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Yuan RY, Li S, Feng X, Li XL, Lin XT, Gao FM, Zhu HJ, Li YS, Li YC, Ou XH. Comparison of embryo quality and pregnancy outcomes for patients with low ovarian reserve in natural cycles and mildly stimulated cycles: a cohort study. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2024; 44:2303693. [PMID: 38263614 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2024.2303693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As women with low ovarian reserve embark on the challenging journey of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment, the choice between natural and mildly stimulated cycles becomes a pivotal consideration. It is unclear which of these two regimens is superior for women with low ovarian reserve. Our study aims to assess the impact of natural cycles on embryo quality and pregnancy outcomes in women with low ovarian reserve undergoing IVF treatment compared to mildly stimulated cycles. METHODS This retrospective study enrolled consecutive patients with low ovarian reserve who underwent IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) at Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital between January 2017 and April 2021. The primary outcome for pregnancy rate of 478 natural cycles and 448 mild stimulated cycles was compared. Secondary outcomes included embryo quality and oocyte retrieval time of natural cycles. RESULTS The pregnancy rate in the natural cycle group was significantly higher than that in the mildly stimulated cycle group (51.8% vs. 40.1%, p = 0.046). Moreover, natural cycles exhibited higher rates of available embryos (84.1% vs. 78.6%, p = 0.040), high-quality embryos (61.8% vs. 53.2%, p = 0.008), and utilisation of oocytes (73% vs. 65%, p = 0.001) compared to mildly stimulated cycles. Oocyte retrievals in natural cycles were predominantly performed between 7:00 and 19:00, with 94.9% occurring during this time frame. In natural cycles with high-quality embryos, 96.4% of oocyte retrievals were also conducted between 7:00 and 19:00. CONCLUSION Natural cycles with appropriately timed oocyte retrieval may present a valuable option for patients with low ovarian reserve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Ying Yuan
- The Affiliated Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sen Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xie Feng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Long Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Ting Lin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fu-Min Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hai-Jing Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong-Shi Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan-Chu Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiang-Hong Ou
- The Affiliated Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
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Zhou H, Pan C, Wu Y, Ye D, Fei Q, Kong X, Zhang H, Jin W. Reproductive outcomes in patients with high levels of sperm DNA fragmentation using testicular sperm for intracytoplasmic injection: a retrospective analysis. HUM FERTIL 2024; 27:2338290. [PMID: 38602121 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2024.2338290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
This study aims to compare the embryological and clinical parameters of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles using testicular versus ejaculated sperm in male patients with elevated sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF). A total of 73 ICSI cycles were examined in couples where the male partner exhibited high levels of SDF. ICSI was performed using either ejaculated or testicular sperm. The primary outcomes were rates of blastocyst formation, high-quality embryo development, and clinical pregnancy. The DNA fragmentation index (DFI) for testicular sperm (16.81 ± 17.51) was significantly lower than that of ejaculated sperm (56.96 ± 17.56). While the blastocyst formation rate was significantly higher in the testicular sperm group compared to the ejaculated sperm group, no statistically significant differences were noted in fertilization rate (72.15% vs. 77.23%), rate of high-quality embryo formation (47.17% vs. 46.53%), clinical pregnancy (50% vs. 56.52%), Cumulative pregnancy (70.2% vs. 55.6%), or live birth rate (43.75% vs.43.48%). Testicular spermatozoa have no additional advantage over ejaculated spermatozoa except for blastocyst quality in patients with high SDF, the use of testicular spermatozoa for the first ICSI cycle in male infertility patients with high SDF should be undertaken after much consideration at present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haisu Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Chengshuang Pan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Yonggen Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Danna Ye
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Qianjin Fei
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Xiangbin Kong
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Wumin Jin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
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Gumerova E, Rimmer MP, Gellatly SA. Do sperm and lubricants gel well with each other? A systematic review. HUM FERTIL 2024; 27:2285349. [PMID: 38044638 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2023.2285349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Vaginal lubricants are commonly used to aid sexual pleasure and/or to help combat vaginal dryness and dyspareunia. Several studies have reported their impact on sperm function, however there are no published guidelines to help healthcare professionals and couples select a vaginal lubricant that is 'sperm-safe'. To address this, we conducted a literature search using both PubMed and Scopus to identify and appraise manuscripts that reported the impact of lubricants on sperm function. We did not restrict the literature search by year of publication, and we only included manuscripts that looked at the impact of vaginal lubricants on human sperm. The quality of the eligible studies was assessed using the Björndahl et al., (2016) checklist for semen analysis, as most of the studies reported the findings of a basic semen analysis. A total of 24 articles were eligible for analysis with a total of 35 vaginal lubricants (that were available to buy over the counter) being included, 2 of which studied the effect of vaginal lubricants on sperm function in vivo, and 22 being conducted in vitro. KY Jelly, PreSeed and Astroglide were most studied, with most manuscripts focussing on their impact on sperm motility. A paucity of data on most lubricants combined with methodological variations between studies and limited/no reporting on pregnancy outcomes means greater efforts are required before an evidence-based guideline can be published.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Gumerova
- Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - M P Rimmer
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Edinburgh BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - S A Gellatly
- Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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4
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Kumar S, Islam R, Chanda A, Das PJ, Banik S, Barman K, Pegu SR, Rajkhowa S, Gupta VK. Biostimulatory effects of boar seminal gel, saliva and semen on sexual behavior of young boars, gilts and sows. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2024; 70:59-72. [PMID: 38442080 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2024.2314548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
The present study aimed to identify novel biostimulatory compounds in boar seminal gel (SG), saliva and semen using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The bio-stimulatory effect of SG, SG + saliva and SG + semen on young boar for semen collection as well were employed to study bio-stimulatory effects on gilts and sows. Distilled water (DW) exposure was kept as control. SG, saliva and semen were screened for total 105, 96 and 89 compounds. The highest concentration was of alkanes followed by sugar alcohols, then hydrocarbons, amino acids and fatty acids. Elaidic acid was the novel compound identified in pigs. Significantly higher (p < 0.05) number of males got trained in exposure to SG (80%), SG + saliva (75%) and SG + semen (75%) than control (0%). The time (hrs) taken by young boars to get trained on exposure to combination of SG + saliva (244 ± 22.19) and SG + semen (216 ± 13.14) was lesser (p < 0.05) than SG (356 ± 61.85) alone. Interval (hrs) from initiation of exposure for exhibition of different sexual behaviour by males on exposure to SG, saliva and semen was lesser (p < 0.05) than control. Significantly (p < 0.05) higher number of females showed estrus response to exposure of SG (72.72%), SG + saliva (69.23%) and SG + semen (76.92%) than control (0). Interval (hrs) taken to exhibit estrus was shorter (p < 0.05) in females exposed to SG + saliva (201.88 ± 12.66), SG + semen (198.20 ± 9.42) than SG (262.14 ± 20.06) alone. Interval (hrs) for exhibition of different sexual behaviour by females on exposure to SG + saliva and SG + semen was lesser (p < 0.05) than control. In conclusion, novel compounds were identified in boar seminal gel, saliva and semen with biostimulatory properties have been identified in boar SG, saliva and semen. The combined exposure of SG with saliva and semen has more intense biostimulation effect than SG alone for training of young boars and estrus induction in gilts and sows. Such compounds biostimulatory effects can be exploited for augmenting reproductive efficiency in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Kumar
- Animal Reproduction, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Rani, Guwahati, India
| | - Rafiqul Islam
- Animal Reproduction, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Rani, Guwahati, India
| | - Anesha Chanda
- Animal Reproduction, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Rani, Guwahati, India
| | - Pranab Jyoti Das
- Animal Genetics and Breeding, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Rani, Guwahati, India
| | - Santanu Banik
- Animal Genetics and Breeding, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Rani, Guwahati, India
| | - Keshab Barman
- Animal Nutrition, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Rani, Guwahati, India
| | - Seema Rani Pegu
- Animal Health, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Rani, Guwahati, India
| | - Swaraj Rajkhowa
- Animal Health, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Rani, Guwahati, India
| | - Vivek Kumar Gupta
- Animal Health, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Rani, Guwahati, India
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5
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Li Y, Zhai Y, Fu B, He Y, Feng Y, Ma F, Lu H. A comprehensive N-glycome map of porcine sperm membrane before and after capacitation. Carbohydr Polym 2024; 335:122084. [PMID: 38616102 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Mapping the N-glycome of porcine sperm before and after sperm capacitation is important for understanding the rearrangement of glycoconjugates during capacitation. In this work, we characterized the N-glycome on the membranes of 18 pairs of fresh porcine sperm before capacitation and porcine sperm after capacitation by MALDI-MS (Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry). A total of 377 N-glycans were detected and a comprehensive N-glycome map of porcine sperm membranes before and after capacitation was generated, which presents the largest N-glycome dataset of porcine sperm cell membranes. Statistical analysis revealed a significantly higher level of high mannose glycosylation and a significantly lower level of fucosylation, galactosylation, and α-2,6-NeuAc after capacitation, which is further verified by flow cytometry and lectin blotting. This research reveals new insights into the relationship between N-glycosylation variations and sperm capacitation, including the underlying mechanisms of the capacitation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueyue Li
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yujia Zhai
- Department of Medical Genetics/Prenatal Diagnostic Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Bing Fu
- Department of Chemistry, NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugates Research, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yuanlin He
- College of Biomass Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Ying Feng
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
| | - Fang Ma
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
| | - Haojie Lu
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Chemistry, NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugates Research, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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6
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Kurlovich J, Rodriguez Polo I, Dovgusha O, Tereshchenko Y, Cruz CRV, Behr R, Günesdogan U. Generation of marmoset primordial germ cell-like cells under chemically defined conditions. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302371. [PMID: 38499329 PMCID: PMC10948935 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the embryonic precursors of sperm and oocytes, which transmit genetic/epigenetic information across generations. Mouse PGC and subsequent gamete development can be fully reconstituted in vitro, opening up new avenues for germ cell studies in biomedical research. However, PGCs show molecular differences between rodents and humans. Therefore, to establish an in vitro system that is closely related to humans, we studied PGC development in vivo and in vitro in the common marmoset monkey Callithrix jacchus (cj). Gonadal cjPGCs at embryonic day 74 express SOX17, AP2Ɣ, BLIMP1, NANOG, and OCT4A, which is reminiscent of human PGCs. We established transgene-free induced pluripotent stem cell (cjiPSC) lines from foetal and postnatal fibroblasts. These cjiPSCs, cultured in defined and feeder-free conditions, can be differentiated into precursors of mesendoderm and subsequently into cjPGC-like cells (cjPGCLCs) with a transcriptome similar to human PGCs/PGCLCs. Our results not only pave the way for studying PGC development in a non-human primate in vitro under experimentally controlled conditions, but also provide the opportunity to derive functional marmoset gametes in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Kurlovich
- https://ror.org/01y9bpm73 Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences, Department of Developmental Biology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ignacio Rodriguez Polo
- https://ror.org/01y9bpm73 Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences, Department of Developmental Biology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- German Primate Center-Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Research Platform Degenerative Diseases, Göttingen, Germany
- Stem Cell and Human Development Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Oleksandr Dovgusha
- https://ror.org/01y9bpm73 Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences, Department of Developmental Biology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Yuliia Tereshchenko
- German Primate Center-Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Research Platform Degenerative Diseases, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Carmela Rieline V Cruz
- https://ror.org/01y9bpm73 Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences, Department of Developmental Biology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Behr
- German Primate Center-Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Research Platform Degenerative Diseases, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ufuk Günesdogan
- https://ror.org/01y9bpm73 Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences, Department of Developmental Biology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- https://ror.org/03av75f26 Department for Molecular Developmental Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
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7
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Houston BJ, Merriner DJ, Stathatos GG, Nguyen JH, O'Connor AE, Lopes AM, Conrad DF, Baker M, Dunleavy JE, O'Bryan MK. Genetic mutation of Cep76 results in male infertility due to abnormal sperm tail composition. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302452. [PMID: 38570187 PMCID: PMC10992998 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The transition zone is a specialised gate at the base of cilia/flagella, which separates the ciliary compartment from the cytoplasm and strictly regulates protein entry. We identified a potential new regulator of the male germ cell transition zone, CEP76. We demonstrated that CEP76 was involved in the selective entry and incorporation of key proteins required for sperm function and fertility into the ciliary compartment and ultimately the sperm tail. In the mutant, sperm tails were shorter and immotile as a consequence of deficits in essential sperm motility proteins including DNAH2 and AKAP4, which accumulated at the sperm neck in the mutant. Severe annulus, fibrous sheath, and outer dense fibre abnormalities were also detected in sperm lacking CEP76. Finally, we identified that CEP76 dictates annulus positioning and structure. This study suggests CEP76 as a male germ cell transition zone protein and adds further evidence to the hypothesis that the spermatid transition zone and annulus are part of the same functional structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan J Houston
- https://ror.org/01ej9dk98 School of BioSciences and Bio21 Molecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - D Jo Merriner
- https://ror.org/01ej9dk98 School of BioSciences and Bio21 Molecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - G Gemma Stathatos
- https://ror.org/01ej9dk98 School of BioSciences and Bio21 Molecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Joseph H Nguyen
- https://ror.org/01ej9dk98 School of BioSciences and Bio21 Molecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Anne E O'Connor
- https://ror.org/01ej9dk98 School of BioSciences and Bio21 Molecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Alexandra M Lopes
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology & Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Donald F Conrad
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Mark Baker
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Jessica Em Dunleavy
- https://ror.org/01ej9dk98 School of BioSciences and Bio21 Molecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- https://ror.org/01ej9dk98 School of BioSciences and Bio21 Molecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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Zhang X, Ferree PM. PSRs: Selfish chromosomes that manipulate reproductive development. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 159-160:66-73. [PMID: 38394822 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2024.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
B chromosomes are intriguing "selfish" genetic elements, many of which exhibit higher-than-Mendelian transmission. This perspective highlights a group of B chromosomes known as Paternal Sex Ratio chromosomes (PSRs), which are found in several insects with haplo-diploid reproduction. PSRs harshly alter the organism's reproduction to facilitate their own inheritance. A manifestation of this effect is the conversion of female destined individuals into males. Key to this conversion is the mysterious ability of PSRs to cause elimination of the sperm-inherited half of the genome during zygote formation. Here we discuss how PSRs were discovered, what is known about how they alter paternal chromatin dynamics to cause sex conversion, and how PSR-induced genome elimination is different from other forms of programmed genome elimination in different insects. PSRs also stand out because their DNA sequence compositions differ in remarkable ways from their insect's essential chromosomes, a characteristic suggestive of interspecies origins. Broadly, we also highlight poorly understood aspects of PSR dynamics that need to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinmi Zhang
- W. M. Keck Science Department, Pitzer and Scripps Colleges, Claremont, CA 91711, USA
| | - Patrick M Ferree
- W. M. Keck Science Department, Pitzer and Scripps Colleges, Claremont, CA 91711, USA.
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Li T, Wang J, Fang J, Chen F, Wu X, Wang L, Gao M, Zhang L, Li S. A universal nucleic acid detection platform combing CRISPR/Cas12a and strand displacement amplification with multiple signal readout. Talanta 2024; 273:125922. [PMID: 38503121 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.125922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Rapid and sensitive detection of nucleic acids has become crucial in various fields. However, most current nucleic acid detection methods can only be used in specific scenarios, such as RT-qPCR, which relies on fluorometer for signal readout, limiting its application at home or in the field due to its high price. In this paper, a universal nucleic acid detection platform combing CRISPR/Cas12a and strand displacement amplification (CRISPR-SDA) with multiple signal readout was established to adapt to different application scenarios. Nucleocapsid protein gene of SARS-CoV-2 (N gene) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA were selected as model targets. The proposed strategy achieved the sensitivity of 53.1 fM, 0.15 pM, and 1 pM for N gene in fluorescence mode, personal glucose meter (PGM) mode and lateral flow assay (LFA) mode, respectively. It possessed the ability to differentiate single-base mismatch and the presence of salmon sperm DNA with a mass up to 105-fold of the targets did not significantly interfere with the assay signal. The general and modular design idea made CRISPR-SDA as simple as building blocks to construct nucleic acid sensing methods to meet different requirements by simply changing the SDA template and selecting suitable signal report probes, which was expected to find a breadth of applications in nucleic acids detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Li
- College of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, China.
| | - Jinjin Wang
- College of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, China
| | - Jiaoyuan Fang
- College of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, China
| | - Fei Chen
- College of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, China
| | - Xinru Wu
- College of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, China
| | - Lan Wang
- College of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, China
| | - Meng Gao
- College of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, China
| | - Liping Zhang
- College of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, China.
| | - Sanqiang Li
- College of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, China.
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10
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Cheng A, Luo H, Fan B, Xiang Q, Nie Z, Feng S, Qiao Y, Wu Y, Zhu Q, Liu R, Song X, Li X, Zhang J. Fluoride induces pyroptosis via IL-17A-mediated caspase-1/11-dependent pathways and Bifidobacterium intervention in testis. Sci Total Environ 2024; 926:172036. [PMID: 38554964 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Fluoride, a ubiquitous environmental pollutant, poses a significant public health threat. Our previous study revealed a correlation between fluoride-induced testicular pyroptosis and male reproductive dysfunction. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Wild-type and interleukin 17A knockout mice were exposed to sodium fluoride (100 mg/L) in deionized drinking water for 18 weeks. Bifidobacterium intervention (1 × 109 CFU/mL, 0.2 mL/day, administered via gavage) commenced in the 10th week. Sperm quality, testicular morphology, key pyroptosis markers, spermatogenesis key genes, IL-17A signaling pathway, and pyroptosis pathway related genes were determined. The results showed that fluoride reduced sperm quality, damaged testicular morphology, affected spermatogenesis, elevated IL-17A levels, and induced testicular pyroptosis. Bifidobacterium intervention alleviated adverse reproductive outcomes. Fluoride-activated testicular pyroptosis through both typical and atypical pathways, with IL-17A involvement. Bifidobacterium supplementation attenuated pyroptosis by downregulating IL-17A, inhibiting NLRP3 and PYRIN-mediated caspase-1 and caspase-11 dependent pathways in testis, thereby alleviating fluoride-induced male reproductive damage. In summary, this study uncovers the mechanism underlying fluorine-induced testicular pyroptosis and illustrates the novel protecting feature of Bifidobacterium against fluoride-induced harm to male reproduction, along with its potential regulatory mechanism. These results provide fresh perspectives on treating male reproductive dysfunction resulting from fluoride or other environmental toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ao Cheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, China
| | - Huifeng Luo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, China
| | - Bingchao Fan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, China
| | - Qing Xiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, China
| | - Zhaochen Nie
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, China
| | - Shuang Feng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, China
| | - Yurou Qiao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, China
| | - Yue Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, China
| | - Qianlong Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, China
| | - Rongxiu Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, China
| | - Xiaochao Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, China
| | - Xiang Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, China
| | - Jianhai Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, China.
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Cheng GP, Wang YF, Li YY, Guo SM, Li HG, Ji DM, Yi NH, Zhou LQ. Deficiency of nucleosome-destabilizing factor GLYR1 dampens spermatogenesis in mice. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 586:112194. [PMID: 38395189 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2024.112194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Aberrant sperm morphology hinders sperm motility and causes male subfertility. Spermatogenesis, a complex process in male germ cell development, necessitates precise regulation of numerous developmental genes. However, the regulatory pathways involved in this process remain partially understood. We have observed the widespread expression of Glyr1, the gene encoding a nucleosome-destabilizing factor, in mouse testicular cells. Our study demonstrates that mice experiencing Glyr1 depletion in spermatogenic cells exhibit subfertility characterized by a diminished count and motility of spermatozoa. Furthermore, the rate of sperm malformation significantly increases in the absence of Glyr1, with a predominant occurrence of head and neck malformation in spermatozoa within the cauda epididymis. Additionally, a reduction in spermatocyte numbers across different meiotic stages is observed, accompanied by diminished histone acetylation in spermatogenic cells upon Glyr1 depletion. Our findings underscore the crucial roles of Glyr1 in mouse spermiogenesis and unveil novel insights into the etiology of male reproductive diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gui-Ping Cheng
- Department of Women Health Care, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu-Fan Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shi-Meng Guo
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong-Gang Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dong-Mei Ji
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Anhui, China.
| | - Nian-Hua Yi
- Department of Women Health Care, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Li-Quan Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Anhui, China.
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12
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Rehman N, Jabeen F, Asad M, Nijabat A, Ali A, Khan SU, Luna-Arias JP, Mashwani ZUR, Siddiqa A, Karthikeyan A, Ahmad A. Exposure to zinc oxide nanoparticles induced reproductive toxicities in male Sprague Dawley rats. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2024; 83:127411. [PMID: 38387428 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2024.127411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This research delves into the reproductive toxicology of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) in male Sprague Dawley rats. It specifically examines the repercussions of Zn accumulation in the testes, alterations in testosterone levels, and histopathological changes in the gonadal tissues. AIMS The primary objective of this study is to elucidate the extent of reproductive toxicity induced by ZnO-NPs in male Sprague Dawley rats. The investigation aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the potential endocrine and reproductive disruptions caused by ZnO-NPs exposure. METHODS Characterization techniques including SEM-EDX and XRD affirmed the characteristic nature of ZnO-NPs. Twenty-five healthy post weaning rats (200-250 g) were intraperitoneally exposed to different concentrations of ZnO-NPs @ 10 or 20 or 30 mg/kg BW for 28 days on alternate days. RESULTS Results showed significant dose dependent decline in the body weight and testicular somatic index of rats. It also showed significant dose dependent accumulation of Zn in testis with increasing dose of ZnO-NPs. Conversely, serum testosterone level and sperm count were reduced with increasing dose of ZnO-NPs. Histological results showed dose dependent abnormalities i.e., vacuolization, edema, hemorrhage, destruction of seminiferous tubules, loss of germ cells and necrosis in rat testis. CONCLUSION The findings of this study clearly indicate that high doses of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) can adversely affect the structural integrity and functional efficacy of the male reproductive system. Given these results, it becomes crucial to implement stringent precautionary measures in the utilization of ZnO-NPs, particularly in cosmetics and other relevant sectors. Such measures are imperative to mitigate the toxicological impact of ZnO-NPs on the male reproductive system and potentially on other related physiological functions. This study underscores the need for regulatory vigilance and safety assessments in the application of nanotechnology to safeguard human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagina Rehman
- Department of Zoology, University of Mianwali, Mianwali 42200, Pakistan
| | - Farhat Jabeen
- Department of Zoology, Government College Women University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Asad
- Department of Zoology, Division of Science & Technology, University of Education, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Aneela Nijabat
- Department of Botany, University of Mianwali, Mianwali 42200, Pakistan
| | - Amir Ali
- Department of Botany, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid (PMAS) Agriculture University Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi, Pakistan; Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Ph.D. Program, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico, Mexico.
| | - Safir Ullah Khan
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife & Fisheries, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, 46300, Pakistan
| | - Juan Pedro Luna-Arias
- Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Ph.D. Program, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico, Mexico; Department of Cell Biology, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico, Mexico
| | - Zia-Ur-Rehman Mashwani
- Department of Botany, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid (PMAS) Agriculture University Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Siddiqa
- Department of Botany, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid (PMAS) Agriculture University Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Adhimoolam Karthikeyan
- Subtropical Horticulture Research Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, South Korea
| | - Ajaz Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Schulte J, Caliebe A, Marciano M, Neuschwander P, Seiberle I, Scheurer E, Schulz I. DEPArray™ single-cell technology: A validation study for forensic applications. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2024; 70:103026. [PMID: 38412740 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2024.103026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
In forensics investigations, it is common to encounter biological mixtures consisting of homogeneous or heterogeneous components from multiple individuals and with different genetic contributions. One promising mixture deconvolution strategy is the DEPArray™ technology, which enables the separation of cell populations before genetic analysis. While technological advances are fundamental, their reliable validation is crucial for successful implementation and use for casework. Thus, this study aimed to 1) systematically validate the DEPArray™ system concerning specificity, sensitivity, repeatability, and contamination occurrences for blood, epithelial, and sperm cells, and 2) evaluate its potential for single-cell analysis in the field of forensic science. Our findings confirmed the effective identification of different cell types and the correct assignment of successfully genotyped single cells to their respective donor(s). Using the NGM Detect™ Amplification Kit, the average profile completeness for diploid cells was approximately 80%, with ∼ 290 RFUs. In contrast, haploid sperm analysis yielded an average completeness of 51% referring to the haploid reference profile, accompanied by mean peak heights of ∼ 176 RFUs. Although certain alleles of heterozygous loci in diploid cells showed strong imbalances, the overall peak balances yielded acceptable values above ≥ 60% with a mean value of 72% ± 0.21, a median of 77%, but with a maximum imbalance of 9% between heterozygous peaks. Locus dropouts were considered stochastic events, exhibiting variations among donors and cell types, with a notable failure incidence observed for TH01. Within the wet-lab experimentation with >500 single cells for the validation, profiling was performed using the consensus approach, where profiles were selected randomly from all data to better mirror real casework results. Nevertheless, complete profiles could be achieved with as few as three diploid cells, while the average success rate increased to 100% when using profiles of 6-10 cells. For sperms, however, a consensus profile with completeness >90% of the autosomal diploid genotype could be attained using ≥15 cells. In addition, the robustness of the consensus approach was evaluated in the absence of the respective reference profile without severe deterioration. Here, increased stutter peaks (≥ 15%) were found as the main artifact in single-cell profiles, while contamination and drop-ins were ascertained as rare events. Lastly, the technique's potential and limitations are discussed, and practical guidance is provided, particularly valuable for cold cases, multiple perpetrator rapes, and analyses of homogeneous mixed evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Schulte
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University Basel, Pestalozzistrasse 22, Basel 4056, Switzerland
| | - Amke Caliebe
- Institute of Medical Informatics and Statistics, Kiel University and University-Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Brunswiker Str. 10, Kiel 24105, Germany
| | - Michael Marciano
- Forensic & National Security Sciences Institute, Syracuse University, 900 S Crouse Ave, Syracuse, NY 13244 , USA
| | - Pia Neuschwander
- Departement of Clinical Research, c/o Universitätsspital Basel, Spitalstrasse 8/12, Basel 4031, Switzerland
| | - Ilona Seiberle
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University Basel, Pestalozzistrasse 22, Basel 4056, Switzerland
| | - Eva Scheurer
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University Basel, Pestalozzistrasse 22, Basel 4056, Switzerland
| | - Iris Schulz
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University Basel, Pestalozzistrasse 22, Basel 4056, Switzerland.
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Morabbi A, Karimian M. Trace and essential elements as vital components to improve the performance of the male reproductive system: Implications in cell signaling pathways. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2024; 83:127403. [PMID: 38340548 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2024.127403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Successful male fertilization requires the main processes such as normal spermatogenesis, sperm capacitation, hyperactivation, and acrosome reaction. The progress of these processes depends on some endogenous and exogenous factors. So, the optimal level of ions and essential and rare elements such as selenium, zinc, copper, iron, manganese, calcium, and so on in various types of cells of the reproductive system could affect conception and male fertility rates. The function of trace elements in the male reproductive system could be exerted through some cellular and molecular processes, such as the management of active oxygen species, involvement in the action of membrane channels, regulation of enzyme activity, regulation of gene expression and hormone levels, and modulation of signaling cascades. In this review, we aim to summarize the available evidence on the role of trace elements in improving male reproductive performance. Also, special attention is paid to the cellular aspects and the involved molecular signaling cascades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Morabbi
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
| | - Mohammad Karimian
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.
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15
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Kaplan-Marans E, Khurgin J. Letter: Age, Sperm Retrieval, and Testicular Histology in Klinefelter Syndrome. J Urol 2024; 211:715-716. [PMID: 38323548 DOI: 10.1097/ju.0000000000003868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacob Khurgin
- Division of Urology, Maimonides Medical Center, New York, New York
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16
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Chiti H, Hosseini E, Ebrahimi V, Mousavi SN. Correlation of Dietary Macro- and Micro-Mineral Intake with Seminal Plasma Quality/Quantity and Oxidant/Antioxidant Status in Infertile Compared to the Normal Men: a Case-Control Study. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024; 202:1991-1997. [PMID: 37721681 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-03834-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Male infertility is a global public health issue, but studies on the correlation between the dietary components and sperm quality showed inconclusive results due to the heterogeneous population with different dietary habits and environmental stimuli. Herein, the correlation of dietary macro- and micro-mineral intake was evaluated with quality/quantity and oxidant/antioxidant status of seminal fluid in infertile compared to the healthy men. One hundred twenty men attending to the infertility clinic of Ayatollah Mousavi Hospital in Zanjan City were enrolled. Seminal fluid was extracted, and groups were categorized into the infertile (non-standard) and normal (standard) groups based on the WHO, 2020 criteria. Food frequency questionnaire was completed. Seminal malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured by ELISA kit based on the manufacture's instruction. An independent sample t-test was used to determine differences between the two groups, and linear regression model was used to determine the effect of each dietary macro/micro mineral intake on these parameters. Adjusting for all parameters, dietary selenium increased 3.7-folds the seminal TAC level (p=0.04) and decreased sperm with non-progressive motility by 2.4-folds (p=0.04). Higher manganese intake increased the sperm count by 7.8-folds (p=0.005). Dietary copper decreased sperm vitality and increased sperm with slow motility (OR= -1.7, 95% CI= -59.8, -9.9; p=0.007). Dietary zinc (OR=1.24, p=0.01) and iron (OR=1.5, p=0.02) showed a positive effect on sperm vitality. None of macro and micro minerals showed a significant effect on the seminal MDA level. Daily intake of adequate amounts of micro and macro minerals improves sperm quality and increases the antioxidant capacity of the seminal fluid; however, copper showed a negative correlation that must be evaluated in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Chiti
- Zanjan Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Elham Hosseini
- Zanjan Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ayatollah Mousavi Hospital, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Vahid Ebrahimi
- Zanjan Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Neda Mousavi
- Zanjan Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
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Dabizzi S, Calamai C, Degl'Innocenti S, Boni L, Vignozzi L, Maggi M, Baldi E, Muratori M. Tip-microVapour Fast Freezing: A novel easy method for cryopreserving severe oligozoospermic samples. Andrology 2024; 12:862-869. [PMID: 37706229 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sperm cryopreservation is an important procedure for oligozoospermic subjects at risk of azoospermia and after surgical recovery of spermatozoa in non-obstructive azoospermic men. Conventional procedures for sperm cryopreservation might be, however, not suitable for samples with a very low sperm number. OBJECTIVES In this pilot study, we investigated the recoveries of sperm motility and viability in severe oligozoospermic subjects (n = 39) after cryopreservation with a tip-microVapour Fast Freezing, a procedure previously developed by our group for men with good semen quality. Sperm DNA fragmentation was also evaluated in a second group of oligozoospermic samples (n = 16). MATERIALS AND METHODS We used a Vapour Fast Freezing procedure using 10 μL tips as carrier, and Test Yolk Buffer as freezing medium (tip-microVapour Fast Freezing). In a subset of samples (n = 22), we compared recovery of motility and viability as obtained with tip-microVapour Fast Freezing and with a Vapour Fast Freezing procedure using 500 μL straws. Sperm DNA fragmentation was evaluated by the sperm chromatin dispersion test. RESULTS We found a recovery rate (median [interquartile range]) of 0.29 (0.13-0.41) for progressive motility, 0.30 (0.21-0.52) for total motility and 0.48 (0.29-0.60) for viability. Interestingly, we observed that samples with the poorest motility were apparently less damaged by freezing/thawing. In a subset of samples (n = 22), we directly compared values of viability, progressive motility and total motility by freezing/thawing with tip-microVapour Fast Freezing and Vapour Fast Freezing conducted with 500 μL straws. We found much better values of all sperm parameters in samples after freezing/thawing with tip-microVapour Fast Freezing than with Vapour Fast Freezing in 500 μL straws: that is, progressive motility: 7.00 (3.00-8.50)% versus 2.00 (0.00-4.25)%, p < 0.001; total motility: 12.00 (8.00-16.25)% versus 6.50 (1.00-9.25)%, p < 0.001; viability: 29.75 (23.75-45.25) versus 22.50 (13.75-28.13), p < 0.001, respectively. In the second group of oligozoospermic samples, we found that tip-microVapour Fast Freezing produced lower levels of sperm DNA fragmentation than straws (33.00 [19.75-36.00]% vs. 36.00 [22.75-41.87]%, p < 0.001). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Tip-microVapour Fast Freezing appears to be a very promising method to cryopreserve semen samples from severe oligozoospermic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Dabizzi
- Unit of Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence, Centre for the Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Costanza Calamai
- Unit of Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence, Centre for the Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Selene Degl'Innocenti
- Unit of Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence, Centre for the Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Luca Boni
- Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Unit of Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence, Centre for the Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Baldi
- Unit of Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence, Centre for the Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Monica Muratori
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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18
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Gonzalez-Castro RA, Whitcomb LA, Pinsinski EC, Carnevale EM. Cryopreservation of equine spermatozoa reduces plasma membrane integrity and phospholipase C zeta 1 content as associated with oocyte activation. Andrology 2024; 12:918-931. [PMID: 37608516 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phospholipase C zeta (PLCZ1) is considered the major sperm-borne oocyte activation factor. Cryopreserved stallion spermatozoa are commonly used for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). However, plasma membrane damage and protein modifications caused by cryopreservation could impair sperm structure and function, leading to a reduction of PLCZ1 and oocyte activation after ICSI. OBJECTIVES We compared membrane integrity and PLCZ1 abundance in populations for fresh, frozen, and refrozen stallion spermatozoa, either thawed and refrozen at room or low temperature; and examined the effect of relative PLCZ1 content on cleavage after ICSI. MATERIALS AND METHODS Western blotting, ELISA, and immunofluorescence were conducted in stallion spermatozoa, freezing extenders, and detergent-extracted sperm fractions to detect and quantify PLCZ1. Retrospectively, PLCZ1 content and cleavage rate were analyzed. Fresh, frozen, and refrozen at room and low temperatures spermatozoa were evaluated for acrosomal and plasma membrane integrity and PLCZ1 content using flow cytometry. RESULTS Western blotting, ELISA, and immunofluorescence revealed significant reduction of PLCZ1 in spermatozoa after cryopreservation and confirmed PLCZ1 detection in extenders. After detergent extraction, a PLCZ1-nonextractable fraction remained in the postacrosomal region of spermatozoa. Plasma membrane integrity was significantly reduced after freezing. Acrosomal and plasma membrane integrity were similar between frozen and refrozen samples at low temperature, but both were significantly higher than samples refrozen at room temperature. Acrosomal and plasma membrane integrity significantly correlated to PLCZ1 content. Percentages of PLCZ1-labeled spermatozoa and PLCZ1 content were reduced after freezing but not after refreezing. Relative content and localization of PLCZ1 were associated with cleavage rates after ICSI. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Sperm PLCZ1 content associates with cleavage rates after ICSI. Cryopreservation is detrimental to sperm plasma membrane integrity and PLCZ1 retention. However, refreezing did not result in additional PLCZ1 loss. Refreezing stallion spermatozoa at a low temperature resulted in better survival but did not improve PLCZ1 retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul A Gonzalez-Castro
- Equine Reproduction Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Luke A Whitcomb
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Emma C Pinsinski
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Elaine M Carnevale
- Equine Reproduction Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
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19
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Deebel N, Ramasamy R. Letter: Age, Sperm Retrieval, and Testicular Histology in Klinefelter Syndrome. J Urol 2024; 211:714-715. [PMID: 38323562 DOI: 10.1097/ju.0000000000003867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Deebel
- Department of Urology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Ranjith Ramasamy
- Desai Sethi Urological Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
- Editorial Board, The Journal of Urology®
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Handelsman DJ, Idan A, Sleiman S, Bacha F, Long GV, Menzies AM, Vaishnav T, Litkouhi N, Volckmar X, Ledger W, Anazodo A. Testicular function after non-cytotoxic and immunotherapy drug treatment. Andrology 2024; 12:891-898. [PMID: 37889046 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of novel non-cytotoxic and immunotherapy drugs for cancer treatment on human testicular function have not been studied systematically. OBJECTIVES The present study aimed to characterize effects of non-cytotoxic and immunotherapy drugs in patients with cancers who had not been previously treated with gonadotoxic chemo- or radiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study involved 34 men, not previously treated with gonadotoxic regimens, in a mixed longitudinal (Cohort 1: 19 men about to start and approximately 1 year on non-cytotoxic and immunotherapy treatment) and cross-sectional (Cohort 2: 15 men already on non-cytotoxic and immunotherapy treatment) study using data modeling to estimate within-person time-course changes in testicular exocrine and endocrine functions. Cohort 1 provided 45 paired semen and blood samples (34 prior to and nine during treatment) and Cohort 2 provided 45 sets of samples (15 pre-treatment, 30 on treatment), including six men in Cohort 2 who had pre-treatment spermatozoa cryostorage prior to the study. Men on non-cytotoxic and immunotherapy treatment had undergone a median of 33.5 months long-term treatment. RESULTS Spermatozoa output and concentration were reduced by about 50%, with corresponding increases in serum follicle-stimulating hormone and decreases in serum inhibin B. Serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and sex hormone-binding globulin were unaffected by non-cytotoxic and immunotherapy treatment. CONCLUSION Within limits of the present study of sample size and duration of on-non-cytotoxic and immunotherapy treatment, non-cytotoxic and immunotherapy drugs have a modest effects on testicular exocrine function (sperm production) or its hormonal correlates (follicle-stimulating hormone, inhibin B), with minimal impact on testicular endocrine (testosterone, luteinizing hormone) function.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Handelsman
- Andrology Department and Clinical Andrology Laboratory, Concord Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amanda Idan
- Andrology Department and Clinical Andrology Laboratory, Concord Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sue Sleiman
- Andrology Department and Clinical Andrology Laboratory, Concord Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Fey Bacha
- Andrology Department and Clinical Andrology Laboratory, Concord Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Georgina V Long
- Melanoma Institute of Australia, University of Sydney, Royal North Shore & Mater Hospitals, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alexander M Menzies
- Melanoma Institute of Australia, University of Sydney, Royal North Shore & Mater Hospitals, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tejnei Vaishnav
- School of Women's and Childrens Health, Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Noosha Litkouhi
- School of Women's and Childrens Health, Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Xanthie Volckmar
- School of Women's and Childrens Health, Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - William Ledger
- School of Women's and Childrens Health, Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Antoinette Anazodo
- School of Women's and Childrens Health, Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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21
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Garcia VC, Almeida-Santos SM. Reproductive cycles of two island pitvipers species (Serpentes, Viperidae) determined by ultrasonography and radiography. Anat Histol Embryol 2024; 53:e13038. [PMID: 38563615 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.13038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
We used ultrasonography and radiography to assess the sexual organs and characterize the reproductive cycle of captive golden lancehead (Bothrops insularis) and Alcatrazes lancehead (B. alcatraz), two endangered island snake species in Brazil. We assessed 46- individuals of golden lancehead and 12 of Alcatrazes lancehead kept in captivity between 2014 and 2020. Follicular development was similar between species, but follicles in Alcatrazes lancehead were smaller than in the golden lanceheads. Female golden lanceheads produced 24 live young, seven stillborn and 73 undeveloped eggs. Parturition of live young occurred between midsummer (February) and early autumn and gestation averaged 8 months. Female Alcatrazes lanceheads produced four live young in midsummer, and one undeveloped egg in early autumn. Males and females of both species have seasonal and biennial reproductive cycles. Sperm storage in both sexes is essential to coordinate male and female cycles. The data obtained with golden lancehead and Alcatrazes lancehead in captivity, demonstrate a degree of conservatism, following data from other Bothrops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane Campos Garcia
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Selma Maria Almeida-Santos
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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22
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Ebel F, Ramírez-Reveco A, Strobel P, Wagenknecht L, Rodríguez N, Bosch P, Rivarola C. Optimized protocol for high-vacuum scanning electron microscopy analysis of polyacrylamide hydrogel-attached sperm cells in a binary system. Microsc Res Tech 2024; 87:1122-1127. [PMID: 38259083 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
A protocol for the analysis of a binary system comprising polyacrylamide hydrogel-attached sperm cells using high-vacuum scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is presented. This protocol focuses on optimizing the SEM procedure to obtain accurate and detailed imaging of the sperm cells and their interactions with the hydrogel scaffold. The methodology involves a stepwise sample preparation, including sample dehydration through a gradual exchange of ethanol/water ratios, followed by the application of a conductive metal coating. By employing this modified protocol, the traditional use of acetone dehydration, which may introduce chemical alterations to the materials, is avoided. The proposed approach enables a comprehensive evaluation of the morphology and interactions within the biological system in contact with the soft material scaffold. Furthermore, the potential application of this protocol extends to the study of other mammalian reproductive cells or cells of different origins adhered to hydrogel scaffolds. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Novel SEM protocol reveals precise imaging of sperm-hydrogel attachment in a binary system, enhancing our understanding of cell-material interactions. By optimizing SEM procedures, the protocol achieves precise imaging of sperm-hydrogel interactions using ethanol/water dehydration and a conductive metal coating. This modified approach enables a thorough assessment of morphology and interactions in the binary system,extending its potential applicability to other reproductive cells on hydrogelscaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Ebel
- Institute of Environmental Biotechnology and Health, Faculty of Exact, Physicochemical and Natural Sciences, National University of Río Cuarto, Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Alfredo Ramírez-Reveco
- Institute of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Austral University of Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Pablo Strobel
- Institute of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Austral University of Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | | | - Nancy Rodríguez
- Institute of Environmental Biotechnology and Health, Faculty of Exact, Physicochemical and Natural Sciences, National University of Río Cuarto, Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Pablo Bosch
- Institute of Environmental Biotechnology and Health, Faculty of Exact, Physicochemical and Natural Sciences, National University of Río Cuarto, Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Claudia Rivarola
- Research Institute in Energy Technologies and Advanced Materials, Faculty of Exact, Physicochemical and Natural Sciences, National University of Río Cuarto, Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
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Ng L, Kocur OM, Xie P, Cheung S, Schlegel P, Rosenwaks Z, Palermo GD. Timing of Testicular Biopsy in Relation to Oocyte Retrieval and the Outcomes of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection. J Urol 2024; 211:678-686. [PMID: 38375822 DOI: 10.1097/ju.0000000000003894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE We evaluate microscopic (micro) testicular sperm extraction (TESE) timing relative to oocyte retrieval on intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS Couples with nonobstructive azoospermia who underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection with freshly retrieved spermatozoa were analyzed based on whether micro-TESE was performed at least 1 day prior to oocyte retrieval (TESE-day-before group) or on the day of oocyte retrieval (TESE-day-of group). Embryology and clinical outcomes were compared. RESULTS The percentage of patients who underwent a successful testicular sperm retrieval was significantly lower in the TESE-day-before cohort (62%) than in the TESE-day-of cohort (69%; odds ratio [OR] 1.4, 95% CI [1.1, 1.7], P < .001). The fertilization rate was also found to be significantly lower in the TESE-day-before group (45%) than in the TESE-day-of group (53%; OR 1.4, 95% CI [1.2, 1.7], P = .01). Although the association between the cleavage rate and TESE timing was not statistically significant, the implantation rate was found to be significantly higher in the day-before cohort (28%) than in the day-of cohort (22%; OR 0.7, 95% CI [0.6, 0.9], P = .01). Nevertheless, it was found that the clinical pregnancy and delivery rates were not statistically significantly associated with the TESE timing. CONCLUSIONS Although sperm retrieval and fertilization rates were lower in the TESE-day-before cohort, the 2 cohorts showed comparable embryologic and clinical outcomes. Micro-TESE can be performed before oocyte harvesting to provide physicians ample time to decide between cancelling oocyte retrieval or retrieving oocytes for cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily Ng
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Olena M Kocur
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Philip Xie
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Stephanie Cheung
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Peter Schlegel
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Zev Rosenwaks
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Gianpiero D Palermo
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
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Hua X, Zhang J, Chen J, Feng R, Zhang L, Chen X, Jiang Q, Yang C, Liang C. Sodium butyrate alleviates experimental autoimmune prostatitis by inhibiting oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome activation via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Prostate 2024; 84:666-681. [PMID: 38444115 DOI: 10.1002/pros.24683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) leads to severe discomfort in males and loss of sperm quality. Current therapeutic options have failed to achieve satisfactory results. Sodium butyrate (NaB) plays a beneficial role in reducing inflammation, increasing antioxidant capacities, and improving organ dysfunction; additionally NaB has good safety prospects and great potential for clinical application. The purpose of the current research was to study the effect of NaB on CP/CPPS and the underlying mechanisms using a mouse model of experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP) mice. METHODS The EAP mouse model was successfully established by subcutaneously injecting a mixture of prostate antigen and complete Freund's adjuvant. Then, EAP mice received daily intraperitoneal injections of NaB (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg/day) for 16 days, from Days 26 to 42. We then explored anti-inflammatory potential mechanisms of NaB by studying the effects of Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 and HO-1 inhibitor zinc protoporphyrin on prostate inflammation and pelvic pain using this model. On Day 42, hematoxylin-eosin staining and dihydroethidium staining were used to evaluate the histological changes and oxidative stress levels of prostate tissues. Chronic pelvic pain was assessed by applying Von Frey filaments to the lower abdomen. The levels of inflammation-related cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The regulation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome-related protein in EAP mice were detected by western blot analysis assay. RESULTS Compared with the EAP group, chronic pain development, histological manifestations, and cytokine levels showed that NaB reduced the severity of EAP. NaB treatment could inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Mechanism studies showed that NaB intervention could alleviate oxidative stress in EAP mice through Nrf2/HO-1 signal pathway. Nrf2/HO-1 pathway inhibitors can inhibit NaB -mediated oxidative stress. The inhibitory effect of NaB on the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and anti-inflammatory effect can also be blocked by Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. CONCLUSIONS NaB treatment can alleviates prostatic inflammation and pelvic pain associated with EAP by inhibiting oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome activation via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. NaB has the potential as an effective agent in the treatment of EAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoliang Hua
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiong Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Peking University Fifth School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Chen
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, The College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Rui Feng
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xianguo Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Qing Jiang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Cheng Yang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chaozhao Liang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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25
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Torday JS. The synchronic, diachronic cell as the holism of consciousness. Prog Biophys Mol Biol 2024; 188:19-23. [PMID: 38408617 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2024.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
The cell is both synchronic and diachronic, based on ontogeny and phylogeny, respectively. As experimental evidence for this holism, absent gravitational force, differentiated lung and bone cells devolve, losing their phenotypes, losing their evolutionary status, reverting to their nonlocal status. Thus, when evolution is seen as serial homeostasis, it is homologous with Quantum Entanglement as the nonlocal means of maintaining homeostatic balance between particles. This monadic perspective on consciousness is one-hundred and eighty degrees out of synch with the conventional way of thinking about consciousness as a diad, or mind and brain. There have been many attempts to explain consciousness, virtually all of them based on the brain as mind. The working hypothesis is that consciousness is a holism constituted by the unicell, the lipid cell membrane forming a barrier between inside and outside of the cell's environment as a topology. Conceptually, both the unicell and 'two hands clapping' are holisms, but because the cell is constituted by the ambiguity of negative entropy, and 'one hand clapping' requires two hands, they are both pseudo-holisms, constantly striving to be whole again. In the case of the cell, it is incomplete in the sense that there are factors in the ever-changing environment that can homeostatically complete it. That process results in biochemical modification of specific DNA codes in the egg or sperm so that the offspring is able to adapt in subsequent generations epigenetically. The opportunity to trace the evolution of the breath from humans to fish opens up to the further revelation of the interplay between evolution and geological change, tracing it back to invertebrates, sponges, and ultimately to unicellular organisms. And therein is evidence that the Cosmos itself 'breathes', providing the ultimate celestial fundament for this trail of holisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- John S Torday
- University of California- Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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26
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Tímermans A, Otero F, Garrido M, Gosálvez J, Johnston S, Fernández JL. The relationship between sperm nuclear DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial DNA fragmentation, and copy number in normal and abnormal human ejaculates. Andrology 2024; 12:870-880. [PMID: 37786274 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While it is common to clinically evaluate sperm nuclear DNA fragmentation, less attention has been given to sperm mitochondrial DNA. Recently, a digital PCR assay has allowed accurate estimation of the proportion of fragmented mtDNA molecules and relative copy number. OBJECTIVES To determine the correlation of classical sperm parameters, average mtDNA copies per spermatozoon and the level of mtDNA fragmentation (SDF-mtDNA) to that of nuclear DNA fragmentation (SDF-nDNA), measured as the proportion of global, single-strand DNA (SDF-SSBs) and double-strand DNA breaks (SDF-DSBs). To determine whether the level of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA fragmentation and/or copy number can differentiate normozoospermic from non-normozoospermic samples. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ejaculates from 29 normozoospermic and 43 non-normozoospermic were evaluated. SDF was determined using the sperm chromatin dispersion assay. mtDNA copy number and SDF-mtDNA were analyzed using digital PCR assays. RESULTS Relative mtDNA copy increased as sperm concentration or motility decreased, or abnormal morphology increased. Unlike SDF-mtDNA, mtDNA copy number was not correlated with SDF-nDNA. SDF-mtDNA increased as the concentration or proportion of non-vital sperm increased; the higher the mtDNA copy number, the lower the level of fragmentation. Non-normozoospermic samples showed double the level of SDF-nDNA compared to normozoospermic (median 25.00 vs. 13.67). mtDNA copy number per spermatozoon was 3× higher in non-normozoospermic ejaculates (median 16.06 vs. 4.99). Although logistic regression revealed SDF-Global and mtDNA copy number as independent risk factors for non-normozoospermia, when SDF-Global and mtDNA copy number were combined, ROC curve analysis resulted in an even stronger discriminatory ability for predicting the probability of non-normozoospermia (AUC = 0.85, 95% CI 0.76-0.94, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION High-quality ejaculates show lower nuclear SDF and retain less mtDNA copies, with approximately half of them fragmented, so that the absolute number of non-fragmented mtDNA molecules per spermatozoon is extremely low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Tímermans
- INIBIC-Complexo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña (CHUAC), Spain
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Radiobiology, Centro Oncológico de Galicia, Doctor Camilo Veiras, Spain
| | - Fátima Otero
- INIBIC-Complexo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña (CHUAC), Spain
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Radiobiology, Centro Oncológico de Galicia, Doctor Camilo Veiras, Spain
| | - Manuel Garrido
- Complexo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña (CHUAC), Clinical Analysis Service, Spain
| | - Jaime Gosálvez
- Genetics Unit, Facultad de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
| | - Stephen Johnston
- School of Environment, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Australia
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Gatton, Australia
| | - José Luis Fernández
- INIBIC-Complexo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña (CHUAC), Spain
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Radiobiology, Centro Oncológico de Galicia, Doctor Camilo Veiras, Spain
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Zang S, Yang X, Ye J, Mo X, Zhou G, Fang Y. Quantitative phosphoproteomics explain cryopreservation-induced reductions in ram sperm motility. J Proteomics 2024; 298:105153. [PMID: 38438079 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2024.105153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Sperm cryopreservation decreases motility, probably due to changes in protein phosphorylation. Our objective was to use quantitative phosphoproteomics for systematic comparative analyses of fresh versus frozen-thawed sperm to identify factors causing cryo-injury. Ejaculates were collected (artificial vagina) from six Dorper rams, pooled, extended, and frozen over liquid nitrogen. Overall, 915, 3382, and 6875 phosphorylated proteins, phosphorylated peptides, and phosphorylation sites, respectively, were identified. At least two modified sites were present in 57.94% of the 6875 phosphosites identified, of which AKAP4 protein contained up to 331 modified sites. There were 732 phosphorylated peptides significantly up-regulated and 909 significantly down-regulated in frozen-thawed versus fresh sperm. Moreover, the conserved motif [RxxS] was significantly down-regulated in frozen-thawed sperm. Phosphorylation of sperm-specific proteins, e.g., AKAP3/4, CABYR, FSIP2, GSK3A/B, GPI, and ODF1/2 make them potential biomarkers to assess the quality of frozen-thawed ram sperm. Furthermore, these differentially phosphorylated proteins and modification sites were implicated in cryopreservation-induced changes in sperm energy production, fiber sheath composition, and various biological processes. We concluded that abnormal protein phosphorylation modifications are key regulators of reduced sperm motility. These novel findings implicated specific protein phosphorylation modifications in sperm cryo-injury. SIGNIFICANCE: This study used phosphorylated TMT quantitative proteomics to explore regulation of epigenetic modifications in frozen-thawed ram sperm. This experiment demonstrated that ram sperm freezing affects phosphorylation site modifications of proteins, especially those related to functions such as sperm motility and energy production. Furthermore, it is important to link functions of phosphorylated proteins with changes in sperm quality after freezing and thawing, and to clarify intrinsic reasons for sperm quality changes, which is of great importance for elucidating mechanisms of sperm freezing damage. Based on these protein markers and combined with cryoprotectant design theory, it provides a theoretical basis and data reference to study sperm cryoprotectants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengqin Zang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology (Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding), Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, PR China
| | - Xiaorui Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Production, Product Quality and Security, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Jilin, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Jiangfeng Ye
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology (Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding), Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, PR China
| | - Xianhong Mo
- College of Chemistry and Life Science, Chifeng University, Chifeng 024000, PR China
| | - Guangbin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology (Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding), Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, PR China
| | - Yi Fang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Production, Product Quality and Security, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Jilin, Changchun 130118, China.
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Gao X, Xu K, Du W, Wang S, Jiang M, Wang Y, Han Q, Chen M. Comparing the effects and mechanisms of exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics with different functional groups on the male reproductive system. Sci Total Environ 2024; 922:171299. [PMID: 38423318 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
After aging in the environment, some nanoplastics will carry different charges and functional groups, thereby altering their toxicological effects. To evaluate the potential impact of aging of nanoplastics on the mammalian reproductive system, we exposed C57BL/6 male mice to a dose of 5 mg/kg/d polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) with different functional groups (unmodified, carboxyl functionalized and amino functionalized) for 45 days for this study. The results suggest that PS-NPs with different functional groups triggered oxidative stress, a decreased in the testis index, disruption of the outer wall of the seminiferous tubules, reduction in the number of spermatogonia cells and sperm counts, and an increased in sperm malformations. We performed GO and KEGG enrichment analysis on the differentially expressed proteins, and found they were mainly enriched in protein transport, RNA splicing and mTOR signaling. We confirmed that the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway is over activated, which may lead to reduction of spermatogonia stem cells by over differentiation. Strikingly, PS-NPs with functional group modifications are more toxic than those of unmodified polystyrene, and that PS-NPs with positively charged amino modifications are the most toxic. This study provides a new understanding for correctly evaluating the toxicological effects of plastic aging, and of the mechanism responsible for the reproductive toxicity caused by nanoplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Gao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, Hubei, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, Hubei, China
| | - Wanting Du
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, Hubei, China
| | - Shuxin Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, Hubei, China
| | - Mengling Jiang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, Hubei, China
| | - Yunyi Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, Hubei, China
| | - Qi Han
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, Hubei, China
| | - Mingqing Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, Hubei, China.
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Zhao Y, Luo X, Hu J, Panga MJ, Appiah C, Du Z, Zhu L, Retyunskiy V, Gao X, Ma B, Zhang Q. Syringin alleviates bisphenol A-induced spermatogenic defects and testicular injury by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation in male zebrafish. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 131:111830. [PMID: 38520788 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Syringin (SRG) is a bioactive principle possessing extensive activities including scavenging of free radicals, inhibition of apoptosis, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its effects on spermatogenic defects and testicular injury as well as the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. This study aims to investigate the protective effect of SRG on testis damage in zebrafish and explore its potential molecular events. Zebrafish testicular injury was induced by exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) (3000 μg/L) for two weeks. Fish were treated with intraperitoneal injection of SRG at different doses (5 and 50 mg/kg bodyweight) for two more weeks under BPA induction. Subsequently, the testis and sperm were collected for morphological, histological, biochemical and gene expression examination. It was found that the administration of SRG resulted in a significant protection from BPA-caused impact on sperm concentration, morphology, motility, fertility rate, testosterone level, spermatogenic dysfunction and resulted in increased apoptotic and reactive oxygen species' levels. Furthermore, testicular transcriptional profiling alterations revealed that the regulation of inflammatory response and oxidative stress were generally enriched in differentially expressed genes (DEGs) after SRG treatment. Additionally, it was identified that SRG prevented BPA-induced zebrafish testis injury through upregulation of fn1a, krt17, fabp10a, serpina1l and ctss2. These results indicate that SRG alleviated spermatogenic defects and testicular injury by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation in male zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China.
| | - Xu Luo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Jinyuan Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Mogellah John Panga
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Clara Appiah
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Zhanxiang Du
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Vladimir Retyunskiy
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Xing Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Bo Ma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China.
| | - Qi Zhang
- School of Food Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China.
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von Maltitz P, Wettstein L, Weil T, Schommers P, Klein F, Münch J. Semen enhances transmitted/founder HIV-1 infection and only marginally reduces antiviral activity of broadly neutralizing antibodies. J Virol 2024; 98:e0119023. [PMID: 38501840 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01190-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Topically applied microbicides may play a critical role in preventing sexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1); however, their efficacy can be compromised by amyloid fibrils present in semen, which significantly increase HIV-1 infectivity. This phenomenon may have contributed to the failure of most microbicide candidates in clinical settings. Understanding the impact of semen on microbicide effectiveness is thus crucial. In our study, we evaluated the influence of semen on the neutralizing activity of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs), including PG16, PGT121, 10-1074, 3BNC117, and VRC01, which are potential microbicide candidates. We found that semen enhances infection of HIV-1 transmitted/founder viruses but only marginally affects the neutralizing activity of tested antibodies, suggesting their potential for microbicide application. Our findings underscore the need to consider semen-mediated enhancement when evaluating and developing microbicides and highlight the potential of incorporating HIV-1 bNAbs in formulations to enhance efficacy and mitigate HIV-1 transmission during sexual encounters.IMPORTANCEThis study examined the impact of semen on the development of microbicides, substances used to prevent the transmission of HIV-1 during sexual activity. Semen contains certain components that can render the virus more infectious, posing a challenge to microbicide effectiveness. Researchers specifically investigated the effect of semen on a group of powerful antibodies called broadly neutralizing antibodies, which can neutralize a large spectrum of different HIV-1 variants. The results revealed that semen only had a minimal effect on the antibodies' ability to neutralize the virus. This is promising because it suggests that these antibodies could still be effective in microbicides, even in the presence of semen. Understanding this interaction is crucial for developing better strategies to prevent HIV-1 transmission. By incorporating the knowledge gained from this study, scientists can now focus on creating microbicides that consider the impact of semen, bringing us closer to more effective prevention methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal von Maltitz
- Institute of Molecular Virology, University Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Lukas Wettstein
- Institute of Molecular Virology, University Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Tatjana Weil
- Institute of Molecular Virology, University Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Philipp Schommers
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Virology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Cologne, Germany
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Florian Klein
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Virology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Cologne, Germany
| | - Jan Münch
- Institute of Molecular Virology, University Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
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Dong X, Ouyang H, Lou X, Xia F, Jin L, Wang S, Dai J. Dual-Activated H 2O 2-Responsive AIE Probes for Oocyte Quality Assessment. Anal Chem 2024; 96:5960-5967. [PMID: 38581372 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c00160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) is an important cause of infertility, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is the mainstay of treatment for these patients. In cases where a sufficient number of sperm (usually 1-2) is not available, the selection of oocytes for ICSI is a difficult problem that must be solved. Here, we constructed a dual-activated oxidative stress-responsive AIE probe, b-PyTPA. The strong donor-acceptor configuration of b-PyTPA leads to twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) effect that quenches the fluorescence of the probe, however, H2O2 would specifically remove the boronatebenzyl unit and release a much weaker acceptor, which inhibits TICT and restores the fluorescence. In addition, the presence of a pyridine salt makes b-PyTPA more hydrophilic, whereas removal of the pyridine salt increases the hydrophobicity of PyTPA, which triggers aggregation and further enhances fluorescence. Thus, the higher the intracellular level of oxidative stress, the stronger the fluorescence. In vitro, this dual-activated fluorescent probe is capable of accurately detecting senescent cells (high oxidative stress). More importantly, b-PyTPA was able to characterize senescent oocytes, as assessed by the level of oxidative stress. It is also possible to identify high quality oocytes from those obtained for subsequent ICSI. In conclusion, this dual-activated oxidative stress-assessment probe enables the quality assessment of oocytes and has potential application in ICSI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiyuan Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430034, China
| | - Hanzhi Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Xiaoding Lou
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Fan Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Lei Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430034, China
| | - Shixuan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430034, China
| | - Jun Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430034, China
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Wang K, Zhang X, Chen F, Ni Y, Cai Z, Ding J, Chen S, Shu C, Ding L. LC-MS/MS methods for simultaneous determination of youkenafil and its metabolite M1 in human seminal plasma and plasma: Application to evaluate the acute effect of youkenafil on semen quality and its pharmacokinetics in human. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2024; 1237:124105. [PMID: 38552594 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2024.124105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Youkenafil is a novel Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor used for treating erectile dysfunction. N-desethyl compound of youkenafil (M1) is its main active metabolite. In this study, two methods were developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of youkenafil and M1 by HPLC-MS/MS in human matrices including seminal plasma and plasma, in which the multiple reaction monitoring and electrospray ionization in positive mode were adopted, and the deuterated youkenafil (youkenafil-d5) was selected as the internal standard. The collected semen sample was kept at room temperature for approximately 30 min until fully liquefied. The volume of the liquefied semen was measured and then divided into two parts. One part was centrifuged to obtain the seminal plasma for the content detection of youkenafil and M1, while the other part was used for routine semen analysis. The chromatographic separation was accomplished with the column of Poroshell 120 EC-C18 (5 × 2.1 mm, 2.7 μm, Agilent). Protein precipitation with methanol was used for the pretreatment of seminal plasma and plasma. The intra-run and inter-run precisions were less than 6.4 % (relative standard deviation) and accuracies were all within -4.7 %-6.8 % (relative error) in both matrices. All other validated bioanalytical parameters were within the acceptance criteria set by the FDA. The methods were successfully applied to different clinical studies of youkenafil. In the clinical study of the acute effect of youkenafil on semen quality in healthy males, the content of youkenafil in seminal plasma was extremely low. Concentrations of youkenafil and M1 in seminal plasma were lower than those in plasma, at 20.7 % and 4.49 % of the plasma concentration, respectively. There was no significant acute effect of youkenafil on semen quality. In the pharmacokinetic study of youkenafil after single dose-escalation administration, the exposure to youkenafil and M1 was non-linear with the dose in the range of 100-400 mg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keli Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Xinrui Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; Nanjing Clinical Tech. Laboratories Inc., Nanjing 211000, China
| | - Fengqin Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; Yangtze River Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Taizhou, Jiangsu 225300, China
| | - Yufeng Ni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; Yangtze River Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Taizhou, Jiangsu 225300, China
| | - Zhengwen Cai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; Nanjing Clinical Tech. Laboratories Inc., Nanjing 211000, China
| | - Juefang Ding
- Nanjing Jiening Pharmaceutical Technology Co., LTD, Nanjing 211000, China
| | - Shaochun Chen
- Nanjing Clinical Tech. Laboratories Inc., Nanjing 211000, China
| | - Chang Shu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
| | - Li Ding
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
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Paitoon P, Sartsook A, Thongkham M, Sathanawongs A, Lumsangkul C, Pattanawong W, Hongsibsong S, Sringarm K. Sperm quality variables of sex-sorted bull semen produced by magnetic-activated cell sorting coupled with recombinant antibodies targeting Y-chromosome-bearing sperm. Theriogenology 2024; 219:11-21. [PMID: 38377714 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
The immunological sexing method using antibodies offers cost-effective, high-volume production but faces challenges in terms of X-sperm purity in sexed semen. This research aimed to produce sexed bull semen using highly specific recombinant antibodies in magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS), evaluate sperm quality and kinematic parameters, and verify the sex ratio of sperm, embryos, and live calves. Fresh semen from two Angus bulls was separated into two equal groups: conventional (CONV) semen and semen sexed using MACS with Y-scFv antibody conjugation to separate two fractions, i.e., the X-enriched and Y-enriched fractions. Then, computer assisted semen analysis and imaging flow cytometry were used to evaluate sperm motility and kinematic variables, acrosomal integrity, sperm viability, and sperm sex ratios. The results showed that sperm motility and quality did not differ between X-enriched and CONV semen. However, the Y-enriched fraction showed significantly lower sperm quality than the X-enriched fraction and CONV semen. The sperm ratio revealed that X-sperm accounted for up to 79.50% of the X-enriched fraction, while Y-sperm accounted for up to 78.56% of the Y-enriched fraction. The sex ratio of embryos was examined using in vitro fertilization. The cleavage rates using CONV and X-enriched semen were significantly higher than that using Y-enriched semen. Accordingly, 88.26% female blastocysts were obtained by using X-enriched semen, and 83.58% male blastocysts were obtained by using Y-enriched semen. In farm trials, 304 cows were subjected to AI using X-enriched and CONV semen. The pregnancy rate did not differ between the X-enriched and CONV semen groups. On the other hand, X-enriched semen generated significantly more live female calves (83.64%) than CONV semen (47.00%). The MACS sexing method significantly enhanced the X-sperm purity in sexed semen, producing high-quality sperm, a high percentage of female blastocytes, and a high percentage of live female calves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phanuwit Paitoon
- Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Apinya Sartsook
- Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Marninphan Thongkham
- Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Anucha Sathanawongs
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand
| | - Chompunut Lumsangkul
- Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Wiwat Pattanawong
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Maejo University, Chiang Mai, 50290, Thailand
| | - Surat Hongsibsong
- School of Health Sciences Research, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Korawan Sringarm
- Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.
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Ren H, Zhang Y, Bi Y, Wang H, Fang G, Zhao P. Target silencing of porcine SPAG6 and PPP1CC by shRNA attenuated sperm motility. Theriogenology 2024; 219:138-146. [PMID: 38430798 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
The quality of sperm significantly influences the reproductive efficiency of pig herds. High-quality sperm is necessary for efficient fertilization and to maximize the litter numbers in commercial pig farming. However, the understanding of genes regulating porcine sperm motility and viability is limited. In this study, we validated porcine sperm/Sertoli-specific promoters through the luciferase reporter system and identified vital genes for sperm quality via loss-of-function means. Further, the shRNAs driven by the ACE and SP-10 promoters were used to knockdown the SPAG6 and PPP1CC genes which were provisionally important for sperm quality. We assessed the effects of SPAG6 and PPP1CC knockdown on sperm motility by using the sperm quality analyzer and flow cytometry. The results showed that the ACE promoter is active in both porcine Sertoli cells and sperms, whereas the SP-10 promoter is operating exclusively in sperm cells. Targeted interference with SPAG6 and PPP1CC expression in sperm cells decreases the motility and increases apoptosis rates in porcine sperms. These findings not only offer new genetic tools for targeting male germ cells but also highlight the crucial roles of SPAG6 and PPP1CC in porcine sperm function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Ren
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering and Molecular Breeding, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Yandi Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering and Molecular Breeding, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Yanzhen Bi
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering and Molecular Breeding, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Heng Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, PR China
| | - Guijie Fang
- Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), College of Bioengineering, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, PR China.
| | - Pengxiang Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, PR China.
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Hsieh KL, Sun TB, Huang KH, Lin CH, Tang LY, Liu CL, Chao CM, Chang CP. Hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning normalizes scrotal temperature, sperm quality, testicular structure, and erectile function in adult male rats subjected to exertional heat injury. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 584:112175. [PMID: 38341020 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2024.112175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Testicular hyperthermia has been noted in men who work in high ambient temperatures. Scrotal temperatures above the normal range caused germ cell loss in the testes and resulted in male subfertility. In adult male rats, exercising at a higher environmental temperature (36 °C with relative humidity of 50%, 52 min) caused exertional heat stroke (EHS) characterized by scrotal hyperthermia, impaired sperm quality, dysmorphology in testes, prostates and bladders, and erectile dysfunction. Here, we aim to ascertain whether hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning (HBOP: 100% O2 at 2.0 atm absolute [ATA] for 2 h daily for 14 days consequently before the onset of EHS) is able to prevent the problem of EHS-induced sterility, testes, prostates, and bladders dysmorphology and erectile dysfunction. At the end of exertional heat stress compared to normobaric air (NBA or non-HBOP) rats, the HBOP rats exhibited lower body core temperature (40 °C vs. 43 °C), lower scrotal temperature (34 °C vs. 36 °C), lower neurological severity scores (2.8 vs. 5.8), higher erectile ability, (5984 mmHg-sec vs. 3788 mmHg-sec), higher plasma testosterone (6.8 ng/mL vs. 3.5 ng/mL), lower plasma follicle stimulating hormone (196.3 mIU/mL vs. 513.8 mIU/mL), lower plasma luteinizing hormone (131 IU/L vs. 189 IU/L), lower plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (5136 pg/mL vs. 6129 pg/mL), lower plasma corticosterone (0.56 ng/mL vs. 1.18 ng/mL), lower sperm loss and lower values of histopathological scores for epididymis, testis, seminal vesicle, prostate, and bladder. Our data suggest that HBOP reduces body core and scrotal hyperthermia and improves sperm loss, testis/prostate/bladder dysmorphology, and erectile dysfunction after EHS in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Lin Hsieh
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Tzong-Bor Sun
- Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen Medicine, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan; Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Kuan-Hua Huang
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Cheng-Hsien Lin
- Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Ling-Yu Tang
- Department of Medical Research, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Chien-Liang Liu
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Chien-Ming Chao
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Dental Laboratory Technology, Min-Hwei College of Health Care Management, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Ching-Ping Chang
- Department of Medical Research, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.
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Toledo-Guardiola SM, Párraga-Ros E, Seva J, Luongo C, García-Vázquez FA, Soriano-Úbeda C, Matás C. Artificial insemination of all ejaculated sperm fractions accelerates embryo development and increases the uterine vascularity in the pig. Theriogenology 2024; 219:32-38. [PMID: 38382215 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
The semen of boar is characterized by ejaculation in well-differentiated fractions with specific concentration, composition, and volume. The 'sperm-rich fraction' (SRF), the most concentrated seminal fraction, is habitually collected in insemination centers to make artificial insemination (AI) doses. The absence of the other fractions in AI doses could alter the uterine reaction to AI and not trigger essential responses that could maximize fertility. Thus, there is an urge to ascertain the impact of different ejaculate fractions on the uterus after AI to optimize the semen doses. This work analyzed specific parameters related to fertility in pregnant artificially inseminated sows (n = 15) with ac-cumulative fractions of the semen of boars (n = 6): F1, composed of the sperm-rich fraction (SRF); F2, composed of F1 plus the intermediate fraction; F3, composed of F2 plus the post-SRF. Non-inseminated sows (n = 5) were included as control (C). The different types of seminal dose did not affect the number of ovulated follicles (CL; corpora lutea, p > 0.05) but did affect the embryo development (p < 0.05). The proportion of embryos in morula stages was significantly higher in AI-F1 sows (84.4%, p < 0.05). Morulas and blastocysts were balanced in AI-F2 or AI-F3 (p > 0.05). Independently of the type of seminal dose (F1, F2, or F3), we observed by immunohistochemistry that AI significantly increased uterine vascularization, although with some anatomical differences. The cranial region of the uterine horns was significantly more vascularized in AI-F1 or AI-F2 sows (26.7 ± 2.3 and 28.6 ± 2.0%, respectively), and AI-F3 showed significantly less vascularization at that point (17.8 ± 1.6%, p < 0.05). To summarize, the synergistic effect of all ejaculate fractions accelerates embryo development, at least during the preimplantation period, and increases the uterine reaction to AI in certain parts of the uterus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santa María Toledo-Guardiola
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Mare Nostrum Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Ester Párraga-Ros
- Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Mare Nostrum Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Juan Seva
- Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Mare Nostrum Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Chiara Luongo
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Mare Nostrum Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Francisco A García-Vázquez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Mare Nostrum Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| | - C Soriano-Úbeda
- Departamento de Medicina, Cirugía y Anatomía Veterinaria, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain.
| | - C Matás
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Mare Nostrum Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
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Barranco I, Spinaci M, Nesci S, Mateo-Otero Y, Baldassarro VA, Algieri C, Bucci D, Roca J. Seminal extracellular vesicles alter porcine in vitro fertilization outcome by modulating sperm metabolism. Theriogenology 2024; 219:167-179. [PMID: 38437767 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Porcine seminal plasma (SP) is loaded with a heterogeneous population of extracellular vesicles (sEVs) that modulate several reproductive-related processes. This study investigated the effect of two sEV subsets, small (S-sEVs) and large (L-sEVs), on porcine in vitro fertilization (IVF). The sEVs were isolated from nine SP pools (five ejaculates/pool) using a size-exclusion chromatography-based procedure and characterized for quantity (total protein), morphology (cryogenic electron microscopy), size distribution (dynamic light scattering), purity and EV-protein markers (flow cytometry; albumin, CD81, HSP90β). The characterization confirmed the existence of two subsets of high purity (low albumin content) sEVs that differed in size (S- and L-sEVs). In vitro fertilization was performed with in vitro matured oocytes and frozen-thawed spermatozoa and the IVF medium was supplemented during gamete coincubation (1 h at 38.5 °C, 5 % CO2 in a humidified atmosphere) with three different concentrations of each sEV subset: 0 (control, without sEVs), 0.1, and 0.2 mg/mL. The first experiment showed that sEVs, regardless of subset and concentration, decreased penetration rates and total IVF efficiency (P < 0.0001). In a subsequent experiment, it was shown that sEVs, regardless of subset and concentration, impaired the ability of spermatozoa to bind to the zona pellucida of oocytes (P < 0.0001). The following experiment showed that sEVs, regardless of the subset, bound to frozen-thawed sperm but not to in vitro matured oocytes, indicating that sEVs would affect sperm functionality but not oocyte functionality. The lack of effect on oocytes was confirmed by incubating sEVs with oocytes prior to IVF, achieving sperm-zona pellucida binding results similar to those of control. In the last experiment, conducted under IVF conditions, sperm functionality was analyzed in terms of tyrosine phosphorylation, acrosome integrity and metabolism. The sEVs, regardless of the subset, did not affect sperm tyrosine phosphorylation or acrosome integrity, but did influence sperm metabolism by decreasing sperm ATP production under capacitating conditions. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the presence of sEVs on IVF medium impairs IVF outcomes, most likely by altering sperm metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Barranco
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy; Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Spain
| | - Marcella Spinaci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Salvatore Nesci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Yentel Mateo-Otero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain; Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Vito Antonio Baldassarro
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Cristina Algieri
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Diego Bucci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Spain
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Merino O, Figueroa E, Valdebenito I, Risopatrón J, Merino M, Farías JG. Change in the swimming pattern of Salmo salar spermatozoa caused by the high temperature of the sperm motility activation medium. Theriogenology 2024; 219:49-58. [PMID: 38387124 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Fish are ectotherms and many have an external reproductive mode. An environmental factor which triggers fish reproductive activity in fish is water temperature. However, climate change is causing increasingly frequent events in which the water temperature varies rapidly; as a result, both in hatchery and in natural conditions, fish sperm are exposed to varying environmental temperatures during their journey toward the egg. This study was based on two experiments: The first experiment was designed to determine how storage at 4 °C for four days affected the sperm functions of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) sperm collected by either abdominal massage (stripping/Pure) or testicular dissection (testicular macerate/Macerated). Further, computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) was used to compare sperm velocity parameters (VCL, VSL, and VAP) and progressivity (STR, LIN, and WOB) after motility activation at different temperatures (8 and 16 °C) of sperm collected by both methods (Pure vs Macerated). The results show that spermatozoa from Macerated samples maintained a higher sperm function when stored at 4 °C for 4 days compared to Pure sperm samples. In the second experiment, CASA determined that all parameters for sperm velocity (VCL, VSL, and VAP) and progressivity (STR (50%/55%), LIN (25%-32%), and WOB (51%-57%) were affected by activation temperature (P < 0.05) and that the motility patterns after activation at 16 °C (P < 0.05), specifically the LIN or STR swimming trajectories of the sperm differed between the two groups. In conclusion, the sperm quality of testicular Macerate was superior to that of Pure sperm abdominal mass, based on the higher quality of various sperm functions during short-term storage. Moreover, there was a significant effect of the temperature of the activation medium on sperm speed and progressivity (motility pattern) in the collected samples of testicular macerate. The sensitivity of Salmo salar spermatozoa to elevated temperature varies markedly between collection methods (Pure and Macerated).
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Affiliation(s)
- Osvaldo Merino
- Center of Excellence in Reproductive Biotechnology (BIOREN-CEBIOR), Faculty of Medicine, University of La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Elías Figueroa
- Food Production Research Nucleus, Faculty of Natural Resources, Catholic University of Temuco, Temuco, Chile
| | - Iván Valdebenito
- Food Production Research Nucleus, Faculty of Natural Resources, Catholic University of Temuco, Temuco, Chile
| | - Jennie Risopatrón
- Center of Excellence in Reproductive Biotechnology (BIOREN-CEBIOR), Faculty of Medicine, University of La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Maxsihel Merino
- Center of Excellence in Reproductive Biotechnology (BIOREN-CEBIOR), Faculty of Medicine, University of La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Jorge G Farías
- Center of Excellence in Reproductive Biotechnology (BIOREN-CEBIOR), Faculty of Medicine, University of La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Sciences, University of La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.
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Gilada T, Ulrich AK, Wang Y, Lama JR, Alfaro R, Harb S, Daza G, Holte S, Pasalar S, Rios J, Ganoza C, Dasgupta S, Coombs RW, Duerr A. Viral Load Dynamics in Plasma and Semen When Antiretroviral Therapy Is Initiated During Early HIV-1 Infection. J Infect Dis 2024; 229:1141-1146. [PMID: 38073467 PMCID: PMC11011176 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
We assessed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) load in plasma and semen during primary HIV infection using serial samples of semen and plasma during the first 24 weeks after diagnosis in untreated participants and those who started antiretroviral therapy (ART) immediately at diagnosis. In the absence of treatment, semen viral load was >1000 copies/mL in almost all specimens (83%) collected 2-10 weeks after the estimated date of HIV acquisition and remained >1000 copies/mL in 35% of untreated participants at the last observed time point. Thus, in the absence of ART, semen viral load remained at a level consistent with transmissibility throughout primary infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angela K Ulrich
- Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Division of Environmental Health Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Yixin Wang
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Javier R Lama
- Asociación Civil Impacta Salud y Educación, Lima, Peru
| | - Ricardo Alfaro
- Centro de Investigaciones Tecnológicas Biomédicas y Medioambientales, Lima, Peru
| | - Socorro Harb
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Glenda Daza
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sarah Holte
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Siavash Pasalar
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jessica Rios
- Pharmaceutical Product Development, Inc, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Sayan Dasgupta
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Robert W Coombs
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Ann Duerr
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Noda T, Shinohara H, Kobayashi S, Taira A, Oura S, Tahara D, Tokuyasu M, Araki K, Ikawa M. Multiple genes in the Pate5-13 genomic region contribute to ADAM3 processing†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:750-760. [PMID: 38217862 PMCID: PMC11017121 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Sperm proteins undergo post-translational modifications during sperm transit through the epididymis to acquire fertilizing ability. We previously reported that the genomic region coding Pate family genes is key to the proteolytic processing of the sperm membrane protein ADAM3 and male fertility. This region contains nine Pate family genes (Pate5-13), and two protein-coding genes (Gm27235 and Gm5916), with a domain structure similar to Pate family genes. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to identify key factors by narrowing the genomic region. We generated three knockout (KO) mouse lines using CRISPR/Cas9: single KO mice of Pate10 expressed in the caput epididymis; deletion KO mice of six caput epididymis-enriched genes (Pate5-7, 13, Gm27235, and Gm5916) (Pate7-Gm5916 KO); and deletion KO mice of four genes expressed in the placenta and epididymis (Pate8, 9, 11, and 12) (Pate8-12 KO). We observed that the fertility of only Pate7-Gm5916 KO males was reduced, whereas the rest remained unaffected. Furthermore, when the caput epididymis-enriched genes, Pate8 and Pate10 remained in Pate7-Gm5916 KO mice were independently deleted, both KO males displayed more severe subfertility due to a decrease in mature ADAM3 and a defect in sperm migration to the oviduct. Thus, our data showed that multiple caput epididymis-enriched genes within the region coding Pate5-13 cooperatively function to ensure male fertility in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taichi Noda
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Japan
- Priority Organization for Innovation and Excellence, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Japan
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hina Shinohara
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Japan
- Division of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Sumire Kobayashi
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ayumu Taira
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Japan
- Division of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Seiya Oura
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Duri Tahara
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Midori Tokuyasu
- Division of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kimi Araki
- Division of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Japan
- Center for Metabolic Regulation of Healthy Aging, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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Oikeh E, Ziebarth J, Dinar MAM, Kirchhoff D, Aronova A, Dziubla TD, Wang Y, DeRouchey JE. DNA Packaging and Polycation Length Determine DNA Susceptibility to Free Radical Damage in Condensed DNA. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:3329-3339. [PMID: 38557033 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c06116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
In nature, DNA exists primarily in a highly compacted form. The compaction of DNA in vivo is mediated by cationic proteins: histones in somatic nuclei and protamines in sperm chromatin. The extreme, nearly crystalline packaging of DNA by protamines in spermatozoa is thought to be essential for both efficient genetic delivery as well as DNA protection against damage by mutagens and oxidative species. The protective role of protamines is required in sperm, as they are sensitive to ROS damage due to the progressive loss of DNA repair mechanisms during maturation. The degree to which DNA packaging directly relates to DNA protection in the condensed state, however, is poorly understood. Here, we utilized different polycation condensing agents to achieve varying DNA packaging densities and quantify DNA damage by free radical oxidation within the condensates. Although we see that tighter DNA packaging generally leads to better protection, the length of the polycation also plays a significant role. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that longer polyarginine chains offer increased protection by occupying more space on the DNA surface and forming more stable interactions. Taken together, our results suggest a complex interplay among polycation properties, DNA packaging density, and DNA protection against free radical damage within condensed states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehigbai Oikeh
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | - Jesse Ziebarth
- Department of Chemistry, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee 38152, United States
| | - Md Abu Monsur Dinar
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | - Daniel Kirchhoff
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | - Anastasiia Aronova
- Chemical and Materials Engineering Department, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | - Thomas D Dziubla
- Chemical and Materials Engineering Department, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | - Yongmei Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee 38152, United States
| | - Jason E DeRouchey
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
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42
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Hu J, Wu J, Liu X, Zhang Y, Mo L, Liu L, Liu S, Ou C, He Y. Hypoxia enhances autophagy level of human sperms. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8465. [PMID: 38605082 PMCID: PMC11009268 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59213-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The relationship between oxygen sensing and autophagy in human sperms was explored in this study. Health semen and asthenozoospermia (astheno) semen were incubated with hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) interferents, i.e., lificiguat (YC-1) or cobalt chloride (CoCl2), respectively. Label-free quantitative proteomic technology was used to identify the differentially expressed proteins in human semen under the hypoxia condition. Selected proteins were detected with ELISA. It was found that the autophagy levels of sperm in the YC-1 + health group or CoCl2 + astheno group increased while the vitality decreased. A total of 17, 34 and 35 differentially expressed proteins were observed in the Astheno group, the YC-1 + health group and the CoCl2 + astheno group, respectively. These proteins were primarily associated with protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, Th17 cell differentiation, progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, HIF-1 signaling pathway, biosynthesis of amino acids, and carbon metabolism. The expression levels of protein HIF-1α, LC3B, histone H4, cathepsin L and ENO1 changed significantly in the groups. The study suggests that hypoxia can increase sperm autophagy level and reduce their vitality through HIF-1 signaling pathway and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis signaling pathway. Furthermore, proteins histone H4, cathepsin L, glutathione synthetase and ENO1 are proposed as potential biomarkers of autophagy and vitality in asthenozoospermia sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Hu
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Zhiyuan Road, Lingui District, Guilin, 541199, Guangxi, China
| | - Jiwei Wu
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Zhiyuan Road, Lingui District, Guilin, 541199, Guangxi, China
| | - Xinge Liu
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Zhiyuan Road, Lingui District, Guilin, 541199, Guangxi, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Zhiyuan Road, Lingui District, Guilin, 541199, Guangxi, China
| | - Linfeng Mo
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Zhiyuan Road, Lingui District, Guilin, 541199, Guangxi, China
- Medicine and Health Science College, Guangzhou Huashang Vocational College, Guangzhou, 511300, Guangdong, China
| | - Liangzhao Liu
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Zhiyuan Road, Lingui District, Guilin, 541199, Guangxi, China
| | - Shengxue Liu
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Yiwu Road, Xiufeng District, Guilin, 541001, Guangxi, China
| | - Chaoyan Ou
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Zhiyuan Road, Lingui District, Guilin, 541199, Guangxi, China.
| | - Yonghua He
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Zhiyuan Road, Lingui District, Guilin, 541199, Guangxi, China.
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Zhang G, Guo J, Yang H, Li Q, Ye F, Song Y, Xiong D, Zeng J, Zhi W, Yuan S, Lv Y, Li T, Wang Y, Liao L, Deng D, Liu W, Xu W. Metabolic profiling identifies Qrich2 as a novel glutamine sensor that regulates microtubule glutamylation and mitochondrial function in mouse sperm. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:170. [PMID: 38597976 PMCID: PMC11006759 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05177-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
In our prior investigation, we discerned loss-of-function variants within the gene encoding glutamine-rich protein 2 (QRICH2) in two consanguineous families, leading to various morphological abnormalities in sperm flagella and male infertility. The Qrich2 knockout (KO) in mice also exhibits multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella (MMAF) phenotype with a significantly decreased sperm motility. However, how ORICH2 regulates the formation of sperm flagella remains unclear. Abnormal glutamylation levels of tubulin cause dysplastic microtubules and flagella, eventually resulting in the decline of sperm motility and male infertility. In the current study, by further analyzing the Qrich2 KO mouse sperm, we found a reduced glutamylation level and instability of tubulin in Qrich2 KO mouse sperm flagella. In addition, we found that the amino acid metabolism was dysregulated in both testes and sperm, leading to the accumulated glutamine (Gln) and reduced glutamate (Glu) concentrations, and disorderly expressed genes responsible for Gln/Glu metabolism. Interestingly, mice fed with diets devoid of Gln/Glu phenocopied the Qrich2 KO mice. Furthermore, we identified several mitochondrial marker proteins that could not be correctly localized in sperm flagella, which might be responsible for the reduced mitochondrial function contributing to the reduced sperm motility in Qrich2 KO mice. Our study reveals a crucial role of a normal Gln/Glu metabolism in maintaining the structural stability of the microtubules in sperm flagella by regulating the glutamylation levels of the tubulin and identifies Qrich2 as a possible novel Gln sensor that regulates microtubule glutamylation and mitochondrial function in mouse sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohui Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Juncen Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Haoxuan Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Fei Ye
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Yuelin Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Dongsheng Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Jiuzhi Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Weiwei Zhi
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Institute Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yunyun Lv
- Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Fishes Conservation and Utilization in the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River, College of Life Sciences, Neijiang Normal University, Neijiang, 641100, China
| | - Tongtong Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Lu Liao
- Puhua Bioscience, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Dong Deng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Weixin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610000, China.
| | - Wenming Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Zhou H, Zhang Z, Qu R, Zhu H, Luo Y, Li Q, Mu J, Yu R, Zeng Y, Chen B, Sang Q, Wang L. CCDC28A deficiency causes sperm head defects, reduced sperm motility and male infertility in mice. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:174. [PMID: 38597936 PMCID: PMC11006775 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05184-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Mature spermatozoa with normal morphology and motility are essential for male reproduction. The epididymis has an important role in the proper maturation and function of spermatozoa for fertilization. However, factors related to the processes involved in spermatozoa modifications are still unclear. Here we demonstrated that CCDC28A, a member of the CCDC family proteins, is highly expressed in testes and the CCDC28A deletion leads to male infertility. We found CCDC28A deletion had a mild effect on spermatogenesis. And epididymal sperm collected from Ccdc28a-/- mice showed bent sperm heads, acrosomal defects, reduced motility and decreased in vitro fertilization competence whereas their axoneme, outer dense fibers, and fibrous sheath were all normal. Furthermore, we found that CCDC28A interacted with sperm acrosome membrane-associated protein 1 (SPACA1) and glycogen synthase kinase 3a (GSK3A), and deficiencies in both proteins in mice led to bent heads and abnormal acrosomes, respectively. Altogether, our results reveal the essential role of CCDC28A in regulating sperm morphology and motility and suggesting a potential marker for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbin Zhou
- Institute of Pediatrics, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhihua Zhang
- Institute of Pediatrics, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ronggui Qu
- Institute of Pediatrics, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hongying Zhu
- Institute of Pediatrics, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yuxi Luo
- Institute of Pediatrics, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qun Li
- Institute of Pediatrics, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jian Mu
- Institute of Pediatrics, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ran Yu
- Institute of Pediatrics, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yang Zeng
- Institute of Pediatrics, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Biaobang Chen
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qing Sang
- Institute of Pediatrics, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Lei Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Morimoto H, Ogonuki N, Matoba S, Kanatsu-Shinohara M, Ogura A, Shinohara T. Restoration of fertility in nonablated recipient mice after spermatogonial stem cell transplantation. Stem Cell Reports 2024; 19:443-455. [PMID: 38458191 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2024.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) transplantation is a valuable tool for studying stem cell-niche interaction. However, the conventional approach requires the removal of endogenous SSCs, causing damage to the niche. Here we introduce WIN18,446, an ALDH1A2 inhibitor, to enhance SSC colonization in nonablated recipients. Pre-transplantation treatment with WIN18,446 induced abnormal claudin protein expression, which comprises the blood-testis barrier and impedes SSC colonization. Consequently, WIN18,446 increased colonization efficiency by 4.6-fold compared with untreated host. WIN18,446-treated testes remained small despite the cessation of WIN18,446, suggesting its irreversible effect. Offspring were born by microinsemination using donor-derived sperm. While WIN18,446 was lethal to busulfan-treated mice, cyclophosphamide- or radiation-treated animals survived after WIN18,446 treatment. Although WIN18,446 is not applicable to humans due to toxicity, similar ALDH1A2 inhibitors may be useful for SSC transplantation into nonablated testes, shedding light on the role of retinoid metabolism on SSC-niche interactions and advancing SSC research in animal models and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Morimoto
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Narumi Ogonuki
- Bioresource Engineering Division, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan
| | - Shogo Matoba
- Bioresource Engineering Division, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan
| | - Mito Kanatsu-Shinohara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; AMED-CREST, AMED 1-7-1 Otemachi, Chiyodaku, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
| | - Atsuo Ogura
- Bioresource Engineering Division, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan
| | - Takashi Shinohara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
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Zhu S, Jiang W, Liao X, Sun Y, Chen X, Zheng B. Effect of diminished ovarian reserve on the outcome of fresh embryo transfer in IVF/ICSI cycles among young women: A retrospective cohort study. BMC Womens Health 2024; 24:230. [PMID: 38594688 PMCID: PMC11003098 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-03039-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the effect of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) on the clinical outcomes and maternal and infant safety of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) procedures in young women aged ≤ 35 years. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was performed to analyze the clinical data of 4,203 infertile women aged ≤ 35 years who underwent fresh embryo transfer (ET) in IVF/ICSI cycles. The data were collected from their initial visits to Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital between January 2015 and January 2022. Based on their ovarian reserve, the participants were categorized into two groups: DOR group (n = 1,027) and non-DOR group (n = 3,176). A propensity score matching (PSM) method was employed to ensure a relatively balanced distribution of covariates. The primary outcome assessed in this study was the live birth rate, while the secondary observation indicators included rates of high-quality embryo development, blastocyst formation, clinical pregnancy, and miscarriage, along with perinatal complications, neonatal birth weight, and the incidence of low birth weight (LBW). RESULTS The DOR group showed notably lowered rates of blastocyst formation (59.8% vs. 64.1%), embryo implantation (29.8% vs.33.3%), clinical pregnancy (47.9% vs. 53.6%), and live birth (40.6% vs. 45.7%) compared to the non-DOR group (all P < 0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were observed in the high-quality embryo rate, miscarriage rate, perinatal complications, neonatal birth weight, or LBW incidence in infants between both groups (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSION DOR has been found to reduce both clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in young females undergoing fresh ET in IVF/ICSI cycles. However, this reduction does not increase the risk of perinatal complications or LBW of infants through live birth cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suqin Zhu
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
- Fujian Maternal-Fetal Clinical Medicine Research Center, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Wenwen Jiang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Xiuhua Liao
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Xiaojing Chen
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
- Fujian Provincial Reproductive Medicine Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, No. 18 Daoshan Road, Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, 350001, China.
| | - Beihong Zheng
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
- Fujian Provincial Reproductive Medicine Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, No. 18 Daoshan Road, Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, 350001, China.
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Stigliani S, Amaro A, Reggiani F, Maccarini E, Massarotti C, Lambertini M, Anserini P, Scaruffi P. A Pilot Analysis of Whole Transcriptome of Human Cryopreserved Sperm. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4131. [PMID: 38612939 PMCID: PMC11012871 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Sperm cryopreservation is a procedure widely used to store gametes for later use, to preserve fertility in patients prior to gonadotoxic treatments or surgery, and for sperm donation programs. The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of cryopreservation on human sperm transcriptome. Semen samples were collected from 13 normospermic men. Each sample was divided into two aliquots. The total RNA was immediately extracted from one aliquot. The second aliquot was frozen and total RNA was extracted after a week of storage in liquid nitrogen. The RNA samples were randomized in four pools, each of six donors, and analyzed by microarrays. The paired Significance Analysis of Microarray was performed. We found 219 lower abundant transcripts and 28 higher abundant transcripts in cryopreserved sperm than fresh sperm. The gene ontology analysis disclosed that cryopreservation alters transcripts of pathways important for fertility (i.e., spermatogenesis, sperm motility, mitochondria function, fertilization, calcium homeostasis, cell differentiation, and early embryo development), although the increase of some transcripts involved in immune response can compensate for the harmful effects of freezing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Stigliani
- SS Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.S.); (C.M.); (P.A.)
| | - Adriana Amaro
- SSD Regolazione dell’Espressione Genica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Francesco Reggiani
- SSD Regolazione dell’Espressione Genica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Elena Maccarini
- SS Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.S.); (C.M.); (P.A.)
| | - Claudia Massarotti
- SS Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.S.); (C.M.); (P.A.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal-Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Matteo Lambertini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy;
- Department of Medical Oncology, UOC Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Paola Anserini
- SS Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.S.); (C.M.); (P.A.)
| | - Paola Scaruffi
- SS Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.S.); (C.M.); (P.A.)
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Hiroshige T, Uemura KI, Nakamura KI, Igawa T. Insights on Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor α-Positive Interstitial Cells in the Male Reproductive Tract. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4128. [PMID: 38612936 PMCID: PMC11012365 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a significant factor in approximately half of all infertility cases and is marked by a decreased sperm count and motility. A decreased sperm count is caused by not only a decreased production of sperm but also decreased numbers successfully passing through the male reproductive tract. Smooth muscle movement may play an important role in sperm transport in the male reproductive tract; thus, understanding the mechanism of this movement is necessary to elucidate the cause of sperm transport disorder. Recent studies have highlighted the presence of platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα)-positive interstitial cells (PICs) in various smooth muscle organs. Although research is ongoing, PICs in the male reproductive tract may be involved in the regulation of smooth muscle movement, as they are in other smooth muscle organs. This review summarizes the findings to date on PICs in male reproductive organs. Further exploration of the structural, functional, and molecular characteristics of PICs could provide valuable insights into the pathogenesis of male infertility and potentially lead to new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasuku Hiroshige
- Department of Urology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume 830-0011, Japan
| | - Kei-Ichiro Uemura
- Department of Urology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume 830-0011, Japan
| | - Kei-Ichiro Nakamura
- Cognitive and Molecular Research Institute of Brain Diseases, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume 830-0011, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Igawa
- Department of Urology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume 830-0011, Japan
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Baňas Š, Tvrdá E, Benko F, Ďuračka M, Čmiková N, Lukáč N, Kačániová M. Kaempferol as an Alternative Cryosupplement for Bovine Spermatozoa: Cytoprotective and Membrane-Stabilizing Effects. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4129. [PMID: 38612937 PMCID: PMC11012659 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Kaempferol (KAE) is a natural flavonoid with powerful reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging properties and beneficial effects on ex vivo sperm functionality. In this paper, we studied the ability of KAE to prevent or ameliorate structural, functional or oxidative damage to frozen-thawed bovine spermatozoa. The analysis focused on conventional sperm quality characteristics prior to or following thermoresistance tests, namely the oxidative profile of semen alongside sperm capacitation patterns, and the levels of key proteins involved in capacitation signaling. Semen samples obtained from 30 stud bulls were frozen in the presence of 12.5, 25 or 50 μM KAE and compared to native ejaculates (negative control-CtrlN) as well as semen samples cryopreserved in the absence of KAE (positive control-CtrlC). A significant post-thermoresistance test maintenance of the sperm motility (p < 0.001), membrane (p < 0.001) and acrosome integrity (p < 0.001), mitochondrial activity (p < 0.001) and DNA integrity (p < 0.001) was observed following supplementation with all KAE doses in comparison to CtrlC. Experimental groups supplemented with all KAE doses presented a significantly lower proportion of prematurely capacitated spermatozoa (p < 0.001) when compared with CtrlC. A significant decrease in the levels of the superoxide radical was recorded following administration of 12.5 (p < 0.05) and 25 μM KAE (p < 0.01). At the same time, supplementation with 25 μM KAE in the cryopreservation medium led to a significant stabilization of the activity of Mg2+-ATPase (p < 0.05) and Na+/K+-ATPase (p < 0.0001) in comparison to CtrlC. Western blot analysis revealed that supplementation with 25 μM KAE in the cryopreservation medium prevented the loss of the protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase C (PKC), which are intricately involved in the process of sperm activation. In conclusion, we may speculate that KAE is particularly efficient in the protection of sperm metabolism during the cryopreservation process through its ability to promote energy synthesis while quenching excessive ROS and to protect enzymes involved in the process of sperm capacitation and hyperactivation. These properties may provide supplementary protection to spermatozoa undergoing the freeze-thaw process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Štefan Baňas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia; (Š.B.)
| | - Eva Tvrdá
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia; (Š.B.)
| | - Filip Benko
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia; (Š.B.)
| | - Michal Ďuračka
- AgroBioTech Research Centre, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Natália Čmiková
- Institute of Horticulture, Faculty of Horticulture and Landscape Engineering, Slovak University of Agriculture, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Norbert Lukáč
- Institute of Applied Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Miroslava Kačániová
- Institute of Horticulture, Faculty of Horticulture and Landscape Engineering, Slovak University of Agriculture, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw, Okopowa 59, 010 43 Warsaw, Poland
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50
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Zhang G, Zhi W, Ye F, Xiong D, Zhang Y, Liu F, Zhao Y, Du X, Wu Y, Hou M, Liu J, Wei J, Silang Y, Xu W, Zeng J, Chen S, Liu W. Systematic analyses of the factors influencing sperm quality in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8132. [PMID: 38584153 PMCID: PMC10999436 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58797-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
To figure out how does SARS-CoV-2 affect sperm parameters and what influencing factors affect the recovery of sperm quality after infection? We conducted a prospective cohort study and initially included 122 men with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The longest time to track semen quality after infection is 112 days and 58 eligible patients were included in our study eventually. We subsequently exploited a linear mixed-effects model to statistically analyze their semen parameters at different time points before and after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Semen parameters were significantly reduced after SARS-CoV-2 infection, including total sperm count (211 [147; 347] to 167 [65.0; 258], P < 0.001), sperm concentration (69.0 [38.8; 97.0] to 51.0 [25.5; 71.5], P < 0.001), total sperm motility (57.5 [52.3; 65.0] to 51.0 [38.5; 56.8], P < 0.001), progressive motility (50.0 [46.2; 58.0] to 45.0 [31.5; 52.8], P < 0.001). The parameters displayed the greatest diminution within 30 days after SARS-CoV-2 infection, gradually recovered thereafter, and exhibited no significant difference after 90 days compared with prior to COVID-19 infection. In addition, the patients in the group with a low-grade fever showed a declining tendency in semen parameters, but not to a significant degree, whereas those men with a moderate or high fever produced a significant drop in the same parameters. Semen parameters were significantly reduced after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and fever severity during SARS-CoV-2 infection may constitute the main influencing factor in reducing semen parameters in patients after recovery, but the effect is reversible and the semen parameters gradually return to normal with the realization of a new spermatogenic cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and the Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Weiwei Zhi
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China
| | - Fei Ye
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China
| | - Dongsheng Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China
| | - Fulin Liu
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and the Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Yuhong Zhao
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, China
| | - Xinrong Du
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China
| | - Yang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China
| | - Mingxia Hou
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China
| | - Jiu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China
| | - Jiajing Wei
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China
| | - Yangzhong Silang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China
| | - Wenming Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jiuzhi Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China.
| | - Shiqi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China.
| | - Weixin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, China.
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