-inflammatory IFN-γ was included in the models predicting changes in all sperm attributes for cryopreserved semen. Conclusion: Specific boar seminal plasma cytokines would contribute to modulate the structural and metabolic changes shown by spermatozoa during preservation, either in liquid or frozen state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Barranco
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Lorena Padilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Cristina Pérez-Patiño
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Juan M Vazquez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Emilio A Martínez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Parrilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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48
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Bader R, Ibrahim JN, Mourad A, Moussa M, Azoury J, Azoury J, Alaaeddine N. Improvement of Human Sperm Vacuolization and DNA Fragmentation Co-Cultured with Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome: In Vitro Effect. Int J Stem Cells 2019; 12:388-399. [PMID: 31474028 PMCID: PMC6881046 DOI: 10.15283/ijsc19047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Oxidative stress (OS) is known to be an important factor of male infertility. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) are known to have immune-modulatory and anti-oxidant effects through their secretions, hence raising the idea of their potential benefit to improve sperm parameters. This study aims at investigating the effect of AD-MSCs conditioned medium (CM) on human sperm parameters in the presence and absence of H2O2-induced OS. Methods and Results Sperm samples were collected from 30 healthy men and divided into two groups: non-stressed and H2O2-stressed. Isolated AD-MSCs from healthy donors undergoing liposuction were cultured and CM was collected at 24, 48 and 72 h. Both sperm groups were cultured with CM and a time course was performed followed by an evaluation of sperm parameters. The incubation of non-stressed and stressed sperm samples with AD-MSCs-CM for 24 h was found to have the optimum impact on sperm vacuolization, DNA fragmentation and OS levels in comparison to other incubation timings, while preserving motility, viability and morphology of cells. Incubation with CM improved all sperm parameters except morphology in comparison to the non-treated group, with the best effect noted with CM collected at 24 h rather than 48 or 72 h for sperm vacuolization and DNA fragmentation. When compared to fresh semen parameters (T0), samples cultured with CM 24 h showed a significant decrease in sperm vacuolization and DNA fragmentation while keeping other parameters stable. Conclusions AD-MSCSs-CM improves sperm quality, and hence can be used in treating infertility and subsequently enhancing IVF outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Bader
- Regenerative Medicine and Inflammation Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Ali Mourad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mayssam Moussa
- Regenerative Medicine and Inflammation Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Joan Azoury
- OB-GYN Department, Inova Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, VI, USA
| | | | - Nada Alaaeddine
- Neuroscience Research Science, Faculty of Medicine, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
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49
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Sharkey DJ, Glynn DJ, Schjenken JE, Tremellen KP, Robertson SA. Interferon-gamma inhibits seminal plasma induction of colony-stimulating factor 2 in mouse and human reproductive tract epithelial cells. Biol Reprod 2019; 99:514-526. [PMID: 29596569 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Seminal fluid interacts with the female reproductive tract to initiate a permissive immune response that facilitates embryo implantation and pregnancy success. The immune-regulatory cytokine interferon-γ (IFNG), which can be elevated in seminal plasma, is associated with reduced fertility. Here, we investigated how IFNG influences the female immune response to seminal fluid. In human Ect1 cervical epithelial cells, IFNG added at physiologically relevant concentrations substantially impaired seminal plasma-induced synthesis of key cytokines colony-stimulating factor 2 (CSF2) and interleukin-6 (IL6). Seminal fluid-induced CSF2 synthesis was also suppressed in the uterus of mice in vivo, when IFNG was delivered transcervically 12 h after mating. Transforming growth factor B1 (TGFB1) is the major seminal fluid signaling factor which elicits CSF2 induction, and IFNG exhibited potent dose-dependent suppression of CSF2 synthesis induced by TGFB1 in murine uterine epithelial cells in vitro. Similarly, IFNG suppressed TGFB1-mediated CSF2 induction in Ect1 cells and human primary cervical epithelial cells; however, IL6 regulation by IFNG was independent of TGFB1. Quantitative PCR confirmed that CSF2 regulation by IFNG in Ect1 cells occurs at the gene transcription level, secondary to IFNG suppression of TGFBR2 encoding TGFB receptor 2. Conversely, TGFB1 suppressed IFNG receptor 1 and 2 genes IFNGR1 and IFNGR2. These data identify IFNG as a potent inhibitor of the TGFB-mediated seminal fluid interaction with relevant reproductive tract epithelia in mice and human. These findings raise the prospect that IFNG in the male partner's seminal fluid impairs immune adaptation for pregnancy following coitus in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Sharkey
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Danielle J Glynn
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - John E Schjenken
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kelton P Tremellen
- Repromed Pty Ltd, Dulwich, South Australia, Australia.,School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, South Australia, Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Archana SS, Selvaraju S, Binsila BK, Arangasamy A, Krawetz SA. Immune regulatory molecules as modifiers of semen and fertility: A review. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:1485-1504. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Siddalingappa Archana
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology DivisionICAR‐National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology Bengaluru India
- Department of BiochemistryJain University Bengaluru India
| | - Sellappan Selvaraju
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology DivisionICAR‐National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology Bengaluru India
| | - B. Krishnan Binsila
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology DivisionICAR‐National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology Bengaluru India
| | - Arunachalam Arangasamy
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology DivisionICAR‐National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology Bengaluru India
| | - Stephen A. Krawetz
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyWayne State University School of Medicine Detroit Michigan
- Center for Molecular Medicine and GeneticsC.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine Detroit Michigan
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