1
|
Abstract
Proteomic methodologies offer a robust approach to identify and quantify thousands of proteins from semen components in both fertile donors and infertile patients. These strategies provide an unprecedented discovery potential, which many research teams are currently exploiting. However, it is essential to follow a suitable experimental design to generate robust data, including proper purification of samples, appropriate technical procedures to increase identification throughput, and data analysis following quality criteria. More than 6000 proteins have been described so far through proteomic analyses in the mature sperm cell, increasing our knowledge on processes involved in sperm function, intercommunication between spermatozoa and seminal fluid, and the transcriptional origin of the proteins. These data have been complemented with comparative studies to ascertain the potential role of the identified proteins on sperm maturation and functionality, and its impact on infertility. By comparing sperm protein profiles, many proteins involved in the acquisition of fertilizing ability have been identified. Furthermore, altered abundance of specific protein groups has been observed in a wide range of infertile phenotypes, including asthenozoospermia, oligozoospermia, and normozoospermia with unsuccessful assisted reproductive techniques outcomes, leading to the identification of potential clinically useful protein biomarkers. Finally, proteomics has been used to evaluate alterations derived from semen sample processing, which might have an impact on fertility treatments. However, the intrinsic heterogeneity and inter-individual variability of the semen samples have resulted in a relatively low overlap among proteomic reports, highlighting the relevance of combining strategies for data validation and applying strict criteria for proteomic data analysis to obtain reliable results. This mini-review provides an overview of the most critical steps to conduct robust sperm proteomic studies, the most relevant results obtained so far, and potential next steps to increase the impact of sperm proteomic data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judit Castillo
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alberto de la Iglesia
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina Leiva
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Jodar
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Biomedical Diagnostic Center (CDB), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Oliva
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Biomedical Diagnostic Center (CDB), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Martins AD, Ribeiro JC, Ferreira R, Alves MG, Oliveira PF. Understanding the age-related alterations in the testis-specific proteome. Expert Rev Proteomics 2023; 20:331-343. [PMID: 37878493 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2023.2274857] [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: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fertility rates in developing countries have declined over the past decades, and the trend of delayed fatherhood is rising as societies develop. The reasons behind the decline in male fertility with advancing age remain mysterious, making it a compelling and crucial area for further research. However, the limited number of studies dedicated to unraveling this enigma poses a challenge. Thus, our objective is to illuminate some of the upregulated and downregulated mechanisms in the male testis during the aging process. AREAS COVERED Herein, we present a critical overview of the studies addressing the alterations of testicular proteome through the aging process, starting from sexually matured young males to end-of-life-expectancy aged males. The comparative studies of the proteomic testicular profile of men with and without spermatogenic impairment are also discussed and key proteins and pathways involved are highlighted. EXPERT OPINION The difficulty of making age-comparative studies, especially of advanced-age study subjects, makes this topic of study quite challenging. Another topic worth mentioning is the heterogeneous nature and vast cellular composition of testicular tissue, which makes proteome data interpretation tricky. The cell type sorting and comorbidities testing in the testicular tissue of the studied subjects would help mitigate these problems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana D Martins
- LAQV-REQUIMTE and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João C Ribeiro
- LAQV-REQUIMTE and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita Ferreira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- iBiMED-Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bahmanpour S, Keshavarz M, Koohpeyma F, Badr P, Noori A, Dabbaghmanesh MH, Poordast T, Najib FS, Zare N, Namazi N, Jahromi BN. Preserving effect of Loboob (a traditional multi-herbal formulation) on sperm parameters of male rats with busulfan-induced subfertility. JBRA Assist Reprod 2022; 26:574-582. [PMID: 34995049 PMCID: PMC9635600 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20210099] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Male infertility secondary to exposure to gonadotoxic agents during reproductive age is a concerning issue. The aim of this experimental study was to determine the effect of Loboob on sperm parameters. METHODS 55 healthy rats were selected, weighted and divided into five groups consisting of 11 rats each. The control group received no medication. Rats in Treatment Group 1 received 10mg/kg Busulfan and rats in Treatment Groups 2, 3, and 4 received 35,70 and 140 mg/kg Loboob respectively in addition to 10mg/kg Busulfan. Finally, the sperm parameters and weights of the rats were compared using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov, non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis, and Dunn-Bonferroni tests. RESULTS All sperm parameters and weights were significantly decreased among rats receiving Busulfan. All dosages of Loboob were effective to enhance the motility of slow spermatozoa, while only in the rats given 70 and 140 mg/kg of Loboob saw improvements in progressively motile sperm percentages (0.024 and 0.01, respectively). Loboob at a dosage of 140mg/kg improved sperm viability. It did not improve normal morphology sperm or decrease immotile sperm counts. Loboob did not affect mean rat weight. CONCLUSIONS Loboob offered a dose-dependent protective effect on several sperm parameters in rats with busulfan-induced subfertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soghra Bahmanpour
- Anatomy Department, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of
Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran , Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences,
Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Keshavarz
- Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center, Shiraz University of
Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Farhad Koohpeyma
- Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center, Shiraz University of
Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Parmis Badr
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of
Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran , Phytopharmaceutical Technology and Traditional Medicine Incubator,
Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Adel Noori
- Student Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences,
Shiraz, Iran , Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Shiraz
University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Tahereh Poordast
- Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences,
Shiraz, Iran , Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Shiraz
University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fateme Sadat Najib
- Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences,
Shiraz, Iran , Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Shiraz
University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Najaf Zare
- Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences,
Shiraz, Iran , Department of Biostatistics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University
of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Niloofar Namazi
- Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences,
Shiraz, Iran , Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Shiraz
University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Bahia Namavar Jahromi
- Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences,
Shiraz, Iran , Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Shiraz
University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran ,Corresponding author: Bahia Namavar Jahromi Department
of OB-GYN School of Medicine Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Shiraz, Iran.
E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Teke K, Kasap M, Simsek E, Uzunyol A, Uslubas AK, Akpinar G, Culha MM. SERPIN A5 may have a potential as a biomarker in reflecting the improvement of semen quality in infertile men who underwent varicocele repair. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14081. [PMID: 34009669 DOI: 10.1111/and.14081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to identify proteins that were differentially regulated in spermatozoal samples collected from fertile healthy men (FHM) and infertile patients with varicocele (IFPV) before and after varicocelectomy. Seminal samples were collected from 20 IFPV before and after varicocelectomy and from 14 FHM as controls. Samples underwent seminal examination and proteomic analysis. Extracted spermatozoal proteins were analysed using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, and differentially regulated spermatozoal proteins (DRSPs) were identified. In particular, attention was placed on those DRSPs in which the concentration changed after varicocelectomy and corrected to approximate levels observed in FHM. Varicocelectomy significantly improved the sperm count and concentration in IFPV (p < 0.05). Proteomic analysis showed that 11 DRSPs were identified when comparisons were made among the three groups. Among these 11 proteins, change in the SERPIN A5 concentrations was notable because it was 100-fold downregulated in pre-operative IFPV samples and nearly resembled to control concentrations following varicocelectomy. Western blot analysis using an anti-SERPIN antibody validated the changes observed in SERPIN A5 levels before and after varicocelectomy operation. Increase in SERPIN A5 after varicocelectomy may be due to improvement in semen quality, suggesting that SERPIN A5 is a potential seminal biomarker for assessment of semen quality in varicocele-related infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kerem Teke
- Department of Urology, Kocaeli University School of Medicine, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Murat Kasap
- Department of Medical Biology, Kocaeli University School of Medicine, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Emrah Simsek
- Department of Urology, Kocaeli University School of Medicine, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Ayimgul Uzunyol
- Department of Medical Biology, Kocaeli University School of Medicine, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Ali Kemal Uslubas
- Department of Urology, Kocaeli University School of Medicine, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Gurler Akpinar
- Department of Medical Biology, Kocaeli University School of Medicine, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Melih Culha
- Department of Urology, Kocaeli University School of Medicine, Kocaeli, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Panner Selvam MK, Finelli R, Baskaran S, Agarwal A. Dysregulation of Key Proteins Associated with Sperm Motility and Fertility Potential in Cancer Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6754. [PMID: 32942548 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer has adverse effects on male reproductive health. Conventional semen analysis does not explain the molecular changes in the spermatozoa of cancer patients. Currently, proteomics is being widely used to identify the fertility-associated molecular pathways affected in spermatozoa. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sperm proteome of patients with various types of cancer. Cryopreserved semen samples from patients (testicular cancer, n = 40; Hodgkin’s disease, n = 32; lymphoma, n = 20; leukemia, n = 17) before starting therapy were used for proteomic analysis, while samples from fertile donors (n = 19) were included as controls. The proteomic profiling of sperm was carried out by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and differentially expressed proteins involved in the reproductive processes were validated by Western blotting. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that proteins associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative phosphorylation, and Sirtuin signaling pathways were dysregulated in cancer patients, while oxidative phosphorylation and tricarboxylic acid cycle were predicted to be deactivated. Furthermore, the analysis revealed dysregulation of key proteins associated with sperm fertility potential and motility (NADH:Ubiquinone oxidoreductase core subunit S1, superoxide dismutase 1, SERPINA5, and cytochrome b-c1 complex subunit 2) in the cancer group, which were further validated by Western blot. Dysfunctional molecular mechanisms essential for fertility in cancer patients prior to therapy highlight the potential impact of cancer phenotype on male fertility.
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
Recent results of randomized phase III studies of FDG-PET-adapted therapy for advanced Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) have clearly demonstrated benefit to alteration of treatment according to interim response, in particular regarding reducing toxicity while maintaining efficacy. However, these studies have differences in design including initial chemotherapy regimen, PET response criteria, patient populations enrolled, and inclusion of radiation, and report different results regarding efficacy and toxicities, which makes cross-trial comparisons difficult. Practitioners are presented with deciding which of these approaches will provide the optimum outcome, balancing toxicity and efficacy, and for which patient with advanced-stage HL. This review summarizes the observations reported from these trials and provides context to help guide physicians and patients in treatment decisions for advanced HL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noemie Lang
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael Crump
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, 610 University Avenue, OPG 6-426, Toronto, ON, M5G 2M9, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Martins AD, Panner Selvam MK, Agarwal A, Alves MG, Baskaran S. Alterations in seminal plasma proteomic profile in men with primary and secondary infertility. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7539. [PMID: 32372034 PMCID: PMC7200760 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64434-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteome of seminal plasma provides profound information related to the male reproductive health. This pilot study was conducted to characterize proteomic profile of seminal plasma from men with primary, or secondary infertility and compare it with proven fertile men. Study participants (n = 59) were recruited at the Cleveland Clinic and divided according to their fertility status: proven fertile (n = 39); primary infertility (n = 11) and secondary infertility (n = 9). Proteomic shotgun analysis revealed a total of 515 peptides common to primary infertility and control group; whereas 523 peptides were common to secondary infertility and control group. Bioinformatic analysis revealed dysregulation of biological processes such as cell secretion and vesicle mediated transport in primary infertility, whereas immune system response, regulation of proteolysis and iron homeostasis were dysregulated in secondary infertility. Western blot validation showed overexpression of ANXA2 and CDC42, and underexpression of SEMG2 proteins in primary infertility; and overexpression of ANXA2 and APP proteins in secondary infertility. This study elucidates the potential role of differentially expressed proteins in the seminal plasma as diagnostic biomarker for primary and secondary infertility. Furthermore, our results suggest maturation failure and immune reaction response as the main cause of infertility in men with primary and secondary infertility, respectively. Additional validation of the proteins involved in the above pathways is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana D Martins
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Marco G Alves
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Saradha Baskaran
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Agarwal A, Panner Selvam MK, Baskaran S. Proteomic Analyses of Human Sperm Cells: Understanding the Role of Proteins and Molecular Pathways Affecting Male Reproductive Health. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21051621. [PMID: 32120839 PMCID: PMC7084638 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human sperm proteomics research has gained increasing attention lately, which provides complete information about the functional state of the spermatozoa. Changes in the sperm proteome are evident in several male infertility associated conditions. Global proteomic tools, such as liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight, are used to profile the sperm proteins to identify the molecular pathways that are defective in infertile men. This review discusses the use of proteomic techniques to analyze the spermatozoa proteome. It also highlights the general steps involved in global proteomic approaches including bioinformatic analysis of the sperm proteomic data. Also, we have presented the findings of major proteomic studies and possible biomarkers in the diagnosis and therapeutics of male infertility. Extensive research on sperm proteome will help in understanding the role of fertility associated sperm proteins. Validation of the sperm proteins as biomarkers in different male infertility conditions may aid the physician in better clinical management.
Collapse
|