1
|
Pérez Casasús S, Luongo FP, Haxhiu A, Orini M, Scupoli G, Governini L, Piomboni P, Buratini J, Dal Canto M, Luddi A. Paternal Age Amplifies Cryopreservation-Induced Stress in Human Spermatozoa. Cells 2024; 13:625. [PMID: 38607064 PMCID: PMC11011712 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070625] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The global fall in male fertility is a complicated process driven by a variety of factors, including environmental exposure, lifestyle, obesity, stress, and aging. The availability of assisted reproductive technology (ART) has allowed older couples to conceive, increasing the average paternal age at first childbirth. Advanced paternal age (APA), most often considered male age ≥40, has been described to impact several aspects of male reproductive physiology. In this prospective cohort study including 200 normozoospermic patients, 105 of whom were ≤35 years (non-APA), and 95 of whom were ≥42 years (APA), we assessed the impact of paternal age on different endpoints representative of sperm quality and cryopreservation tolerance. Non-APA patients had superior fresh semen quality; DNA fragmentation was notably increased in APA as compared to non-APA individuals (21.7% vs. 15.4%). Cryopreservation further increased the DNA fragmentation index in APA (26.7%) but not in non-APA patients. Additionally, APA was associated with increased mtDNAcn in both fresh and frozen/thawed sperm, which is indicative of poorer mitochondrial quality. Cryopreservation negatively impacted acrosome integrity in both age groups, as indicated by reduced incidences of unreacted acrosome in relation to fresh counterparts in non-APA (from 71.5% to 57.7%) and APA patients (from 75% to 63%). Finally, cryopreservation significantly reduced the phosphorylation status of proteins containing tyrosine residues in sperm from young males. Therefore, the present findings shed light on the effects of paternal age and cryopreservation on sperm quality and serve as valuable new parameters to improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying sperm developmental competence that are under threat in current ART practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pérez Casasús
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.P.C.); (F.P.L.); (A.H.); (M.O.); (G.S.); (L.G.); (A.L.)
| | - Francesca Paola Luongo
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.P.C.); (F.P.L.); (A.H.); (M.O.); (G.S.); (L.G.); (A.L.)
| | - Alesandro Haxhiu
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.P.C.); (F.P.L.); (A.H.); (M.O.); (G.S.); (L.G.); (A.L.)
| | - Martina Orini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.P.C.); (F.P.L.); (A.H.); (M.O.); (G.S.); (L.G.); (A.L.)
| | - Giorgia Scupoli
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.P.C.); (F.P.L.); (A.H.); (M.O.); (G.S.); (L.G.); (A.L.)
| | - Laura Governini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.P.C.); (F.P.L.); (A.H.); (M.O.); (G.S.); (L.G.); (A.L.)
| | - Paola Piomboni
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.P.C.); (F.P.L.); (A.H.); (M.O.); (G.S.); (L.G.); (A.L.)
| | - Jose Buratini
- Biogenesi Reproductive Medicine Center, Istituti Clinici Zucchi, 20900 Monza, Italy; (J.B.); (M.D.C.)
| | - Mariabeatrice Dal Canto
- Biogenesi Reproductive Medicine Center, Istituti Clinici Zucchi, 20900 Monza, Italy; (J.B.); (M.D.C.)
| | - Alice Luddi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.P.C.); (F.P.L.); (A.H.); (M.O.); (G.S.); (L.G.); (A.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lahimer M, Abou Diwan M, Montjean D, Cabry R, Bach V, Ajina M, Ben Ali H, Benkhalifa M, Khorsi-Cauet H. Endocrine disrupting chemicals and male fertility: from physiological to molecular effects. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1232646. [PMID: 37886048 PMCID: PMC10598475 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1232646] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The deleterious effects of chemical or non-chemical endocrine disruptors (EDs) on male fertility potential is well documented but still not fully elucidated. For example, the detection of industrial chemicals' metabolites in seminal plasma and follicular fluid can affect efficiency of the gametogenesis, the maturation and competency of gametes and has guided scientists to hypothesize that endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may disrupt hormonal homoeostasis by leading to a wide range of hormonal control impairments. The effects of EDCs exposure on reproductive health are highly dependent on factors including the type of EDCs, the duration of exposure, individual susceptibility, and the presence of other co-factors. Research and scientists continue to study these complex interactions. The aim of this review is to summarize the literature to better understand the potential reproductive health risks of EDCs in France.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Lahimer
- ART and Reproductive Biology Laboratory, University Hospital and School of Medicine, CHU Sud, Amiens, France
- PERITOX-(UMR-I 01), UPJV/INERIS, UPJV, CURS, Chemin du Thil, Amiens, France
- Exercise Physiology and Physiopathology: from Integrated to Molecular “Biology, Medicine and Health” (Code: LR19ES09), Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Maria Abou Diwan
- PERITOX-(UMR-I 01), UPJV/INERIS, UPJV, CURS, Chemin du Thil, Amiens, France
| | - Debbie Montjean
- Fertilys, Centres de Fertilité, Laval and Brossard, QC, Canada
| | - Rosalie Cabry
- ART and Reproductive Biology Laboratory, University Hospital and School of Medicine, CHU Sud, Amiens, France
- PERITOX-(UMR-I 01), UPJV/INERIS, UPJV, CURS, Chemin du Thil, Amiens, France
| | - Véronique Bach
- PERITOX-(UMR-I 01), UPJV/INERIS, UPJV, CURS, Chemin du Thil, Amiens, France
| | - Mounir Ajina
- Service of Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Farhat Hached, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Habib Ben Ali
- Laboratory Histology Embryology, Faculty of Medicine Sousse, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Moncef Benkhalifa
- ART and Reproductive Biology Laboratory, University Hospital and School of Medicine, CHU Sud, Amiens, France
- PERITOX-(UMR-I 01), UPJV/INERIS, UPJV, CURS, Chemin du Thil, Amiens, France
| | - Hafida Khorsi-Cauet
- ART and Reproductive Biology Laboratory, University Hospital and School of Medicine, CHU Sud, Amiens, France
- PERITOX-(UMR-I 01), UPJV/INERIS, UPJV, CURS, Chemin du Thil, Amiens, France
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lahimer M, Montjean D, Cabry R, Capelle S, Lefranc E, Bach V, Ajina M, Ben Ali H, Khorsi-Cauet H, Benkhalifa M. Paternal Age Matters: Association with Sperm Criteria's- Spermatozoa DNA Integrity and Methylation Profile. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4928. [PMID: 37568329 PMCID: PMC10420110 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12154928] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Advanced age has been reported to negatively affect sperm parameters and spermatozoa DNA integrity. A decline in sperm criteria was also associated with altered epigenetic marks such as DNA methylation with a potential downstream impact on in vitro fertilization success and clinical outcomes. The aim of the present retrospective study was to clarify the association between advanced paternal age (APA) and sperm parameters, DNA integrity and DNA methylation profile. A total of 671 patients consulting for infertility underwent sperm analysis, sperm DNA integrity assessment and methylation level measurement. The principal finding was that individuals over 40 years of age exhibit a significant increase in DNA fragmentation levels compared to the younger group (15% versus 9%, respectively, p = 0.04). However, there was no significant difference in DNA decondensation and sperm parameters in association with APA. In addition, a drop in the global methylation level was also found in men over 40 years (6% in the young group versus 2% in the old group, p = 0.03). As a conclusion, men over 40 years are at higher risk of elevated sperm DNA fragmentation and lower methylation level. Based on these observations, it is recommended that the assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation should be taken into consideration particularly after the age of 40. Our findings support the idea that paternal age is a crucial factor that should not be neglected during fertility evaluation and treatment since it is associated with epigenetics changes in sperm. Although the underlying mechanism remains to be clarified, we believe that environmental and professional exposure factors are likely involved in the process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Lahimer
- Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology & Genetics, University Hospital and School of Medicine, Picardie University Jules Verne, CHU Sud, 80054 Amiens, France; (M.L.); (R.C.); (S.C.); (E.L.); (M.B.)
- PERITOX—Périnatalité et Risques Toxiques—UMR-I1, Picardie University Jules Verne, CHU Sud, 80025 Amiens, France;
- Exercise Physiology and Physiopathology: From Integrated to Molecular “Biology, Medicine and Health” (Code: LR19ES09), Sousse 4002, Tunisia
| | - Debbie Montjean
- Fertilys, Centres de Fertilité, Laval and Brossard, Québec, QC H7S 1Z5, Canada;
| | - Rosalie Cabry
- Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology & Genetics, University Hospital and School of Medicine, Picardie University Jules Verne, CHU Sud, 80054 Amiens, France; (M.L.); (R.C.); (S.C.); (E.L.); (M.B.)
- PERITOX—Périnatalité et Risques Toxiques—UMR-I1, Picardie University Jules Verne, CHU Sud, 80025 Amiens, France;
| | - Severine Capelle
- Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology & Genetics, University Hospital and School of Medicine, Picardie University Jules Verne, CHU Sud, 80054 Amiens, France; (M.L.); (R.C.); (S.C.); (E.L.); (M.B.)
| | - Elodie Lefranc
- Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology & Genetics, University Hospital and School of Medicine, Picardie University Jules Verne, CHU Sud, 80054 Amiens, France; (M.L.); (R.C.); (S.C.); (E.L.); (M.B.)
| | - Véronique Bach
- PERITOX—Périnatalité et Risques Toxiques—UMR-I1, Picardie University Jules Verne, CHU Sud, 80025 Amiens, France;
| | - Mounir Ajina
- Unit of Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Farhat Hached, Sousse 4000, Tunisia;
| | - Habib Ben Ali
- Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, University of Sousse, Sousse 4000, Tunisia;
| | - Hafida Khorsi-Cauet
- Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology & Genetics, University Hospital and School of Medicine, Picardie University Jules Verne, CHU Sud, 80054 Amiens, France; (M.L.); (R.C.); (S.C.); (E.L.); (M.B.)
- PERITOX—Périnatalité et Risques Toxiques—UMR-I1, Picardie University Jules Verne, CHU Sud, 80025 Amiens, France;
| | - Moncef Benkhalifa
- Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology & Genetics, University Hospital and School of Medicine, Picardie University Jules Verne, CHU Sud, 80054 Amiens, France; (M.L.); (R.C.); (S.C.); (E.L.); (M.B.)
- PERITOX—Périnatalité et Risques Toxiques—UMR-I1, Picardie University Jules Verne, CHU Sud, 80025 Amiens, France;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Male infertility is a widespread disease with an etiology that is not always clear. A number of studies have reported a decrease in sperm production in the last forty years. Although the reasons are still undefined, the change in environmental conditions and the higher exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), namely bisphenol A, phthalates, polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated diphenyl esters, dichlorodiphenyl-dichloroethylene, pesticides, and herbicides, organophosphates, and heavy metals, starting from prenatal life may represent a possible factor justifying the temporal decline in sperm count. AIM The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive description of the effects of the exposure to EDCs on testicular development, spermatogenesis, the prevalence of malformations of the male genital tract (cryptorchidism, testicular dysgenesis, and hypospadias), testicular tumor, and the mechanisms of testicular EDC-mediated damage. NARRATIVE REVIEW Animal studies confirm the deleterious impact of EDCs on the male reproductive apparatus. EDCs can compromise male fertility by binding to hormone receptors, dysregulating the expression of receptors, disrupting steroidogenesis and hormonal metabolism, and altering the epigenetic mechanisms. In humans, exposure to EDCs has been associated with poor semen quality, increased sperm DNA fragmentation, increased gonadotropin levels, a slightly increased risk of structural abnormalities of the genital apparatus, such as cryptorchidism and hypospadias, and development of testicular tumor. Finally, maternal exposure to EDCs seems to predispose to the risk of developing testicular tumors. CONCLUSION EDCs negatively impact the testicular function, as suggested by evidence in both experimental animals and humans. A prenatal and postnatal increase to EDC exposure compared to the past may likely represent one of the factors leading to the temporal decline in sperm counts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Cannarella
- Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Murat Gül
- Department of Urology, Selcuk University School of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
| | | | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine (Virtual Research), Global Andrology Forum, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sun Z, Wen Y, Wang B, Deng S, Zhang F, Fu Z, Yuan Y, Zhang D. Toxic effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on sperm: Epidemiological and experimental evidence. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1114463. [PMID: 36891048 PMCID: PMC9986484 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1114463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
As emerging organic contaminants, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have aroused worldwide concern due to their environmental persistence, ubiquitous presence, bioaccumulation, and potential toxicity. It has been demonstrated that PFASs can accumulate in human body and cause multiple adverse health outcomes. Notably, PFASs have been detected in the semen of human, posing a potential hazard to male fecundity. This article reviews the evidence about the toxic effects of exposure to PFASs on male reproduction, focusing on the sperm quality. Epidemiological studies showed that PFASs, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), were adversely associated with the semen parameters in humans, including sperm count, morphology and motility. Experimental results also confirmed that PFAS exposure led to testicular and epididymal damage, therefore impairing spermatogenesis and sperm quality. The mechanisms of reproductive toxicity of PFASs may be involved in blood-testosterone barrier destruction, testicular apoptosis, testosterone synthesis disorder, and membrane lipid composition alteration, oxidative stress and Ca2+ influx in sperm. In conclusion, this review highlighted the potential threat of exposure to PFASs to human spermatozoa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhangbei Sun
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yiqian Wen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Binhui Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Shiyi Deng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhendong Fu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yangyang Yuan
- Clinical Medical Experimental Center, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Dalei Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- *Correspondence: Dalei Zhang,
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ayad B, Omolaoye TS, Louw N, Ramsunder Y, Skosana BT, Oyeipo PI, Du Plessis SS. Oxidative Stress and Male Infertility: Evidence From a Research Perspective. Front Reprod Health 2022; 4:822257. [PMID: 36303652 PMCID: PMC9580735 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2022.822257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Male fertility potential can be influenced by a variety of conditions that frequently coincide. Spermatozoa are particularly susceptible to oxidative damage due to their limited antioxidant capacity and cell membrane rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The role of oxidative stress (OS) in the etiology of male infertility has been the primary focus of our Stellenbosch University Reproductive Research Group (SURRG) over the last 10 years. This review aims to provide a novel insight into the impact of OS on spermatozoa and male reproductive function by reviewing the OS-related findings from a wide variety of studies conducted in our laboratory, along with those emerging from other investigators. We will provide a concise overview of the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the development of OS in the male reproductive tract along with the physiological and pathological effects thereof on male reproductive functions. Recent advances in methods and techniques used for the assessment of OS will also be highlighted. We will furthermore consider the current evidence regarding the association between OS and ejaculatory abstinence period, as well as the potential mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of various systemic diseases such as obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and certain mental health disorders which have been shown to cause OS induced male infertility. Finally, special emphasis will be placed on the potential for transferring and incorporating research findings emanating from different experimental studies into clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bashir Ayad
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Misurata University, Misrata, Libya
- Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Temidayo S. Omolaoye
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nicola Louw
- Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Yashthi Ramsunder
- Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Bongekile T. Skosana
- Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Peter I. Oyeipo
- Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
- Department of Physiology, College of Health Sciences, Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria
| | - Stefan S. Du Plessis
- Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|