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International Journal of Molecular... Jan 2023The evaluation of morpho-functional sperm characteristics alone is not enough to explain infertility or to predict the outcome of Assisted Reproductive Technologies...
The evaluation of morpho-functional sperm characteristics alone is not enough to explain infertility or to predict the outcome of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): more sensitive diagnostic tools are needed in clinical practice. The aim of the present study was to analyze Sperm DNA Fragmentation (SDF) and sperm-borne miR-34c-5p and miR-449b-5p levels in men of couples undergoing ART, in order to investigate any correlations with fertilization rate, embryo quality and development. Male partners (n = 106) were recruited. Semen analysis, SDF evaluation and molecular profiling analysis of miR-34c-5p and miR-449b-5p (in 38 subjects) were performed. Sperm DNA Fragmentation evaluation- a positive correlation between SDF post sperm selection and the percentage of low-quality embryos and a negative correlation with viable embryo were found. SDF > 2.9% increased the risk of obtaining a non-viable embryo by almost 4-fold. Sperm miRNAs profile—we found an association with both miRNAs and sperm concentration, while miR-449b-5p is positively associated with SDF. Moreover, the two miRNAs are positively correlated. Higher levels of miR-34c-5p compared to miR-449b-5p increases by 14-fold the probability of obtaining viable embryos. This study shows that SDF, sperm miR-34c-5p, and miR-449b-5p have a promising role as biomarkers of semen quality and ART outcome.
Topics: Humans; Male; MicroRNAs; Fertilization in Vitro; DNA Fragmentation; Semen Analysis; Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic; Semen; Embryonic Development; Spermatozoa; Biomarkers
PubMed: 36674527
DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021007 -
Environment International Jul 2021Previous epidemiological studies on the relationship between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure and male reproductive hormones were mainly limited to a...
BACKGROUND
Previous epidemiological studies on the relationship between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure and male reproductive hormones were mainly limited to a few legacy PFAS and ignored the possible mixture effects.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the associations of PFAS mixture, branched isomers and emerging alternatives of PFAS with male reproductive hormones.
METHODS
A total of 902 men (mean age: 31.3 years) were recruited in this cross-sectional study. We quantified 24 targeted PFAS, including 7 branched PFOS isomers, 2 branched PFOA isomers and 2 components of F-53B, in blood plasma. Five reproductive hormones, including total testosterone (TT), estradiol (E), follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and insulin like factor 3 (INSL3), and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were measured in serum. Associations were first assessed by confounder-adjusted multiple linear regression while correcting for multiple comparisons. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and adaptive elastic net (AENET) were further used to assess mixture effects and the adjusted exposure response (ER) relationship of individual PFAS.
RESULTS
After adjusting for confounders, we found that PFAS mixture was significantly and inversely associated with E and E/TT, with perfluoro-n-undecanoic acid (PFuDA) being the major contributor. Although the associations between PFAS mixture and other hormones were non-significant, certain individual PFAS presented significant associations. Notably, perfluoro-n-tridecanoic acid (PFTrDA) and perfluoro-n-dodecanoic acid (PFDoA) were found to be significantly and inversely associated with INSL3, a unique indicator of Leydig cells function. Meanwhile, significant positive associations were found between perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) and FSH and between PFuDA and LH. But the associations with branched isomers or F-53B were sporadic and inconsistent.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings provided the evidence that PFAS mixture may reduce E level, and certain PFAS (i.e., PFTrDA and PFDoA) may have negative effects on Leydig cells function among young men. Additional studies are much needed to confirm our results and elucidate potential mechanisms.
Topics: Adult; Alkanesulfonic Acids; Bayes Theorem; Cross-Sectional Studies; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Pollutants; Fluorocarbons; Humans; Male; Sulfonic Acids
PubMed: 33744484
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106496 -
Reproductive Medicine and Biology Oct 2016Fertility preservation is an area of immense interest in today's society. The most effective and established means of fertility preservation is cryopreservation of... (Review)
Review
Fertility preservation is an area of immense interest in today's society. The most effective and established means of fertility preservation is cryopreservation of gametes (sperm and oocytes) and embryos. Gonadal cryopreservation is yet another means for fertility preservation, especially if the gonadal function is threatened by premature menopause, gonadotoxic cancer treatment, surgical castration, or diseases. It can also aid in the preservation of germplasm of animals that die before attaining sexual maturity. This is especially of significance for valuable, rare, and endangered animals whose population is affected by high neonatal/juvenile mortality because of diseases, poor management practices, or inbreeding depression. Establishing genome resource banks to conserve the genetic status of wild animals will provide a critical interface between ex-situ and in-situ conservation strategies. Cryopreservation of gonads effectively lengthens the genetic lifespan of individuals in a breeding program even after their death and contributes towards germplasm conservation of prized animals. Although the studies on domestic animals are quite promising, there are limitations for developing cryopreservation strategies in wild animals. In this review, we discuss different options for gonadal tissue cryopreservation with respect to humans and to laboratory, domestic, and wild animals. This review also covers recent developments in gonadal tissue cryopreservation and transplantation, providing a systematic view and the advances in the field with the possibility for its application in fertility preservation and for the conservation of germplasm in domestic and wild species.
PubMed: 29259441
DOI: 10.1007/s12522-016-0240-1 -
Reproductive Biomedicine Online Mar 2021What are the risks associated with cryopreserved semen collected during and after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic wave in Wuhan, China?
RESEARCH QUESTION
What are the risks associated with cryopreserved semen collected during and after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic wave in Wuhan, China?
DESIGN
Retrospective cohort study involving young adult men who were qualified sperm donors at the Hunan Province Human Sperm Bank (China) during the pandemic wave (1 January 2020 to 30 January 2020) and after the wave and return to work (7 April 2020 to 30 May 30 2020). One hundred paired semen and blood specimens from 100 donors were included. One-step single-tube nested quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (OSN-qRT-PCR) was used to detect SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, to control the unacceptable risk of false-negative results, a second round of screening was performed with pooled RNA from negative semen samples using crystal digital PCR (cd-PCR).
RESULTS
For individual blood and semen samples, the target genes, namely the nucleocapsid protein (N) and open reading frame (ORF-1ab) genes, tested negative in all of the 100 paired samples. Further, as per cd-PCR results, there were >20,000 droplets per well in the RNA for each combined sample and no positive droplets were present for either of the aforementioned target genes. A total of 100 paired semen and blood samples from these two groups tested negative for SARS-CoV-2.
CONCLUSIONS
Cryopreserved semen at the Hunan Province Human Sperm Bank during and after the COVID-19 pandemic wave was free of SARS-CoV-2 and was judged safe for external use in the future.
Topics: COVID-19; China; Humans; Male; Pandemics; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Retrospective Studies; SARS-CoV-2; Semen; Sperm Banks; Spermatozoa; Young Adult
PubMed: 33384268
DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.11.015 -
Fertility and Sterility Mar 2022The purpose of this review is to educate the reader on the role that cryopreservation has played and continues to play in the ever-evolving field of assisted... (Review)
Review
The purpose of this review is to educate the reader on the role that cryopreservation has played and continues to play in the ever-evolving field of assisted reproductive technologies, specifically in clinical human fertility treatment. We discuss the science behind the cryopreservation methods and investigated some of the major considerations that any clinic or cryobank faces in terms of risks and liabilities, physical challenges that accompany the constantly growing collection of cryopreserved specimens, and what this means on the ethical and legal front. Finally, we take a glimpse in the future to explore what may be on the horizon for the preservation of gametes and reproductive tissues.
Topics: Cryopreservation; Fertility Preservation; Germ Cells; Humans; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; Vitrification
PubMed: 35219471
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.01.018 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2022In China, numerous human sperm banks only perform three-generation family history evaluation to exclude genetic diseases with clinical symptoms; therefore, many...
BACKGROUND
In China, numerous human sperm banks only perform three-generation family history evaluation to exclude genetic diseases with clinical symptoms; therefore, many inherited risks cannot be detected before donor qualification even when a thorough genetic family history evaluation has been performed. Hence, the risk of recessive disease inheritance persists with the current eligibility guidelines in China regarding the donor selection process.
METHODS
Retrospective study that reviewed the genetic test analyses and clinical outcomes of young adult men who were qualified sperm donors at the Hunan Province Human Sperm Bank of China from January 1, 2018, to May 1, 2021. We included a total of 3231 qualified sperm donors: all donors underwent primary screening for thalassemia and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Whereafter, 278 of donors underwent genetic testing for specific genes, and 43 donors underwent whole exome sequencing.
RESULTS
2.4% of 3231 qualified sperm donors might have thalassemia and 1.4% might have G6PD deficiency. Sperm donors with thalassemia and G6PD deficiency would be eliminated. Specific gene testing identified 7 of the 278 donors (2.5%) as carriers of at least one pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant in a gene, including 1.9% of 154 donors (3/154) as carrier variants in α-Like or β-Like globin genes, 17.6% of 17 donors (3/17) as carrier variants in , 12.5% of 8 donors (1/8) as carrier variants in . In addition, among the 43 sperm donors carrying the 111 pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants, eight (18.6%) were carriers of pathogenic variants of the gene. The frequency, therefore, was approximately 1 in 5.
CONCLUSIONS
The data suggest that used blood routine and RDT can make a preliminary screening of sperm donors, and special gene testing should be performed for sperm donors according to the regional incidence of specific genetic diseases. Meanwhile, whole exome sequencing can be used as a supplementary application in sperm donor genetic testing, and aid a successful and healthy pregnancy. However, industry guidelines must be modified to incorporate its use.
Topics: Female; Genetic Testing; Globins; Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase; Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency; Humans; Male; Pregnancy; Retrospective Studies; Semen; Sperm Banks; Spermatozoa; Thalassemia; Young Adult
PubMed: 36204111
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.942447 -
Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences :... Jun 2019Haploid embryonic stem cells (haESCs) contain only one set of genomes inherited from the sperm or egg and are termed AG- or PG-haESCs, respectively. Mammalian haESCs... (Review)
Review
Haploid embryonic stem cells (haESCs) contain only one set of genomes inherited from the sperm or egg and are termed AG- or PG-haESCs, respectively. Mammalian haESCs show genome-wide hypomethylation and dysregulated imprinting, whereas they can sustain genome integrity during derivation and long-term propagation. In addition, haESCs exhibit similar pluripotency to traditional diploid ESCs but are unique because they function as gametes and have been used to produce semi-cloned animals. More strikingly, unisexual reproduction has been achieved in mice by using haESCs. In combination with a gene editing or screening system, haESCs represent a powerful tool for studies of underlying gene functions and explorations of mechanisms of genetic and epigenetic regulation not only at the cellular level in vitro but also at the animal level in vivo. More importantly, genetically edited AG-haESC lines may further serve as an ideal candidate for the establishment of a sperm bank, which is a highly cost-effective approach, and a wide range of engineered semi-cloned mice have been produced. Here, we review the historical development, characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of haESCs. Additionally, we present an in-depth discussion of the recent advances in haESCs and their potential applications.
Topics: Animals; CRISPR-Cas Systems; Cloning, Organism; DNA Methylation; Embryonic Stem Cells; Female; Gene Editing; Haploidy; Humans; Male; Spermatocytes
PubMed: 30888429
DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03069-6 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2022An extreme strain has been placed on healthcare facilities in the COVID-19 era. Initial stage of the pandemic, national and international societies for reproductive... (Review)
Review
An extreme strain has been placed on healthcare facilities in the COVID-19 era. Initial stage of the pandemic, national and international societies for reproductive medicine suggested the suspension of new IVF treatments and non-essential cryopreservation of gametes. Accordingly, the demands of cryopreservation of semen with COVID-19 patients also was suspended by some of cryobanks to protect staff and patients from unnecessary viral exposure at the acute stage. However, the pandemic may stay with us longer than expected. In addition, there will be some male COVID-19 patients with cancer or critically illness who needs to cryopreserve their semen before medical treatments, otherwise they might loss the chance of getting their own offspring. In this document, we summarize available evidence to deepen and expand awareness of feasibility of sperm cryopreservation and propose some suggestions to help cryobanks carry out sperm preservation procedure for COVID-19 male patients.
Topics: COVID-19; Cryopreservation; Humans; Male; Pandemics; Semen Preservation; Spermatozoa
PubMed: 35712235
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.753267 -
Environment International Mar 2023Potential adverse effects of non-optimum temperatures on human semen quality have drawn much concern worldwide; however, the exposure-response relationship remains less...
BACKGROUND
Potential adverse effects of non-optimum temperatures on human semen quality have drawn much concern worldwide; however, the exposure-response relationship remains less understood.
OBJECTIVES
To quantitatively assess the association between exposure to ambient temperature and semen quality in South China, and to identify potential critical exposure windows.
METHODS
We conducted a longitudinal study to investigate 11,050 volunteers who lived in Guangdong province, China and intended to donate sperm in the Guangdong provincial human sperm bank during 2016-2021. Exposure to ambient temperature during 0-90 days before semen collection was assessed by extracting daily temperatures from a validated grid dataset at each subject's residential address. Linear mixed models and linear regression models were used to perform exposure-response analyses.
RESULTS
During the study period, the 11,050 subjects underwent 44,564 semen analyses. Each 5 °C increase of lag 0-90 day exposure to ambient temperature was approximately linearly associated with a 3.11 (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 2.08, 4.14) × 10/ml, 9.31 (4.83, 13.80) × 10, 1.27 % (0.91 %, 1.62 %), 8.20 (5.33, 11.08) × 10, 1.37 % (1.01 %, 1.74 %), 8.29 (5.52, 11.06) × 10, 0.67 % (0.28 %, 1.05 %), and 4.50 (2.20, 6.80) × 10 reduction in sperm concentration, total sperm number, total motility, total motile sperm number, progressive motility, total progressive sperm number, normal forms, and total normal form sperm number, respectively (all p < 0.001), which was not significantly modified by age (all p for effect modification > 0.05). We identified a critical exposure period of 10-14 days before semen collection for sperm motility, and 70-90 days before semen collection for sperm count and morphology.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study provides consistent evidence that higher ambient temperature was significantly associated with a reduction in semen quality in South China. The findings highlight the needs to reduce high temperature exposures during 3 months before ejaculation to maintain better semen quality.
Topics: Humans; Male; Semen Analysis; Temperature; Semen; Longitudinal Studies; Sperm Motility; Sperm Count; Spermatozoa; China
PubMed: 36805156
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107809 -
The Journal of Urology Jun 1997We determined the prevalence of requests for postmortem sperm procurement and the degree to which procurement is performed by those working in the field of infertility.
PURPOSE
We determined the prevalence of requests for postmortem sperm procurement and the degree to which procurement is performed by those working in the field of infertility.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Structured telephone interviews were conducted with personnel at 273 assisted reproductive facilities in the United States and Canada. The number of facilities reporting requests and the number of facilities reporting that they performed the procedure were determined.
RESULTS
The prevalence of requests for postmortem sperm procurement was much greater than initially anticipated. A total of 82 requests was reported at 40 facilities in 22 different states between 1980 and 1995. More than half of the reported requests (43) were made between 1994 and 1995. Of the 82 requests 25 were honored at 14 facilities in 11 different states. No requests or procedures were reported from Canada.
CONCLUSIONS
Medical advances in postmortem sperm procurement, cryopreservation and in vitro fertilization permit retrieval of sperm after death for various purposes, including posthumous fatherhood. There are no explicit ethical guidelines, legislation or relevant case law, and fertility specialists must confront these issues before proceeding in a field fraught with moral and policy uncertainties.
Topics: Cadaver; Ethics Committees, Clinical; Humans; Posthumous Conception; Sperm Banks; Spermatozoa; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 9146605
DOI: No ID Found