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LaPointe S, Mehta A, Gaskins AJ. Diet and recreational drug use in relation to male reproductive health. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:1089-1097. [PMID: 37838140 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Diet and lifestyle interventions present promising avenues for the improvement of male fertility. Our objective was to review and synthesize the existing observational and experimental studies among humans on the associations of diet and recreational drug use with semen quality and fertility outcomes. The available data on this topic are limited and, at times, conflicting. Nevertheless, on the basis of this review, dietary patterns that are composed of higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, low-fat dairy, and seafood, as well as lower intakes of red and processed meats, sweets, and sugar-sweetened beverages were identified as having the strongest evidence for associations with better sperm quality. However, whether these dietary patterns translate into positive associations with clinical fertility endpoints such as assisted reproductive technology success rates or time-to-pregnancy among couples trying to conceive without medical assistance remains unclear. Male caffeine and alcohol intake, within low-to-moderate ranges of intake, do not appear to be detrimental to semen quality. Yet high-quality research on this topic, focused on clinical fertility endpoints, should continue given the conflicting evidence, particularly in populations undergoing infertility treatment with assisted reproductive technology. Recreational drug use, including marijuana, electronic cigarettes, and other illicit drugs, does not appear to be beneficial for male reproductive health and should be avoided or ceased. In conclusion, men should be encouraged to consume a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, low-fat dairy, and seafood, as well as lacking in red and processed meats, sweets, and sugar-sweetened beverages, and to avoid recreational drug use for improved male reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah LaPointe
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Akanksha Mehta
- Department of Urology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Audrey J Gaskins
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia.
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Jørgensen MD, Mikkelsen EM, Hatch EE, Rothman KJ, Wise LA, Sørensen HT, Laursen ASD. Socioeconomic status and fecundability in a Danish preconception cohort. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:1183-1193. [PMID: 37094974 PMCID: PMC10233268 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION To what extent is socioeconomic status (SES), as measured by educational attainment and household income, associated with fecundability in a cohort of Danish couples trying to conceive? SUMMARY ANSWER In this preconception cohort, lower educational attainment and lower household income were associated with lower fecundability after adjusting for potential confounders. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Approximately 15% of couples are affected by infertility. Socioeconomic disparities in health are well established. However, little is known about socioeconomic disparity and its relation to fertility. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This is a cohort study of Danish females aged 18-49 years who were trying to conceive between 2007 and 2021. Information was collected via baseline and bi-monthly follow-up questionnaires for 12 months or until reported pregnancy. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Overall, 10 475 participants contributed 38 629 menstrual cycles and 6554 pregnancies during a maximum of 12 cycles of follow-up. We used proportional probabilities regression models to estimate fecundability ratios (FRs) and 95% CIs. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Compared with upper tertiary education (highest level), fecundability was substantially lower for primary and secondary school (FR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.62-0.85), upper secondary school (FR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.79-1.00), vocational education (FR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.75-0.89), and lower tertiary education (FR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.80-0.95), but not for middle tertiary education (FR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.93-1.03). Compared with a monthly household income of >65 000 DKK, fecundability was lower for household income <25 000 DKK (FR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.72-0.85), 25 000-39 000 DKK (FR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.82-0.94), and 40 000-65 000 DKK (FR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.88-0.99). The results did not change appreciably after adjustment for potential confounders. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION We used educational attainment and household income as indicators of SES. However, SES is a complex concept, and these indicators may not reflect all aspects of SES. The study recruited couples planning to conceive, including the full spectrum of fertility from less fertile to highly fertile individuals. Our results may generalize to most couples who are trying to conceive. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our results are consistent with the literature indicating well-documented inequities in health across socioeconomic groups. The associations for income were surprisingly strong considering the Danish welfare state. These results indicate that the redistributive welfare system in Denmark does not suffice to eradicate inequities in reproductive health. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study was supported by the Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (RO1-HD086742, R21-HD050264, and R01-HD060680). The authors declare no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Dahl Jørgensen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ellen M Mikkelsen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Elizabeth E Hatch
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kenneth J Rothman
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- RTI Health Solutions, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Lauren A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Henrik Toft Sørensen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anne Sofie Dam Laursen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Schuppe HC, Köhn FM. [Impact of lifestyle and environmental factors on male reproductive health]. Urologie 2022; 61:1217-1228. [PMID: 36229540 DOI: 10.1007/s00120-022-01951-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The identification of potential environmental hazards is of clinical relevance for the diagnosis of male infertility. Knowledge about these factors will improve prevention of fertility disorders. Apart from drugs or factors related to lifestyle such as alcohol and tobacco smoke, various environmental and occupational agents, both chemical and physical, may impair male reproduction. Reproductive toxicity may evolve at the hypothalamic-pituitary, testicular, or posttesticular level; endpoints comprise deterioration of spermatogenesis and sperm function as well as endocrine disorders and sexual dysfunction. However, due to the complex regulation of the male reproductive system, information regarding single exogenous factors and their mechanisms of action in humans is limited. This is also due to the fact that extrapolation of results obtained from experimental animal or in vitro studies remains difficult. Nevertheless, the assessment of relevant exposures to reproductive toxicants should be carefully evaluated during diagnostic procedures of andrological patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Christian Schuppe
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Urologie, Kinderurologie und Andrologie, Sektion Konservative Andrologie, Universitätsklinikum Gießen und Marburg GmbH - Standort Gießen, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Gaffkystr. 14, 35385, Gießen, Deutschland.
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Hong X, Yin J, Wang W, Zhao F, Yu H, Wang B. The current situation and future directions for the study on time-to-pregnancy: a scoping review. Reprod Health 2022; 19:150. [PMID: 35752834 PMCID: PMC9233796 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-022-01450-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction As problems associated with infertility and population aging increase, there is a growing interest in the factors that cause a decline in human fertility. Time-to-pregnancy (TTP) is a good indicator with which to reflect human fecundability. Here, we present a comprehensive overview of this topic. Methods Relevant qualitative and quantitative studies were identified by searching the Web of science and PubMed electronic databases. We included all literature, written in English, from inception to the 10th April 2021 providing the focus was on TTP. We conducted a narrative synthesis using thematic analysis. Results Traditional TTP-related study protocols include prospective and retrospective cohorts that provide a wealth of data to reveal potential influences on TTP. Thus far, a variety of factors have been shown to be associated with TTP in couples preparing for pregnancy, including basic demographic characteristics, menstrual status, chronic disease status, environmental endocrine disruptor exposure, and lifestyles. However, there are inevitable epidemiological bias in the existing studies, including recall bias, selection bias and measurement bias. Some methodological advances have brought new opportunities to TTP research, which make it possible to develop precision interventions for population fertility. Future TTP studies should take advantage of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and high-throughput sequencing technologies, and apply medical big data to fully consider and avoid possible bias in the design. Conclusion There are many opportunities and future challenges for TTP related studies which would provide a scientific basis for the “precise health management” of the population preparing for pregnancy. As the problems of infertility and population aging increase, there is a growing interest in the factors that cause a decline in human fertility. Time-to-pregnancy (TTP) is a good indicator with which to reflect human fecundability, and a longer TTP is known to reflect a reduction in fertility. Many original studies, with different designs, have used TTP to explore the factors that might influence fertility, including basic demographic characteristics, chronic disease status, environmental endocrine disruptor exposure, and lifestyles. However, much of the existing evidence is inconsistent and limited by various types of bias. This review provides a synopsis of recent TTP studies, and highlights new opportunities and future challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Hong
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, No.87 Dingjiaqiao Rd, Gulou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiechen Yin
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, No.87 Dingjiaqiao Rd, Gulou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, No.87 Dingjiaqiao Rd, Gulou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fanqi Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, No.87 Dingjiaqiao Rd, Gulou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hong Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhong Da Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, No.87 Dingjiaqiao Rd, Gulou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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Murillo-Rodríguez E, Carreón C, Acosta-Hernández ME, García-García F. Stimulants and Depressor Drugs in the Sleep-Wake Cycle Modulation: The case of alcohol and cannabinoids. Curr Top Med Chem 2022; 22:1270-1279. [PMID: 34986773 DOI: 10.2174/1568026622666220105105054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A complex neurobiological network drives the sleep-wake cycle. In addition, external stimuli, including stimulants or depressor drugs, also influence the control of sleep. Here we review the recent advances that contribute to the comprehensive understanding of the actions of stimulants and depressor compounds, such as alcohol and cannabis, in sleep regulation. The objective of this review is to highlight the neurobiological mechanism engaged by alcohol and cannabis in sleep control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Murillo-Rodríguez
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias Moleculares e Integrativas. Escuela de Medicina, División Ciencias de la Salud Universidad Anáhuac Mayab. Mérida, Yucatán. México
| | - Cristina Carreón
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias Moleculares e Integrativas. Escuela de Medicina, División Ciencias de la Salud Universidad Anáhuac Mayab. Mérida, Yucatán. México
| | | | - Fabio García-García
- Biomedicine Department, Health Science Institute, Veracruzana University. Xalapa, Veracruz. México
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Ramírez N, Estofán G, Tissera A, Molina R, Luque EM, Torres PJ, Mangeaud A, Martini AC. Do aging, drinking, and having unhealthy weight have a synergistic impact on semen quality? J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:2985-2994. [PMID: 34327599 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02274-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate if age, alcohol consumption, and body mass index (BMI) have synergistic effects on seminal quality, and to rank these factors based on their impact on semen. METHODS Retrospective study of 9464 patients attending an andrology laboratory. Data on patients' age and daily alcohol intake were provided by the patients. BMI was recorded in the laboratory. Seminal parameters evaluated were volume, sperm concentration and total count, motility, morphology, viability, nuclear maturity, and membrane functional integrity. RESULTS All the seminal parameters evaluated were affected by the synergistic interaction Age x BMI, suggesting that this combination is more potent in affecting semen quality. The variables sperm morphology and nuclear maturity seemed to be especially susceptible since they were affected by the three synergistic interactions. In the logistic regression analysis, age was the most powerful factor since it impacted first on five of the nine parameters, impacting mainly on sperm motility, viability, and morphology, with no effects on sperm count. On the contrary, BMI impacted first in sperm concentration and total sperm count; which was confirmed also by the logistic predictions analysis. Alcohol consumption impacted first on membrane functional integrity and nuclear maturity. A J-shaped association between BMI or alcohol consumption with semen quality was found in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION The factors considered in this study showed a synergistic negative impact on semen quality, being age and unhealthy weight the most important ones. Reducing the exposure to lifestyle risk factors may be promising for improving sperm quality in infertile patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Ramírez
- Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas (FCM), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba and Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud (INICSA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET)-FCM, Santa Rosa 1085, X5000ESU, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Gustavo Estofán
- Centro Integral de Ginecología, Obstetricia y Reproducción (CIGOR), Chacabuco 1123, X5000IIL, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Andrea Tissera
- Laboratorio de Andrología y Reproducción (LAR), Chacabuco 1089, X5000IIK, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Rosa Molina
- Laboratorio de Andrología y Reproducción (LAR), Chacabuco 1089, X5000IIK, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Eugenia Mercedes Luque
- Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas (FCM), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba and Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud (INICSA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET)-FCM, Santa Rosa 1085, X5000ESU, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Pedro Javier Torres
- Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas (FCM), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba and Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud (INICSA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET)-FCM, Santa Rosa 1085, X5000ESU, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Arnaldo Mangeaud
- Cátedra de Bioestadística, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Vélez Sarsfield 299, 5000, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ana Carolina Martini
- Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas (FCM), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba and Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud (INICSA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET)-FCM, Santa Rosa 1085, X5000ESU, Córdoba, Argentina.
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Marić T, Fučić A, Aghayanian A. Environmental and occupational exposures associated with male infertility. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 72:101-13. [PMID: 34187108 DOI: 10.2478/aiht-2021-72-3510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The upsurge in male infertility over the last two decades, possibly due to environmental exposure, has raised significant interest, particularly boosted by reports from fertility clinics, which showed that chronic diseases and hereditary or other medical conditions might only partially explain current incidence of male infertility. Both environmental and occupational settings may have a significant role in exposure to complex mixtures of endocrine disruptors (ED), which play a major role in fertility disorders. The aim of this review is to give an insight into the current knowledge on exposure settings which may be associated with male infertility. Our study relied on a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles published between January 2000 and September 2020. It showed that some well documented factors associated with male infertility include smoking, and physiological disturbances or chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes, which in turn, may also reflect lifestyle choices and environmental exposures, especially to EDs such as phthalates, bisphenols, pesticides, and flame retardants. However, the number of studies on the aetiology of male infertility is still too low in comparison with the size of affected population. Occupational health follow-ups and medical surveillance do not collect any data on male infertility, even though ED chemicals are part of many technological processes.
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Huyghe E, Boitrelle F, Methorst C, Mieusset R, Ray PF, Akakpo W, Koscinski I, Chalas C, Rives N, Plotton I, Robin G, El Osta R, Hennebicq S, Eustache F, Marcelli F, Lejeune H. [AFU and SALF recommendations for the evaluation of male infertility]. Prog Urol 2020; 31:131-144. [PMID: 33309127 DOI: 10.1016/j.purol.2020.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of these Association Française d'Urologie (AFU) and Société d'Andrologie de Langue Française (SALF) common recommendations are to provide practice guidelines for the French Urological and Andrological community regarding the evaluation of infertile men. MATERIAL AND METHODS Literature search in PubMed using the keywords "male infertility", "diagnosis", "management" and "evaluation" limited to clinical articles in English and French prior to 1/01/2020. To inform the level of evidence, the HAS grading system (2013) was applied. RESULTS Concerning the evaluation of infertile men, the AFU and the SALF recommend : (1) a systematic interview exploring the family history, the fertility history of the man outside the couple, the patient's personal history that may have an impact on his fertility, lifestyle habits, treatments, symptoms and possible sexual difficulties of the couple; (2) a general physical examination to assess signs of hypogonadism and secondary sexual characters; (3) a scrotal physical examination performed by an urologist or andrologist to assess (i) the testes for volume and consistency, (ii) vas deferens and epididymes for total or partial absence or nodules, and (iii) presence of varicoceles; (4) Performing two semen analyses, according to World Health Organization guidelines, if the first one has at least one abnormaly; (5) a scrotal ultrasound as part of routine investigation, that can be completed with an endorectal pelvic ultrasound according to the clinic; (6) an endocrine evaluation with at least a Testosterone and FSH serum determination; (7) Karyotype analysis in infertile men with a sperm concentration ≤10 106/mL; (8) assessment of Yq microdeletions in infertile men with a sperm concentration ≤1 106/mL; (9) Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene evaluation in case of suspicion for bilateral or unilateral congenital agenesis of vas deferens and seminal vesicles. The interest of tests analyzing DNA fragmentation (TUNEL, SCSA) is still under investigation. CONCLUSION These guidelines can be applied in routine clinical practice in all infertile men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Huyghe
- Département d'Urologie, Transplantation Rénale et Andrologie, CHU de Toulouse, site de Rangueil, Toulouse, France; Médecine de la Reproduction, CHU de Toulouse, site de Paule de Viguier, Toulouse, France.
| | - Florence Boitrelle
- Service de gynécologie-obstétrique, CHI Poissy/Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Poissy, France
| | | | - Roger Mieusset
- Médecine de la Reproduction, CHU de Toulouse, site de Paule de Viguier, Toulouse, France
| | - Pierre F Ray
- Service de Biologie, Génétique de la reproduction, CHU de Grenoble, France
| | - William Akakpo
- Service d'Urologie, Hôpital universitaire de la Pitié Salpêtrière, APHP, Paris, France
| | | | - Céline Chalas
- Service d'Histologie, embryologie, cytologie, Hôpital Cochin, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Rives
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction, CECOS, CHU de Rouen, France
| | - Ingrid Plotton
- Service de médecine de la reproduction, Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant, HCL, Bron, France
| | - Geoffroy Robin
- Service de gynécologie, Médecine de la reproduction, Hôpital Jeanne de Flandres, CHRU de Lille, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Hervé Lejeune
- Service de médecine de la reproduction, Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant, HCL, Bron, France
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