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Animal : An International Journal of... May 2023Reproductive technologies can help to protect wild ruminant species from becoming extinct. In addition, the decline in some wild game species has also raised interest in... (Review)
Review
Reproductive technologies can help to protect wild ruminant species from becoming extinct. In addition, the decline in some wild game species has also raised interest in reproductive technologies to increase the number of animals that can be produced. Most biobanking efforts have focused on developing effective protocols for preserving sperm, oocytes, and embryos. Cryopreservation of sperm remains the least invasive method and the cheapest procedure for germplasm storage. Over the last few years, several reproductive biotechnologies have been developed beyond the conventional freezing of spermatozoa. These include ultra-rapid freezing techniques. Nevertheless, fertility results after artificial insemination using frozen-thawed spermatozoa are not always acceptable in wild small ruminants. Moreover, these technological efforts have met variable success related to the sample's origin (epididymal retrieved postmortem or ejaculated) and the season of sperm sample collection and storage. Epididymal sperm shows higher cryoresistance than ejaculated sperm. Changes in sperm proteome between epididymal and ejaculated sperm seem to contribute to this different cryotolerance. The role of endocrine status has been studied in some wild species to better understand the underlying mechanism of the annual variation in ruminant sperm cryoresistance. Seasonal changes in testosterone and prolactin are involved in sperm cryoresistance; sperm recovery and cryopreservation are recommended around the end of the rutting season, when good quality sperm samples can still be obtained, testosterone levels have already decreased, and prolactin concentrations remain low. The mechanisms of hormone action on sperm freezability are not well known. Still, it has been suggested that testosterone affects cell proliferation in the testis, during spermatogenesis, and membrane properties of sperm cells during their transit through the reproductive tract, which might influence their cryotolerance. Recent studies have revealed that the expression of aquaporins in the sperm cells of small wild ruminants could also be involved in the androgen-related seasonal variation of sperm cryoresistance. Along with epididymal and ejaculated spermatozoa, the cryopreservation of testicular tissue may provide a suitable source of male gametes, becoming an alternative for establishing germplasm banks when semen cannot be collected for whatever reason.
Topics: Male; Animals; Semen; Biological Specimen Banks; Prolactin; Spermatozoa; Cryopreservation; Ruminants; Semen Preservation; Testosterone; Sperm Motility
PubMed: 37567668
DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100741 -
Immunity & Ageing : I & A May 2023Morphological and functional alterations in aging reproductive organs result in decreased male fertility. The epididymis functions as the transition region for...
BACKGROUND
Morphological and functional alterations in aging reproductive organs result in decreased male fertility. The epididymis functions as the transition region for post-testicular sperm maturation. And we have previously demonstrated that the epididymal initial segment (IS), a region of the reproductive tract essential for sperm maturation and capacitation, undergoes considerable histological changes and chronic immune activation in mice during aging. However, the local aging-associated cellular and molecular changes in the aged epididymal IS are poorly understood.
RESULTS
We conducted single-cell RNA sequencing analysis on the epididymal IS of young (3-month-old) and old (21-month-old) mice. In total, 10,027 cells from the epididymal IS tissues of young and old mice were obtained and annotated. The cell composition, including the expansion of a principal cell subtype and Ms4a4bMs4a6b T cells, changed with age. Aged principal cells displayed multiple functional gene expression changes associated with acrosome reaction and sperm maturation, suggesting an asynchronous process of sperm activation and maturation during epididymal transit. Meanwhile, aging-related altered pathways in immune cells, especially the "cell chemotaxis" in Cx3cr1 epididymal dendritic cells (eDCs), were identified. The monocyte-specific expression of chemokine Ccl8 increased with age in eDCs. And the aged epididymal IS showed increased inflammatory cell infiltration and cytokine secretion. Furthermore, cell-cell communication analysis indicated that age increased inflammatory signaling in the epididymal IS.
CONCLUSION
Contrary to the general pattern of lower immune responses in the male proximal genital tract, we revealed an inflammaging status in mouse epididymal initial segment. These findings will allow future studies to enable the delay of male reproductive aging via immune regulation.
PubMed: 37170325
DOI: 10.1186/s12979-023-00345-9 -
Translational Cancer Research Dec 2021Many studies have reported that testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) give rise to a decrease in sperm production and may further lead to infertility. However, little is...
BACKGROUND
Many studies have reported that testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) give rise to a decrease in sperm production and may further lead to infertility. However, little is known regarding sperm production in extragonadal germ cell tumours (EGCTs). We have studied the differences in the characteristics and sperm quality of patients with testicular cancer and patients with EGCTs.
METHODS
We collected and analysed demographic factors, semen parameters, and the disposition of banked sperm.
RESULTS
TGCTs accounted for the majority of malignant cancers compared with EGCTs (83.9% 16.1%, respectively). There were no statistically significant differences in semen volume, pre-freeze concentration, pre-freeze motility, post-thaw concentration, post-thaw motility or recovery rate between patients with TGCTs and those with EGCTs. Both patients with TGCTs and EGCTs showed low pre-freeze and post-thaw sperm concentrations. Men with a seminoma had a higher median level of thaw-sperm motility in their ejaculate than men with non-seminomas. TGCT (67%) and EGCT (72%) patients chose to keep their specimens in storage.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study provides evidence that both patients with TGCTs and EGCTs have a high risk for impaired semen quality and gonadal dysfunction. This suggests that oncologists and patients should consider the effects of both TGCTs and EGCTs on fertility among males.
PubMed: 35116368
DOI: 10.21037/tcr-21-1697 -
Asian Journal of Andrology 2021We aimed to compare the sperm quality in different cancer types and benign diseases before gonadotoxic treatment, and assess the usage rate of cryopreserved sperm for...
We aimed to compare the sperm quality in different cancer types and benign diseases before gonadotoxic treatment, and assess the usage rate of cryopreserved sperm for assisted reproductive treatment (ART). This retrospective study was conducted at two university clinics between January 2008 and July 2018. A total of 545 patients suffering from cancer or benign diseases were included in the study. The pretreatment sperm analyses were based on the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Patients with testicular malignancy (TM) showed a significantly lower sperm count (median [interquartile range]: 18.7 × 10 [5.3 × 10-43.0 × 10] ml; P = 0.03) as well as total sperm count (42.4 × 10 [13.3 × 10-108.5 × 10] per ejaculate; P = 0.007) compared to other malignant and benign diseases. In addition, patients with nonseminomatous TM showed the lowest sperm count (14.3 × 10 [6.0 × 10-29.9 × 10] ml, vs seminomas: 16.5 × 10 [4.6 × 10-20.3 × 10] ml; P = 0.001). With reference to the WHO 2010 guidelines, approximately 48.0% of the patients with TM and 23.0% with hematological malignancies (HM) had oligozoospermia. During the observation period, only 29 patients (5.3%) used their frozen sperms for 48 ART cycles, resulting in 15 clinical pregnancies and 10 live births. The sperm quality varies with the type of underlying disease, with TM and HM patients showing the lowest sperm counts. Due to the observed low usage rate of cryopreserved sperm, further patient interviews and sperm analyses should be included in the routine oncologic protocols to avoid unnecessary storage expenses. However, sperm banking is worth the effort as it provides hope for men who cannot reproduce naturally after gonadotoxic treatment.
Topics: Adult; Analysis of Variance; Drug Therapy; Humans; Male; Neoplasms; Retrospective Studies; Semen Preservation; Sperm Banks; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33818523
DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_16_21 -
Fertility and Sterility Feb 2018Although current screening methods of gamete donors are capable of reducing the incidence of genetic anomalies in donor offspring below general population levels,... (Review)
Review
Although current screening methods of gamete donors are capable of reducing the incidence of genetic anomalies in donor offspring below general population levels, targeted screening for a large number of conditions (expanded carrier screening or ECS) could be considered as part of the routine selection procedure for gamete donors. There are, however, important drawbacks to its practical implementation. Excluding all carriers of severe recessive monogenic pediatric disorders would disqualify virtually all donors, and other approaches negatively affect cost (and therefore access), present dilemmas in regard to disclosure of genetic findings, and/or overburden the intended parents. In all of the scenarios considered, adequate genetic counseling will be of central importance. Besides looking at benefits and drawbacks of possible ways of implementing ECS, we also examine whether a moral obligation exists to adopt ECS at all and on whose shoulders such an alleged obligation would rest: policymakers, medical staff at fertility clinics, sperm and egg banks, the intended parents? We argue that given the small risk reduction brought about by ECS, the possible negative effects of its implementation, and the absence of widespread preconception carrier screening in the general population, it is inconsistent to argue that there is a moral obligation to perform ECS in the context of donor conception. Finally, implications for the donors are discussed.
Topics: Female; Fertility; Genetic Carrier Screening; Humans; Infertility; Insemination, Artificial, Heterologous; Male; Moral Obligations; Oocyte Donation; Ovum; Policy Making; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Preconception Care; Pregnancy; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Sperm Banks; Spermatozoa; Tissue Donors
PubMed: 29447661
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.11.032 -
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England) Jul 2022Can we identify diurnal oscillations in human semen parameters as well as peak times of semen quality?
STUDY QUESTION
Can we identify diurnal oscillations in human semen parameters as well as peak times of semen quality?
SUMMARY ANSWER
Human semen parameters show substantial diurnal oscillation, with most parameters reaching a peak between 1100 and 1500 h.
WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
A circadian clock appears to regulate different physiological functions in various organs, but it remains controversial whether diurnal rhythms occur in human semen parameters.
STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION
The medical record of a provincial human sperm bank (HSB) with 33 430 semen samples collected between 0800 and 1700 h from 1 March 2010 to 8 July 2015 was used to analyze variation in semen parameters among time points. A laboratory study was conducted to collect semen samples (n = 36) from six volunteers at six time points with identical time intervals (2 days plus 4 h) between 6 June and 8 July in 2019, in order to investigate the diurnal oscillation of semen parameters in vivo, with a strictly controlled abstinence period. Therefore, the sperm bank study with a large sample size and the in vivo study with a strictly controlled abstinence period in a 24-h time window could be compared to describe the diurnal rhythms in human semen parameters.
PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
Samples were obtained from potential HSB donors and from participants in the laboratory study who were volunteers, recruited by flyers distributed in the community. Total sperm count, sperm concentration, semen volume, progressive motility and total motility were assessed using computer-aided sperm analysis. In addition, sperm chromatin integrity parameters (DNA fragmentation index and high DNA stainability) were assessed by the sperm chromatin structure assay, and sperm viability was measured with flow cytometry in the laboratory study.
MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
The 33 430 samples from the HSB showed a temporal variation in total sperm count, sperm concentration, semen volume, progressive motility and total motility (all P < 0.001) between 0800 and 1700 h. Consequently, the eligibility of semen samples for use in ART, based on bank standards, fluctuated with time point. Each hour earlier/later than 1100 h was associated with 1.14-fold risk of ineligibility. Similarly, the 36 samples taken during the 24-h time window showed diurnal oscillation. With the pre-collection abstinence period strictly controlled, most semen parameters reached the most favorable level between 1100 and 1500 h.
LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION
Some of the possible confounding factors, such as energy intake, which might influence semen quality or diurnal rhythms, were not adjusted for in the analyses. In addition, the findings should be considered with caution because the study was conducted in a specific population, time and place, while the timing of oscillations could differ with changing conditions.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
The findings could help us to estimate semen quality more precisely and to obtain higher quality sperm for use in ART and in natural conception.
STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)
This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81871208) and National Key R&D Program of China (2017YFC1002001). There are no conflicts of interest to declare.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
N/A.
Topics: Chromatin; Circadian Rhythm; Humans; Male; Semen; Semen Analysis; Sperm Banks; Sperm Count; Sperm Motility; Spermatozoa
PubMed: 35690928
DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac135 -
Journal of Endocrinological... May 2021Sperm cryopreservation is fundamental in the management of patients undergoing gonadotoxic treatments. Concerns have risen in relation to SARS-CoV-2 and its potential...
PURPOSE
Sperm cryopreservation is fundamental in the management of patients undergoing gonadotoxic treatments. Concerns have risen in relation to SARS-CoV-2 and its potential for testicular involvement, since SARS-CoV-2-positive cryopreserved samples may have unknown effects on fertilization and embryo safety. This study therefore aimed to analyze the safety of sperm cryopreservation for cancer patients after the onset of the pandemic in Italy, through assessment of the risk of SARS-CoV-2 exposure and viral RNA testing of semen samples.
METHODS
We recruited 10 cancer patients (mean age 30.5 ± 9.6 years) referred to our Sperm Bank during the Italian lockdown (from March 11th to May 4th 2020) who had not undergone a nasopharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV-2 testing. Patients were administered a questionnaire on their exposure to COVID-19, and semen samples were taken. Before cryopreservation, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was extracted from a 150 µl aliquot of seminal fluid in toto using QIAamp viral RNA kit (Qiagen) and amplified by a real time RT PCR system (RealStar SARS-CoV2 RT PCR, Altona Diagnostics) targeting the E and S genes.
RESULTS
The questionnaire and medical interview revealed that all patients were asymptomatic and had had no previous contact with COVID-19 infected patients. All semen samples were negative for SARS-CoV-2 RNA.
CONCLUSION
This preliminary assessment suggests that a thorough evaluation (especially in the setting of a multidisciplinary team) and molecular confirmation of the absence of SARS-CoV-2 in seminal fluid from asymptomatic cancer patients may assist in ensuring the safety of sperm cryopreservation.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; COVID-19; Cryopreservation; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasms; Pandemics; Patient Safety; RNA, Viral; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Rome; Semen Preservation; Sperm Banks; Young Adult
PubMed: 33040303
DOI: 10.1007/s40618-020-01438-8 -
Asian Journal of Andrology Nov 2009Beyond the scientific progress in assisted reproductive technologies (ART), it is necessary to discuss the ethical considerations behind these advances. Ethical issues... (Review)
Review
Beyond the scientific progress in assisted reproductive technologies (ART), it is necessary to discuss the ethical considerations behind these advances. Ethical issues concerning sperm donation have been considered and discussed by government and non-governmental agencies, the public, media and academic institutions in many countries. Recommendations and guidelines concerning sperm donation issues vary from country to country and between professional groups within countries. This paper attempts to present an overview of findings and reports from various agencies concerning the ethics of sperm donation. The following topics are considered: limiting the number of donor offspring; minimizing risk of infection and genetics from sperm donors; age requirements for sperm donors; and anonymity versus non-anonymity of sperm donors. The diversity of policies shows that each country has its unique set of guidelines tailored toward its own specific needs. Similarly, countries designing their own procedures and guidelines concerning reproductive medicine must tailor them toward their own needs and practical considerations. In Mainland China, the anonymous policy for sperm donation should still be carried out, and the number of donor offspring should be revaluated. ART procedures must be conducted in a way that is respectful of those involved. Ethical principles must respect the interests and welfare of persons who will be born as well as the health and psychosocial welfare of all participants, including sperm donors.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Consanguinity; Humans; Insemination, Artificial, Heterologous; Male; Spermatozoa; Tissue Donors; Tissue and Organ Procurement; Truth Disclosure
PubMed: 19767762
DOI: 10.1038/aja.2009.61 -
Fertility and Sterility Nov 2013No clear clinical guidelines exist on how to counsel male cancer patients about fertility preservation. Detailed counseling is recommended before treatment when issues... (Review)
Review
No clear clinical guidelines exist on how to counsel male cancer patients about fertility preservation. Detailed counseling is recommended before treatment when issues of collection and storage need to be highlighted. Concern about the quality of sperm collected before and/or after treatment in terms of assisted reproduction is needed, and the potential outcomes should be discussed early as part of cancer survivorship. The discussion should be sensitive and tailored to the ethical situation based on the age of the patient, the severity of the illness, the need to initiate treatment, and genetic risk. Cryopreservation should be attempted/achieved before cancer treatment is initiated. Cryopreservation should not be performed during treatment or for some time after treatment because of the chromosomal and structural damage to sperm from cancer treatment. Contraception should be instigated during this period.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Cryopreservation; Fertility Preservation; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Neoplasms; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Radiotherapy; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Sperm Banks; Sperm Retrieval; Spermatogenesis; Spermatozoa
PubMed: 24182555
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.08.054 -
ELife Nov 2023Male infertility is common and complex, presenting a wide range of heterogeneous phenotypes. Although about 50% of cases are estimated to have a genetic component, the...
Male infertility is common and complex, presenting a wide range of heterogeneous phenotypes. Although about 50% of cases are estimated to have a genetic component, the underlying cause often remains undetermined. Here, from whole-exome sequencing on samples from 168 infertile men with asthenoteratozoospermia due to severe sperm flagellum, we identified homozygous variants in four unrelated patients. In sperm cells from these individuals, immunofluorescence revealed altered localization of DNAH1, DNALI1, WDR66, and TTC29. Axonemal localization of ZMYND12 ortholog TbTAX-1 was confirmed using the model. RNAi knock-down of TbTAX-1 dramatically affected flagellar motility, with a phenotype similar to the sperm from men bearing homozygous variants. Co-immunoprecipitation and ultrastructure expansion microscopy in revealed TbTAX-1 to form a complex with TTC29. Comparative proteomics with samples from and KO mice identified a third member of this complex: DNAH1. The data presented revealed that ZMYND12 is part of the same axonemal complex as TTC29 and DNAH1, which is critical for flagellum function and assembly in humans, and . ZMYND12 is thus a new asthenoteratozoospermia-associated gene, bi-allelic variants of which cause severe flagellum malformations and primary male infertility.
Topics: Humans; Male; Animals; Mice; Asthenozoospermia; Semen; Flagella; Infertility, Male; Fertility; Calcium-Binding Proteins; Dyneins
PubMed: 37934199
DOI: 10.7554/eLife.87698