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Emelyanov AV, Barcenilla-Merino D, Loppin B, Fyodorov DV. APOLLO, a testis-specific Drosophila ortholog of importin-4, mediates the loading of protamine-like protein Mst77F into sperm chromatin. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105212. [PMID: 37660905 PMCID: PMC10520872 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105212] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA in sperm is packed with small, charged proteins termed SNBPs (sperm nuclear basic proteins), including mammalian and Drosophila protamines. During spermiogenesis, somatic-type chromatin is taken apart and replaced with sperm chromatin in a multistep process leading to an extraordinary condensation of the genome. During fertilization, the ova face a similarly challenging task of SNBP eviction and reassembly of nucleosome-based chromatin. Despite its importance for the animal life cycle, sperm chromatin metabolism, including the biochemical machinery mediating the mutual replacement of histones and SNBPs, remains poorly studied. In Drosophila, Mst77F is one of the first SNBPs loaded into the spermatid nuclei. It persists in mature spermatozoa and is essential for sperm compaction and male fertility. Here, by using in vitro biochemical assays, we identify chaperones that can mediate the eviction and loading of Mst77F on DNA, thus facilitating the interconversions of chromatin forms in the male gamete. Unlike NAP1 and TAP/p32 chaperones that disassemble Mst77F-DNA complexes, ARTEMIS and APOLLO, orthologs of mammalian importin-4 (IPO4), mediate the deposition of Mst77F on DNA or oligonucleosome templates, accompanied by the dissociation of histone-DNA complexes. In vivo, a mutation of testis-specific Apollo brings about a defect of Mst77F loading, abnormal sperm morphology, and male infertility. We identify IPO4 ortholog APOLLO as a critical component of sperm chromatin assembly apparatus in Drosophila. We discover that in addition to recognized roles in protein traffic, a nuclear transport receptor (IPO4) can function directly in chromatin remodeling as a dual, histone- and SNBP-specific, chaperone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander V Emelyanov
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Daniel Barcenilla-Merino
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Modélisation de la Cellule, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, CNRS UMR5239, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Benjamin Loppin
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Modélisation de la Cellule, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, CNRS UMR5239, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France.
| | - Dmitry V Fyodorov
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA.
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2
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Jena SR, Mohanty G, Kesari KK, Durairajanayagam D, Samanta L. Editorial: Omics for infertility and contraception: two sides of same coin. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1293677. [PMID: 37822867 PMCID: PMC10562682 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1293677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Soumya Ranjan Jena
- Redox Biology and Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, India
| | - Gayatri Mohanty
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Kavindra Kumar Kesari
- Department of Applied Physics, School of Science, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
- Research and Development Cell, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
| | | | - Luna Samanta
- Redox Biology and Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, India
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3
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de la Iglesia A, Jodar M, Oliva R, Castillo J. Insights into the sperm chromatin and implications for male infertility from a protein perspective. WIREs Mech Dis 2023; 15:e1588. [PMID: 36181449 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Male germ cells undergo an extreme but fascinating process of chromatin remodeling that begins in the testis during the last phase of spermatogenesis and continues through epididymal sperm maturation. Most of the histones are replaced by small proteins named protamines, whose high basicity leads to a tight genomic compaction. This process is epigenetically regulated at many levels, not only by posttranslational modifications, but also by readers, writers, and erasers, in a context of a highly coordinated postmeiotic gene expression program. Protamines are key proteins for acquiring this highly specialized chromatin conformation, needed for sperm functionality. Interestingly, and contrary to what could be inferred from its very specific DNA-packaging function across protamine-containing species, human sperm chromatin contains a wide spectrum of protamine proteoforms, including truncated and posttranslationally modified proteoforms. The generation of protamine knock-out models revealed not only chromatin compaction defects, but also collateral sperm alterations contributing to infertile phenotypes, evidencing the importance of sperm chromatin protamination toward the generation of a new individual. The unique features of sperm chromatin have motivated its study, applying from conventional to the most ground-breaking techniques to disentangle its peculiarities and the cellular mechanisms governing its successful conferment, especially relevant from the protein point of view due to the important epigenetic role of sperm nuclear proteins. Gathering and contextualizing the most striking discoveries will provide a global understanding of the importance and complexity of achieving a proper chromatin compaction and exploring its implications on postfertilization events and beyond. This article is categorized under: Reproductive System Diseases > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics Reproductive System Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto de la Iglesia
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Jodar
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain.,Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Oliva
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain.,Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Judit Castillo
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
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4
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Ribas-Maynou J, Novo S, Salas-Huetos A, Rovira S, Antich M, Yeste M. Condensation and protamination of sperm chromatin affect ICSI outcomes when gametes from healthy individuals are used. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:371-386. [PMID: 36539233 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac261] [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: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do defects in sperm chromatin protamination and condensation have an impact on ICSI outcomes? SUMMARY ANSWER Sperm protamination is related to fertilization rates in healthy donors, and the in vitro capacity of sperm to condense their chromatin is linked to blastocyst rates, both associations being more apparent in women <33 years of age. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Previous data on how sperm chromatin damage affects ICSI outcomes are inconsistent. Revealing which sperm factors influence embryo development is necessary to understand the male contribution to ICSI success and to develop novel sperm selection techniques or male-based treatments. Sperm chromatin is mainly condensed in protamines, which are cross-linked through disulphide bridges. This study aimed to determine whether sperm protamination and the integrity of disulphide bonds (condensation) are related to embryo development after ICSI. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The design was a retrospective study with a blind analysis of sperm chromatin. Gametes were divided into two groups: double donation (DD) cohort and single donation (SD) cohort. Samples from 45 semen donors used in 55 ICSI cycles with oocyte donors (age range 19-33 years), generating 491 embryos, were included in the DD cohort. The SD cohort consisted of samples from 34 semen donors used in 41 ICSI cycles with oocytes from healthy females (single-parent families or lesbian couples, age range 20-44 years), generating a total of 378 embryos. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTINGS, METHODS Donor sperm samples from DD and SD cohorts were used for standard ICSI, and embryo development was observed by time-lapse imaging. The incidence of thiol reduction (dibromobimane, DBB) and the degree of chromatin protamination (chromomycin A3, CMA3, indicating non-protaminated regions) in sperm were determined by flow cytometry at 0 and 4 h post-thawing. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Percentages ± standard deviation of CMA3 were 21.08 ± 9.09 and 35.01 ± 14.68 at 0 and 4 h post-thawing, respectively, in the DD cohort and 22.57 ± 9.48 and 35.79 ± 12.58, at 0 and 4 h post-thawing, respectively, in the SD cohort. Percentages of DBB+ were 16.57 ± 11.10 and 10.51 ± 8.40 at 0 and 4 h post-thawing (P < 0.0001), respectively, in the DD cohort and 17.98 ± 10.19 and 12.72 ± 8.76 at 0 and 4 h post-thawing (P < 0.0001), respectively, in the SD cohort. Female age correlated with fertilization rates, and the relation between sperm chromatin and embryo development was determined through multiple linear regression. While CMA3 was associated with fertilization rates, with no influence of female age, in the DD cohort (β1 = -1.036, P < 0.001 for CMA3; β2 = 0.667, P = 0.304 for female age), this was not observed in the SD cohort, where female age had a significant effect, masking the effects of CMA3 (β1 = -0.066, P = 0.804 for CMA3; β 2 = -1.451, P = 0.003 for female age). The in vitro capacity of sperm to condense their chromatin after 4 h of incubation was associated with blastocyst rates, independent of female age (DD cohort: β1 = -0.238, P = 0.008 for %DBB+ variation; β2 = 0.404, P = 0.638 for female age; SD cohort: β1 = -0.278, P = 0.010 for %DBB+ variation; β2 = -0.292, P = 0.594 for female age). The in vitro capacity of sperm to condense their chromatin was also related to the time required for the embryo to reach blastocyst stage in the DD cohort (P = 0.007). Finally, multiple logistic regression showed that both chromatin protamination and condensation, together with the age of the oocyte donors and the embryo recipients, had an impact on pregnancy achievement (P < 0.01) and on live birth rates (P < 0.01). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The main limitation was the restrictive selection of couples, which led to a relatively small sample size and could influence the observed outcomes. For this reason, and to reduce Type I error, the level of significance was set at P ≤ 0.01. On the other hand, the use of cryopreserved samples could also be a limitation. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This research demonstrated that protamination and condensation of sperm chromatin are related to embryo development after ICSI, but female age could be a confounding factor when oocytes from older females are used. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation scheme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 801342 (Tecniospring INDUSTRY; TECSPR-19-1-0003); La Marató de TV3 Foundation (214/857-202039); the Ministry of Science and Innovation, Spain (IJC2019-039615-I); the Catalan Agency for Management of University and Research Grants, Regional Government of Catalonia, Spain (2017-SGR-1229); and the Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies, Spain (ICREA). The authors declare no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Sergi Novo
- Fertilab-Institut Catala de Fertilitat SL, Barcelona, Spain.,Fertibank, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Salas-Huetos
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sergi Rovira
- Fertilab-Institut Catala de Fertilitat SL, Barcelona, Spain.,Fertibank, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Antich
- Fertilab-Institut Catala de Fertilitat SL, Barcelona, Spain.,Fertibank, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
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5
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Olszewska M, Kordyl O, Kamieniczna M, Fraczek M, Jędrzejczak P, Kurpisz M. Global 5mC and 5hmC DNA Levels in Human Sperm Subpopulations with Differentially Protaminated Chromatin in Normo- and Oligoasthenozoospermic Males. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094516. [PMID: 35562907 PMCID: PMC9099774 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094516] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications play a special role in the male infertility aetiology. Published data indicate the link between sperm quality and sperm chromatin protamination. This study aimed to determine the relationship between methylation (5mC) and hydroxymethylation (5hmC) in sperm DNA, with respect to sperm chromatin protamination in three subpopulations of fertile normozoospermic controls and infertile patients with oligo-/oligoasthenozoospermia. For the first time, a sequential staining protocol was applied, which allowed researchers to analyse 5mC/5hmC levels by immunofluorescence staining, with a previously determined chromatin protamination status (aniline blue staining), using the same spermatozoa. TUNEL assay determined the sperm DNA fragmentation level. The 5mC/5hmC levels were diversified with respect to chromatin protamination status in both studied groups of males, with the highest values observed in protaminated spermatozoa. The linkage between chromatin protamination and 5mC/5hmC levels in control males disappeared in patients with deteriorated semen parameters. A relationship between 5mC/5hmC and sperm motility/morphology was identified in the patient group. Measuring the 5mC/5hmC status of sperm DNA according to sperm chromatin integrity provides evidence of correct spermatogenesis, and its disruption may represent a prognostic marker for reproductive failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Olszewska
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479 Poznan, Poland; (M.K.); (M.F.)
- Correspondence: (M.O.); (M.K.)
| | - Oliwia Kordyl
- Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, 61-614 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Marzena Kamieniczna
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479 Poznan, Poland; (M.K.); (M.F.)
| | - Monika Fraczek
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479 Poznan, Poland; (M.K.); (M.F.)
| | - Piotr Jędrzejczak
- Division of Infertility and Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecological Oncology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-535 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Maciej Kurpisz
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479 Poznan, Poland; (M.K.); (M.F.)
- Correspondence: (M.O.); (M.K.)
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6
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Bibi R, Jahan S, Razak S, Hammadeh ME, Almajwal A, Amor H. Protamines and DNA integrity as a biomarkers of sperm quality and assisted conception outcome. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14418. [PMID: 35267207 DOI: 10.1111/and.14418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 12/25/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Present research aim was to identify functional tests in semen associated with DNA damage and chromatin maturity (protamination) which predict the outcome in assisted reproduction. Couples were grouped according to male partner semen parameters, into normozoospermia (NZs), severe male factor (SMF) and mild male factor (MMF). DNA fragmentation index (DFI) in spermatozoa was analysed by sperms chromatin dispersion (SCD), sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) and acridine orange testing (AOT). Chromomycin A3 (CMA3) and toluidine blue (TB) staining to measure sperm chromatin maturity (CM). DFI and chromatin decondensation were significantly lower in N compared to male factor categories (MMF and SMF). Aneuploidy embryos were significantly higher in couples with male factor infertility (MMF and SMF). A positive correlation was observed between fertilization rate (FR) and live birth rate (LBR) with sperm concentration, motility, vitality, normal sperm morphology and negative correlation between sperm DFI and sperm CM. No correlation was observed between embryo aneuploidy and sperm DFI or CM. Lower percentage of spermatozoa chromatin integrity are associated with low fertilization and live birth rate. Male factor infertility, due to impaired semen parameters and chromatin defects could be regarded in future as an indication of IVF/ICSI, and predictor of assisted reproductive techniques outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riffat Bibi
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sarwat Jahan
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Suhail Razak
- Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Eid Hammadeh
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Saarland University Clinic, Homburg, Germany
| | - Ali Almajwal
- Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Houda Amor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Saarland University Clinic, Homburg, Germany
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7
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Moritz L, Hammoud SS. The Art of Packaging the Sperm Genome: Molecular and Structural Basis of the Histone-To-Protamine Exchange. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:895502. [PMID: 35813619 PMCID: PMC9258737 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.895502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Male fertility throughout life hinges on the successful production of motile sperm, a developmental process that involves three coordinated transitions: mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis. Germ cells undergo both mitosis and meiosis to generate haploid round spermatids, in which histones bound to the male genome are replaced with small nuclear proteins known as protamines. During this transformation, the chromatin undergoes extensive remodeling to become highly compacted in the sperm head. Despite its central role in spermiogenesis and fertility, we lack a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the remodeling process, including which remodelers/chaperones are involved, and whether intermediate chromatin proteins function as discrete steps, or unite simultaneously to drive successful exchange. Furthermore, it remains largely unknown whether more nuanced interactions instructed by protamine post-translational modifications affect chromatin dynamics or gene expression in the early embryo. Here, we bring together past and more recent work to explore these topics and suggest future studies that will elevate our understanding of the molecular basis of the histone-to-protamine exchange and the underlying etiology of idiopathic male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Moritz
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- *Correspondence: Lindsay Moritz, ; Saher Sue Hammoud,
| | - Saher Sue Hammoud
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- *Correspondence: Lindsay Moritz, ; Saher Sue Hammoud,
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8
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Collodel G, Noto D, Signorini C, Gambera L, Stendardi A, Mahmutbegovic A, Micheli L, Menchiari A, Moretti E. Do Seminal Isoprostanes Have a Role in Assisted Reproduction Outcome? Life (Basel) 2021; 11:675. [PMID: 34357046 DOI: 10.3390/life11070675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
F2-isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs), stereoisomers of prostaglandin F2α generated by the free radical-induced oxidation of arachidonic acid, have been associated with different male infertility conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the role of seminal isoprostane levels and sperm characteristics in the reproductive outcome and embryo quality of 49 infertile couples. Semen analysis was performed following WHO guidelines. Sperm chromatin maturity was detected using an aniline blue (AB) assay, and DNA integrity was assessed using the acridine orange (AO) test. Seminal F2-IsoP levels were quantified by gas chromatography/negative ion chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry (GC/NICI–MS/MS) analysis. Correlations among variables and their impact on in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcome were investigated. F2-IsoP levels are positively correlated with double-stranded DNA sperm (p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with mature sperm chromatin (p < 0.001). Patients with positive outcomes had an increased percentage of sperm with double-stranded DNA, as did patients producing high-quality embryo, who showed higher F2-IsoP levels compared to those detected in the low-quality embryo group. An intriguing relationship between a mild increase in F2-IsoP levels, DNA integrity, and embryo quality seems to indicate that the non-enzymatic oxidation of arachidonic acid can be also a marker of metabolic activity in human semen.
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9
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Lettieri G, Notariale R, Ambrosino A, Di Bonito A, Giarra A, Trifuoggi M, Manna C, Piscopo M. Spermatozoa Transcriptional Response and Alterations in PL Proteins Properties after Exposure of Mytilus galloprovincialis to Mercury. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041618. [PMID: 33562685 PMCID: PMC7915165 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is an environmental pollutant that impacts human and ecosystem health. In our previous works, we reported alterations in the properties of Mytilus galloprovincialis protamine-like (PL) proteins after 24 h of exposure to subtoxic doses of toxic metals such as copper and cadmium. The present work aims to assess the effects of 24 h of exposure to 1, 10, and 100 pM HgCl2 on spermatozoa and PL proteins of Mytilus galloprovincialis. Inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry indicated accumulation of this metal in the gonads of exposed mussels. Further, RT-qPCR analyses showed altered expression levels of spermatozoa mt10 and hsp70 genes. In Mytilus galloprovincialis, PL proteins represent the major basic component of sperm chromatin. These proteins, following exposure of mussels to HgCl2, appeared, by SDS-PAGE, partly as aggregates and showed a decreased DNA-binding capacity that rendered them unable to prevent DNA damage, in the presence of CuCl2 and H2O2. These results demonstrate that even these doses of HgCl2 exposure could affect the properties of PL proteins and result in adverse effects on the reproductive system of this organism. These analyses could be useful in developing rapid and efficient chromatin-based genotoxicity assays for pollution biomonitoring programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennaro Lettieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy; (G.L.); (A.A.); (A.D.B.)
| | - Rosaria Notariale
- Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Luigi de Crecchio, 80138 Naples, Italy; (R.N.); (C.M.)
| | - Alessia Ambrosino
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy; (G.L.); (A.A.); (A.D.B.)
| | - Alfredo Di Bonito
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy; (G.L.); (A.A.); (A.D.B.)
| | - Antonella Giarra
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy; (A.G.); (M.T.)
| | - Marco Trifuoggi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy; (A.G.); (M.T.)
| | - Caterina Manna
- Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Luigi de Crecchio, 80138 Naples, Italy; (R.N.); (C.M.)
| | - Marina Piscopo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy; (G.L.); (A.A.); (A.D.B.)
- Correspondence:
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10
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Deori S, Johannisson A, Morrell J. Single Layer Centrifugation with 20% or 30% Porcicoll separates the majority of spermatozoa from a sample without adversely affecting sperm quality. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55:1337-1342. [PMID: 32687617 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Centrifugation of boar semen through one layer of 40% colloid (Porcicoll) was previously shown to separate spermatozoa from bacteria without having a detrimental effect on sperm quality. However, some spermatozoa were lost. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether 20% or 30% Porcicoll could be used to recover most of the spermatozoa without impacting on sperm quality. Insemination doses (n = 10) from a commercial boar station were sent to the laboratory at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and processed by Single Layer Centrifugation with 20% and 30% Porcicoll approximately 7 hr after semen collection. The resulting sperm samples and controls were evaluated for sperm quality immediately and again after storage at 16-18°C for 4 and 7 days. Sperm recovery was 94 ± 18% and 87 ± 15% for 20% and 30% Porcicoll, respectively (p > .05). Sperm mitochondrial membrane potential and chromatin integrity were unaffected (p > .05). The proportion of live spermatozoa producing superoxide (9 ± 8%, 7 ± 6% and 3 ± 1%; p < .05), and the proportion of spermatozoa with high stainability DNA (0.68 ± 19%, 0.61 ± 0.22% and 0.96 ± 0.23%; p < .05- <0.01), were marginally increased whereas membrane integrity, although high, was lower in the centrifuged samples than in the controls (82 ± 8%, 83 ± 5% versus 92 ± 4%; p < .05). In conclusion, centrifugation through 20% or 30% Porcicoll enables most spermatozoa to be recovered, without having a major effect on sperm quality. These results are encouraging for further studies involving microbiological investigation of the processed samples, and scaling-up to process larger volumes of boar ejaculates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sourabh Deori
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.,ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Umiam, India
| | - Anders Johannisson
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jane Morrell
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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11
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Sarasa J, Enciso M, García L, Leza A, Steger K, Aizpurua J. Comparison of ART outcomes in men with altered mRNA protamine 1/protamine 2 ratio undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection with ejaculated and testicular spermatozoa. Asian J Androl 2020; 22:623-628. [PMID: 32217836 PMCID: PMC7705981 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_146_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies involving the use of spermatozoa and eggs for in vitro fertilization (IVF) have come as the solution for many infertile couples to become parents. However, in some cases, the use of ejaculated spermatozoa delivers poor IVF performance. Some studies have suggested the use of testicular spermatozoa in severe male infertility cases, but no guidelines regarding their utilization are currently available. In the present study, we found the mRNA protamine 1/protamine 2 (P1/P2) ratio to be a valuable biomarker of poor sperm function that could be used as a diagnostic key for the identification of cases that would benefit from the use of testicular spermatozoa. A total of 23 couples undergoing egg donation cycles with at least one previous cycle failure were studied. All couples underwent two consecutive intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles with either ejaculated or testicular spermatozoa (TESA). The sperm mRNA P1/P2 ratio, fertilization rate, blastocyst rate, and pregnancy and live birth rate were compared. Results showed improved ICSI and clinical outcomes in cycles with testicular spermatozoa in men with altered mRNA P1/P2 ratios. TESA cycles presented significantly higher rates of fertilization (mean ± standard deviation: 76.1% ± 15.1% vs 65.5% ± 18.8%), blastocyst formation (55.0% ± 20.3% vs 30.8% ± 23.8%), and good morphological quality blastocyst (28.9% ± 22.9% vs 13.5% ± 17.9%) and also improvements on pregnancy (60.9% vs 0%) and healthy birth rates (56.5% vs 0%) than EJACULATE cycles. The results described here suggest that in patients with previous IVF/ICSI failures and aberrant mRNA protamine ratios, the use of testicular spermatozoa may be a good alternative to improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Klaus Steger
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Molecular Andrology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen 35385, Germany
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12
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González-Rojo S, Fernández-Díez C, Lombó M, Herráez MP. Distribution of DNA damage in the human sperm nucleus: implications of the architecture of the sperm head. Asian J Androl 2019; 22:401-408. [PMID: 31210149 PMCID: PMC7406100 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_26_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The sperm nucleus is prone to sustain DNA damage before and after ejaculation. Distribution of the damage is not homogeneous, and the factors determining differential sensitivity among nuclear regions have not yet been characterized. Human sperm chromatin contains three structural domains, two of which are considered the most susceptible to DNA damage: the histone bound domain, harboring developmental related genes, and the domain associated with nuclear matrix proteins. Using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) approach, we analyzed the number of lesions in genes homeobox A3 (HOXA3), homeobox B5 (HOXB5), sex-determining region Y (SRY)-box 2 (SOX2), β-GLOBIN, rDNA 18S, and rDNA 28S in human sperm after ultraviolet irradiation (400 μW cm−2, 10 min), H2O2 treatment (250 mmol l−1, 20 min), and cryopreservation, which showed differential susceptibility to genetic damage. Differential vulnerability is dependent on the genotoxic agent and independent of the sperm nuclear proteins to which the chromatin is bound and of accessibility to the transcription machinery. Immunodetection of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) showed that the highest level of oxidation was observed after H2O2 treatment. The distribution of oxidative lesions also differed depending on the genotoxic agent. 8-OHdG did not colocalize either with histone 3 (H3) or with type IIα + β topoisomerase (TOPO IIα + β) after H2O2 treatment but matched perfectly with peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6), which is involved in H2O2 metabolism. Our study reveals that the characteristics of the sperm head domains are responsible for access of the genotoxicants and cause differential degree of damage to nuclear areas, whereas chromatin packaging has a very limited relevance. The histone-enriched genes analyzed cannot be used as biomarkers of oxidative DNA damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia González-Rojo
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n León, León 24071, Spain
| | - Cristina Fernández-Díez
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n León, León 24071, Spain
| | - Marta Lombó
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n León, León 24071, Spain
| | - María Paz Herráez
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n León, León 24071, Spain
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13
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Lettieri G, Maione M, Ranauda MA, Mele E, Piscopo M. Molecular effects on spermatozoa of Mytilus galloprovincialis exposed to hyposaline conditions. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:650-660. [PMID: 30938011 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Salinity represents a critical environmental and an ecological factor in the reproduction of marine species. As global climate changes and anthropogenic factors affect salinity, in this study, we have analyzed the responses of Mytilus galloprovincialis spermatozoa to hyposaline stress. We exposed mussels, in laboratory tanks, for 24 hr at 18°C to control (35.9 psu) and three hyposaline (17.1, 22.6, and 26.2 psu) conditions, and evaluated the expression of sperm hsp70 and protamine-like proteins genes. Further we analyzed the electrophoretic pattern, the DNA binding and the release from sperm nuclei of protamine-like proteins. For all experimental approaches used, the results obtained at 17.1 psu condition were very similar to those obtained in the control condition, while alterations were always recorded at 22.6 and 26.2 psu conditions. Particularly, at 22.6 and 26.2 psu, was observed: 42.5- and 17.1-fold increase in hsp70 expression, respectively, and hypoexpression of PL-II/PLIV protamine-like proteins genes. Further, electrophoretic mobility shift assays and salt-induced release of nuclear proteins from sperm nuclei, revealed alterations in the PL proteins/DNA binding, in these two hyposaline conditions. The similarity between the results obtained in control and in the more severe hyposaline condition (17.1 psu) could indicate a phenomenon of fertility preservation strategy due to gamete plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennaro Lettieri
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studki di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Martina Maione
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studki di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Elena Mele
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studki di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Marina Piscopo
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studki di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
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14
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Hamilton TRS, Simões R, Mendes CM, Goissis MD, Nakajima E, Martins EAL, Visintin JA, Assumpção MEOA. Detection of protamine 2 in bovine spermatozoa and testicles. Andrology 2019; 7:373-381. [PMID: 30920782 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [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: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sperm DNA integrity is crucial for transmission of genetic information to future generations and DNA damage can occur during chromatin packaging. Chromatin packaging involves the replacement of somatic nucleosomal histones by nuclear proteins called protamines. Protamine 1 (PRM1) is transcribed and translated in spermatids of all mammals; however, protamine 2 (PRM2) is transcribed in low levels in spermatids and it is not yet described in bull mature spermatozoa. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess gene and protein expression of PRM2 and corroborate gene and protein expression of PRM1 in bull spermatozoa and testis. MATERIALS AND METHODS For this purpose, absolute q-RT-PCR was performed to calculate the number of copies of PRM1 and PRM2 mRNAs in bovine epididymal spermatozoa and testicular tissue. Western blot and mass spectrometry were performed to identify PRM1 and PRM2 in samples of bovine epididymal spermatozoa. Samples of bovine testicular tissue were collected to identify PRM1 and PRM2 by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS We evaluated that the number of PRM1 mRNA copies was about hundred times higher than PRM2 mRNA copies in sperm and testicular samples (p < 0.0001). In addition, we estimated the PRM1: PRM2 ratio based on mRNA number of copies. In spermatozoa, the ratio was 1: 0.014, and in testicle, the ratio was 1: 0.009. We also evaluated the immunolocalization for PRM1 and PRM2 in bovine testis, and both proteins were detected in spermatids. Western blot and mass spectrometry in bovine epididymal spermatozoa confirmed these results. CONCLUSION Our work identifies, for the first time, PRM2 in bovine epididymal spermatozoa and in testis. Further studies are still needed to understand the role of PRM2 on the chromatin of the spermatozoa and to verify how possible changes in PRM2 levels may influence the bull fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- T R S Hamilton
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Doutor Orlando Marques de Paiva, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - R Simões
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | - C M Mendes
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Doutor Orlando Marques de Paiva, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - M D Goissis
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Doutor Orlando Marques de Paiva, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - E Nakajima
- Process Development Laboratory, Inovation Division, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - E A L Martins
- Process Development Laboratory, Inovation Division, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - J A Visintin
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Doutor Orlando Marques de Paiva, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - M E O A Assumpção
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Doutor Orlando Marques de Paiva, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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15
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Fathi N, Hoseinipanah SM, Alizadeh Z, Assari MJ, Moghimbeigi A, Mortazavi M, Hosseini MH, Bahmanzadeh M. The effect of silver nanoparticles on the reproductive system of adult male rats: A morphological, histological and DNA integrity study. ADV CLIN EXP MED 2019; 28:299-305. [PMID: 30170485 DOI: 10.17219/acem/81607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [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] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are more often used in various products, and consequently the potential deleterious effects associated with exposure to them are of concern. Several lines of evidence have demonstrated that the toxicity of AgNPs affects different organs and leads to some side effects, including weight loss, inflammation and cell death. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of AgNPs on sperm parameters and testicular histology. MATERIAL AND METHODS In the present study, 28 male adult Wistar rats were categorized into a control group and 3 experimental groups (AgNP-1, AgNP-2 and AgNP-3), intraperitoneally (i.p.) receiving 30, 125 and 300 mg/kg of AgNPs, respectively. Twenty-eight days after injection the epididymes and the testes of each rat were dissected in order to evaluate sperm parameters, sperm chromatin integrity and histomorphometric changes in the testicular tissue. RESULTS The results showed a significant decrease in sperm count (p < 0.0001), vitality (p < 0.05) and morphology changes (p < 0.001) in the group receiving 300 mg/kg of AgNPs compared to the control group. A significant decrease was also observed in the number of spermatogonia, Sertoli and Leydig cells in the AgNP-2 and AgNP-3 groups (p < 0.05). The evaluation of sperm chromatin did not show any significant differences among the experimental groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The data showed some dose-dependent adverse effects of AgNPs on sperm and seminiferous tubules. More experimental investigations are necessary to draw better conclusions regarding the safety of nanoparticles (NPs) on the male reproduction system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasibeh Fathi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | | | - Zohreh Alizadeh
- Endometrium and Endometriosis Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Assari
- Center of Excellence for Occupational Health, Occupational Health and Safety Research Center, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Abbas Moghimbeigi
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Motahare Mortazavi
- Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Morteza Haji Hosseini
- Birjand Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Maryam Bahmanzadeh
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Iran
- Endometrium and Endometriosis Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Iran
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16
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Lettieri G, Mollo V, Ambrosino A, Caccavale F, Troisi J, Febbraio F, Piscopo M. Molecular effects of copper on the reproductive system of mytilus galloprovincialis. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:1357-1368. [PMID: 30648312 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [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: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to assess the effects induced by 24 hr exposure to a subtoxic copper concentration on the reproductive system (gonads, spermatozoa, and protamine-like [PL] proteins) of Mytilus galloprovincialis. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry indicated accumulation of this metal in gonads, spermatozoa, and PL proteins of exposed mussels. Further, real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses showed altered expression levels of mt10 and PL proteins genes in spermatozoa and gonads, respectively, of exposed mussels. Protamine-like proteins, which represent the main basic component of sperm chromatin of this organism, showed a higher DNA binding affinity and a different DNA binding mode in exposed mussels. Moreover, an increased amount of NaCl was required for the release from sperm nuclei of PL-III, the main PL protein component. Finally, PL proteins extracted from exposed mussels promoted DNA oxidative damage in the presence of H 2 O 2. These results demonstrate that the tolerable copper amount could also affect the properties of PL proteins and determine the negative effects on the reproductive system of this organism. These analyses could be useful to develop quick and efficient chromatin-based genotoxicity tests for pollution biomonitoring programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennaro Lettieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Velia Mollo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessia Ambrosino
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Filomena Caccavale
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Napoli, Italy
| | - Jacopo Troisi
- Theoreo srl-spin-off, Company of the University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Febbraio
- Institute of Protein Biochemistry, National Research Council of Italy, Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Piscopo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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17
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Lusignan MF, Li X, Herrero B, Delbes G, Chan PTK. Effects of different cryopreservation methods on DNA integrity and sperm chromatin quality in men. Andrology 2018; 6:829-835. [PMID: 30175448 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryopreserved human sperm are used in assisted reproductive technology. However, the effect of cryopreservation on sperm DNA integrity is unclear. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study were to: (i) determine the impact of semen cryopreservation on human sperm DNA integrity and chromatin structure; (ii) test if parameters obtained from TUNEL and SCSA® correlate; and (iii) verify correlation between sperm motility, morphology and viability with TUNEL and SCSA® parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS Men attending a fertility clinic were recruited and grouped according to their sperm parameters (n = 9/group): normozoospermia, oligoasthenoteratozoospermia and teratozoospermia. Each semen sample was processed as follow: (i) directly frozen at -80 °C; (ii) diluted in Sperm Maintenance Medium, cooled for 30 min at 4 °C and frozen at -80 °C; (iii) diluted in Sperm Maintenance Medium; or (iv) in SpermFreeze. Each mixture from method (iii) and (iv) was then suspended for 30 min in liquid nitrogen vapor and plunged into liquid nitrogen. After at least two months of storage, samples were thawed at room temperature and analyzed for motility and viability, TUNEL and SCSA® assays. RESULTS Progressive motility and viability decreased after freeze-thawing. TUNEL scores increased significantly in all samples after freezing-thawing while no significant change in the DNA fragmentation index (DFI) from SCSA® was observed. No change in the percentage high DNA stainability (HDS) was observed in normozoospermic samples; however it was significantly increased in all the methods in oligoasthenoteratozoospermic and in the methods (ii)-(iv) in teratozoospermic samples. The DFI and TUNEL scores correlated significantly with each other and inversely with sperm motility, viability and morphology. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Cryopreservation seems to be deleterious for the integrity of human sperm DNA and compaction. However, the sperm DFI was not affected during cryopreservation under the various methods of storage tested. Clinicians and investigators should take this information into consideration when using cryopreserved sperm for assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Lusignan
- Department of Urology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - X Li
- Department of Urology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - B Herrero
- MUHC Reproductive Centre, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - G Delbes
- INRS - Institut Armand Frappier, Laval, QC, Canada
| | - P T K Chan
- Department of Urology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.,MUHC Reproductive Centre, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
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18
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Abstract
Transgenerational inheritance requires mechanisms by which epigenetic information is transferred via gametes. Canonical thought holds that mammalian sperm chromatin would be incapable of carrying epigenetic information as post-translational modifications of histones because of their replacement with protamine proteins. Furthermore, compaction of the sperm genome would hinder DNA accessibility of proteins involved in transcriptional regulation and genome architecture. In this Minireview, we delineate the paternal chromatin remodeling events during spermatogenesis and fertilization. Sperm chromatin is epigenetically modified at various time points throughout its development. This allows for the addition of environment-specific modifications that can be passed from parents to offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah B Gold
- From the Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
| | - Yoon Hee Jung
- From the Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
| | - Victor G Corces
- From the Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
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19
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Fournier C, Labrune E, Lornage J, Soignon G, Giscard d'Estaing S, Guérin JF, Benchaib M. The impact of histones linked to sperm chromatin on embryo development and ART outcome. Andrology 2018; 6:436-445. [PMID: 29499098 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 06/13/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the proportion of sperm chromatin linked to remaining histone and assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcome. A prospective cohort study was performed on couples undergoing ART process at the Department of Reproduction Medicine (HFME, Bron, France). The histone-to-protamine ratio (HPR) was measured using the method described by Wykes & Krawetz (2003) J Biol Chem 278, 29471. The correlations with sperm DFI, blastocyst formation, pregnancy rate, and delivery rate were investigated. A total of 291 ART cycles were included (42 c-IVF and 249 ICSI procedures): 3870 oocytes were punctured and 2211 embryos were obtained, among which 507 were transferred and 336 frozen. The mean HPR was 18.9%. A significant negative correlation was found between HPR and DFI (r = -0.12, p < 0.05). Regarding the type of ART procedure (c-IVF or ICSI), the same kind of relationship between HPR and ART parameters was observed. Regardless of the type of ART procedure used, when the HPR was within the range [6%; 26%], the blastocyst formation rate was higher: 87.8% vs. 71.2% (HPR<6%; p < 0.01) and 74.6% (HPR >26%; p < 0.01). The highest delivery rate (DR; 24.5%) was obtained for HPR within the range [6%; 26%]; DR was 21.9% for HPR<6% and 18.3% for HPR>26%; however, the differences were not statistically significant. The procedure described in this study seems to be a reliable evaluation of the HPR. The HPR parameter seems to be correlated to embryonic development up to the blastocyst stage, but its involvement in clinical pregnancy/delivery could not be confirmed. HPR should be further investigated for confirming the relationship with blastocyst formation. After this, the next step will be to investigate the etiologies of HPR alterations for improving the sperm nucleus quality for increasing the chance of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - E Labrune
- Inserm U1208, Lyon, France.,Biologie de la Reproduction, Hospice Civil de Lyon, HFME, Lyon, France.,Faculté de Médecine Lyon Est, Université Claude Bernard, Lyon, France
| | - J Lornage
- Inserm U1208, Lyon, France.,Biologie de la Reproduction, Hospice Civil de Lyon, HFME, Lyon, France.,Faculté de Médecine Lyon-Sud, Université Claude Bernard, Lyon, France
| | - G Soignon
- Biologie de la Reproduction, Hospice Civil de Lyon, HFME, Lyon, France.,Faculté de Médecine Lyon Est, Université Claude Bernard, Lyon, France
| | - S Giscard d'Estaing
- Inserm U1208, Lyon, France.,Biologie de la Reproduction, Hospice Civil de Lyon, HFME, Lyon, France.,Faculté de Médecine Lyon-Sud, Université Claude Bernard, Lyon, France
| | - J-F Guérin
- Inserm U1208, Lyon, France.,Biologie de la Reproduction, Hospice Civil de Lyon, HFME, Lyon, France.,Faculté de Médecine Lyon Est, Université Claude Bernard, Lyon, France
| | - M Benchaib
- Inserm U1208, Lyon, France.,Biologie de la Reproduction, Hospice Civil de Lyon, HFME, Lyon, France.,Faculté de Médecine Lyon Est, Université Claude Bernard, Lyon, France
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20
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Abstract
Testicular cancer (TC) is one of the most treatable of all malignancies and the management of the quality of life of these patients is increasingly important, especially with regard to their sexuality and fertility. Survivors must overcome anxiety and fears about reduced fertility and possible pregnancy-related risks as well as health effects in offspring. There is thus a growing awareness of the need for reproductive counseling of cancer survivors. Studies found a high level of sperm DNA damage in TC patients in comparison with healthy, fertile controls, but no significant difference between these patients and infertile patients. Sperm DNA alterations due to cancer treatment persist from 2 to 5 years after the end of the treatment and may be influenced by both the type of therapy and the stage of the disease. Population studies reported a slightly reduced overall fertility of TC survivors and a more frequent use of ART than the general population, with a success rate of around 50%. Paternity after a diagnosis of cancer is an important issue and reproductive potential is becoming a major quality of life factor. Sperm chromatin instability associated with genome instability is the most important reproductive side effect related to the malignancy or its treatment. Studies investigating the magnitude of this damage could have a considerable translational importance in the management of cancer patients, as they could identify the time needed for the germ cell line to repair nuclear damage and thus produce gametes with a reduced risk for the offspring.
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21
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Dehghan Marvast L, Talebi AR, Ghasemzadeh J, Hosseini A, Pacey AA. Effects of Chlamydia trachomatis infection on sperm chromatin condensation and DNA integrity. Andrologia 2017; 50. [PMID: 29110319 DOI: 10.1111/and.12918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was performed to investigate the relation of Chlamydia trachomatis infection to sperm chromatin/DNA integrity in a population of infertile men (male partner of infertile couples) from Iran. Blood, semen and first-void urine samples were obtained from 250 infertile men. Data were analysed with regard to the results of (i) serological analysis for specific antibodies to C. trachomatis in serum; (ii) the presence of C. trachomatis and DNA in first-void urine; and (iii) in the semen sample of the male partner, in addition to sperm analysis, four different tests (aniline blue, chromomycin A3, acridine orange and TUNEL) were used to detect sperm chromatin and DNA abnormalities. The main conclusions of the results were: (i) no evidence of C. trachomatis infection in semen samples was found; (ii) sperm DNA fragmentation and chromatin studies were not correlated with C. trachomatis diagnosis; (iii) the percentage of DNA fragmentation is positively correlated with the percentage of immotile sperm but negatively with semen volume, normal morphology; and (iv) in sperm chromatin evaluations, only the percentage of chromatin protamination was related to male age.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Dehghan Marvast
- Department of Human Metabolism, Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - A R Talebi
- Research and Clinical Centre for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - J Ghasemzadeh
- Research and Clinical Centre for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - A Hosseini
- Research and Clinical Centre for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - A A Pacey
- Department of Human Metabolism, Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Talebi AR, Ghasemzadeh J, Khalili MA, Halvaei I, Fesahat F. Sperm chromatin quality and DNA integrity in partial versus total globozoospermia. Andrologia 2017; 50. [PMID: 28517043 DOI: 10.1111/and.12823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Globozoospermia is a severe form of teratozoospermia with low incidence in infertile patients, considered as one of the important causes of male infertility. The objective was to investigate the chromatin/DNA integrity as well as apoptosis in ejaculated spermatozoa of cases with partial or total globozoospermia. Fifty-seven semen samples were divided into three groups of partial globozoospermia (n = 17), total globozoospermia (n = 10) and normozoospermia (control; n = 30). Sperm chromatin condensation, DNA integrity and apoptosis were assessed using cytochemical assays. The results showed significant differences in sperm parameters of count and motility between two case groups versus controls. The percentages of spermatozoa with abnormal chromatin packaging and protamine deficiency were significantly higher in total and partial globozoospermic men compared to normozoospermic samples. Also, the rates of TUNEL-positive spermatozoa were significantly increased in both globozoospermic cases with respect to the control (18.3 ± 10.1 and 12.3 ± 9.2 versus 5.9 ± 3 respectively). However, no significant differences were noticed between two subgroups of patients with regard to sperm DNA denaturation, DNA fragmentation and apoptosis. Abnormal chromatin packaging, DNA damage and apoptosis were significantly higher in cases than controls. The sperm chromatin/DNA anomalies may be considered as one of the main aetiology of ART failure in globozoospermic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Talebi
- Recurrent Abortion Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.,Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - J Ghasemzadeh
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - M A Khalili
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - I Halvaei
- Departments of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - F Fesahat
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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Asmarinah, Syauqy A, Umar LA, Lestari SW, Mansyur E, Hestiantoro A, Paradowszka-Dogan A. Sperm chromatin maturity and integrity correlated to zygote development in ICSI program. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2016; 62:309-16. [PMID: 27487396 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2016.1210695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED This study aimed to evaluate sperm chromatin maturity and integrity of that injected into good-quality oocytes in an in vitro fertilization-intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI) program. A cut-off value of sperm chromatin maturity and integrity was developed as a function of their correlation to the zygote development, i.e., embryo formation and cleavage rate. The study assessed sperm chromatin maturity using aniline blue (AB) staining, whereas toluidine blue (TB) staining was used to assess sperm chromatin integrity. Ejaculates from 59 patients undergoing ICSI and 46 fertile normozoospermic donors for determination of normal values of sperm chromatin status were used in this study. Embryo formation and cleavage rates were observed for the period of 3 days after ICSI. There was a significant difference in the percentage of sperm with mature chromatin between ejaculate from ICSI patients and fertile donor (p=0.020); while there was no significant difference in sperm chromatin integrity of both samples (p=0.120). There was no significant correlation between sperm chromatin maturity and either embryo formation or cleavage rate; as well as sperm chromatin integrity to both parameters of zygote development (p>0.05). Furthermore, we found that the cut-off value of sperm chromatin maturity and integrity of the fertile normozoospermic ejaculates were 87.2% and 80.2%, respectively. Using the cut-offs, we found that low sperm chromatin maturity at the level of <87% correlated significantly with the cleavage rate of the zygote (p=0.022; r=0.371); whereas poor sperm chromatin integrity at the level of <80% correlated with embryo formation (p=0.048; r=0,485). In conclusion, this study showed that poor maturity and integrity of sperm chromatin (AB<87% and TB<80%, respectively), could affect zygote development following ICSI. ABBREVIATIONS AB: aniline blue; CMA3: chromomycin A3; ICSI: intra cytoplasmic sperm injection; IVF: in vitro fertilization; PBS: phosphate buffer saline; SPSS: Statistical Package for Social Science; TB: toluidine blue; WHO: World Health Organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmarinah
- a Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine , University of Indonesia , Jakarta , Indonesia
| | - Ahmad Syauqy
- b Master Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine , University of Indonesia , Jakarta , Indonesia
| | - Liya Agustin Umar
- b Master Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine , University of Indonesia , Jakarta , Indonesia
| | - Silvia Werdhy Lestari
- a Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine , University of Indonesia , Jakarta , Indonesia
| | - Eliza Mansyur
- c Yasmin Fertility Clinic , Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital , Jakarta , Indonesia
| | - Andon Hestiantoro
- c Yasmin Fertility Clinic , Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital , Jakarta , Indonesia.,d Reproductive Immunoendocrinology Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine , University of Indonesia , Jakarta , Indonesia
| | - Agnieszka Paradowszka-Dogan
- e Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine , University of Giessen , Giessen , Hesse , Germany
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Bozhedomov VA. [The male factor in childless marriage problem-solving strategies]. Urologiia 2016:28-34. [PMID: 28247744] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This paper proposes a three-level care system for men from involuntarily childless couples. The proposal is based on the experience of federal and regional clinics of urology and gynecology, respective departments for postgraduate education and on the analysis of scientific literature. Using three-stage comprehensive prevention of male infertility factor and recurrent pregnancy loss is substantiated. Up-to-date requirements for equipping andrology laboratories and testing sperm quality are outlined. The prospects and limitations of surgical and medical treatment modalities and assisted reproductive technologies are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- V A Bozhedomov
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Perinatology and Reproductology, IPEP, I.M. Sechenov First MSMU, Department of Clinical Andrology, FATHCW of Medical Institute, Peoples Friendship University of Russia, Moscow
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Gawecka JE, Boaz S, Kasperson K, Nguyen H, Evenson DP, Ward WS. Luminal fluid of epididymis and vas deferens contributes to sperm chromatin fragmentation. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:2725-36. [PMID: 26466911 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do the luminal fluids of the epididymis and the vas deferens contribute to sperm chromatin fragmentation (SCF) in mice? SUMMARY ANSWER The luminal fluids of both organs are required for activating SCF in mice, but the vas deferens luminal fluid does this more efficiently than that of the epididymis. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Mice sperm have the ability to degrade their DNA in an apoptotic-like fashion when treated with divalent cations in a process termed SCF. SCF has two steps: the induction of reversible double-strand DNA breaks at the nuclear matrix attachment sites, followed by the irreversible degradation of DNA by nuclease. Single stranded DNA breaks accompany SCF. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Luminal fluids from two reproductive organs of the mouse (B6D2F1 strain), the epididymis and vas deferens, were extracted and tested for SCF activation with divalent cations using four different combinations of the sperm and the surrounding luminal fluids: (i) in situ--sperm were kept in their luminal fluid and activated directly; (ii) reconstituted--sperm were centrifuged and resuspended in their luminal fluid before SCF activation; (iii) mixed--sperm were centrifuged and resuspended in the luminal fluid of the other organ; (iv) no luminal fluid--sperm were centrifuged and reconstituted in buffer. All four experiments were performed without (controls) and with divalent cations (resulting in SCF). For each experimental condition, two different mice were used and the analyses averaged. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS DNA damage by SCF was analyzed by three different methods, the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA), terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) analysis and field inversion gel electrophoresis. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In all three assays that we used, the vas deferens luminal fluid was much more efficient in stimulating SCF in the sperm from either source than that of the epididymis (P < 0.0001). Vas deferens sperm were capable of initiating lower levels of SCF in the absence of luminal fluid (P < 0.0001). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Analyses were performed in only one species, the mouse, but we used three separate assays in our analysis. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The data suggest that the luminal fluid of the male reproductive tract interacts with sperm during their transit providing a mechanism to degrade the DNA. We hypothesize that this is part of an apoptotic-like mechanism that allows the reproductive tract to eliminate defective sperm. The SCF model also allowed us to identify differences in the types of DNA lesions that the three tests can identify, providing important background information for the use of these tests clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Segal Boaz
- Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry & Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Institute for Biogenesis Research, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | | | - Hieu Nguyen
- Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry & Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Institute for Biogenesis Research, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Donald P Evenson
- SCSA Diagnostics, Brookings, SD, USA Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sanford Medical School, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - W Steven Ward
- Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry & Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Institute for Biogenesis Research, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Women's Health, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
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Alvi ZA, Chu TC, Schawaroch V, Klaus AV. Genomic and expression analysis of transition proteins in Drosophila. Spermatogenesis 2015; 5:e1178518. [PMID: 27512614 PMCID: PMC4964972 DOI: 10.1080/21565562.2016.1178518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Revised: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The current study was aimed at analyzing putative protein sequences of the transition protein-like proteins in 12 Drosophila species based on the reference sequences of transition protein-like protein (Tpl (94D) ) expressed in Drosophila melanogaster sperm nuclei. Transition proteins aid in transforming chromatin from a histone-based nucleosome structure to a protamine-based structure during spermiogenesis - the post-meiotic stage of spermatogenesis. Sequences were obtained from NCBI Ref-Seq database using NCBI ORF-Finder (PSI-BLAST). Sequence alignments and analysis of the amino acid content indicate that orthologs for Tpl (94D) are present in the melanogaster species subgroup (D. simulans, D. sechellia, D. erecta, and D. yakuba), D. ananassae, and D. pseudoobscura, but absent in D. persmilis, D. willistoni, D. mojavensis, D. virilis, and D. grimshawi. Transcriptome next generation sequence (RNA-Seq) data for testes and ovaries was used to conduct differential gene expression analysis for Tpl (94D) in D. melanogaster, D. simulans, D. yakuba, D. ananassae, and D. pseudoobscura. The identified Tpl (94D) orthologs show high expression in the testes as compared to the ovaries. Additionally, 2 isoforms of Tpl (94D) were detected in D. melanogaster with isoform A being much more highly expressed than isoform B. Functional analyses of the conserved region revealed that the same high mobility group (HMG) box/DNA binding region is conserved for both Drosophila Tpl (94D) and Drosophila protamine-like proteins (MST35Ba and MST35Bb). Based on the rigorous bioinformatic approach and the conservation of the HMG box reported in this work, we suggest that the Drosophila Tpl (94D) orthologs should be classified as their own transition protein group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zain A. Alvi
- Department of Biological Sciences; Seton Hall University; South Orange, NJ USA
| | - Tin-Chun Chu
- Department of Biological Sciences; Seton Hall University; South Orange, NJ USA
| | | | - Angela V Klaus
- Department of Biological Sciences; Seton Hall University; South Orange, NJ USA
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27
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Dogan S, Vargovic P, Oliveira R, Belser LE, Kaya A, Moura A, Sutovsky P, Parrish J, Topper E, Memili E. Sperm protamine-status correlates to the fertility of breeding bulls. Biol Reprod 2015; 92:92. [PMID: 25673563 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.124255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [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: 08/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
During fertilization, spermatozoa make essential contributions to embryo development by providing oocyte activating factors, centrosomal components, and paternal chromosomes. Protamines are essential for proper packaging of sperm DNA; however, in contrast to the studies of oocyte-related female infertility, the influence of sperm chromatin structure on male infertility has not been evaluated extensively. The objective of this study was to determine the sperm chromatin content of bull spermatozoa by evaluating DNA fragmentation, chromatin maturity/protamination, PRM1 protein status, and nuclear shape in spermatozoa from bulls with different fertility. Relationships between protamine 1 (PRM1) and the chromatin integrity were ascertained in spermatozoa from Holstein bulls with varied (high vs. low) but acceptable fertility. Sperm DNA fragmentation and chromatin maturity (protamination) were tested using Halomax assay and toluidine blue staining, respectively. The PRM1 content was assayed using Western blotting and in-gel densitometry, flow cytometry, and immunocytochemistry. Fragmentation of DNA was increased and chromatin maturity significantly reduced in spermatozoa from low-fertility bulls compared to those from high-fertility bulls. Field fertility scores of the bulls were negatively correlated with the percentage of spermatozoa displaying reduced protamination and fragmented DNA using toluidine blue and Halomax, respectively. Bull fertility was also positively correlated with PRM1 content by Western blotting and flow cytometry. However, detection of PRM1 content by Western blotting alone was not predictive of bull fertility. In immunocytochemistry, abnormal spermatozoa showed either a lack of PRM1 or scattered localization in the apical/acrosomal region of the nuclei. The nuclear shape was distorted in spermatozoa from low-fertility bulls. In conclusion, we showed that inadequate amount and localization of PRM1 were associated with defects in sperm chromatin structure, coinciding with reduced fertility in bulls. These findings are highly significant because they reveal molecular and morphological phenotypes of mammalian spermatozoa that influence fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sule Dogan
- Mississippi State University, Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State, Mississippi
| | - Peter Vargovic
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | | | - Lauren E Belser
- Mississippi State University, Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State, Mississippi
| | | | | | - Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - John Parrish
- Department of Animal Science, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Einko Topper
- Alta Genetics Incorporated, Watertown, Wisconsin
| | - Erdoğan Memili
- Mississippi State University, Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State, Mississippi
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Bujan L, Walschaerts M, Brugnon F, Daudin M, Berthaut I, Auger J, Saias J, Szerman E, Moinard N, Rives N, Hennebicq S. Impact of lymphoma treatments on spermatogenesis and sperm deoxyribonucleic acid: a multicenter prospective study from the CECOS network. Fertil Steril 2014; 102:667-674.e3. [PMID: 25044088 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2014] [Revised: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine consequences of lymphoma treatments on sperm characteristics and sperm DNA, and to evaluate predictors of sperm recovery. DESIGN Multicenter prospective longitudinal study of patients analyzed before treatment and after 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. SETTING University hospitals. PATIENT(S) Seventy-five Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients and a control group of 257 fertile men. INTERVENTION(S) Semen analyses, and sperm DNA and chromatin assessments. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Comparisons of sperm characteristics before and after treatment. RESULT(S) Patients already had altered sperm characteristics before lymphoma treatment, with no identified risk factor. Sperm count, total sperm count, motility, and vitality decreased after treatment, with lowest values at 3 and 6 months. Twelve months after treatment, mean sperm count recovered to pretreatment values after doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, darcarbacine (ABVD) or ABVD+radiotherapy, but not after doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone (CHOP) or mechlorethamine, oncovin, procarbazine, prednisone (MOPP) chemotherapies. It was noteworthy that 7% of patients remained azoospermic at 24 months. After 24 months, Kaplan-Meier estimates showed that more than 90% of patients will recover normal sperm count after ABVD or ABVD+radiotherapy vs. 61% for CHOP chemotherapies. In multivariate analyses including diagnosis and treatment protocol, only pretreatment total sperm count was related to recovery. Compared with a control group, lymphoma patients had higher sperm chromatin alterations and DNA fragmentation before any treatment. After treatment, DNA fragmentation assessed by TUNEL assay and sperm chromatin structure assay decreased from 3 and 6 months, respectively, while remaining higher than in the control group during follow-up. CONCLUSION(S) Lymphoma patients had altered sperm DNA and chromatin before treatment. Lymphoma treatment had damaging effects on spermatogenesis. These data on both the recovery period according to treatment modalities and the pre- and post-treatment chromatin status of sperm are useful tools for counseling patients wishing to conceive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Bujan
- Université de Toulouse, University Paul Sabatier, Groupe de Recherche en Fertilité Humaine (Human Fertility Research Group) and CECOS, Toulouse, France; Fédération Française des CECOS, France, Paris.
| | - Marie Walschaerts
- Université de Toulouse, University Paul Sabatier, Groupe de Recherche en Fertilité Humaine (Human Fertility Research Group) and CECOS, Toulouse, France
| | - Florence Brugnon
- Fédération Française des CECOS, France, Paris; Assistance Médicale à la Procréation, CECOS, Universitary Hospital Estaing, and Laboratoire Génétique Reproduction et Développement, Université d'Auvergne, Faculté de Médecine, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Myriam Daudin
- Université de Toulouse, University Paul Sabatier, Groupe de Recherche en Fertilité Humaine (Human Fertility Research Group) and CECOS, Toulouse, France; Fédération Française des CECOS, France, Paris
| | - Isabelle Berthaut
- Fédération Française des CECOS, France, Paris; Service d'Histologie, Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, Hôpital Tenon, Paris, France
| | - Jacques Auger
- Fédération Française des CECOS, France, Paris; Département d'Histologie-Embryologie, Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, Site Port-Royal, Paris Centre University Hospitals, Paris, France
| | - Jacqueline Saias
- Fédération Française des CECOS, France, Paris; Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction-Cecos, Hôpital La Conception, Marseille, France
| | - Ethel Szerman
- Fédération Française des CECOS, France, Paris; Unité de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, Pole de Biologie, Universitary Hospital Côte de Nacre, Caen, France
| | - Nathalie Moinard
- Université de Toulouse, University Paul Sabatier, Groupe de Recherche en Fertilité Humaine (Human Fertility Research Group) and CECOS, Toulouse, France; Fédération Française des CECOS, France, Paris
| | - Nathalie Rives
- Fédération Française des CECOS, France, Paris; CECOS Biologie de la Reproduction, Universitary Hospital Rouen, and Gamétogenèse et Qualité du Gamète research group, Université de Rouen, Rouen, France
| | - Sylvianne Hennebicq
- Fédération Française des CECOS, France, Paris; Laboratoire d'Aide à la Procréation-CECOS, Laboratoire AGe, Imagerie, Modélisation, Équipe Génétique-Infertilité-Thérapeutique, Faculté de Médecine de Grenoble, Grenoble, France
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Delbes G, Herrero MB, Troeung ET, Chan PTK. The use of complimentary assays to evaluate the enrichment of human sperm quality in asthenoteratozoospermic and teratozoospermic samples processed with Annexin-V magnetic activated cell sorting. Andrology 2013; 1:698-706. [PMID: 23843365 DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2013.00106.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Revised: 05/21/2013] [Accepted: 05/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Sperm chromatin integrity may affect the outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Developing a clinically reliable strategy to enrich sperm samples with high chromatin quality spermatozoa prior to sperm banking or use in ART would thus be advantageous. The objectives of this study were to: (i) assess the sperm chromatin quality in men with different categories of semen parameters; and (ii) evaluate the extents of Annexin-V magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) technology coupled with differential density gradient centrifugation (DGC) in improving sperm chromatin quality. Three categories of men from couples attending a university-based fertility clinic were recruited based on their semen parameters: normozoospermic (n = 13), asthenoteratozoospermic (n = 17) and teratozoospermic (n = 12). For each patient, spermatozoa in semen samples were processed first by DGC to enrich the motility and further by MACS to remove spermatozoa showing apoptotic features. The yield and enrichment of sperm quality was evaluated at each step with conventional semen parameters in conjunction with a combination of five complementary assays, to assess sperm maturity, chromatin structure, compaction and DNA integrity (Hyaluronic Binding Assay, SCSA, chromomycine A3 staining and TUNEL and COMET assays). Our results demonstrated that, compared with normozoospermic samples, raw asthenoteratozoospermic and teratozoospermic samples had a higher proportion of spermatozoa containing DNA breaks, but only asthenoteratozoospermic exhibited altered chromatin structure and decreased binding to hyaluronic acid. Interestingly, the DGC appeared to select for more mature spermatozoa with high DNA compaction. More importantly, in all categories of semen samples, Annexin-V MACS allows enrichment of spermatozoa with good chromatin quality as measured by the TUNEL and SCSA. Because effective treatment modalities to improve sperm DNA damage are limited, our results suggest a potential clinical value of MACS as a mean to enhance sperm quality that may improve assisted reproductive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Delbes
- The Urology Research Department, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Bujan L, Walschaerts M, Moinard N, Hennebicq S, Saias J, Brugnon F, Auger J, Berthaut I, Szerman E, Daudin M, Rives N. Impact of chemotherapy and radiotherapy for testicular germ cell tumors on spermatogenesis and sperm DNA: a multicenter prospective study from the CECOS network. Fertil Steril 2013; 100:673-80. [PMID: 23755953 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [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: 03/04/2013] [Revised: 05/03/2013] [Accepted: 05/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the consequences of adjuvant testicular germ cell tumor treatment (TGCT) on sperm characteristics and sperm DNA, and to evaluate the predictors of sperm recovery. DESIGN Multicenter prospective longitudinal study of patients analyzed before treatment and after 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. SETTING University hospitals. PATIENT(S) One hundred twenty-nine volunteer TGCT patients and a control group of 257 fertile men. INTERVENTION(S) Routine semen analyses, sperm DNA, and chromatin assessments. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Comparisons of mean sperm characteristics before and after treatment, with sperm recovery analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULT(S) The quantitative and qualitative sperm characteristics decreased after treatment, with lowest values at 3 and 6 months and with variations according to treatment type. The mean total sperm count recovered to pretreatment values at 12 months after treatment after two or fewer bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) cycles, but not after radiotherapy or more than two BEP cycles. Only the treatment modalities and pretreatment sperm production were related to recovery of the World Health Organization reference sperm values. An increased proportion of patients had elevated high sperm DNA stainability at 6 months after radiotherapy. CONCLUSION(S) Adjuvant treatments for testicular germ cell tumor have drastic effects on spermatogenesis and sperm chromatin quality. These new data on both the recovery period according to treatment modalities and the post-treatment chromatin status of sperm are useful tools for counseling patients wishing to conceive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Bujan
- Fédération Française des Centre d'Étude et de Conservation des Œufs et du Sperme Humains (CECOS), Paris, France.
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Abstract
PURPOSE Understanding the causes of fertilization failure is an important research field in assisted reproductive programs. The present study aimed to evaluated the possible relationship between chromatin packaging quality (CMA3 staining) and (i) normal morphology and (ii) its ability to predict the functional integrity of spermatozoa in both in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment programs. METHODS Semen of 140 men from IVF and ICSI couples were analyzed for sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and chromatin packaging (CMA3). For CMA3 classification, two cutoff values were used, namely, 44.5% +/- 13 and 1 SD above the mean, i.e., 57.5% (rounded off to 60%). IVF and ICSI data were stratified using three basic cutoff values for CMA3 staining, namely, < 44%, > 44-60%, and > 60%. RESULTS Based on CMA3 results patients were divided into four groups, namely, group A, < 44% CMA3 (n = 15, IVF); group B, > or = 44% and < 60% CMA3 (n = 39, IVF); group C, > or = 60% CMA3 (n = 45 IVF); and group D, > or = 60% CMA3 (n = 41 ICSI). During receiver operator characteristic analyses the estimated cutoff value for CMA3 staining, to distinguish between < 4% and > or = 4% morphology groups, was 60%. The area under the curve was 0.89, sensitivity of 75%, and specificity of 100%. When IVF rates of > 60% and < 60% were used, the optimal CMA3 value for prediction of fertilization success again was recorded at 60%. The area under the curve was 0.76, sensitivity of 81.5%, and specificity of 63.6%. CONCLUSIONS Chromatin packaging assessments should be included as a complementary assay to the sequential diagnostic approach of the male-factor patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Esterhuizen
- Andrology Laboratory, du Buisson and Partners, Pretoria, 2, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, South Africa
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Rosenbusch BE. Frequency and patterns of premature sperm chromosome condensation in oocytes failing to fertilize after intracytoplasmic sperm injection. J Assist Reprod Genet 2000; 17:253-9. [PMID: 10976411 PMCID: PMC3455205 DOI: 10.1023/a:1009454231659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate reasons for fertilization failure after intracytoplasmic sperm injection as a part of internal quality control and to review corresponding previous data. METHODS One hundred injected but unfertilized oocytes were fixed and examined after Giemsa staining. RESULTS Three oocytes (3.0%) did not show the presence of a spermatozoon and two (2.0%) contained pronuclear structures. An intact spermatozoon was found in 25 cases (25.0%), whereas the sperm nucleus had undergone premature chromosome condensation (PCC) in 70 cells (70.0%). A modified classification system was established to characterize the different PCC patterns. CONCLUSIONS PCC indicates a correct intracytoplasmic injection and excludes technical problems as a major reason for fertilization failure in the present study. A lack of oocyte activation due to cytoplasmic immaturity is considered responsible for the occurrence of PCC. A review of the literature shows that the role of sperm chromatin abnormalities in the process of nuclear decondensation needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- B E Rosenbusch
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Ulm, Donau, Germany
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