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Med (New York, N.Y.) Jun 2024Sperm selection, a key step in assisted reproductive technology (ART), has long been restrained at the preliminary physical level (morphology or motility); however,...
BACKGROUND
Sperm selection, a key step in assisted reproductive technology (ART), has long been restrained at the preliminary physical level (morphology or motility); however, subsequent fertilization and embryogenesis are complicated biochemical processes. Such an enormous "gap" poses tough problems for couples dealing with infertility, especially patients with severe/total asthenozoospermia .
METHODS
We developed a biochemical-level, automatic-screening/separation, smart droplet-TO-hydrogel chip (BLASTO-chip) for sperm selection. The droplet can sense the pH change caused by sperm's respiration products and then transforms into a hydrogel to be selected out.
FINDINGS
The BLASTO-chip system can select biochemically active sperm with an accuracy of over 90%, and its selection efficiency can be flexibly tuned by nearly 10-fold. All the substances in the system were proven to be biosafe via evaluating mice fertilization and offspring health. Live sperm down to 1% could be enriched by over 76-fold to 76%. For clinical application to patients with severe/total asthenozoospermia, the BLASTO-chip could select live sperm from human semen samples containing 10% live but 100% immotile sperm. The rates of fertilization, cleavage, early embryos, and blastocysts were drastically elevated from 15% to 70.83%, 10% to 62.5%, 5% to 37.5%, and 0% to 16.67%, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
The BLASTO-chip represents a real biochemical-level technology for sperm selection that is completely independent of sperm's motility. It can be a powerful tool in ART, especially for patients with severe/total asthenozoospermia.
FUNDING
This work was funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, the Ministry of Education of China, and the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Hetao Cooperation Zone.
Topics: Male; Humans; Spermatozoa; Animals; Mice; Asthenozoospermia; Sperm Motility; Lab-On-A-Chip Devices; Female; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted
PubMed: 38608708
DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2024.03.008 -
Scientific Reports Apr 2024The relationship between oxygen sensing and autophagy in human sperms was explored in this study. Health semen and asthenozoospermia (astheno) semen were incubated with...
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 (CoCl), 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 CoCl + 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 CoCl + 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.
Topics: Humans; Male; Cathepsin L; Histones; Cell Hypoxia; Asthenozoospermia; Proteomics; Semen; Hypoxia; Cobalt; Autophagy; Spermatozoa; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit
PubMed: 38605082
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59213-1 -
Cureus Mar 2024Infertility is the failure to conceive after one or more years of regular, unprotected life for a fertile female. Around 45% of males are responsible for infertility...
Infertility is the failure to conceive after one or more years of regular, unprotected life for a fertile female. Around 45% of males are responsible for infertility worldwide. Research shows that nearly 50% of infertility in India is related to male reproductive factors or diseases. The male-carrying pathology in semen production includes low sperm count, volume, motility, abnormal forms, and sperm functional tests. This case presents a 31-year-old male with complaints of wanting issues after a complete year of regular, unprotected intercourse. He had undergone all the routine diagnostic investigations on his wife, which reported no issues and recorded regular ovulatory cycles with patent tubes. Then, progressing in the diagnosis, a semen analysis revealed a semen volume of 2 mL, a sperm concentration of 4 million/mL, progressive motility of 8%, non-progressive motility of 3%, and immotile sperm of 89%, with normal sperm morphology. Based on clinical examination, semen analysis, and investigation, the case was diagnosed as oligoasthenozoospermia. Oligozoospermia means low sperm count, and asthenozoospermia means low sperm motility. Oligoasthenozoospermia can be correlated to the Shukra Kshaya Lakshanas mentioned in Ashta Shukra Dushti. There is no satisfactory treatment in modern medicine for these conditions. Yoga and Ayurvedic intervention are the better options for these conditions. This case report focuses on the management of oligoasthenozoospermia through yoga and Ayurvedic medicines, Youvanamrit Vati and Shilajitrasayan Vati, given to the patient for four months.
PubMed: 38586799
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55566 -
Archivos Espanoles de Urologia Mar 2024To explore the effect of acupuncture at Fuguan point combined with tamoxifen citrate tablet on sperm motility parameters.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the effect of acupuncture at Fuguan point combined with tamoxifen citrate tablet on sperm motility parameters.
METHODS
A total of 115 individuals with asthenospermia were categorized based on different treatment regimens: 53 patients in the control group (receiving tamoxifen citrate tablets) and 62 patients in the observation group (undergoing acupoint acupuncture in conjunction with tamoxifen citrate tablets). Both groups underwent a 3-month treatment period. The computer-assisted sperm analysis system was employed to measure various motility parameters of human sperm, including sperm motility rate, average path velocity (VAP), lateral swing amplitude (ALH), percentage of class a sperm, and percentage of class a + b sperm.
RESULTS
Prior to treatment, no statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of sperm motility rate, VAP, ALH, percentage of class a sperm, and percentage of class a + b sperm ( > 0.05). Following treatment, both groups exhibited significant enhancements in sperm motility rate, VAP, ALH, percentage of class a sperm, and percentage of class a + b sperm compared to pretreatment levels ( < 0.05). Furthermore, all measured indicators in the observation group demonstrated significantly superior improvements than those of the control group, with the differences proving statistically significant ( < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
The combination of acupuncture at Fusiguan point and tamoxifen citrate tablets exerts a notably positive effect on sperm motility in individuals diagnosed with asthenospermia.
Topics: Humans; Male; Sperm Motility; Semen; Asthenozoospermia; Tamoxifen; Acupuncture Therapy; Tablets
PubMed: 38583006
DOI: 10.56434/j.arch.esp.urol.20247702.19 -
JBRA Assisted Reproduction Jun 2024Infertility is a widespread global issue that affects approximately 15% of sexually active and active couples, which contributes to about 50% of cases. Currently, the... (Review)
Review
Infertility is a widespread global issue that affects approximately 15% of sexually active and active couples, which contributes to about 50% of cases. Currently, the condition remains prevalent and often inadequately treated. This systematic review aims to evaluate existing studies investigating the effects of probiotic supplementation in men. A comprehensive search was conducted across major databases, including PubMed, Cochrane, Science Direct, and Scielo, using relevant keywords such as 'probiotic' OR 'Lactobacillus' OR 'Bifidobacterium' AND 'Male infertility' OR 'male fertility' OR 'sperm quality' OR 'sperm motility' OR 'oligoasthenoteratozoospermia' and their Portuguese equivalents. Four randomized clinical studies met the inclusion criteria, focusing on men diagnosed with idiopathic male infertility (oligozoospermia, teratozoospermia, and asthenozoospermia). The findings revealed that probiotic administration exhibited promising antioxidant properties by combating reactive oxygen species (ROS), consequently protecting sperm DNA from damage that correlates with declining sperm quality. Significant improvements were observed across all sperm parameters, with notable enhancement in motility. Consequently, probiotic supplementation emerges as a potential therapeutic alternative for men diagnosed with idiopathic infertility, demonstrating positive effects on sperm quality.
Topics: Humans; Male; Probiotics; Infertility, Male; Dietary Supplements; Sperm Motility
PubMed: 38530761
DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20240013 -
Journal of Cellular and Molecular... Apr 2024Oligoasthenoteratospermia (OAT), characterized by abnormally low sperm count, poor sperm motility, and abnormally high number of deformed spermatozoa, is an important...
Oligoasthenoteratospermia (OAT), characterized by abnormally low sperm count, poor sperm motility, and abnormally high number of deformed spermatozoa, is an important cause of male infertility. Its genetic basis in many affected individuals remains unknown. Here, we found that CCDC157 variants are associated with OAT. In two cohorts, a 21-bp (g.30768132_30768152del21) and/or 24-bp (g.30772543_30772566del24) deletion of CCDC157 were identified in five sporadic OAT patients, and 2 cases within one pedigree. In a mouse model, loss of Ccdc157 led to male sterility with OAT-like phenotypes. Electron microscopy revealed misstructured acrosome and abnormal head-tail coupling apparatus in the sperm of Ccdc157-null mice. Comparative transcriptome analysis showed that the Ccdc157 mutation alters the expressions of genes involved in cell migration/motility and Golgi components. Abnormal Golgi apparatus and decreased expressions of genes involved in acrosome formation and lipid metabolism were detected in Ccdc157-deprived mouse germ cells. Interestingly, we attempted to treat infertile patients and Ccdc157 mutant mice with a Chinese medicine, Huangjin Zanyu, which improved the fertility in one patient and most mice that carried the heterozygous mutation in CCDC157. Healthy offspring were produced. Our study reveals CCDC157 is essential for sperm maturation and may serve as a marker for diagnosis of OAT.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Male; Mice; Asthenozoospermia; Infertility, Male; Mice, Knockout; Mutation; Oligospermia; Semen; Sperm Motility; Spermatozoa; Membrane Proteins
PubMed: 38509755
DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18215 -
Reproductive Biomedicine Online May 2024Is the novel homozygous nonsense variant of AK7 associated with multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF), a specific type of...
RESEARCH QUESTION
Is the novel homozygous nonsense variant of AK7 associated with multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF), a specific type of oligoasthenoteratozoospermia leading to male infertility?
DESIGN
Whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were performed to identify potential gene variants. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence were applied to confirm the relationship between mutated genes and disease phenotypes. The concentration of reactive oxygen species and the rate of apoptosis were measured to evaluate the mitochondrial function of spermatozoa. Transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were employed to observe sperm ultrastructure.
RESULTS
A novel homozygous nonsense variant of AK7, c.1153A>T (p. Lys385*), was identified in two infertile siblings with asthenoteratozoospermia through whole-exome sequencing. Both immunoblotting and immunofluorescence assays showed practically complete absence of AK7 in the patient's spermatozoa. Additionally, the individual with the novel AK7 variant exhibited a phenotype characterized by severe oxidative stress and apoptosis caused by mitochondrial metabolic dysfunction of spermatozoa. Notably, remarkable flagellar defects with multiple axonemes in uniflagellate spermatozoa, accompanied by mitochondrial vacuolization, were observed; this has not been reported previously in patients with other AK7 variants.
CONCLUSIONS
This study found that a novel identified homozygous nonsense variant of AK7 may be associated with MMAF-related asthenoteratozoospermia. The observed functional associations between mitochondria and sperm flagellar assembly provide evidence for potential mutual regulation between AK7 and flagella-associated proteins during spermatogenesis.
Topics: Humans; Male; Sperm Tail; Codon, Nonsense; Homozygote; Infertility, Male; Asthenozoospermia; Adult; Spermatozoa; Exome Sequencing; Mitochondria; Pedigree
PubMed: 38492416
DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103765 -
Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine Apr 2024Asthenozoospermia, a male fertility disorder, has a complex and multifactorial etiology. Moreover, the effectiveness of different treatments for asthenozoospermia...
Asthenozoospermia, a male fertility disorder, has a complex and multifactorial etiology. Moreover, the effectiveness of different treatments for asthenozoospermia remains uncertain. Hence, by using bioinformatics techniques, the present study aimed to determine the underlying genetic markers and pathogenetic mechanisms associated with asthenozoospermia due to abnormal spermatogenesis and inflammation of the reproductive tract. GSE160749 dataset was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, and the data were filtered to obtain 1336 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with asthenozoospermia. These DEGs were intersected with the epithelial mesenchymal transition datasets to yield 61 candidate DEGs. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were performed, and the results revealed that these candidate DEGs were significantly enriched in the enzyme-linked receptor pathway and the thyroid hormone pathway. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed to identify the key genes of asthenozoospermia. A total of five key genes were identified, among which was significantly upregulated, while , , and were significantly downregulated. These findings were validated by conducting reverse transcription-quantitative PCR for clinical semen samples. To determine the underlying molecular mechanisms, a regulatory network of transcription factors and miRNA-mRNA interactions was predicted. The expression levels of , and were positively associated with several related etiological genes of asthenozoospermia. In total, five key genes were closely associated with the level and type of immune cells; higher levels of activated B cells and CD8 T cells were observed in asthenozoospermia. Thus, the findings of the present study may provide clues to determine the underlying novel diagnostic genetic markers and treatment strategies for asthenozoospermia.
PubMed: 38476923
DOI: 10.3892/etm.2024.12434 -
Cureus Feb 2024Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a concentrated platelet preparation known for its regenerative properties due to the various growth factors it contains. Its application in...
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a concentrated platelet preparation known for its regenerative properties due to the various growth factors it contains. Its application in the medical field, including dentistry, gynecology, and plastic surgery, has surged. In obstetrics and gynecology, PRP has shown promise in improving low libido, vaginal rejuvenation, ovarian reserve, and endometrial receptivity. This study presents a 29-year-old woman experiencing primary infertility attributed to low levels of anti-Müllerian hormone alongside the presence of asthenozoospermia in her husband's semen. After failed intrauterine insemination as well as in vitro fertilization (IVF), attempts at laparoscopic PRP treatment were administered before the second IVF cycle to enhance ovarian reserve and quality. The PRP treatment led to an increased follicle count, improved oocyte quality, and a successful pregnancy outcome in the second IVF cycle. PRP treatment promises to be effective in fertility treatments, potentially increasing ovarian reserve, improving oocyte quality, and enhancing successful pregnancy outcomes. This case report highlights its beneficial impact on a couple facing primary infertility, providing hope for patients with similar reproductive challenges.
PubMed: 38440028
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53474 -
Cureus Jan 2024This report presents the cases of a 34-year-old male and a 29-year-old female who visited a fertility clinic and were experiencing primary infertility for the past three...
This report presents the cases of a 34-year-old male and a 29-year-old female who visited a fertility clinic and were experiencing primary infertility for the past three years. No previous medical history was identified in the couple. After a failed attempt of intrauterine insemination, the male partner was diagnosed with asthenozoospermia. A second attempt of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was performed which failed again. Subsequently, magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) technique was used as the sperm selection technique. The male patient's sperms were selected through MACS before ICSI. After performing MACS, successful pregnancy was achieved, which resulted in the production of blastocysts and a positive beta-human chorionic gonadotropin test. This case report highlights the prospect of successful results, despite the presence of sperm DNA fragmentation, and a comprehensive strategy for managing infertility issues. Promoting knowledge of lifestyle factors and how they affect fertility remains an essential aspect of comprehensive infertility care.
PubMed: 38420052
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53148