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Bazrafkan M, Nikmehr B, Shahverdi A, Hosseini SR, Hassani F, Poorhassan M, Mokhtari T, Abolhassani F, Choobineh H, Beyer C, Hassanzadeh G. Lipid Peroxidation and Its Role in the Expression of NLRP1a and NLRP3 Genes in Testicular Tissue of Male Rats: a Model of Spinal Cord Injury. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2018; 22:151-9. [PMID: 29034676 PMCID: PMC5889500 DOI: 10.22034/ibj.22.3.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background: The majority of male patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) suffer from infertility. Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptors NOD-like receptors (NLRs) are a kind of receptors that corporate in the inflammasome complex. Recent studies have introduced the inflammasome as the responsible agent for secreting cytokines in semen. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) is one of the elements that trigger inflammasome activation. Genital infections in SCI can lead to ROS generation. We investigated the relation between lipid peroxidation and inflammasome complex activity in testicular tissue of SCI rats. Methods: Adult male rats (n=20), weighting 200-250 g, were included and divided into four groups: three experimental groups, including SCI1, SCI3, and SCI7, i.e. the rats were subjected to SCI procedure and sacrificed after one, three, and seven days, respectively and a control group. We performed a moderate, midline spinal contusion injury at thoracic level 10. The animals were anesthetized, and testes were collected for measurement of gene expression by real-time PCR. Caudal parts of epididymis were collected for malondialdehyde (MDA) measurement. Results: No NLRP1a mRNA overexpression was seen in the testes of control and SCI groups. After seven days from SCI surgery, NLRP3 mRNA expression was significantly increased in SCI7 animals (p ≤ 0.05). There was a significant difference in MDA level in SCI7 versus control group, as well as SCI1 and SCI3 animals (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: NLRP3 overexpression occurs due to the increased ROS production in testis tissue of SCI rats
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahshid Bazrafkan
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Banafsheh Nikmehr
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Seyed Reza Hosseini
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Hassani
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Embryology, Royan Institiute, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahnaz Poorhassan
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tahmineh Mokhtari
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.,Research center of nervous system stem cells, Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Farid Abolhassani
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Choobineh
- School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Cordian Beyer
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Gholamreza Hassanzadeh
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Prevalence of parenthood in wheelchair-dependent persons with long-term spinal cord injury in the Netherlands. Spinal Cord 2018; 56:607-613. [PMID: 29352157 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-018-0060-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Multicenter cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence of parenthood in long-term wheelchair-dependent persons who sustained a spinal cord injury (SCI) during their reproductive years. Secondary aims were to (1) explore patient-specific and disease-related factors associated with parenthood after SCI; and (2) quantify fertility aids used by men with SCI. SETTING Eight specialized SCI rehabilitation centers in the Netherlands. METHODS Questionnaires and physical examination were applied in 255 persons with SCI. Prevalence rates of parenthood among the general Dutch population were used for comparison. Logistic regression analyses were used to explore factors associated with parenthood after SCI. RESULTS Prevalence of parenthood in SCI was 50% in men and 45% in women, which was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than rates in the general population (74% in men and 81% in women). Among the parents with SCI, most (66% of males and 72% of females) of them had children after SCI. Parenting children after SCI was associated with partnership (OR = 14.5, P < .001 [men]; OR = 3.7, P = .05 [women]), normal micturition (OR = 4.9, P = .02 [men]), incomplete lesion (OR = 5.4, P = .03 [women]), and paraplegia (OR = 7.3, P = .02 [women]). The most frequently used methods for ejaculation and fertilization were electroejaculation (29%) and intracytoplasmatic sperm injection (23%). CONCLUSIONS Prevalence of parenthood in SCI persons is low. However, half of the persons with SCI do become parents, with most doing so following SCI. Demographic and disease-related factors may contribute to this.
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Trofimenko V, Hotaling JM. Fertility treatment in spinal cord injury and other neurologic disease. Transl Androl Urol 2016; 5:102-16. [PMID: 26904416 PMCID: PMC4739989 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2223-4683.2015.12.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility in individuals with neurologic disorders is complex in etiology and manifestation. Its management therefore often requires a multimodal approach. This review addresses the implications of spinal cord injury (SCI) and other neurologic disease on fertility, including the high prevalence of sexual dysfunction, ejaculation disorders and compromised semen parameters. Available treatment approaches discussed include assisted ejaculation techniques and assisted reproductive technology including surgical sperm retrieval and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Trofimenko
- 1 Division of Urology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA ; 2 Center for Reconstructive Urology and Men's Health, Division of Urology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - James M Hotaling
- 1 Division of Urology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA ; 2 Center for Reconstructive Urology and Men's Health, Division of Urology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Ibrahim E, Lynne CM, Brackett NL. Male fertility following spinal cord injury: an update. Andrology 2015; 4:13-26. [PMID: 26536656 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Revised: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs most often in young men at the peak of their reproductive health. The majority of men with SCI cannot father children naturally. Three major complications contribute to infertility in men with SCI: erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction, and abnormal semen quality. Erectile dysfunction can be managed by regimens available to the general population, including oral administration of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors, intracavernosal injections, vacuum devices, and penile prostheses. Semen may be obtained from anejaculatory men with SCI via the medically assisted ejaculation methods of penile vibratory stimulation (PVS) or electroejaculation (EEJ). Sperm retrieval is also possible via prostate massage or surgical sperm retrieval. Most men with SCI have abnormal semen quality characterized by normal sperm concentrations but abnormally low sperm motility and viability. Accessory gland dysfunction has been proposed as the cause of these abnormalities. Leukocytospermia is evident in most SCI patients. Additionally, elevated concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines and elevated concentrations of inflammasome components are found in their semen. Neutralization of these constituents has resulted in improved sperm motility. There is a recent and alarming trend in the management of infertility in couples with SCI male partners. Although many men with SCI have sufficient motile sperm in their ejaculates for attempting intrauterine insemination (IUI) or even intravaginal insemination, surgical sperm retrieval is often introduced as the first and only sperm retrieval method for these couples. Surgical sperm retrieval commits the couple to the most advanced, expensive, and invasive method of assisted conception: in vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI). Couples should be informed of all options, including semen retrieval by PVS or EEJ. Intravaginal insemination or IUI should be considered when indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Ibrahim
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - C M Lynne
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.,Department of Urology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - N L Brackett
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.,Department of Urology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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Brackett NL. Infertility in men with spinal cord injury: research and treatment. SCIENTIFICA 2012; 2012:578257. [PMID: 24278717 PMCID: PMC3820516 DOI: 10.6064/2012/578257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2012] [Accepted: 11/08/2012] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs most often to young men. Following SCI, most men are infertile due to a combination of erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction and semen abnormalities. Erectile dysfunction may be treated by the same therapies that are used in the general population. Similarly, the same treatments that are effective to assist conception in couples with non-SCI male factor patients are effective in assisting conception in SCI male-factor patients. The most apparent differences in male-factor symptoms between SCI and non-SCI patients are the high occurrences of anejaculation and atypical semen profiles in men with SCI. Methods available to assist ejaculation in men with SCI include penile vibratory stimulation and EEJ. Use of surgical sperm retrieval as the first line of treatment for anejaculation in men with SCI is controversial. Most men with SCI have a unique semen profile characterized by normal sperm concentration, but abnormally low sperm motility. Toxic substances in the semen contribute to this problem. Despite impaired sperm parameters, pregnancy outcomes using sperm from men with SCI are similar to pregnancy outcomes using sperm from non-SCI men. Future studies should focus on improving natural ejaculation and improving semen quality in these men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy L. Brackett
- Lois Pope Life Center, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Room 2-17, 1095 NW 14th Terrace, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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Pregnancy outcomes by intravaginal and intrauterine insemination in 82 couples with male factor infertility due to spinal cord injuries. Fertil Steril 2011; 96:328-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2011] [Revised: 05/03/2011] [Accepted: 05/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Brackett N, Lynne C, Attia G, Carmack A, Cava A, Goodman K. Treatment of Infertility in Men with Spinal Cord Injury: Medical Progress and Ethical Considerations. Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil 2008. [DOI: 10.1310/sci1304-120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Kafetsoulis A, Brackett NL, Ibrahim E, Attia GR, Lynne CM. Current trends in the treatment of infertility in men with spinal cord injury. Fertil Steril 2006; 86:781-9. [PMID: 16963042 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2006.01.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2005] [Revised: 01/05/2006] [Accepted: 01/05/2006] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine current use of penile vibratory stimulation (PVS), electroejaculation (EEJ), and intrauterine insemination (IUI) in treatment of infertility in men with spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN Prospective survey, retrospective chart review, and literature review. SETTING Major university medical center. PATIENT(S) Male SCI patients and female partners. INTERVENTION(S) A survey administered to professionals determined current treatment methods for infertility in couples with SCI male partners. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Sperm retrieval methods, ejaculation success rates, total motile sperm (TMS), IUI application, and IUI outcomes. RESULT(S) Twenty-eight percent of surveyed professionals do not retrieve sperm from ejaculates of SCI patients, relying instead on retrieval from reproductive tissues. Reasons for not offering PVS or EEJ were lack of familiarity, training, or equipment. Thirty-four percent do not offer IUI to these couples. Chart review showed that semen could be retrieved by PVS or EEJ in 95% of patients. Fifty-three percent and 43% of trials had TMS >5 and >10 x 10(6), respectively. Of survey respondents performing IUI, 42% lacked enough data to estimate pregnancy rates (PRs) in these couples. Literature review showed IUI PRs between 9% and 18% per cycle and 30% and 60% per couple. CONCLUSION(S) Based on ejaculation success rates, TMS yields, and IUI outcomes, the methods of PVS, EEJ, and IUI warrant consideration in centers not currently offering these options for couples with SCI male partners.
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Impact of Sperm Collection Methods on Sperm Parameters in Spinal Cord Injured Men and Compared to Normal Controls in ICSI Program. SEXUALITY AND DISABILITY 2006. [DOI: 10.1007/s11195-006-9015-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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DeForge D, Blackmer J, Garritty C, Yazdi F, Cronin V, Barrowman N, Fang M, Mamaladze V, Zhang L, Sampson M, Moher D. Fertility following spinal cord injury: a systematic review. Spinal Cord 2005; 43:693-703. [PMID: 15951744 DOI: 10.1038/sj.sc.3101769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Systematic review. OBJECTIVES To review systematically fertility of persons with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and their partners. METHODS Reports from six databases (1966-2003), selected annual proceedings (1997-2002) and manufacturer's information were screened against eligibility criteria. Searches covered female obstetrical issues, and the efficacy of vibration and electroejaculation for males, as well as advanced fertility (AF) treatments for partners of SCI males. Data were pooled from case-series reports on SCI males' ejaculation, and pregnancies and live births for partners of SCI males. RESULTS In all, 2,127 unique reports were evaluated, of which 66 reports were included. No studies investigated fertility in SCI females. Ejaculation interventions in the last decade resulted in response rates of 95% (95% confidence intervals (CI) 91%, 99%), with 100% response rate reported in several recent publications. A total of 13 studies (1993-2001) yielded pregnancy rates of 51% (95% CI 42%, 60%) in partners of SCI males. Of these, 11 studies (1993-2003) yielded live birth rates of 41% (95% CI 33%, 49%). CONCLUSIONS Fertility of SCI males is extensively studied. Semen for fertility purposes can generally be obtained using vibration and electroejaculation. AF techniques are increasing pregnancy rates. Research is needed to improve sperm quality. Freezing of sperm is unlikely to significantly improve fertility rates. Fertility of SCI females is addressed only in case reports and opinion articles. The opinion that female fertility is unaffected by SCI should be further investigated using appropriate research methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- D DeForge
- Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, The Rehabilitation Centre, University of Ottawa, The Ottawa Hospital General Campus, Canada
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