1
|
Aitken RJ, Lewis SEM. DNA damage in testicular germ cells and spermatozoa. When and how is it induced? How should we measure it? What does it mean? Andrology 2023; 11:1545-1557. [PMID: 36604857 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
This review surveys the causes and consequences of DNA damage in the male germ line from spermatogonial stem cells to fully differentiated spermatozoa. Within the stem cell population, DNA integrity is well maintained as a result of excellent DNA surveillance and repair; however, a progressive increase in background mutation rates does occur with paternal age possibly as a result of aberrant DNA repair as well as replication error. Once a germ cell has committed to spermatogenesis, it responds to genetic damage via a range of DNA repair pathways or, if this process fails, by the induction of apoptosis. When fully-differentiated spermatozoa are stressed, they also activate a truncated intrinsic apoptotic pathway which results in the activation of nucleases in the mitochondria and cytoplasm; however, the physical architecture of these cells prevents these enzymes from translocating to the nucleus to induce DNA fragmentation. Conversely, hydrogen peroxide released from the sperm midpiece during apoptosis is able to penetrate the nucleus and induce DNA damage. The base excision repair pathway responds to such damage by cleaving oxidized bases from the DNA, leaving abasic sites that are alkali-labile and readily detected with the comet assay. As levels of oxidative stress increase and these cells enter the perimortem, topoisomerase integrated into the sperm chromatin becomes activated by SUMOylation. Such activation may initially facilitate DNA repair by reannealing double strand breaks but ultimately prepares the DNA for destruction by nucleases released from the male reproductive tract. The abasic sites and oxidized base lesions found in live spermatozoa are mutagenic and may increase the mutational load carried by the offspring, particularly in the context of assisted conception. A variety of strategies are described for managing patients expressing high levels of DNA damage in their spermatozoa, to reduce the risks such lesions might pose to offspring health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive, Science, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sheena E M Lewis
- Queens University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- Examen Ltd., Weavers Court, Belfast, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xie P, Kocur OM, Cheung S, Ng L, Albertini DF, Rosenwaks Z, Palermo GD. Sperm centriolar factors and genetic defects that can predict pregnancy. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:720-728. [PMID: 37487819 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
The human sperm centrosome, comprising the two morphologically distinct centrioles and associated pericentriolar materials, plays a crucial role in fertilization and early embryonic development after fertilization. Once inside the oocyte, the sperm centrosome serves as a microtubule-organizing center, orchestrating mitotic spindle formation, chromosome segregation, and syngamy. Abnormalities of the sperm centrosome can lead to abnormal embryonic development and embryonic chromosomal instability, and are associated with pregnancy loss. Recent research has shed light on the molecular composition, regulation, and function of this vital organelle. Understanding the intricacies of the sperm centrosome is crucial for elucidating the mechanisms underlying successful fertilization and early embryonic development, as well as addressing infertility and developmental disorders associated with centrosomal defects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip Xie
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | | | - Stephanie Cheung
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Lily Ng
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | | | - Zev Rosenwaks
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Gianpiero D Palermo
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang H, Wang Z, Zhou T, Morris D, Chen S, Li M, Wang Y, Zheng H, Fu W, Yan W. Small RNA shuffling between murine sperm and their cytoplasmic droplets during epididymal maturation. Dev Cell 2023; 58:779-790.e4. [PMID: 37023748 PMCID: PMC10627525 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Reports that mouse sperm gain small RNAs from the epididymosomes secreted by epididymal epithelial cells and that these "foreign" small RNAs act as an epigenetic information carrier mediating the transmission of acquired paternal traits have drawn great attention because the findings suggest that heritable information can flow from soma to germ line, thus invalidating the long-standing Weismann's barrier theory on heritable information flow. Using small RNA sequencing (sRNA-seq), northern blots, sRNA in situ hybridization, and immunofluorescence, we detected substantial changes in the small RNA profile in murine caput epididymal sperm (sperm in the head of the epididymis), and we further determined that the changes resulted from sperm exchanging small RNAs, mainly tsRNAs and rsRNAs, with cytoplasmic droplets rather than the epididymosomes. Moreover, the murine sperm-borne small RNAs were mainly derived from the nuclear small RNAs in late spermatids. Thus, caution is needed regarding sperm gaining foreign small RNAs as an underlying mechanism of epigenetic inheritance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hetan Wang
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA, Torrance, CA 90502, USA; Department of Medical Genetics, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Zhuqing Wang
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Tong Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Dayton Morris
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Sheng Chen
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Musheng Li
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Yue Wang
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Huili Zheng
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Weineng Fu
- Department of Medical Genetics, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Wei Yan
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA, Torrance, CA 90502, USA; Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Soto-Heras S, Sakkas D, Miller DJ. Sperm selection by the oviduct: perspectives for male fertility and assisted reproductive technologies†. Biol Reprod 2023; 108:538-552. [PMID: 36625382 PMCID: PMC10106845 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The contribution of sperm to embryogenesis is gaining attention with up to 50% of infertility cases being attributed to a paternal factor. The traditional methods used in assisted reproductive technologies for selecting and assessing sperm quality are mainly based on motility and viability parameters. However, other sperm characteristics, including deoxyribonucleic acid integrity, have major consequences for successful live birth. In natural reproduction, sperm navigate the male and female reproductive tract to reach and fertilize the egg. During transport, sperm encounter many obstacles that dramatically reduce the number arriving at the fertilization site. In humans, the number of sperm is reduced from tens of millions in the ejaculate to hundreds in the Fallopian tube (oviduct). Whether this sperm population has higher fertilization potential is not fully understood, but several studies in animals indicate that many defective sperm do not advance to the site of fertilization. Moreover, the oviduct plays a key role in fertility by modulating sperm transport, viability, and maturation, providing sperm that are ready to fertilize at the appropriate time. Here we present evidence of sperm selection by the oviduct with emphasis on the mechanisms of selection and the sperm characteristics selected. Considering the sperm parameters that are essential for healthy embryonic development, we discuss the use of novel in vitro sperm selection methods that mimic physiological conditions. We propose that insight gained from understanding how the oviduct selects sperm can be translated to assisted reproductive technologies to yield high fertilization, embryonic development, and pregnancy rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Soto-Heras
- Department of Animal Sciences and Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | | | - David J Miller
- Department of Animal Sciences and Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Alvarez JG, García-Peiró A, Barros A, Ferraz L, Sousa M, Sakkas D. Double strand DNA breaks in sperm: the bad guy in the crowd. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:745-751. [PMID: 36823317 PMCID: PMC10224897 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02748-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The main objective of this opinion paper was to bring to light and enhance our understanding of the amount of double-strand DNA breaks in sperm and whether there is a threshold of no return when considering repair by the oocyte/embryo. METHODS A brief review of literature related to the theories proposed for the appearance of double-strand breaks in human spermatozoa. Further commentary regarding their detection, how oocytes or embryos may deal with them, and what are the consequences if they are not repaired. Finally, a strategy for dealing with patients who have higher levels of double-strand DNA breaks in sperm is proposed by reviewing and presenting data using testicular extracted sperm. RESULTS We propose a theory that a threshold may exist in the oocyte that allows either complete or partial DNA repair of impaired sperm. The closer that an embryo is exposed to the threshold, the more the effect on the ensuing embryo will fail to reach various milestones, including blastocyst stage, implantation, pregnancy loss, an adverse delivery outcome, or offspring health. We also present a summary of the role that testicular sperm extraction may play in improving outcomes for couples in which the male has a high double-strand DNA break level in his sperm. CONCLUSIONS Double-strand DNA breaks in sperm provide a greater stress on repair mechanisms and challenge the threshold of repair in oocytes. It is therefore imperative that we improve our understanding and diagnostic ability of sperm DNA, and in particular, how double-strand DNA breaks originate and how an oocyte or embryo is able to deal with them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Agustin García-Peiró
- Centro de Infertilidad Masculina y Análisis de Barcelona (CIMAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alberto Barros
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Centro de Genética da Reprodução Alberto Barros, Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís Ferraz
- Department of Urology, Hospital Centre of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Unit 1, Rua Conceição Fernandes 1079, 4434-502 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - Mário Sousa
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine/ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Moretti E, Noto D, Corsaro R, Collodel G. Focus on centrin in normal and altered human spermatozoa. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2023; 69:175-187. [PMID: 36892570 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2023.2181115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
This review provides details on the role of centrin in human spermatozoa and in various forms of male infertility. Centrin is a calcium (Ca2+)-binding phosphoprotein that is located in the centrioles - which are typical structures of the sperm connecting piece and play a key role in centrosome dynamics during sperm morphogenesis - as well as in zygotes and early embryos during spindle assembly. In humans, three different centrin genes encoding three isoforms have been discovered. Centrin 1, the only one expressed in spermatozoa, seems to be lost inside the oocyte after fertilization. The sperm connecting piece is characterized by the presence of numerous proteins including centrin, that deserves particular attention because, in humans, it is enriched during maturation of the centrioles. In normal sperm, centrin 1 is visible as two distinct spots in the head-tail junction; however, in some defective spermatozoa, centrin 1 distribution is altered. Centrin has been studied in humans and animal models. Its mutations may lead to several structural alterations, such as serious defects in the connective piece and, subsequently, fertilization failure or incomplete embryonic development. However, the effects of these abnormalities on male fertility have not been fully studied. Because the presence and the function of centrin in the sperm connecting piece appears important for reproductive success, additional studies are needed to bring medical benefits in resolving some cases of idiopathic infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Moretti
- Department Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Daria Noto
- Department Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Roberta Corsaro
- Department Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Giulia Collodel
- Department Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Conflitti AC, Cicolani G, Buonacquisto A, Pallotti F, Faja F, Bianchini S, Blaconà G, Bruno SM, Linari A, Lucarelli M, Montanino D, Muzii L, Lenzi A, Lombardo F, Paoli D. Sperm DNA Fragmentation and Sperm-Borne miRNAs: Molecular Biomarkers of Embryo Development? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021007. [PMID: 36674527 PMCID: PMC9864861 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The evaluation of morpho-functional sperm characteristics alone is not enough to explain infertility or to predict the outcome of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): more sensitive diagnostic tools are needed in clinical practice. The aim of the present study was to analyze Sperm DNA Fragmentation (SDF) and sperm-borne miR-34c-5p and miR-449b-5p levels in men of couples undergoing ART, in order to investigate any correlations with fertilization rate, embryo quality and development. Male partners (n = 106) were recruited. Semen analysis, SDF evaluation and molecular profiling analysis of miR-34c-5p and miR-449b-5p (in 38 subjects) were performed. Sperm DNA Fragmentation evaluation- a positive correlation between SDF post sperm selection and the percentage of low-quality embryos and a negative correlation with viable embryo were found. SDF > 2.9% increased the risk of obtaining a non-viable embryo by almost 4-fold. Sperm miRNAs profile—we found an association with both miRNAs and sperm concentration, while miR-449b-5p is positively associated with SDF. Moreover, the two miRNAs are positively correlated. Higher levels of miR-34c-5p compared to miR-449b-5p increases by 14-fold the probability of obtaining viable embryos. This study shows that SDF, sperm miR-34c-5p, and miR-449b-5p have a promising role as biomarkers of semen quality and ART outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Chiara Conflitti
- Laboratory of Seminology–Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Gaia Cicolani
- Laboratory of Seminology–Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Buonacquisto
- Laboratory of Seminology–Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Pallotti
- Laboratory of Seminology–Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiana Faja
- Laboratory of Seminology–Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Bianchini
- Laboratory of Seminology–Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Blaconà
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Sabina Maria Bruno
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Linari
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Lucarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Pasteur Institute, Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Diletta Montanino
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ludovico Muzii
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Lenzi
- Laboratory of Seminology–Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Lombardo
- Laboratory of Seminology–Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Paoli
- Laboratory of Seminology–Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Garcia-Grau E, Lleberia J, Costa L, Guitart M, Yeste M, Benet J, Amengual MJ, Ribas-Maynou J. Decline of Sperm Quality over the Last Two Decades in the South of Europe: A Retrospective Study in Infertile Patients. BIOLOGY 2022; 12:biology12010070. [PMID: 36671762 PMCID: PMC9856056 DOI: 10.3390/biology12010070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Semen quality has a direct relation to male fertility. Whether sperm variables in humans have decreased over the last years is still uncertain, with some studies showing a decline and others reporting no changes. In this regard, previous research has suggested that lifestyle and environmental conditions may contribute to this variability, calling for regional studies. The present work is a retrospective, unicentric study that includes semen samples analyzed between 1997 and 2017 at the Parc Taulí Hospital (Barcelona metropolitan area). First, a multivariate analysis including the age as a confounding factor showed a statistically significant decrease in semen volume, pH, progressive motility, morphology and total motile sperm over time. Contrarily, no significant variation in sperm count or concentration was observed. Mean reductions per year were -0.02 mL for volume, -0.57% for progressively motile sperm and -0.72% for sperm with normal morphology. Interestingly, the average annual temperature registered by the Spanish Meteorology Agency negatively correlated to sperm morphology and sperm count (Rs = -0.642; p = 0.002 and Rs = -0.435; p = 0.049, respectively). In conclusion, the present study based on infertile patients from the Barcelona area found a decline in sperm motility and morphology, without effects on sperm count. Changes in temperature appeared to be associated to this decline, but further studies are needed to address the mechanisms linked to the observed variations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Garcia-Grau
- Departament of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Parc Taulí Health Corporation, ES-08208 Sabadell, Spain
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, (Cerdanyola del Vallès), ES-08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Judith Lleberia
- Departament of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Parc Taulí Health Corporation, ES-08208 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Laura Costa
- Departament of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Parc Taulí Health Corporation, ES-08208 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Miriam Guitart
- UDIAT Diagnostic Center, Parc Taulí Health Corporation, ES-08208 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), ES-08010 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Jordi Benet
- Unit of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), ES-08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - María José Amengual
- UDIAT Diagnostic Center, Parc Taulí Health Corporation, ES-08208 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wan Y, Liu W, Xu B, Jiang X, Hua J. Association of paternal MTHFR polymorphisms (C677T) with clinical outcomes in ICSI treatment. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1084463. [PMID: 36619555 PMCID: PMC9816894 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1084463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to investigate the association between paternal methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms (C677T) and embryonic development, pregnancy, and neonatal outcomes in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment. METHODS A total of 191 infertile men undergoing ICSI treatment at the Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, were recruited between January 2020 and June 2021. The MTHFR C677T polymorphism genotyping was evaluated in these male patients, and they were stratified into three groups according to genotyping results: Control (CC), heterozygote mutated (CT), and mutated homozygote (TT). In addition, we conducted a comparative analysis of embryonic development, pregnancy, and neonatal outcomes among these three groups. RESULTS The embryonic development (including normal fertilization rate (80.14% vs. 83.06% vs. 85.10%; p = 0.37), high-quality embryo rate (45.26% vs. 43.69% vs. 46.04%; p = 0.72), blastocyst formation rate (42.47% vs. 43.18% vs. 39.38%; p = 0.62), implantation rate (42.47% vs. 36.25% vs. 41.22%; p = 0.62), and clinical pregnancy rate (64.71% vs. 58.75% vs. 66.67%; p = 0.59) were not comparable among these three groups. Moreover, no significant difference was observed in terms of pregnancy outcomes (including miscarriage rate (24.24% vs. 12.77% vs. 22.5%; p = 0.35) and live birth rate (49.02% vs. 51.25% vs. 51.66%; p = 0.96)). Additionally, no marked difference was observed in terms of neonatal outcome (including, preterm delivery rate (24% vs. 14.63% vs. 9.67%; p = 0.35), birth height (p = 0.75), birth weight (p = 0.35), neonatal sex (p = 0.48), gestational age at delivery (p = 0.24), Apgar score (p = 0.34), and birth defects (0% vs. 2% vs. 9%; p = 0.23) among the study groups. CONCLUSION The paternal MTHFR C677T polymorphism is not associated with embryo quality, pregnancy, or neonatal outcomes in ICSI treatment. Therefore, in our population, MTHFR polymorphisms do not provide helpful information in explaining ICSI failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Wan
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Wenjing Liu
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Bo Xu, ; Xiaohua Jiang, ; Juan Hua,
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Bo Xu, ; Xiaohua Jiang, ; Juan Hua,
| | - Juan Hua
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Bo Xu, ; Xiaohua Jiang, ; Juan Hua,
| |
Collapse
|