Forms Of Male Infertility Research Articles

Dipeptide metabolite, glutamyl-glutamate mediates microbe-host interaction to boost spermatogenesis

The decrease in sperm count and infertility is a global issue that remains unresolved. By screening environmental bacterial isolates, we have found that a novel lactic acid bacterium, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SNI3, increased testis size, testosterone levels, sperm count, sexual activity and fertility in mice that have consumed the bacteria for four weeks. The abundance of L. plantarum in the colon microbiome was positively associated with sperm count. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from L. plantarum SNI3-dosed mice improved testicular functions in microbiome-attenuated recipient animals. To identify mediators that confer pro-reproductive effects on the host, untargeted in situ mass spectrometry metabolomics was performed on testis samples of L. plantarum SNI3-treated and control mice. Enrichment pathway analysis revealed several perturbed metabolic pathways in the testis of treated mice. Within the testis, a dipeptide, glutamyl-glutamate (GluGlu) was the most upregulated metabolite following L. plantarum SNI3 administration. To validate the pro-reproductive feature of GluGlu, systemic and local injections of the dipeptide have been performed. γ-GluGlu increased sperm count but had no effect on testosterone. These findings highlight the role of γ-GluGlu in mediating spermatogenetic effects of L. plantarum on the male mouse host and –following relevant human clinical trials- may provide future tools for treating certain forms of male infertility.

Антиоксидантная терапия в коррекции ДНК-фрагментации сперматозоидов.

Introduction. The progressive deterioration of reproductive function, observed throughout the world in recent decades, is an extremely alarming trend, while the incidence of male infertility is increasing. The universal pathogenetic mechanism of spermatogenesis disorders, which underlies almost all forms of male infertility, is oxidative stress of sperm. It has various manifestations, the essence of which, as a rule, boils down to the formation of mitochondrial dysfunction and fragmentation of sperm DNA. It has been found that consuming antioxidants and microelements helps increase the chances of conception for subfertile couples, and also reduces the risk of reproductive losses. Of greatest and justifiable interest are medicinal complexes designed to reduce the level of oxidative stress and sperm DNA fragmentation. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of antioxidant therapy on the degree of sperm DNA fragmentation in men suffering from infertility. Materials and methods. The study involved 42 men aged 25 to 37 years with an established diagnosis of male infertility who were treated at the Center for Family Health and Reproduction. The patients were divided into 2 groups, comparable according to the main criteria assessed. Patients in the control group (12 people, 29%) received standard antioxidant therapy. Patients of the main group (30 people, 71%) received the BESTFertil-DHA® complex. The course of treatment for patients in both groups was 3 months. Control examinations were carried out at 1.5 and 3 months from the start of therapy. Spermogram data and assessment of the degree of DNA fragmentation in sperm using the SCD (Sperm chromatin dispersion test) method were used as the main criterion for assessing the effectiveness of therapy. Results. After three months of taking BESTFertil-DHA®, in 16 patients (53%), the degree of sperm DNA fragmentation decreased to less than 15%. Against this background, 5 couples became pregnant naturally, and 4 couples became pregnant as a result of the in vitro fertilization procedure. The average level of sperm DNA fragmentation was less than 13% (p < 0.05). A decrease in the level of DNA fragmentation was noted in 53% of patients after 1.5 months of taking BESTFertil-DHA®, which is especially important when preparing patients for assisted reproductive technology programs. In patients taking BESTFertil-DHA®, the total progressive motility of spermatozoa «A+B» increased by 28%, and the concentration of spermatozoa in 1 ml of ejaculate – by 61%. In the control group, the degree of sperm DNA fragmentation did not undergo statistically significant changes during treatment. Conclusion. BESTFertil-DHA® statistically significantly helps to reduce the degree of DNA fragmentation in sperm, increase the number of actively motile forms of sperm and reduce the degree of teratozoospermia.

Comparative analysis of calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) expression and function in normal and abnormal human sperm and spermatogenic cells.

The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is a critical mediator of calcium homeostasis in various tissues. Its role in human reproduction, especially in sperm function and male fertility, remains not fully elucidated. This study investigates the expression patterns of CaSR in normal and abnormal sperm and spermatogenic cells and evaluates its potential effect on sperm motility and morphology. Using immunohistochemistry (IHC), quantitative PCR (qPCR), we assessed the expression levels of CaSR in normal sperm, spermatogonia, and cases of asthenozoospermia, oligozoospermia, and teratozoospermia. In vitro functional assays were performed to analyze the effects of CaSR modulation on sperm motility under varying conditions, including the presence of specific CaSR agonists and antagonists. Our study revealed distinct patterns of CaSR expression in normal sperm and spermatogonia compared with those in abnormal sperm samples, particularly in cases of asthenozoospermia, oligozoospermia, and teratozoospermia. A marked decrease in CaSR expression was evident in these abnormal samples, highlighting its significance in normal sperm functionality. Functional assays further elucidated the role of CaSR in sperm motility. Activation of CaSR through specific agonists enhanced sperm motility, while inhibition by antagonists led to reduced motility. Our findings suggest that CaSR plays a significant role in maintaining sperm functionality and that changes in its expression may be associated with male infertility. These insights into the molecular underpinnings of sperm physiology highlight CaSR as a potential therapeutic target for treating certain forms of male infertility.

Methylation Status of cAMP-responsive Element Modulator (CREM) Gene in Infertile Men and Its Association with Sperm Parameters.

The methylation pattern of non-imprinting genes was little studied, although it is widely known that the abnormal methylation levels of imprinting genes are associated with different forms of male infertility. The purpose of this research was to assess the CREM gene's methylation status and seminal characteristics in infertile individuals who were potential intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) candidates. A total of 45 semen samples (15 normospermia, 15 asthenospermia, and 15 oligoasthenoteratospermia) were examined. Using aniline blue (AB) staining, we carried out conventional semen analysis, chromatin quality, and sperm maturity testing. DNA was taken from semen samples, and all isolated DNA was assessed using Nanodrop and gel electrophoresis. A quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (Q-MSP) approach was used to quantify the methylation at the DMRs of the CREM gene. According to our findings, sperm count (P=0.012), concentration (P= 0.019), motility (P=0.006), progression (P=0.006), and normal morphology (P=0.004) were all inversely correlated with abnormal sperm chromatin condensation. Additionally, we noted that the methylation level of the CREM gene was considerably more significant in the oligoasthenoteratospermia group compared to the asthenospermia and normospermia groups (P<0.05). Additionally, sperm count (P=0.043), progression (P=0.026), and normal morphology (P=0.024) were all inversely linked with CREM methylation. Overall, the abnormal CREM methylation patterns have a negative impact on sperm parameters. Additionally, the CREM gene's DNA methylation status may serve as an epigenetic indicator of male infertility.

The Therapeutic and Diagnostic Potential of Phospholipase C Zeta, Oocyte Activation, and Calcium in Treating Human Infertility.

Oocyte activation, a fundamental event during mammalian fertilisation, is initiated by concerted intracellular patterns of calcium (Ca2+) release, termed Ca2+ oscillations, predominantly driven by testis-specific phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ). Ca2+ exerts a pivotal role in not just regulating oocyte activation and driving fertilisation, but also in influencing the quality of embryogenesis. In humans, a failure of Ca2+ release, or defects in related mechanisms, have been reported to result in infertility. Furthermore, mutations in the PLCζ gene and abnormalities in sperm PLCζ protein and RNA, have been strongly associated with forms of male infertility where oocyte activation is deficient. Concurrently, specific patterns and profiles of PLCζ in human sperm have been linked to parameters of semen quality, suggesting the potential for PLCζ as a powerful target for both therapeutics and diagnostics of human fertility. However, further to PLCζ and given the strong role played by Ca2+ in fertilisation, targets down- and up-stream of this process may also present a significantly similar level of promise. Herein, we systematically summarise recent advancements and controversies in the field to update expanding clinical associations between Ca2+-release, PLCζ, oocyte activation and human fertility. We discuss how such associations may potentially underlie defective embryogenesis and recurrent implantation failure following fertility treatments, alongside potential diagnostic and therapeutic avenues presented by oocyte activation for the diagnosis and treatment of human infertility.

Focus on centrin in normal and altered human spermatozoa

This review provides details on the role of centrin in human spermatozoa and in various forms of male infertility. Centrin is a calcium (Ca2+)-binding phosphoprotein that is located in the centrioles – which are typical structures of the sperm connecting piece and play a key role in centrosome dynamics during sperm morphogenesis – as well as in zygotes and early embryos during spindle assembly. In humans, three different centrin genes encoding three isoforms have been discovered. Centrin 1, the only one expressed in spermatozoa, seems to be lost inside the oocyte after fertilization. The sperm connecting piece is characterized by the presence of numerous proteins including centrin, that deserves particular attention because, in humans, it is enriched during maturation of the centrioles. In normal sperm, centrin 1 is visible as two distinct spots in the head–tail junction; however, in some defective spermatozoa, centrin 1 distribution is altered. Centrin has been studied in humans and animal models. Its mutations may lead to several structural alterations, such as serious defects in the connective piece and, subsequently, fertilization failure or incomplete embryonic development. However, the effects of these abnormalities on male fertility have not been fully studied. Because the presence and the function of centrin in the sperm connecting piece appears important for reproductive success, additional studies are needed to bring medical benefits in resolving some cases of idiopathic infertility.

Effects and Mechanisms Activated by Treatment with Cationic, Anionic and Zwitterionic Liposomes on an In Vitro Model of Porcine Pre-Pubertal Sertoli Cells.

Liposomes have been successfully used as drug-delivery vehicles, but there are no clinical studies on improved fertility and the few reported experimental studies have been performed in animal models far from humans. The aim of this paper was to study the effects of treatment with cationic, anionic and zwitterionic liposomes on our superior mammalian model of porcine prepubertal Sertoli cells (SCs) to find a carrier of in vitro test drugs for SCs. Porcine pre-pubertal SCs cultures were incubated with different liposomes. Viability, apoptosis/necrosis status (Annexin-V/Propidium iodide assay), immunolocalisation of β-actin, vimentin, the phosphorylated form of AMP-activated protein Kinase (AMPK)α and cell ultrastructure (Transmission Electron Microscopy, TEM) were analysed. Zwitterionic liposomes did not determine changes in the cell cytoplasm. The incubation with anionic and cationic liposomes modified the distribution of actin and vimentin filaments and increased the levels of the phosphorylated form of AMPKα. The Annexin/Propidium Iodide assay suggested an increase in apoptosis. TEM analysis highlighted a cytoplasmic vacuolisation. In conclusion, these preliminary data indicated that zwitterionic liposomes were the best carrier to use in an in vitro study of SCs to understand the effects of molecules or drugs that could have a clinical application in the treatment of certain forms of male infertility.

MiR-188-3p-targeted regulation of ATG7 affects cell autophagy in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia

BackgroundNonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) is one of the most difficult forms of male infertility to treat, and its pathogenesis is still unclear. miRNAs can regulate autophagy by affecting their target gene expression. Our previous study found that miR-188-3p expression in NOA patients was low. There are potential binding sites between the autophagy gene ATG7 and miR-188-3p. This study aimed to verify the binding site between miR-188-3p and ATG7 and whether miR-188-3p affects autophagy and participates in NOA by regulating ATG7 to influence the autophagy marker genes LC3 and Beclin-1.MethodsTesticular tissue from 16 NOA patients and 16 patients with normal spermatogenesis and 5 cases in each group of pathological sections were collected. High-throughput sequencing was performed to detect mRNA expression differences. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blotting, immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence were used to detect protein localization and expression. Autophagosome changes were detected by electron microscopy. The targeting relationship between miR-188-3p and ATG7 was confirmed by a luciferase assay.ResultsATG7 protein was localized in the cytoplasm of spermatogenic cells at all levels, and the ATG7 gene (p = 0.019) and protein (p = 0.000) were more highly expressed in the NOA group. ATG7 expression after overexpression/inhibition of miR-188-3p was significantly lower (p = 0.029)/higher (p = 0.021) than in the control group. After overexpression of miR-188-3p, the ATG7 3'UTR-WT luciferase activity was impeded (p = 0.004), while the ATG7 3'UTR-MUT luciferase activity showed no significant difference (p = 0.46). LC3 (p = 0.023) and Beclin-1 (p = 0.041) expression in the NOA group was significantly higher. LC3 and Beclin-1 gene expression after miR-188-3p overexpression/inhibition was significantly lower (p = 0.010 and 0.024, respectively) and higher (p = 0.024 and 0.049, respectively). LC3 punctate aggregation in the cytoplasm decreased after overexpression of miR-188-3p, while the LC3 punctate aggregation in the miR-188-3p inhibitor group was higher. The number of autophagosomes in the miR-188-3p mimic group was lower than the number of autophagosomes in the mimic NC group.ConclusionsLC3 and Beclin-1 were more highly expressed in NOA testes and negatively correlated with the expression of miR-188-3p, suggesting that miR-188-3p may be involved in the process of autophagy in NOA. miR-188-3p may regulate its target gene ATG7 to participate in autophagy anDual luciferase experimentd affect the development of NOA.

A homozygous loss-of-function mutation in FBXO43 causes human non-obstructive azoospermia.

Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) represents one of the most serious forms of male infertility caused by spermatogenic failure. Despite multiple genes found to be associated with human NOA, the genetic basis of this idiopathic disease remains largely unknown. FBXO43 is a direct inhibitor of the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) E3 ligase and crucially important in mouse spermatogenesis. In this study, for the first time, we identified a homozygous nonsense mutation in FBXO43 c.1747C > T:p.Gln583X in two NOA brothers from a Chinese consanguineous family via whole-exome sequencing. FBXO43 was absent from testicular tissue of the proband, and FBXO43-immunostaining signals were invisible in the affected seminiferous tubules. Furthermore, in humans, FBXO43 defects cause meiotic arrest within early diplotene of prophase I. The results here demonstrate the pathogenicity of this loss-of-function mutation and confirmed that spermatocytes were unable to complete meiotic divisions without FBXO43 in humans. In mouse testicular protein extracts, three subunits of the APC/C, including ANAPC2, ANAPC8 and ANAPC10, were validated to interact directly with FBXO43, whereas no interactions were detected for FBXO43 and SKP1. This study furthers our understanding of the genetic basis of human NOA and provides insights into FBXO43 and male infertility.

A microfluidic approach to rapid sperm recovery from heterogeneous cell suspensions

The isolation of sperm cells from background cell populations and debris is an essential step in all assisted reproductive technologies. Conventional techniques for sperm recovery from testicular sperm extractions stagnate at the sample processing stage, where it can take several hours to identify viable sperm from a background of collateral cells such as white bloods cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs), epithelial cells (ECs) and in some cases cancer cells. Manual identification of sperm from contaminating cells and debris is a tedious and time-consuming operation that can be suitably addressed through inertial microfluidics. Microfluidics has proven an effective technology for high-quality sperm selection based on motility. However, motility-based selection methods cannot cater for viable, non-motile sperm often present in testicular or epididymal sperm extractions and aspirations. This study demonstrates the use of a 3D printed inertial microfluidic device for the separation of sperm cells from a mixed suspension of WBCs, RBCs, ECs, and leukemic cancer cells. This technology presents a 36-fold time improvement for the recovery of sperm cells (> 96%) by separating sperm, RBCS, WBCs, ECs and cancer cells into tight bands in less than 5 min. Furthermore, microfluidic processing of sperm has no impact on sperm parameters; vitality, motility, morphology, or DNA fragmentation of sperm. Applying inertial microfluidics for non-motile sperm recovery can greatly improve the current processing procedure of testicular sperm extractions, simplifying the fertility outcomes for severe forms of male infertility that warrant the surgery.

Дети, родившиеся благодаря вспомогательным технологиям: фокус на репродуктивное здоровье родителей

Aim. To assess the main indicators of the initial reproductive health of parents, somatic health of the mother and their impact on the health of children born with singleton pregnancy ART. Materials and methods. The study included all newborn infants from singleton ART who were born at the Avicenna Medical Center (Novosibirsk) over the period 2006–2017 (n=409) and their parents (n=818). All stages of overcoming infertility (from the moment the parents go to the clinic to the birth of children) are considered in the context of one center, in a relatively homogeneous social group, with ensuring continuity at all stages. The average experience of infertility in couples was 7.2±0.2 years. The groups were formed depending on the type of infertility and the method of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) used: 205 children were born using in vitro fertilization (IVF), 204 children were born using the method of Intracytoplasm Sperm Injection (ICSI). The method of IVF and transfer of embryos into the uterine cavity is more often used in women with tuboperitoneal, endocrine types of infertility (premature ovarian failure syndrome), as well as in infertility associated with endometriosis. More serious reproductive problems (severe forms of male infertility, a combination of several types of infertility) in most cases lead to the use of more serious technological methods of ART, in particular, the addition of IVF and embryo transfer by the ICSI method. The reasons underlying infertility in most cases lead not only to the choice of the ART method, but also determine the characteristics of the course of pregnancy and the development of the intrauterine fetus. Pregnancy in the IVF group is significantly more often complicated by the threat of termination and premature birth, while ICSI pregnancy more often leads to impaired development of the intrauterine fetus. Conclusion. Features of medical support of women during the preparation for ART and, of course, during pregnancy, with a comprehensive, interdisciplinary correction of expected complications in each of the groups, will improve the perinatal outcomes of induced pregnancy and will contribute to the birth of healthy offspring.

COMPLEX TREATMENT OF NON-OBSTRUCTIVE FORMS OF MALE INFERTILITY WITH PLATELET-RICH PLASMA, LOWINTENSITY PULSED ULTRASOUND AND HUMAN PLACENTA HYDROLYSATE

Relevance. Male infertility is basic problem for several medical specialties from genetics and endocrinology to urology and andrology. It’s impact on personal quality of life, social functioning and existential aspects of well being and in larger scale on social health is dramatic.Aim – to develop and test complex treatment model of non-obstructive forms of male infertility with combination of platelet-rich plasma, low-intensity pulsed ultrasound and human placenta hydrolysate.Methods. The study was based on prospective parallel group design. The study contingent consisted of 46 patients of the “Men’s Health Clinic” Kiev, Ukraine, undergoing outpatient treatment for non-obstructive fertility disorders.Following methods were used: clinical (a standard set of clinical examinations to establish a preliminary diagnosis), laboratory (bacterial seeding of ejaculate for the presence of pathogenic microflora, extended spermogram); serological (evaluations of serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone levels instrumental (sonographic examination of the prostate gland in order exclude prostatic inflammation); statistical.Results. After the initial complex of examinations study contingent underwent developed treatment protocol: 6 sessions (1 session per week) of local injections of 1ml HPH «Laennec»; 6 sessions of local injections of 1ml PRP (1 session per week); 6 sessions of LIPUS (1 session per week, following HPH and PRP injections); metabolic therapy: «SaluFertil Forte» and «SALUTRIB» 6 weeks daily.Conclusion. Complex treatment model of non-obstructive forms of male infertility with combination of platelet-rich plasma, low-intensity pulsed ultrasound and human placenta hydrolysate and metabolic therapy with «SaluFertil Forte» and «SALUTRIB», showed significant efficacy in 6-week therapeutic period. Therapeutic effect was found in sperm count in 1 ml (&lt;0,01), sperm aggregation (&lt;0,01) and sperm mobility (group A + B) (&lt;0,01).

Advancing male age differentially alters levels and localization patterns of PLCzeta in sperm and testes from different mouse strains.

Sperm-specific phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) initiates intracellular calcium (Ca2+) transients which drive a series of concurrent events collectively termed oocyte activation. Numerous investigations have linked abrogation and absence/reduction of PLCζ with forms of male infertility in humans where oocyte activation fails. However, very few studies have examined potential relationships between PLCζ and advancing male age, both of which are increasingly considered to be major effectors of male fertility. Initial efforts in humans may be hindered by inherent PLCζ variability within the human population, alongside a lack of sufficient controllable repeats. Herein, utilizing immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) we examined for the first time PLCζ protein levels and localization patterns in sperm, and PLCζ mRNA levels within testes, from mice at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 24 weeks, and 36 weeks of age, from two separate strains of mice, C57BL/6 (B6; inbred) and CD1 (outbred). Collectively, advancing male age generally diminished levels and variability of PLCζ protein and mRNA in sperm and testes, respectively, when both strains were examined. Furthermore, advancing male age altered the predominant pattern of PLCζ localization in mouse sperm, with younger mice exhibiting predominantly post-acrosomal, and older mice exhibiting both post-acrosomal and acrosomal populations of PLCζ. However, the specific pattern of such decline in levels of protein and mRNA was strain-specific. Collectively, our results demonstrate a negative relationship between advancing male age and PLCζ levels and localization patterns, indicating that aging male mice from different strains may serve as useful models to investigate PLCζ in cases of male infertility and subfertility in humans.

Possibilities of proteolytic enzymes in the treatment of some forms of male infertility

In the study 46 men with impaired fertility and the presence of viscosipathy were included. The patients age ranged from 22 to 45 years, the average duration of infertility in marriage was 3.5 2.4 years. All patients with Longidaza drugs according to the following scheme were treated. First, ten intramuscular injections of Longidaza lyophilisate were performed to prepare a solution of 3000 IU once every five days, then Longidaza suppositories 3000 IU rectally once every three days were prescribed, for a total of 15 suppositories. The total duration of the course of treatment is 90 days. A decrease in sperm viscosity from 2.1 0.05 cm to 0.6 0.07 cm (p 0.05), an increase in total sperm motility (from 32.6 2.9 to 61 3.1%, p 0.05) and the number of sperm with progressive movement (from 22 1.1 to 36.7 2.9 %, p 0.05) after the treatment were revealed. Also, in the course of treatment, the restoration of the antioxidant protection of the ejaculate was noted, as evidenced by an increase in the activity of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase and a decrease in the content of malon dialdehyde. During the first year after the end of treatment, conception in marriage was registered in 21 (45.7%) patients. The results of the study indicate that a violation of the lipid peroxidation system can lead to both an increase in sperm viscosity and a disruption in the activity of acrosomal enzymes, as a result of which it becomes difficult for spermatozoa to penetrate the ovum. Longidaza is able to increase the hyaluronidase activity of the sperm acrosome, thereby improving the fertilizing ability of the ejaculate.

Ассоциация полиморфных маркеров гена GSTP1 c параметрами окислительного стресса у инфертильных мужчин

to establish the association of two polymorphic loci Ile105Val, Ala114Val of the GSTP1 gene (glutathione transferase class pi-1) with the parameters of oxidative stress in men with infertility. the main study group consisted of 160 men of reproductive age with infertility (mean age - 29,9+/-5,3 years). The control group included 104 practically healthy men with realized reproductive function (average age - 30,2+/-3,6 years). Molecular and genetic study of polymorphisms of the GSTP1 gene was performed by using real-time PCR. The material for the study was DNA samples, the extraction of which was carried out from samples of whole venous blood. The components of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant protection were determined in the blood and ejaculate using spectrophotofluorometric METHOD: s. Resalts: While analyzing the frequency of occurrence of the Ile105Val polymorphism of the GSTP1 gene in men with infertility and fertile men, statistically significant differences were found at (2=7,487; p=0,024). No significant differences were found between the groups (2=3,823; p=0,14), when were compared the frequency distribution of the genotypes of the Ala114Val polymorphism of the GSTP1 gene in men diagnosed with infertility and fertile patients. In men with infertility, carriers of the GSTP1(Ile105Val) heterozygous polymorphism, associations of the studied gene were established with an increase in GSH activity by 7% and a decrease in GR by 20% in blood and a decrease in SOD activity by 8% in the ejaculate, in contrast, fertile men, carriers of heterozygous polymorphism GSTP1(Ile105Val), which have associations with an increase in total AOA blood by 20% and with a decrease in GPO activity by 24% in the ejaculate. In men with infertility, carriers of the heterozygous polymorphism of GSTP1(Ala114Val), associations of the studied gene were established with a decrease in -tocopherol concentration by 15%, an increase in GPO activity by 25% in blood and a decrease in SOD activity by 7% in ejaculate, in contrast, fertile men, carriers of heterozygous polymorphism GSTP1(l114Val), which have associations with an increase in the concentration of DK in blood by 19% and with a decrease in GST activity by 32% in the ejaculate. identification of carriers of polymorphic loci Ile105Val, Ala114Val GSTP1, as well as determination of enzymes of the thiol disulfide system can be recommended for additional assessment of the risk of reproductive disorders in men.

Генетически обусловленные формы бесплодия у мужчин: основные характеристики и практические аспекты лабораторной диагностики

Генетически обусловленные формы бесплодия у мужчин: основные характеристики и практические аспекты лабораторной диагностики

Comprehensive metabolic profiles of seminal plasma with different forms of male infertility and their correlation with sperm parameters

Metabolomics measurements of seminal plasma are widely used in diagnosis and finding of molecular mechanisms of male infertility. However, so far the limitation of metabolome coverage of analytical methods hinders comprehensive metabolite biomarker finding. Moreover, the widely used case-control comparison is not enough to unveil the detailed correlations of the metabolic changes with different sperm abnormalities. In this work, we aimed to have comprehensive metabolic profiling of seminal plasma to find the metabolomics difference between healthy controls and infertility case samples with different semen abnormities by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) detection with previously established new sample preparation procedure. Among 624 detected metabolite features, 63 potential biomarkers in various metabolite classes were found for infertility in seminal plasma by multivariate analysis. Interestingly, different infertility forms have different potential biomarkers with few in common, and most of potential biomarkers were found in oligo-astheno-teratospermia samples. To further find the association of the metabolomic changes with specific sperm abnormality, sperm parameters including sperm concentration, sperm deformity rate and sperm motility were also collected, and multivariate linear regression was used to find correlations between sperm parameters and potential biomarkers. Finally, levels of 17 metabolites were found to be significantly correlated with sperm parameters. Most of correlations agreed with previously reported mechanisms of infertility, such as correlation of acylcarnitines with sperm concentration and sperm deformity, and correlation of some antioxidants with sperm deformity rate and sperm motility. Some correlations were reported for the first time, such as negative correlations of isopentenyl pyrophosphate, 2-phosphoglyceric acid and γ-glutamyl-Se-methylselenocysteine with sperm deformity rate, and negative correlation of creatine riboside with sperm concentration. All the potential biomarkers were involved in 14 metabolic pathways playing important role in energy production, antioxidation, hormone regulation and sperm membrane. These results proved previously reported molecular mechanism (such as oxidative stress and energy production) and also gave new possible clues to the pathology of male infertility, which will benefit future etiology, diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.

Semen quality is affected by HLA class I alleles together with sexually transmitted diseases.

The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) locus includes several genes with key roles in antigen presentation and immune response, some of them inclusively found to be associated with non-obstructive azoospermia. Still, HLA connections to other infertility phenotypes such as semen hyperviscosity (SHV), asthenozoospermia (AST), and oligozoospermia (OLI) have been often neglected. In this work, we aimed to evaluate the association of HLA class I and II genes with SHV, AST, and OLI phenotypes while exploring a possible role in an adaptive immune response to sexually transmitted diseases (STD). Whole-exome sequencing was performed in a Portuguese cohort of 71 infertility cases and 68 controls, followed by HLA typing using a specific software-HLA*PRG:LA tool. Molecular screenings of seven STD were carried out in a subset of 72 samples (30 cases and 42 controls). Statistical tests uncovered three protective alleles: HLA-A*11:01, associated with all forms of male infertility (p=0.0006); HLA-DQB1*03:02 with SHV and OLI (PSHV =0.0303, POLI =0.0153); and HLA-A*29:02 with OLI (p=0.0355), which was found to interfere in sperm number together with HPV (p=0.0313). Five risk alleles were also identified: two linked with SHV (HLA-B*50:01, p=0.0278; and HLA-C*06:02, p=0.0461), another one with both SHV and OLI (HLA-DQA1*05:01, PSHV =0.0444 and POLI =0.0265), and two with OLI (HLA-C*03:03, p=0.0480; and HLA-DQB1*03:01, p=0.0499). Here, HLA-C*03:03 carriers tend to be HPV infected. The application of HLA*PRG:LA tool to the study of male infertility provided novel insights for an HLA correlation with semen quality, namely among SHV and OLI phenotypes. The discovery of an HLA-A*29:02/HPV crosstalk, together with former reports of HLA alleles conferring resistance-susceptibility to diverse human pathogens, raises the hypothesis of a mechanistic link between male infertility, HLA polymorphism, and host response to STD.

A Survey of the Common Mutations and IVS8-Tn Polymorphism of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Gene in Infertile Men with Nonobstructive Azoospermia and CBAVD in Iranian Population

Background:Studies have revealed a strong association between mutations of CFTR gene and the congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD), but the role of this gene in other types of male infertility is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency of the most common mutations of the CFTR gene (F508, G542X, N1303K, G551D, and W1282X) in a population of infertile men with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) and CBAVD in Iran. Methods:Blood samples were obtained from 50 NOA, 50 CBAVD, and 100 normal males (control). Genomic DNA was isolated from whole blood leukocytes, and the presence of common mutations of the CFTR gene was assessed by an amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR). Restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was also used to analyze IVS8-Tn polymorphism. Results:It was found that 16%, 8%, and 8% of patients with CBAVD were heterozygote for F508, G542X, and N1303K, respectively. The frequency of the 5T allele was 34% and higher than the normal group (p < 0.001). None of the common CFTR gene mutations were detected in NOA patients, and no significant difference was found in the distribution of the 5T allele between the NOA patients and the control group (5 vs. 3 p = 0.721). Conclusion:Based on the present case-control study, the CFTR gene mutations and IVS8-Tn polymorphisms are correlated with CBAVD; however, extensive investigations are necessary to determine the exact relationship between the gene mutations and other forms of male infertility.

A Survey of the Common Mutations and IVS8-Tn Polymorphism of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Gene in Infertile Men with Nonobstructive Azoospermia and CBAVD in Iranian Population

Studies have revealed a strong association between mutations of CFTR gene and the congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD), but the role of this gene in other types of male infertility is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency of the most common mutations of the CFTR gene (DF508, G542X, N1303K, G551D, and W1282X) in a population of infertile men with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) and CBAVD in Iran. Blood samples were obtained from 50 NOA, 50 CBAVD, and 100 normal males (control). Genomic DNA was isolated from whole blood leukocytes, and the presence of common mutations of the CFTR gene was assessed by an amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR). Restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was also used to analyze IVS8-Tn polymorphism. It was found that 16%, 8%, and 8% of patients with CBAVD were heterozygote for DF508, G542X, and N1303K, respectively. The frequency of the 5T allele was 34% and higher than the normal group (p < 0.001). None of the common CFTR gene mutations were detected in NOA patients, and no significant difference was found in the distribution of the 5T allele between the NOA patients and the control group (5 vs. 3 p = 0.721). Based on the present case-control study, the CFTR gene mutations and IVS8-Tn polymorphisms are correlated with CBAVD; however, extensive investigations are necessary to determine the exact relationship between the gene mutations and other forms of male infertility.