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PloS One 2024To explore the causal relationship between ulcerative colitis (UC) and male infertility using Mendelian randomization method with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) as...
AIMS
To explore the causal relationship between ulcerative colitis (UC) and male infertility using Mendelian randomization method with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) as the instrumental variables.
METHODS
Genetic loci closely associated with UC were extracted as instrumental variables and male infertility was the outcome variable in pooled data from the gene-wide association study (GWAS),which was derived from European ethnic groups. The UC data(ebi-a-GCST003045) contained a total sample size of 27432 individuals and 110944 SNPs, and the male infertility data(finn-b-N14_MALEINFERT) contained a total sample size of 73479 individuals and 16377329 SNPs. The SNPs highly correlated with UC were screened from ebi-a-GCST003045(P<5×10-8 as the screening condition, the linkage disequilibrium coefficient was 0.001,and the width of the linkage disequilibrium area was 10000 kb).SNPs related to male infertility from finn-b-N14_MALEINFERT (the minimum r2>0.8,replacing the missing SNPs with SNPs with high linkage, and deleting SNPs without substitution sites) were extracted. MR analysis was performed using MR-Egger regression, the weighted median and the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) respectively, and the causal relationship between UC and male infertility was evaluated by OR and 95% CI, and the Egger-intercept method was used to test for horizontal multiplicity, and the sensitivity analysis was performed using "leave-one-out method". Finally, we used Bayesian Weighted Mendelian Randomization (BWMR) approach to test the results of MR study.
RESULTS
A total of 86 SNPs were included as IVs, with OR and 95% CI of 1.095(0.820~1.462)、1.059(0.899~1.248)、1.125(1.002~1.264) for MR-Egger, the weighted median and IVW results respectively, and P value of less than 0.05 for IVW, indicating that a causal relationship between UC and male infertility was causally related. The results of MR analysis combined with BWMR analysis also showed positive genetic causal relationship between UC and male infertility.MR-Egger regression showed an intercept of -2.21×10-3 with a standard error of 0.006 and P = 0.751, there was no horizontal pleiotropy for the IVs of exposure factors. Heterogeneity tests showed no heterogeneity and the results of the "leave-one-out" sensitivity analysis were stable.
CONCLUSION
There is a causal association between UC and male infertility, which increases the risk of developing male infertility.
Topics: Humans; Male; Colitis, Ulcerative; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Mendelian Randomization Analysis; Infertility, Male; Genome-Wide Association Study; Linkage Disequilibrium; Genetic Predisposition to Disease
PubMed: 38814907
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303827 -
Heliyon May 2024Type 2 diabetes causes high blood sugar due to insulin malfunction and is linked to male infertility. Using proniosomes can enhance the effectiveness of Glibenclamide, a...
Type 2 diabetes causes high blood sugar due to insulin malfunction and is linked to male infertility. Using proniosomes can enhance the effectiveness of Glibenclamide, a medication that stimulates insulin secretion. In our study, male rats with diabetes were treated with GLB with or without proniosomal for 14 days. Proniosomal formulations maintained glucose levels prevented weight loss and showed normal testicular tissue. GLB-proniosomal reduces ROS caused by T2DM through Nrf2, HO-1 pathway and increases CAT, SOD, and GSH production in response to insulin and glucose uptake. The reference and proniosomal treatments showed CAT and SOD significant enzymatic elevation compared to the positive and negative control. CAT significantly correlated with Gpx4 expression with = 0.0169 and r = 0.98; similarly, the enzymatic activity of SOD also showed a positive correlation between the average glucose levels (r = 0.99 and P = 0.0037). Intestinally, GSH analysis revealed that only proniosomal-GLB samples are significantly elevated from the positive control, with a value of 0.0210. The data showed proniosomal-GLB was more effective than pure GLB, confirmed by higher Nrf2 (2.050 folds), HO-1 (2.148 folds), and GPx4 (1.9 folds) transcript levels relative to the control with less sample diversity compared to the reference samples, indicating proniosomal stabilized GLB in the blood. Administering GLB and proniosomes formulation has effectively restored testicular function and sperm production in diabetic rats by regulating ROS levels and upregulating anti-ROS in response to glucose uptake. These findings may lead to better treatments for diabetic patients who have infertility issues.
PubMed: 38813164
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31283 -
SAGE Open Medical Case Reports 2024Prune belly syndrome is a rare disorder that occurs mainly in men. It is characterized by the triad of deficient abdominal wall muscles, the dilated urinary collecting...
Prune belly syndrome is a rare disorder that occurs mainly in men. It is characterized by the triad of deficient abdominal wall muscles, the dilated urinary collecting system, bilateral cryptorchidism, and infertility. It mainly affects the genitourinary system, which involves the prognosis. We present the case of a preterm neonate male whose diagnosis of a prune belly was suspected in antenatal ultrasound. He had a urinary tract abnormality starting at 22 weeks of gestation. At birth, a clinical examination revealed a distended abdomen within a wrinkled and flaccid abdominal wall, a macropenis, and bilateral cryptorchidism. A urinary tract ultrasound revealed a right pyelocaliciel dilatation and a right megaureter with a megacystis. The neonate ultimately died due to severe renal failures. Prune Belly syndrome is a complex disease with a high mortality rate. Early antenatal ultrasound may ameliorate the prognosis.
PubMed: 38812837
DOI: 10.1177/2050313X241258850 -
Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences 2024Male infertility rises for many reasons, along with age; therefore, we aimed to research the characterization of aquaporin-3, 7, and 8 in human sperm belonging to...
BACKGROUND/AIM
Male infertility rises for many reasons, along with age; therefore, we aimed to research the characterization of aquaporin-3, 7, and 8 in human sperm belonging to different age groups.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
This study was conducted on sperm samples of men aged over 18 years. A total of 60 men were included in the study and divided into three age groups: group 1, age 18-25 years (n = 20); group 2, age 26-35 years (n = 20); and group 3, age ≥35 years (n = 20). Sperm ejaculates obtained from each participant were used for spermiogram tests, Kruger strict morphology analysis, and immunohistochemistry.
RESULTS
We observed no statistically significant differences in terms of macroscopic and microscopic sperm testing. The immunostaining score of aquaporin-3 was the lowest in group 1 and increased in group 3 and group 2, respectively (p < 0.05). Aquaporin-8 immunostaining only increased in group 2 (p < 0.05). Aquaporin-7 immunostaining scores were not different between the groups (p > 0.05). When the immunostaining scores of aquaporin molecules were compared with each other, aquaporin-7 was significantly increased compared with the others (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
According to the results, it can be stated that aquaporin-3 and aquaporin-8 molecules were more expressed at age 26 to 35 years, and aquaporin-7 was densely expressed from age 18 to 25 years. If the characterization of these molecules is adversely affected, male infertility may eventually emerge. We recommend further advanced-level studies on this subject.
Topics: Humans; Male; Adult; Aquaporins; Spermatozoa; Young Adult; Adolescent; Aquaporin 3; Infertility, Male; Age Factors; Immunohistochemistry; Semen Analysis
PubMed: 38812647
DOI: 10.55730/1300-0144.5781 -
BMC Psychology May 2024The relationship between psychological factors and treatment outcomes with assisted reproductive technology has sparked considerable debate. This study aims to...
BACKGROUND AND AIM
The relationship between psychological factors and treatment outcomes with assisted reproductive technology has sparked considerable debate. This study aims to investigate the emotional risk factors in couples seeking infertility treatment using assisted reproductive technology in Sari, Iran, from 2020 to 2022.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This research is a cross-sectional study and emotional risk factors and other related factors were examined using the Persian version of the SCREENIVF demographic, social, and clinical status questionnaire, social, and clinical status questionnaire before using Assisted reproductive technology in 460 infertile couples selected from infertility treatment centers in Sari City, Iran. The samples were randomly selected using a table of random numbers. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22 software.
RESULTS
The mean age of the male and female participants were 31.70 ± 5.71 and 35.22 ± 5.48, respectively. The results regarding emotional risk factors and other related factors revealed that the variables of remarriage (P = 0.048) and exposure of spouse to emotional risk factors (P = 0.001), history of depression disorder (P = 0.007), and history of anxiety disorder (P = 0.009) were significantly correlated with the exposure of women to emotional risk factors. Furthermore, men's exposure to emotional risk factors was significantly correlated with primary education (P = 0.026) and diploma (P = 0.043) levels, age (P = 0.006), and wife's exposure to emotional risk factors (P = 0.001).
CONCLUSION
By identifying infertile couples who are at risk of emotional risk factors, healthcare professionals can provide appropriate support and interventions to mitigate the emotional challenges associated with infertility. This proactive approach can significantly enhance couples undergoing infertility treatment's well-being and mental health.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Adult; Iran; Cross-Sectional Studies; Risk Factors; Fertilization in Vitro; Infertility; Emotions; Depression; Anxiety Disorders; Surveys and Questionnaires; Spouses
PubMed: 38812064
DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01796-5 -
Brazilian Journal of Medical and... 2024Adenine nucleotide translocator 4 (Ant4), an ATP/ADP transporter expressed in the early phases of spermatogenesis, plays a crucial role in male fertility. While Ant4...
Adenine nucleotide translocator 4 (Ant4), an ATP/ADP transporter expressed in the early phases of spermatogenesis, plays a crucial role in male fertility. While Ant4 loss causes early arrest of meiosis and increased apoptosis of spermatogenic cells in male mice, its other potential functions in male fertility remain unexplored. Here, we utilized Ant4 knockout mice to delineate the effects of Ant4-deficiency on male reproduction. Our observations demonstrated that Ant4-deficiency led to infertility and impaired testicular development, which was further investigated by evaluating testicular oxidative stress, autophagy, and inflammation. Specifically, the loss of Ant4 led to an imbalance of oxidation and antioxidants. Significant ultrastructural alterations were identified in the testicular tissues of Ant4-deficient mice, including swelling of mitochondria, loss of cristae, and accumulation of autophagosomes. Our results also showed that autophagic flux and AKT-AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway were affected in Ant4-deficient mice. Moreover, Ant4 loss increased the expression of pro-inflammatory factors. Overall, our findings underscored the importance of Ant4 in regulating oxidative stress, autophagy, and inflammation in testicular tissues. Taken together, these insights provided a nuanced understanding of the significance of Ant4 in testicular development.
Topics: Animals; Male; Mice, Knockout; Testis; Oxidative Stress; Mitochondrial ADP, ATP Translocases; Mice; Autophagy; Infertility, Male; Spermatogenesis; Apoptosis; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 38808891
DOI: 10.1590/1414-431X2024e13590 -
Journal of Biomedical Research May 2024Reliable molecular biomarkers to predict fertility remain scarce. The current study explored the potential of testis-specific RNAs as biomarkers for male infertility...
Reliable molecular biomarkers to predict fertility remain scarce. The current study explored the potential of testis-specific RNAs as biomarkers for male infertility and sperm quality. Using RT-PCR and RT-qPCR assays, we identified seven circular RNAs from the human gene in human sperm. We found that sperm RNA exhibited a significantly decreased expression in asthenozoospermia while and expression decreased in teratozoospermia, compared with the controls. Furthermore, expression exhibited a negative correlation with sperm DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI), and levels were correlated with both fertilization and cleavage rates involving assisted reproductive technologies. Further functional analyses in a transgenic fly model lent support for the roles of RNAs in sperm development and human fertility. Collectively, our findings support that sperm RNAs may serve as diagnostic biomarkers for assessing sperm motility and DNA quality. Hence clinical application and significance of sperm circular RNAs in assisted reproductive technologies warrant further investigation.
PubMed: 38808558
DOI: 10.7555/JBR.37.20230296 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024To examine the impact of tobacco smoking on seminal parameters in men with both primary and secondary infertility.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the impact of tobacco smoking on seminal parameters in men with both primary and secondary infertility.
METHODS
This cross-sectional study analyzed 1938 infertile men from China who were categorized as nonsmokers (n=1,067) and smokers (n=871), with the latter group further divided into moderate smokers (1-10 cigarettes per day) (n=568) and heavy smokers (>10 cigarettes per day) (n=303). We assessed semen volume, concentration, total sperm count, progressive motility, and normal morphology following World Health Organization (WHO 2010) guidelines. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationships between smoking and seminal parameters while also controlling for lifestyle factors.
RESULTS
The analysis demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between smoking and adverse seminal parameters in both primary and secondary infertility patients. Specifically, primary infertile men who smoked had a lower semen concentration, with heavy smokers showing a median sperm concentration of 59.2×106/ml compared to 68.6×106/ml in nonsmokers (P=0.01). The secondary infertile men who smoked exhibited reduced forward sperm motility, with heavy smokers demonstrating a median progressive motility of 44.7%, which was significantly lower than the 48.1% observed in nonsmokers (P=0.04).
CONCLUSION
Smoking is significantly associated with detrimental effects on seminal parameters in infertile men, thus highlighting the need for cessation programs as part of fertility treatment protocols. Encouraging smoking cessation could substantially improve semen quality and fertility outcomes in this population.
Topics: Humans; Male; Cross-Sectional Studies; Infertility, Male; Adult; Semen Analysis; Sperm Motility; Sperm Count; Semen; China; Smoking
PubMed: 38808116
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1396793 -
Reproductive Medicine and Biology 2024Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) has recently received attention as a cause of male infertility. However, SDF cannot be fully assessed using conventional semen parameter...
PURPOSE
Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) has recently received attention as a cause of male infertility. However, SDF cannot be fully assessed using conventional semen parameter evaluations alone. Therefore, the authors aimed to elucidate the relationship between SDF and sperm parameters via computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) to improve treatment strategies in reproductive medicine.
METHODS
This retrospective observational study analyzed the relationship between sperm parameters assessed by CASA and SDF values determined by the TUNEL assay in 359 patients who visited the Mie University Hospital for infertility treatment. The methodology involved semen analyses covering concentration, motility, and morphology, followed by SDF quantification using the flow cytometry.
RESULTS
Statistical analysis revealed significant correlations between SDF and various factors, including age, sexual abstinence period, and specific CASA-measured parameters. Notably, lower sperm motility rates and abnormal head dimensions were associated with higher SDF values, indicating that these parameters were predictive of SDF.
CONCLUSIONS
This study highlights the importance of sperm motility and head morphology as indicators of SDF, suggesting their usefulness in assessing male fertility. These findings demonstrate the efficacy of detailed sperm analysis, potentially increasing the success rate of assisted reproductive technologies by improving sperm selection criteria.
PubMed: 38807753
DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12585 -
Journal of Family & Reproductive Health Dec 2023Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease of central nervous system (CNS). There are a few articles studying the risk factors of developing MS in men. Male infertility... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease of central nervous system (CNS). There are a few articles studying the risk factors of developing MS in men. Male infertility can stem from a range of etiological factors such as genetics or environment. In the context of MS, research suggests a potential link, possibly due to shared immunological and inflammatory mechanisms. Therefore, we designed this study to evaluate the relationship between male infertility and MS development.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, web of science, Google scholar and gray literature including references of the references as well as conference papers which were published up to June 2021. The search strategy in PubMed was ("Infertility, Male"[Mesh] OR [Male Infertility] OR [Sterility, Male] OR [Male Sterility] OR [Subfertility, Male] OR [Male Subfertility] OR [Sub-Fertility, Male] OR [Male Sub-Fertility] OR [Sub Fertility, Male]) AND ("Multiple Sclerosis"[Mesh] OR [Sclerosis, Multiple] OR [Sclerosis, disseminated] OR [Disseminated Sclerosis] OR [MS] OR [Multiple Sclerosis, Acute Fulminating]) AND ("Testicular Diseases"[Mesh] OR [Disease, Testicular] OR [Diseases, Testicular] OR [Testicular Disease]) AND ("Multiple Sclerosis"[Mesh] OR [Sclerosis, Multiple] OR [Sclerosis, disseminated] OR [Disseminated Sclerosis] OR [Multiple Sclerosis, Acute Fulminating] OR [MS]).
RESULTS
The literature search revealed 197 articles, after deleting duplicates 109 remained. For the meta-analysis, 3 studies were included. Totally, 2090 MS cases as well as 3895562 healthy subjects were enrolled. One hundred and fourteen infertile men were in MS group and 139716 infertile men were in controls. The pooled OR for male factor infertility and odds of developing MS was1.87 (95% CI: 0.89-3.94) (I=86.1%, P=0.001).
CONCLUSION
The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis show that there is no relationship between male factor infertility and risk of MS.
PubMed: 38807619
DOI: 10.18502/jfrh.v17i4.14590