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Fertility and Sterility Aug 2022To identify the most robust molecular biomarkers in sperm and seminal plasma for the diagnosis of male infertility, and to evaluate their clinical use. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To identify the most robust molecular biomarkers in sperm and seminal plasma for the diagnosis of male infertility, and to evaluate their clinical use.
DESIGN
Systematic review.
SETTING
Not applicable.
PATIENT(S)
Accessible studies reporting well-defined (in)fertile populations and semen molecular biomarkers were included in this review.
INTERVENTION(S)
A systematic search of the literature published in MEDLINE-PubMed and EMBASE databases was performed, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)
The primary outcome was the content, expression, or activity of molecular biomarkers in human semen samples. Only studies reporting a receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis values were included.
RESULT(S)
Eighty-nine studies were included. Direct evaluation of sperm DNA damage has high potential as a diagnostic biomarker of fertility and assisted reproductive technology outcomes (area under the curve [AUCs] median = 0.67). Regarding strand break-associated chromatin modifications, γH2AX levels show good predictive value for the diagnosis of male infertility (AUCs median = 0.93). Some noncoding ribonucleic acid (RNA) exhibit excellent predictive values; miR-34c-5p in semen is the most well-characterized and robust transcriptomic biomarker (AUCs median = 0.78). While many proteins in semen show fair diagnostic value for sperm quality and fertilizing capacity, the levels of some, such as TEX101, in seminal plasma have an excellent diagnostic potential (AUCs median = 0.69). Although individual metabolites and metabolomic profiles in seminal plasma present good predictive value, the latter seem to be better than the former when inferring sperm quality and fertilizing capacity.
CONCLUSION(S)
The current review supports that some Omics (e.g., DNA structure and integrity, genomics and epigenomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics) could be considered relevant molecular biomarkers that may help identify infertility etiologies and fertilization prognosis with cost-effective, simple, and accurate diagnosis.
Topics: Biomarkers; Fertility; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Semen; Semen Analysis; Spermatozoa
PubMed: 35718545
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.04.028 -
Mutation Research. Reviews in Mutation... 2022Epigenetic alterations, such as changes in DNA methylation, histones/chromatin structure, nucleosome positioning, and expression of non-coding RNAs, are recognized among... (Review)
Review
Epigenetic alterations, such as changes in DNA methylation, histones/chromatin structure, nucleosome positioning, and expression of non-coding RNAs, are recognized among key characteristics of carcinogens; they may occur independently or concomitantly with genotoxic effects. While data on genotoxicity are collected through standardized guideline tests, data collected on epigenetic effects is far less uniform. In 2016, we conducted a systematic review of published studies of genotoxic carcinogens that reported epigenetic endpoints to better understand the evidence for epigenetic alterations of human carcinogens, and the potential association with genotoxic endpoints. Since then, the number of studies of epigenetic effects of chemicals has nearly doubled. This review stands as an update on epigenetic alterations induced by occupational and environmental human carcinogens that were previously and recently classified as Group 1 by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. We found that the evidence of epigenetic effects remains uneven across agents. Studies of DNA methylation are most abundant, while reports concerning effects on non-coding RNA have increased over the past 5 years. By contrast, mechanistic toxicology studies of histone modifications and chromatin state alterations remain few. We found that most publications of epigenetic effects of carcinogens were studies in exposed humans or human cells. Studies in rodents represent the second most common species used for epigenetic studies in toxicology, in vivo exposures being the most predominant. Future studies should incorporate dose- and time-dependent study designs and also investigate the persistence of effects following cessation of exposure, considering the dynamic nature of most epigenetic alterations.
Topics: Carcinogens; Carcinogens, Environmental; Chromatin; DNA Damage; Epigenesis, Genetic; Epigenomics; Humans
PubMed: 35690411
DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2021.108408 -
Oxidative Medicine and Cellular... 2022The world's population is ageing at an accelerated pace. Ageing is a natural, physiological but highly complex and multifactorial process that all species in the Tree of... (Review)
Review
The world's population is ageing at an accelerated pace. Ageing is a natural, physiological but highly complex and multifactorial process that all species in the Tree of Life experience over time. Physical and mental disabilities, and age-related diseases, would increase along with the increasing life expectancy. Ginger () is a plant that belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, native to Southeast Asia. For hundreds of years, ginger has been consumed in various ways by the natives of Asian countries, both as culinary and medicinal herb for the treatment of many diseases. Mounting evidence suggests that ginger can promote healthy ageing, reduce morbidity, and prolong healthy lifespan. Ginger, a well-known natural product, has been demonstrated to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties, as well as an outstanding antiviral activity due to a high concentration of antiviral compounds. In this review, the current evidence on the potential role of ginger and its active compounds in the prevention of ageing is discussed.
Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antioxidants; Antiviral Agents; Zingiber officinale; Healthy Aging; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 35585878
DOI: 10.1155/2022/4748447 -
International Journal of Trichology 2022Smoking and its role in Androgenetic Alopecia has long been debated. Smoking may lead to hair loss by vasoconstriction, by forming DNA adducts, free radical damage to... (Review)
Review
Smoking and its role in Androgenetic Alopecia has long been debated. Smoking may lead to hair loss by vasoconstriction, by forming DNA adducts, free radical damage to hair follicle, by enhancing senescence and hormonal effects. We have reviewed the available literature on AGA and smoking. Data available show that there is a significant association between smoking and AGA. However, studies demonstrating the benefit of avoidance of smoking in improving hair loss are lacking. Furthermore, large controlled studies with histological documentation are still unavailable to affirm the findings.
PubMed: 35531482
DOI: 10.4103/ijt.ijt_59_21 -
The International Journal of Biological... Jun 2022FOXO3a (previously termed FKHRL1), plays an evolutionarily conserved role in the control of biological process, including DNA damage, apoptosis, and cell cycle... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
FOXO3a (previously termed FKHRL1), plays an evolutionarily conserved role in the control of biological process, including DNA damage, apoptosis, and cell cycle regulation. However, the role of FOXO3a in tumors remains controversial. This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the prognostic value of FOXO3a expression in patients with solid tumors.
METHODS
A systematic literature search of the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was performed. Eligible publications on FOXO3a and cancer prognosis were collected and screened according to the eligibility criteria. The combined odds ratios (ORs) or hazard ratios (HRs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the prognostic value of FOXO3a. Stata 12.0 software was used for statistical analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 4058 patients from 21 articles on a variety of solid tumors were included. Meta-analysis showed that the increased FOXO3a expression level was associated with longer overall survival (HR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.46-0.85). The pooled ORs indicated high expression level of FOXO3a in tumors was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis (OR = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.30-0.71), TNM stage (OR = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.25-0.54), tumor differentiation (OR = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.26-0.80), distant metastasis (OR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.32-0.61), and age (OR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.08-1.51). However, we did not observe a significant correlation between the high expression of FOXO3a and sex or tumor size.
CONCLUSIONS
The high expression level of FOXO3a was associated with better clinical outcomes in solid tumors. FOXO3a may therefore serve as a potential prognostic biomarker and a promising molecular target.
Topics: Biomarkers, Tumor; Humans; Lymphatic Metastasis; Neoplasms; Prognosis; Proportional Hazards Models
PubMed: 35484793
DOI: 10.1177/03936155221095879 -
Toxics Mar 2022Oxidative stress has been associated with various inflammation-related human diseases. It is defined as an imbalance between the production and elimination of reactive... (Review)
Review
Oxidative stress has been associated with various inflammation-related human diseases. It is defined as an imbalance between the production and elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS can oxidize proteins, lipids, and DNA, and some of these oxidized products are excreted in urine, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), which is considered a biomarker for oxidative damage of lipids. To interpret changes of this biomarker as a measure of oxidative species overproduction in humans, a background range for urinary MDA concentration in the general population is needed. We sought to establish urinary MDA concentration ranges for healthy adult populations based on reported values in the available scientific literature. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis using the standardized protocol registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020146623). EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane library databases were searched from journal inception up to October 2020. We included 35 studies (divided into 47 subgroups for the quantitative analysis). Only studies that measured creatinine-corrected urinary MDA with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with mass spectrometry (MS), fluorescence detection, or UV photometry were included. The geometric mean (GM) of urinary MDA concentration was 0.10 mg/g creatinine and 95% percentile confidence interval (CI) 0.07-0.12. Age, geographical location but not sex, and smoking status had a significant effect on urinary MDA concentrations. There was a significant increasing trend of urinary MDA concentrations with age. These urinary MDA values should be considered preliminary, as they are based on mostly moderate to some low-quality evidence studies. Although urinary MDA can reliably reflect excessive oxidative stress in a population, the influence of physiological parameters that affect its meaning needs to be addressed as well as harmonizing the chemical analytical methods.
PubMed: 35448421
DOI: 10.3390/toxics10040160 -
PeerJ 2022Titanium dioxide dental implants have a controversial effect on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. ROS is necessary for cellular signal transmission and proper... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Titanium dioxide dental implants have a controversial effect on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. ROS is necessary for cellular signal transmission and proper metabolism, but also has the ability to cause cell death as well as DNA, RNA, and proteins damage by excessive oxidative stress. This study aimed to systematically review the effect of titanium dioxide dental implant-induced oxidative stress and its role on the osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling in bone remodeling.
METHODS
This systematic review was performed conforming to preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) model. Four different databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus and Medline databases) as well as manual searching were adopted. Relevant studies from January 2000 till September 2021 were retrieved. Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) was used to assess the quality of the selected studies.
RESULTS
Out of 755 articles, only 14 which met the eligibility criteria were included. Six studies found that titanium dioxide nanotube (TNT) reduced oxidative stress and promoted osteoblastic activity through its effect on Wnt, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) signaling pathways. On the other hand, three studies confirmed that titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiONPs) induce oxidative stress, reduce ostegenesis and impair antioxidant defense system as a significant negative correlation was found between decreased SIR3 protein level and increased superoxide (O ). Moreover, five studies proved that titanium implant alloy enhances the generation of ROS and induces cytotoxicity of osteoblast cells via its effect on NOX pathway.
CONCLUSION
TiONPs stimulate a wide array of oxidative stress related pathways. Scientific evidence are in favor to support the use of TiO nanotube-coated titanium implants to reduce oxidative stress and promote osteogenesis in bone remodeling. To validate the cellular and molecular cross talk in bone remodeling of the present review, well-controlled clinical trials with a large sample size are required.
Topics: Reactive Oxygen Species; Titanium; Dental Implants; Oxidative Stress; Bone Remodeling
PubMed: 35261818
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12951 -
Oxidative Medicine and Cellular... 2022Evidence shows that exercise can have a favourable effect in cancer patients. The exercise's clinical benefits are likely to concern multiple interrelated biological...
Evidence shows that exercise can have a favourable effect in cancer patients. The exercise's clinical benefits are likely to concern multiple interrelated biological pathways, among which oxidative stress plays a key role. Regular training can induce an adaptive response that strengthens the antioxidative status of the body. To formulate public health recommendations regarding the optimal exercise prescription for cancer patients, a detailed understanding is needed regarding the effect of exercise on variables linked to oxidative stress and antioxidant status of patients. The goal of this systematic review, based on PRISMA, was to explore and critically analyse the evidence regarding the efficacy of exercise on oxidative stress biomarkers among people with cancer. Study search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL, Embase, PEDro, and SPORTDiscus. The studies' quality was assessed with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and STROBE scale. After identification and screening steps, 10 articles were included. The findings provide an encouraging picture of exercise, including resistance training and aerobic activities, in people with cancer. The exercise improved the indicators of the total antioxidant capacity, increased the antioxidant enzymes' activity, or reduced the biomarkers of oxidative damage in various forms of cancer such as breast, lung, head, and neck. Regarding oxidative DNA damage, the role of exercise intervention has been difficult to assess. The heterogeneity of study design and the plethora of biomarkers measured hampered the comparison of the articles. This limited the possibility of establishing a comprehensive conclusion on the sensitivity of biomarkers to estimate the exercise's benefits. Further high-quality studies are required to provide data regarding oxidative stress biomarkers responding to exercise. This information will be useful to assess the efficacy of exercise in people with cancer and support the appropriate prescription of exercise in anticancer strategy.
Topics: Adult; Antioxidants; Biomarkers; Exercise; Exercise Therapy; Humans; Neoplasms; Oxidative Stress
PubMed: 35222792
DOI: 10.1155/2022/2097318 -
Biomedicines Jan 2022Pembrolizumab (anti-PD-1) is allowed in selected metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (PC) patients showing microsatellite instability/mismatch repair system... (Review)
Review
What Do We Have to Know about PD-L1 Expression in Prostate Cancer? A Systematic Literature Review (Part 6): Correlation of PD-L1 Expression with the Status of Mismatch Repair System, , , and Other Genes.
Pembrolizumab (anti-PD-1) is allowed in selected metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (PC) patients showing microsatellite instability/mismatch repair system deficiency (MSI-H/dMMR). loss-of-function is linked to hereditary PCs and homologous recombination DNA-repair system deficiency: poly-ADP-ribose-polymerase inhibitors can be administered to -mutated PC patients. Recently, docetaxel-refractory metastatic castration-resistant PC patients with or somatic mutations had higher response rates to pembrolizumab. regulates cell cycle/proliferation/apoptosis through pathways including the AKT/mTOR, which upregulates PD-L1 expression in PC. Our systematic literature review (PRISMA guidelines) investigated the potential correlations between PD-L1 and MMR/MSI/ statuses in PC, discussing few other relevant genes. Excluding selection biases, 74/677 (11%) PCs showed dMMR/MSI; 8/67 (12%) of dMMR/MSI cases were PD-L1+. dMMR-PCs included ductal (3%) and acinar (14%) PCs (all cases tested for MSI were acinar-PCs). In total, 15/39 (39%) PCs harbored aberrations: limited data are available for PD-L1 expression in these patients. 13/137 (10%) PTEN- PCs were PD-L1+; 10/29 (35%) PD-L1+ PCs showed PTEN negativity. mutations may increase PD-L1 levels, while the potential correlation between PD-L1 and ERG expression in PC should be clarified. Further research should verify how the efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors in metastatic castration-resistant PCs is related to dMMR/MSI, DNA-damage repair genes defects, or PD-L1 expression.
PubMed: 35203446
DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020236 -
Life Sciences Apr 2022Plastic particles (PP) pollution is a global environmental concern. Although the reproductive toxicity of PP is primarily understood for invertebrates, the evidence for... (Review)
Review
AIMS
Plastic particles (PP) pollution is a global environmental concern. Although the reproductive toxicity of PP is primarily understood for invertebrates, the evidence for mammals is still fragmented. We used a systematic review framework to investigate the reproductive impact of microplastics and nanoplastics (MNP) on mammals.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Research records were screened from Embase, Medline, Scopus and Web of Science. Twelve original papers were identified and reviewed. Immunological, oxidative and morphofunctional outcomes, and the risk of bias in all studies reviewed were analyzed.
KEY FINDINGS
These studies indicated that PP can accumulate in the gonads, triggering seminiferous degeneration, Sertoli cells death, blood-testis barrier disruption, sperm degeneration, malformation, reduced number and mobility, ovarian cysts, reduced follicular growth and granulosa cells death. Gonadal damage was associated with upregulation of prooxidant mediators (oxygen reactive species, lipid and DNA oxidation), cell death, proinflammatory molecular pathways and cytokines, as well as inhibition of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense mechanisms. Spermatogenesis, folliculogenesis, testosterone, progesterone and estrogen levels were also impaired in PP-treated animals, which were potentially associated with down-regulation of molecules involved in germ cells microstructural organization (occludin, N-cadherin, β-catenin and connexin 43) and steroidogenesis, such as hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases, steroidogenic acute regulatory proteins, follicle stimulating and luteinizing hormones. Selection, performance and detection bias were the main limitations identified.
SIGNIFICANCE
Current evidence indicates that PP can induce dose-dependent microstructural and functional gonadal damage, which is orchestrated by pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory mechanisms that disrupt genes, molecular effectors, and hormones that control spermatogenesis and folliculogenesis.
Topics: Animals; Estrogens; Female; Genitalia; Germ Cells; Granulosa Cells; Inflammation; Intestinal Mucosa; Luteinizing Hormone; Male; Mammals; Microplastics; Ovarian Follicle; Ovary; Oxidative Stress; Plastics; Progesterone; Reproduction; Sertoli Cells; Spermatogenesis; Testis; Testosterone
PubMed: 35176278
DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120404